by L Ward
Blaise rolled his sharp eyes and brushed past her.
“Nice ditch, man,” said Andrew.
“Sorry for making you wait with these freaks,” he thumbed lazily to Evan and Cass.
“You know what? Don’t bother showing up to the competition at all you piece of dung,” she snarled.
“Get off your period and tell me what your great idea is. I guarantee mine will outrank it,” he laughed watching the temper rise up her neck.
“You’re so arrogant you think you’re the best of this group,” she spat.
“Oh, I don’t think so. I am the best of this group,” said Blaise. “I can stalemate your earth, and turn these two to centerpieces before you can germinate a few seeds,” he continued, voice dancing on a laugh. “But I still don’t understand Ravenway’s power.”
“Just understand it’s going to save your ass,” said Evan.
“Enough of this! You’re supposed to be a team—” Dulcatt interjected.
“Evan’s a healer,” Cass blurted and the room froze in time. The three men whipped their heads in Evan’s direction so fast he stumbled back.
“Is it true?” Dulcatt demanded, dark eyes sharp and searching.
The atmosphere turned tense and stale; tasted like piss-soaked straw. Evan stank of nerves. His gaze drifted from Blaise, turning a violent shade of crimson, to Andrew who’d blanched to sour milk.
“He’s lying,” Blaise’s eyes flashed with challenge.
Cass’s competitive streak would be the death of her, Evan was certain as he watched her slice her own finger and hold it out. There was no point lying, he was pissed. He’d trusted her and even spoken to Jeremiah for her and this was her thanks. It wasn’t her secret to tell, and in those moments he wanted to cut her off completely. A nasty part of him rose, demanding he make a fool of her, but in the end he decided he wasn’t a dick, held his hand above hers and the cut sealed in seconds as though it never existed.
“Amazing,” said Dulcatt.
“That was easy,” Evan said quickly when Blaise opened his mouth to protest. “I can pull tricks too. They know it,” he said, pointing to Andrew and Blaise watching them don shades of fury. He’d gone over this night after night, what he’d say when they found out and how he’d twist this to his advantage. When he shared Cass’s plans with Nath, he’d been more supportive than Evan could have imagined. “I don’t want my powers on display, so I really don’t mind backlining.”
“I think we can work around that. In fact, if we keep Ravenway’s powers confidential it will give us an advantage in the competition. No other team will have a personal support,” Dulcatt said slowly, looking around at each of them. “We have a fabulous mix of uniques here. I think we have a solid chance of winning,” he finished, homing in on Evan with some newfound respect.
“You’re still not going to take the all the glory, Healer,” said Blaise, coldly, “Your powers might be a cute party trick, but you can’t output any real damage.”
“I’d take it as an insult if you weren’t jealous,” Evan smiled.
Cass laughed and Andrew sucked his lips looking like a snake who swallowed a lemon and regretted it.
Chapter 27
“I’m getting used to being escorted and summoned,” said Evan as they walked the palace corridors Friday evening on their way to dinner.
Nath had surprised him that morning with a handsome wristwatch made of platinum and diamonds. At first, he’d refused to accept it until Nath convinced him with a million kisses and the knowledge it was engraved with: Happy Birthday, Evan – your most faithful servant, Prince Nathaniel x.
Over the past few days, Nath summoned him for supper, surprised him during breaks, and even took him on a tour of the royal gallery where a collection of priceless paintings hung on display proudly showing kings and queens of the past; when he looked closer the paintings came to life, their faces rippling like a pond's surface showing glimpses of their lives as though part of their memories and souls were imprinted revealing battles of: hardship, love, retribution and magic. It was like watching a dream running triple speed.
Nath’s eyes glittered. “I’m glad. You deserve to be treated like royalty.”
Dinner was taking place in a gorgeous twilit room full of crystal-clear windows overlooking the eastern gardens, and full of festive delight. A grand fireplace burned with enchanted brightness, bathing them in warmth, donned with heavy festive wreaths and plush stockings. The Christmas tree was regal, sitting by the windows practically shuddering with pride over the beautiful ornaments dangling from its sweet-smelling branches.
