by L Ward
Dozens of people milled outside wearing a variety of dress; many donned thick fur cloaks trying to stave off the cold as they were taken inside. They stopped and stared when the carriage pulled up. Evan sank low in his seat wanting these precious last moments of privacy; the last slip of time he would spend as Evan Ravenway, commoner with an uncommon gift, and a little extra baggage after all the fancy dinners. Guest after guest disappeared into the church, their voices creating a choir which hummed like a hive.
He was trembling, anxiety seized his innards freezing him like one of the beautiful ice sculptures of the rising phoenix.
The door popped and his heart made a bid for his throat.
Nath’s handsome face appeared and he climbed in beside him leaving the door wide open. “Wow,” he breathed, taking in Evan’s appearance.
Evan’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Come on, you could have put a little effort in,” he teased, watching Nath’s eyes flash like 24 carat diamonds. He didn’t look like a prince, he looked damn more like a king in his sleek, ebony suit with his grand, fur-trimmed cloak. Nath wore handsome the way angels wore wings.
“As per tradition I’m to walk you in,” said Nath, lacing their fingers. Warmth immediately spread through his palm. That familiar touch broke the edges of his nerves. Worry glinted in Nath’s two-toned eyes. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“No. I’m nervous about standing in front of all of those people,” said Evan, pointing to the glimmering doors where the voices sang in harmony.
A laugh slipped Nath’s lips. “Me too.”
“But you’re used to them,” said Evan.
“Keep your eyes on me the whole time, okay? You won’t even notice them,” Nath breathed, guiding him from the carriage into the nippy air. Snow crunched beneath their feet and the smell of the festive season clung to the church like the scent of home.
“Are you ready?” asked Nath, voice light as a snowflake.
Evan met his eye and smiled, heart pounding and, despite the cold, his skin prickled with sweat. “Yeah.”
The doors blazed with light, parting like Heaven’s gates. Rows and rows of beautiful clear quartz chairs decorated the center of the circle, parted by a stretch of purple velvet leading to a diamond altar depicting Solaris and Lunara. Carvings of the other gods created a mosaic of history and life, arcing over their heads. The vicar presented himself wearing glittering robes of black and a graceful smile. King Elijah and Queen Miriam sat upon their thrones behind the altar, donning full regal attire, including their crowns.
“Please rise for the entrance of Their Highnesses,” said the King.
Dozens of nobles, ranking officers, ambassadors and palace journalists bore down on them with curious, excited faces.
Evan's stomach was in knots.
True to his word, Nath met his gaze, cheeks dimpling on their way to the altar. Sunshine filtered the apex, beaming magnificence and gilding them in a halo of light. Magic hummed, tingling Evan’s teeth and caressing his skin. He didn't take his eyes off Nath, and in a matter of moments they'd reached the altar.
Evan’s family sat at the very front dressed in their best, his mother clearly having bribed Ian to wear a full suit, cloak and, shock-horror, flatten his hair. Kalani was beaming looking pretty as a picture. Seeing their smiling faces helped his nerves melt away.
The service was beautiful, they drank blessed water and said their vows under the light of the gods.
Stars littered the mid-morning sky as they emerged from the church to showers of fragrant rose petals. Fragments of magic tore open brilliant flashes, random jets of colour shot through the sky to the choir of wedding bells.
“I fucking love you,” Evan said, and kissed Nath on the stairs. Bright flashes popped behind them as the journalists clambered for shots like seagulls piling on a bag of chips. The royal photographers glared at them in disgust.
“Your Highnesses!” shouts came from all directions.
Nath kissed like he never wanted to let go, and Evan was happy to oblige. He’d watched Nath the entire ceremony, and soon calmed enough to stop trembling like a fool and relax, gazing at his new husband with all the love in the world.
“How about we get away from the crowd for a little while at the palace before we rejoin the celebrations?” said Nath, slipping his fingers through Evan’s and leading him to their adorned carriage. The air was crisp and lively with music, birdsong enchanted the forest ahead.
They paused for photographs and the Miriam rushed over wearing a gown of ice and a crown of diamonds. Her lips were rosy and cold as she kissed both their cheeks.
“Welcome to the family,” she smiled with snow-melting warmth.
“I’m so happy for you, Ev!” Kalani barreled into him nearly taking him out.
The guards flinched.
“Calm down or they’ll think you’re a threat,” he laughed.
“Congratulations!” Cass joined her, throwing her arms around them each in turn. The journalists were eager to photograph everyone, even just the girls laughing in their silk gowns, hair twisted and studded with gems.
“I knew you were a lovely young man the moment I met you,” said Miriam while they posed together. “I’m glad you treat him kindly, unlike his ex,” she said quietly.
Evan cleared his throat a little. “I’m not sure I follow,” he met her gaze full-on, and she flashed a tiny smile.
