by L Ward
“It’s not the first time I’ve seen a werewolf die,” Nath said calmly. “It helps to remember he premeditated murder while he was human and used his body as a weapon to destroy innocent lives.” He took a breath and laced their fingers together. “I don’t want to watch any more than you do, but I have no choice whether you’re by my side or not. I’m not expecting you to reply right this minute, and please don’t feel pressured to say yes.”
Evan let the words sink in. Here he was on the eve of his potential wedding; the new year, and all of his dreams had vanished, replaced by ghastly images of death and gore. Death was someone with whom he’d had little acquaintance, and now here it was staring them in the face. “How’s he to die?”
“Decapitation,” said Nath. “It’ll likely be an axe."
It would be fast; one movement and it would be over. Evan could close his eyes if Elijah allowed it. The second to last thing he wanted to do was watch someone lose their head; the last thing he wanted was lose Nath. Who was he kidding thinking he could marry a prince and not have to face this sort of punishment? He was a healer, and it made watching suffering all the more difficult, but the death penalty existed for a reason. The man was a heathen and a murderer, and leaving his crimes unpunished would put any chance of a werewolf integration law on serious hold. This didn’t just effect the harmless ones banished to the wilderness, this affected Nath and his future sovereignty. How could he say he supported capital punishment and not be willing to see it through?
Nath’s face became solemn and closed. He opened his mouth to speak but Evan beat him to it.
“Haven’t we got a betrothal to celebrate?” Evan smiled, pushing back the covers and looking at him expectantly.
Nath blinked once, twice, and his dimples caved. “May I ask if you’re alright?”
“Yeah, weirdly enough,” said Evan.
“Good. Breakfast?”
Food was served on the prettiest golden platters with bottles of strawberry bubbles. Evan loved champagne in the morning.
∞∞∞
The bitter wind whipped their cheeks rosy. It was exhilarating, the fresh scent of pine clearing their lungs and clinging sweetly to their clothes.
When they rode into the palace near dusk, Evan felt more energetic than when they’d left that morning. It may have been something to do with the brownies they’d devoured and spent two hours building a complex snow dragon the old fashioned way; Nath jammed icicles in its cavernous mouth like wonky fangs. It was brilliant, and even their guards had been watching in amusement.
Now, as the sky bled to death, the sun sinking into its grave over the horizon, Evan’s stomach was bubbling. They showered before dinner, Nath pulling on an extremely nice suit with a long, purple cloak over his shoulders.
“I thought the King’s colours were red and gold?” Evan asked, confused.
Nath flashed a quicksilver smile. “These are my colours,” he replied, stroking the snowy fur trimming his cloak. “They’re what will be displayed during my reign. I’m allowed to wear them for Hogmanay as it’s a celebration of the past, present and future.”
“Amazing,” said Evan, unzipping the tailor’s bag. His suit was immaculate, a tailed silk jacket with slim trousers, purple shirt, and a deep purple cloak trimmed with white fur. More understated versions of Nath’s colours and it gave him fucking thrills to wear them.
Instead of heading to dinner at Court, Nath led him into the chilly eastern gardens and down a shoveled path into the trees. Evan saw why the moment they rounded a corner. A gazebo of frost glittered in the surrounding starlight, flowers twined up its intricate walls, showering the ground with sweet-scented petals. The air smelled of powder sugar and fairy tale romance. His heart fluttered excitedly as Nath pulled out his chair and slid him beneath the circular table, adorned in gold cutlery. Nath lit the candle slowly and with intense focus using his fingertip. Classical music hummed low in the background.
“Someone went all-out,” Evan grinned.
Nath’s chuckle came out a sexy growl. “Champagne?” he poured a sparkling flute of blue celebration.
Evan accepted, feeling a warmth spreading through his body. “People are coming back for the party tonight.”
“Court is always lively for Hogmanay, especially this year. The nobility never miss a chance to celebrate at the palace, and with media coverage it’ll be the liveliest yet,” Nath replied, sipping his drink and watching Evan through heavy-lidded eyes. “We won’t miss the countdown, though.”