Elijah and Miriam sat on one of the enormous sofas sprawling before the fire like two gigantic felines; Evan’s family sat opposite.
“You’re here,” Evan blinked, too stunned to move. Kalani was bouncing in her seat. His mother’s gaze brimmed with pride.
“Happy birthday,” Nath flashed a devastating grin.
“It’s been weird without you!” Kalani beamed, hopping up and throwing her arms around him, joined seconds later by the rest of his family.
“I can’t believe you planned this,” he said to Nath, cheeks aching from smiling so hard.
“I thought it would be a nice surprise seeing as your family are traveling for Christmas,” said Nath.
Evan suddenly became aware of his improper behavior and bowed to the king and queen. Their lips curled behind silver goblets. “Good evening, Your Majesties,” he said.
“For goodness’s sake, do stop being so formal,” Miriam laughed.
He couldn’t believe Nath would go to this much trouble, and to have them meet the royal family was a cherry on top of the cake. His mum was a huge fan of the monarchy and all they’ve done for the people.
“You’ll see us again sooner than you think,” Kalani grinned, eyes flashing with excitement.
“Happy birthday, Kalani,” he laughed and pulled her into a bear hug. “Did you get the walking stick I sent?”
Kalani threw her head back and laughed looking surprisingly like a girly version of Evan with the same green eyes and caramel-brown hair. “Yeah, but I sent it back because I thought you needed it more. Men die first and all.”
Evan shoved her playfully and said, “oh come on, what different does five minutes make?”
“That’s why I’m so much smarter, but I guess you got all the luck,” she smiled, eyes twinkling as they slid to the prince.
“Your Majesties,” Isabelle bobbed a curtsy, red hair swept into a categorically large bun. “Dinner is served.”
The adjacent dining room boasted more magnificent décor than the parlor. A sprawling mahogany table glittering with silverware and floating candles dominated the center. Servants waited behind chairs, seating everyone as they filed in. Evan was gleaming when Nath pulled out his chair and swept him beneath the holly-embroidered tablecloth; his family’s faces curled with smiles as though they knew something he didn’t.
“Evan tells us you’ve your own smoke shop,” said Elijah, watching Mr Ravenway clam up.
He cleared his throat looking remarkably like an older version of Evan, apart from the curly hair. He met Evan’s gaze, the briefest look of panic passing between them. “Yes. I’ve been running it for twenty years now. We opened it the year before the twins were born,” he said, smiling between Evan and Kalani.
“You must’ve had your hands full with twins,” said Miriam, offering Mrs Ravenway a warm smile.
“Oh, yes they were a pair of little demons when it took them right. I’m surprised I kept my hair,” Elise gushed. “Worth all the trouble though, aren’t they?”
“I think we can all agree on that,” said Miriam, taking a small sip of wine. “I’m quite interested in the work of your daughter Kalani,” she tilted her curious cat-like eyes to his sister.
Kalani bolted upright grinning like Christmas had come early. Unlike Evan, she was confident and free from anxiety’s clutches. “I’m part of a team of preservationists; we go out to watch, track and pro
tect wild unicorn. They’re being hunted for their hair and horns and their numbers are dwindling dangerously low,” she said.
“When I was a girl my mother took me on lots of excursions to see the Unicorns of Fadray, have you been?” she lifted her brows and Kalani shook her head. “I recommend it immensely.”
“What are the Unicorns of Fadray?” asked Ian, it was the first time he’d spoken, and everyone looked at him in surprise.
“They’re residents of the largest magical wildlife preservation in the world. It’s in Iceland where closest to some of nature’s strongest elemental magic,” said Kalani, voice bouncing on a high. “It’s extremely well protected and hard to gain access to.”
“I’ll put in a good word for you. I found it was best to see them in spring,” said Miriam.
“Thank you so much that’s champion!” Kalani was bubbling with delight, beaming at Evan with rosy cheeks.
“You’re very welcome, dear,” said Miriam.