“I know what he tried to do to my son,” her voice fell to a whisper. “Your sister is a lovely young lady and he has reason to be extremely upset with you.” Her eyes drifted to where Kalani and Cass posed together.
Evan stared at her, unsure of what to say. Nath was wrongfully ashamed of what happened, and he knew for a fact he didn’t tell his mother about Will, so how did she find out? “Will’s always upset with me,” he said. Nath was standing a few feet away, laughing with Elijah and Gerard.
“If you’d refused my son’s hand he would have done duty by his father and married William this morning,” said Miriam. “I am forever indebted to you for choosing him.”
Shock drenched Evan; he no longer felt the January air biting his lips cherry red, or heard the laughter of nobility all around him. “I didn’t know that.”
“Make no mistake, Elijah gave Nathaniel the chance many wouldn’t with his affliction, and by the grace of the gods, the palace lit up like a supernova the day he met you.”
“I didn’t know that, either,” he breathed. “We were outside.”
Miriam smiled warmly, turned to face him and straightened his cloak, avoiding suspicion like a professional. “There’ll be time to talk later, for now we must celebrate your wonderful union.”
Before he could ask how the hell she found out, she swept away with Marianne.
“Ready to go home?” asked Nath, sliding back into his arms, looking dapper as hell.
Evan grinned. “Yes.”
Inside the carriage, when they were well out of earshot and surrounded by forest, he muted it with a simple charm and turned anxiously to Nath. “Your mum knows about Will,” he said it. No frills; no fancies.
Nath stared and his back thudded against the seat. “About when he tried to...?”
“Yeah. I don’t know how she found out, but she warned me to keep my sister away from him because he’s furious you married me,” said Evan. “You didn’t tell me you’d be forced to marry him if I said no.”
“I didn’t want you to feel pressured. I knew there was a chance you’d refuse. It was part of the deal I made with my dad. If you changed your mind I would marry Will for political gain,” said Nath. “In his view you stole the crown from him. I wouldn’t even be able to divorce Will the moment I become king, at least without extreme difficulty and shame, Dad would've made sure of that. Time was running out for me to secure a marriage, and against all odds you turned up. The moment I saw you I fell in love,” Nath’s smile was radiant. “Will was against the university reopening and tried to convince me to avoid it. He said my condit
ion would be exposed and the people would hate me. He played to my weaknesses, and I avoided him for months after the breakup, but he knew if he didn’t have me that day, as long as I didn’t fall for someone, I’d be his by the year’s end.”
They were through the gates and approaching the palace. Evan wanted to say something, knowing it could be construde as treason, so his voice became a whisper, “I didn’t realise your dad was this ruthless.”
Nath’s lips twitched in a sad smile. “You’ve not seen half of it, but he has his reasons. Let’s just say I don’t intend to follow his ruling when my reign comes. Things will be different.”
The carriage pulled up moments later and Nath kissed him quickly, bringing a genuine smile to his face.
Evan relaxed, mind addled with surprise. The charm broke as the door popped open and chilly air swept into the carriage.
“It’s our wedding day, so let’s enjoy it,” said Nath, eyes sparkling once more.
∞∞∞
“Are you sure we can just run off when people are turning up for our reception?” Evan laughed as they flew along the corridors to their rooms. They’d snatched one of the carpets from the King’s store and literally surfed their way back, much to the horror of the servants in the lobby. The guards didn’t flinch as they slammed the door in a tangle of kisses and groping hands.
“Another tradition!” Nath grinned, eyes twinkling. “We’re expected to slip away to consummate and return when the reception is in full swing.”
Evan relaxed and grinned into his husband’s mouth. “Why didn’t you say so sooner?”
True to their word, they emerged over an hour later dressed to impress and very thoroughly consummated. Evan was dizzy and hot from sex when they made their grand entrance into the transformed court. The walls were draped with beautiful garlands of creamy flowers and sparkling ribbons. Magic dust drifted through the air catching the sunlight in brilliant silver speckles. The tables had been set together leaving an enormous space for dancing. Instruments hummed background music as guests sipped tea or coffee and nibbled delicate cakes, some changing colour or flavor with every bite.
Applause greeted them, and Evan flushed as they took the seats of honour beside the King and Queen.
Tea and cakes soon lapsed into drinking. Hors d’oeuvre were served alongside strong mulled wine; champagne fizzed in every shade of drunken mistake, mind-numbing whiskey, and suffocating moonshine.
“Kalani,” said Evan, tugging her aside, eyes searching the crowd.
“What?” she frowned.
“Don’t bullshit me. I need to talk to you,” he said.
She wouldn’t meet his eye.
“Please don’t tell me you’re looking for Will.”
She pursed her lips. “No, and don’t want your fussing, Ev.”
“I’m starting to think you're an idiot,” he teased. “I'm your brother, tell me what's going on.”
“Oh, sod it,” she sighed. “I had sex with him on your birthday and he’s here this evening. He wasn’t at the reception and now I’m freaking out,” she glanced about as though Will might be lurking somewhere nearby.