Despite the icy gazebo, it was warm and cosy beneath its candle arch canopy. The Prince of stars stole a few of the brightest diamonds and made them dance while they discussed life and everything leading up to this point.
Dessert was a devil’s food cake so rich and moist Evan was nearly moaning over it.
When the meal ended, Nath flourished more champagne and turned to Evan, baring his dimples like weaponry.
His heart fluttered and his belly pooled with warmth. It was time.
“Evan?” asked Nath, softly.
“Yeah?” he asked, stomaching zinging with nerves, sweat prickled his palms. He knew what was coming, this was the moment they’d both been waiting for and his mind was made up.
Nath sucked a small breath and unleashed his grin. “Seven days ago I asked you a question. I’ve shown you the joys and the work it will take to become my consort. Never have I pretended this job is easy, and if this morning proves anything, it’s that you require extraordinary strength for this role. I know no matter what happens, the person I want by my side through it all is you,” he said, holding Evan’s gaze. “Now, one week later, I’m ready for your answer,” he swallowed and knelt to the ground, taking Evan’s hands in his own. “Will you marry me?”
Evan’s world was both spinning and frozen simultaneously. Images of the past week sped through his mind, his thoughts and emotions were a whirlwind of happiness and horror. Warmth spread to the tips of his toes and a smile threatened to split his face. “Yes,” he said.
Nath’s arms bound around him, crushing his ribs and stealing the air from his lungs.
They kissed, and some of their surrounding stars popped in a shower of wonder and sparkle. The air smelled sweet with romance and fresh with bitter moonlight.
“We must tell Dad so the announcement can be made,” Nath beamed.
“When you said we’d be married tomorrow…?” Evan trailed off.
Nath looked at him with twinkling eyes and freshly-kissed lips. “I meant we’ll be married in the morning,” he said.
Evan’s intestines became an entire basket of pretzels. Excitable, sugar-laced, and occasionally weed-addled pretzels. His heart soared the whole way to the palace in a whirlwind of kisses and laughter.
Servants turned to stare, some with curiosity, others excitement. Evan peered into the court, it was a jumble of hot bodies and swishing silks. Music roared, people cheered and danced like it was a medieval pagan festival.
Instead of shying away, Nath took Evan’s hands and danced him through the crowd. People parted like the Red Sea for their Prince, watching in amazement as he expertly twirled Evan around the dance floor and all the way to the front. It was the most wonderful event Evan had ever been to.
The King swam into view, tall and imposing; his face lined with laughter. The Queen danced with Gerard Starstone putting him through his paces while his wife leaked tears of laughter at the sight of his two left feet. Elijah’s bright-blue eyes landed on them, laughter froze on his face and his eyebrows rose expectantly.
“He said yes,” said Nath.
“Then, we have wedding bells to ring,” said Elijah. He turned to the band and raised a hand. The merriment faded and confused faces turned to their sovereign. “I’m not one to stop a celebration without good cause, but we’ll all have something else to celebrate come morning. I’m pleased to announce the marriage of my son and heir Prince Nathaniel and Evan Alexander Ravenway, which will take place tomorrow morning. Celebrations wil
l last all day and night as we welcome Mr Ravenway into the monarchy,” he finished, raising a glass. “I’d like to raise our first toast of Hogmanay to wish them many happy years of marriage.”
Court raised their surprised merriment.
Evan accepted a flute of pink champagne and looked to Nath who was glowing and tall, gazing out over the sea of faces. Some were looking at him in amazement, a few in outright jealousy. Nath warned him days ago not everyone would be happy with a commoner marrying their prince. He wasn’t the first guy to marry a male heir, but it didn’t make the prospect any less shocking.
The palace's veins began radiating beautiful, ethereal light that kissed the cheeks of every courtier, dusting them in a layer of magic.
“To the happy couple,” said the King.
The room roared and downed their glasses in a round of applause.