Dinner progressed with small talk and nervous smiles. Three delicious courses were served and Evan loved watching Ian’s awe when the servants began piling his plate with miniature cakes, cream-stuffed eclairs and huge orbs of rainbow ice cream.
Afterward they returned to the parlour where they were joined by a group of people headed by Gerard Starstone. Evan looked helplessly to Nath, confusion and worry clouding his eyes. Nath appeared as taken aback as he was watching Elijah greet everyone.
“This is Elizabeth Brooklyn, head of Contact for International Magical Trading. Her primary role is helping companies of all sizes reach trade agreements abroad,” said Elijah as the middle-aged woman with a gleaming silver bun shook hands with Alexander and Elise.
“Is the he trying to help my dad?” Evan whispered, trying to ignore the way Will was leering at his sister from the sofa.
Nath hesitated, turning Evan’s anxious flicker into a full-blown bonfire. “It appears so. These people can help progress his trade deals in Canada and pretty much anywhere else in the world,” he said, dimples cutting deep in the firelight. More of the King’s friends introduced themselves, boasting their confidence and success. It was oddly flattering watching his family mingle like this, but it begged the question: why?
Evan’s anxiety dampened as he drank and introduced Ian to Nath. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Will slink over to Kalani, all handsome smiles and wealth on show. Colour rose high in her cheeks and she was laughing in a way he’d never witnessed. “Nath?”
“Yes, babe?”
He glanced to him watching those perfect lips spike in a playful smile. “You know you said Will’s bi?”
“Yes…” Nath’s gaze followed to their laughter; Will shifted closer, towering over her five-eight frame. “Oh no.”
Evan deadpanned. “I hope she’s not stupid enough to mess with him,” he groaned. His stomach sank when Will looked up meeting his gaze, pupils flashing razor blades in an alley; his full lips twisted in a hungry smile as he pretended to be engrossed in something Kalani was saying. Fury struck Evan like a bolt of lightning, and he nearly marched over there when Nath grabbed his hand.
“Not worth it,” he whispered.
“He’s doing this to get back at me,” said Evan.
“I know. He wants you to confront him in front of everyone,” said Nath, squeezing his fingers. “The best way to handle courtly disagreements is to observe, process and plan. Kalani is nineteen and strikes me as a person who can handle herself and would be upset if you interfered.”
Evan pursed his lips knowing Nath was right and no matter how badly he wanted to, he shouldn’t get involved. “Do you think he’d hurt her?”
“No,” Nath said calmly. “As much as I hate to say it, Will was charming once, and I’m sure he’ll use that to get what he wants. He only used force because of my enchantment, and he considers my lycanthropy a kink,” he said in a voice quieter than a country mouse.
Relief was a lifeboat and Evan was sailing on open waters. “Now I see why he’s been so weirdly happy around me. He’s been planning to fuck my sister,” he sighed, feeling more metaphorical bricks piling on his shoulders.
Nath lead him over to the windows and wrapped him in a hug. Twilight faded to darkness, stars showered the sky like crystallised raindrops; the gardens were a blanket of white.
Sometime during the evening Kalani and Will disappeared leaving Evan in a state of nervous panic that he alone seemed to be suffering. His parents were ankles-deep in negotiations and flustering over the King and Queen, and Ian was eyeing the daughter of a council member.
Nath tried to reassure him, and even offered to discreetly have a guard locate them, but Evan didn’t want to be that guy.
It was an hour before they showed up, flush-faced and smirking, or at least Kalani was. Will’s attention homed in on Evan the moment he strode in stinking of debauchery and diamonds, his grin radiating satisfaction.
“Kalani!” Evan hissed, but she refused to meet his gaze, an air of arrogance lingering about her like a bad smell.
When it was time for them to leave, she bounced out of the palace doors blowing Evan a kiss, eyes lingering on Will a little too long, before she disappeared down the hallway, winking out of sight.
“We’ll see you soon,” his mum hugged him, kissing both cheeks, eyes brimming with pride.
His dad’s hug conveyed a lot of unreadable emotion.
“I’ll miss you,” said Evan.
Ian passed, smirking between him and Nath, and looking as though he was bursting to say something.
“You’re welcome here any time,” said Nathaniel, wearing his most charming smile.
Evan was glowing as he watched them leave, escorted by a pair of guards. Dinner had been fantastic and seeing his family again was even better, despite Will rubbing himself all over his sister. Looking back on it, his parents had seemed a bit weird, but that was probably because it was their first time meeting the royal family.
“Think I need a shower now,” said Will, strutting past wearing an arrogant smirk, his shirt unbuttoned halfway down his toned, tanned chest.
Evan was grateful when time came for them to retire for the evening. He gave nothing but thanks to the King and Queen for everything they’d done tonight. They eyed him strangely as they left, but his worries were forgotten the minute Nath took him into the bedroom.
∞∞∞
Over the next few days preparations for Christmas amplified with violence; there wasn’t an inch of the palace undevoted to Christmas or some other spiritual festival. None of that, however, diminished the odd feeling that something was afoot. Wherever Evan went he felt watched; more than usual. The only solace he found was locked in his bedroom or behind closed doors with the prince.
Thinking of Nath made his face warm. This past week he’d become Prince Charming, parting a sea of swooning fans, wining and dining him through long romantic evenings with fuzzy edges and mistletoe kisses.
“I’m surprised at your level of work, Mr Ravenway,” said Flint on the snowy Thursday before Christmas. Lessons had broken until New Year only an hour before, but his catch-up appointment clouded some of Evan’s excitement. “It was thought-provoking and unique. You chose one of the oldest events in history- the Fallen Angels.”
Evan looked up and smiled. “I didn’t want to pick something everyone else would do.”
Flint studied him a moment, hands folded on the table, smiling wolfishly. The quarter-level of water in the jug began to rise. Evan stared, fixated. “I expect some of this information has come from outside sources and I want to clarify that these essays are your own work. I wouldn’t want to give you a false grade at this level of education,” Flint’s eyebrows drew together, cutting a sharp crease along his brow.
Evan felt numb with shock. “Are you suggesting I cheated?”
“I wasn’t suggesting anything,” Flint held his palms up calmly, but the look on his face belied his submission. “I’ve had a couple of sanctions handed out for various reasons
already. I don’t want anyone else lying to my face.”
Evan stared, his temper simpering. “I’m not a cheater. I worked my ass off for it, but I did go to the royal library,” he rose slowly from his chair and turned to leave, positively fuming. Tension crackled the air and magic grumbled irritably in his bones. “I’m sorry for trying to better myself. It’s great to know effort doesn’t get you anywhere.”
“Evan?” Flint called as he reached the doorknob. “You’ve earned an A for the essay and an A+ for honesty.”
Evan turned back and was greeted with the first genuine smile he’d seen from Flint. He softened his features but didn’t smile as he left, closing the door on a fantastic term.
Chapter 28
Nathaniel.
“Christmas Eve is hours away,” said the King, surveying his son over a large goblet of mulled wine.
“I know,” said Nath, gazing into the fireplace watching the logs split, shooting sparks of buttery yellow into the chimney. The room hummed with yuletide stories, but his heart wasn’t in the spirit; it was clenched with fear.
“Are you ready for this?”
Nath swallowed his nerves and moved to sit in the lush chair opposite. The smell of nutmeg and smoky cabin assaulted his senses. “I’ve organised everything, even a ring,” he said pulling a gold velvet box from his pocket and handing it to his father. “I took measurement when he was sleeping.”
His father examined it with a tentative gaze and returned it with a smile. “I want you to hear me say something without interruption,” he began, holding his son’s gaze.
“Dad—"
Elijah held up a palm commanding silence. “Evan’s a very likable young man and his powers are highly valuable. He isn’t, however, of noble birth; doesn’t own land or hold any status. I’m looking at this not just as a father, but also a king, and compared to other choices you have, he worries me. However, I love you enough to give you a chance. You should have wed long before now, especially with your affliction. You should feel privileged to be allowed this much when I was over two years wed with a toddler at your age,” he sighed, massaging his forehead with gold-dipped fingers.