Evan finished his champagne, bubbles bursting against his skull. hHe was lightheaded, and tomorrow he was going to marry Nath.
Cass burst to the front of the crowd, grinning and waving at him.
“You’re back!” He beamed as she threw her arms around him.
“Congratulations!” she cried. “I’d slap you for getting kicked off the team, but I’d probably get arrested. I’m so happy for you!” she turned and hugged Nath. “You don’t waste any time, do you?” she asked.
Nath laughed. “It took every ounce of my strength to stop myself proposing to him the minute I saw him. I didn’t want to scare him or regret not giving him a chance to choose me back.”
“Adorable!” said Cass. “I’ll leave you guys to whatever premarital stuff you gotta do. A gentleman caller is waiting,” her eyes flashed, and she strode off in the direction of the tables.
“Any idea who her new boyfriend is?” asked Evan.
Nath craned his neck but neither of them could see through the dense throngs. “Not a clue. I suppose we’ll find out later. Care to dance?”
The champagne rushed Evan’s head as they danced the night away. Eyes were on him constantly, voices whirled around them as they passed.
“Is he really going to marry the Prince?”
“This has to be a joke.”
“He’s the first commoner in a hundred years to marry the heir,” said Aline, the mousey girl from mysticism.
“Such a waste. If I’d known girls were off-limits I might not have bothered coming in the first place.”
Evan ignored them as nobles introduced themselves and executed their bragging rights. Names and faces blended into one batter.
The closer they drew to midnight, the rowdier the court became. People were tipsy, full of laughter and brimming with anticipation. The air reeked of rivers of booze and stolen kisses. Crystal flutes glittered and nobles disappeared in a flurry of secret rendezvous and age-long affairs.
Shortly before midnight, Will appeared in Evan’s peripheral leering at them and nursing a glass of hard liquor. His face hardened with hatred; all the beauty replaced by jealousy’s shadow.
“The moment we wed he will no longer out rank you,” said Nath, drawing Evan into his arms and through the crowds as the sixty-second timer began.
Great red ribbons floated above their heads ticking down to the forties. The crowd snatched whatever drinks they could in a mad dash for partners.
Evan’s belly was shot with delight; his hands found the small of Nath’s back. “Funny how things change, isn’t it? I started this year working part-time in my dad’s shop, counting the days until September when I’d be here in the palace maybe making something of myself. I never once thought I’d even meet you let alone marry you,” he smiled. “I couldn’t have asked for more.”
“Fate is a curious thing. The universe has a way of bringing two people destined for one another together. You’ve twenty seconds left to enjoy your last day as Evan Ravenway. Do you have anything to say?”
Evan threw his head back and laughed, “shut up and kiss me.”
The palace clock boomed; the ribbons burst in a shower of confetti.
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?” raucous voices bellowing the ballad of Hogmanay rocked the court.
Evan’s mind filled with humming birds as he kissed Nath senseless. It felt like the world was imploding and exploding at once, but he couldn’t tear himself away from Nath to check. Crowds pressed around them; cheers erupted, but it was minutes before they drew back. Camera flashes erupted in his peripheral, journalisms clamoring and calling their names, but palace guards acted swiftly, restraining them from touching either of them.
“There’s Cass,” Nath pointed. Evan caught sight of her chatting animatedly to the black guy he’d beaten at dueling. Good. Evan had heard nothing of Jeremiah in days.
“Happy New Year!” Elijah’s voice boomed. “Good tidings of health, wealth and joy this year to everyone in our great kingdom!” In moments he was upon them donning a handsome smile. “Nine o’clock in the church” he said, resting a hand on Nath’s shoulder. “Everything is taken care of,” he said, flashing Evan a warm smile.
Will’s eyes followed them from Court. It was approaching one and he was to be up in a few short hours to prepare. They retired to the east wing under congratulatory flourishes and fireworks splashing the sky.
Nath showed him to a beautiful suite not far from their room. “Tradition says I should try to refrain from bedding you the eve of the wedding as a mark of respect. I won’t be able to do that if you sleep in my bed,” Nath breathed, kissing him at the door in front of the guards. His dimples lingered as he searched Evan’s face. “I’ll see you at the altar.”
They kissed once more, Nath left and Evan threw himself into bed, the world spinning and his head full of clouds. The palace hummed with magic and prosperity, the emotions of the Court stank of pixies dancing and fountains of champagne.
His gaze drifted to the enormous, gilded windows with a view of the snow-capped mountains beyond the battlements and sugar dusting the treetops. The new year had fallen and, in the morning, he’d marry the future king of Enchanted Britain. Evan’s toes tingled with nerves; he was fucking scared, but it was the good kind of scared that left you feeling exhilarated, breathless and giddy with joy.
The fireworks were still blasting, vibrancy streaked the darkness and the cool breeze through his cracked window brought in the smell of breathtaking winter. He rolled over and tried to sleep but his stomach crawled with anxiety so he resolved to stay up and read for a bit; try to block out the more unpleasant images that penetrated his mind.
The execution was days away and fate had sealed itself. Jesus fucking Christ, he sucked a shaky breath and wiped the sweat from his forehead. If Nath could do it then why couldn’t he? The Prince had seen horrors he could scarcely imagine and this likely wouldn’t be the first execution, either. At least the media wouldn’t cover it like they did in the olden days and publish it for all to see.
Evan got drink and settled down, the buzz from the champagne was beginning to fade. He was sleepy and excited as a kid on Christmas morning. In a few short hours he’d be Evan Macintyre, husband to Prince Nathaniel and they’d expect more from him than this- a terrified teenager with a fat ass and a huge bag of weed. If he wanted to be a consort and loved Nath as much as he claimed then, no matter how hard, he would do as was proper and push duty aside until the time came to face it.
Chapter 34
It was still pitch fucking black when Evan woke to two maids bustling into his suite leading a floating rail and curtsying deeply. Maids never entered Nath’s room without permission, but clearly they hadn’t been given instruction to at least knock for him.
“We’re here to help you get ready on Prince Nathaniel's orders,” said Isabelle.
Evan relaxed immediately; as much as he disliked being dressed, he was glad Isabelle and Angela were the ones to do it.
“We don’t dress His Highness, but we weren’t sure if you wanted us to do it, or just fix you up after?” Angela offered, wrinkling he
r nose a little, confused.
“Fix me up after,” said Evan, smiling. “I need to have a shower first.”
They dropped into curtsies and had the bathroom prepared by the time he was out of bed. He was allowed fifteen blissful moments in the shower to collect his thoughts and wash before they were knocking and insisting he get dressed.
“Hello, handsome!” the gilded mirror wolf-whistled when Evan stepped into view wearing an immaculately tailored suit of shadows, masterly trimmed with Nath's royal purple, and so dark it appeared to wink from existence. He wore a tie and an ankle-length cloak emblazoned with the phoenix and trimmed with snowy fur. Never had he worn so much money before, nor had anyone spent twenty minutes styling his hair so it fell in that graceful way he’d never been able to achieve. White gold hung round his neck and dripped from his cuffs and wrists. Lotions, potions, magic spells and the occasional cheek slap had Evan staring at a version of himself he never thought possible.
He looked ready to marry a prince.
“It’s time,” said Isabella.
∞∞∞
The snow glittered beneath the golden sunlight; skies of turquoise and sprinkles of magic greeted Evan as he left the glass doors of the east wing. Servants bustled about, cleaning and preening vases bursting with creamy ruffled flowers that smelled of wedding day bliss and the sweetest moments of winter.
His carriage awaited, its roof intertwined with snowy ribbons and purple blossom. Every window in the palace was crammed with faces craning to see the carriage glide through the gates.
Evan felt as though a rug had been torn out from under him, his heart was pounding nervously, and his palms prickled with sweat. This was really happening. Now. Really fucking happening. Before he could calm himself, the carriage pulled up outside the church, its amber walls radiating with life and spilling beautiful tangerine rays across the snow.