Evan stared. “I knew it!”
“Shh!” She hissed, rage lining her face. “I know I’m a tool, but have you seen him?”
“Unfortunately,” said Evan.
“Well, even if he’s not your shade of handsome, he's gorgeous in my opinion,” she trailed off, shaking her long hair loose. “What should I do?”
“What do you mean? Fucking run. Run and don’t look back, the guy is a nutter,” Evan snorted, draining the rest of his flute.
Kalani shot him a look. “Why do you hate him so much?”
Realisation dawned like the new moon. “You fancy him, don’t you? No- don’t tell me,” he said.
“Okay. I won’t. Now tell me why you hate him,” she pressed, green eyes searching.
Evan sighed and refused to break Nathaniel’s trust. “He’s Nath’s ex.”
“You hate him because he had Nathaniel first?” she frowned, confused.
“No, they never had sex. He’s hated me since the moment he saw me talk to Nath,” said Evan. He’d decided not to tell her about how much Will had lost out on because of him. “Just be careful with him.” On one hand he was furious, the other he was helpless. His sister would do as she wished and had the right to do whatever she liked with her body, even so, he was allowed an opinion.
Kalani’s gaze was piercing. “Then, what’s the problem? He’s hot and charming. Why is it just you who gets all the glory?” her eyes flashed dangerously; tension crackled in streaks of blue. “You fuck Nathaniel and nobody says anything, but if I meet someone I need protection?”
Stricken, Evan stared at her a moment. “If you like him, talk to him. Just remember he’s a billionaire and will say anything to get under your skirts.”
“Ev!”
“What’s going on here, then?” said Nath, sliding an arm around Evan’s waist, sipping from a flute of strawberry champagne.
“Just talking about your ex and how he’ll apparently do anything to lift my skirts,” said Kalani, shooting Evan a pointed look.
“Will?” Nath spluttered, clearing his throat.
“Unfortunately,” said Evan.
“Ah, well if he starts getting too forward, tickle the back of his neck, he hates it,” said Nath.
“Aww, why are all the good ones married?” she laughed. “I think that awesome little man with the turban wants to talk to you,” she nodded to where the ambassador of Nepal bounced toward them on his tiny heels.
Kalani slipped away before Evan could say anything, and he greeted the ambassador politely knowing he was about to be accosted for his magic. Dodging power-hungry guests might be something Evan would have to get used to.
Later in the day as the sun dropped low on the horizon, the Queen called for the first dance and Evan’s stomach fell out his ass.
“Please welcome the newlyweds their Royal Highnesses Prince Nathaniel and Prince Evan,” she said.
Disbelief struck a chord, and he stared at Nath as he was taken onto the dance floor. “Prince?” he said, falling flush against him.
Nath’s dimples never ceased to make him hard. “Did I forget to mention you’re now a prince?”
“You might have done, yeah,” said Evan, smirking.
“After my ascension you’ll become Prince Consort. I wanted you to have the same right as a princess,” he whispered, pressing their foreheads together.
Evan was giddy with love and fizzing with happiness. They were married and he didn’t care that an entire room of people were watching them, or that photographs were being taken and would blow up in the media tomorrow morning because he had Nath and he was happier than he’d ever been. The song passed but they remained on the dance floor joined by nobles and family members.
Dusk faded to nighttime and students arrived dressed to the nines, recovered enough from yesterday to party the night away. Evan was grateful for the distraction and took the opportunity to slip away from the accosting, stale-smelling old noblemen like Sir Winscott, member of the Privy Council.
“I’ll talk to Dad about this,” said Nath, tactfully steering him away from the Nepalese ambassador again.
Evan managed to evade more interceptions as the evening wore on. Food arrived on stunning silver platters, dishes from around the world and colourful creations of the palace. The grand piece was an enormous roast turkey dressed in fiery plumage as a mark of tradition.
Some students sat at the enormous tables to eat, others wandered around with crystal party plates and flutes of expensive champagne. Nobles looked down their noses at them in clear distaste.
Nath was trashed by the time the evening entertainment started. He had an arm around Evan, and was showing him off to anyone and everyone who would listen. Turns out, everyone and their mother wants to talk to a prince; Evan had never been given this much attention.
“You make me very happy,” he said, wearing
a sloppy grin.
Evan, convinced by the seven flutes of champagne that he wasn’t drunk, lead Nath through the court and out to the sprawling lantern-lit gardens to catch their breath and cool off. Big mistake, he realised just how drunk he was as he admired Nath's cavernous pupils and neck flush.
“We got to stop accepting these,” he held up another flute, examining it closely, “or I’m gonna be crawling the stairs.”
“Your accent is stronger when you drink,” said Nath, draping himself all over Evan. “It’s sexy.”
“Nath you’re smashed,” Evan replied, grinning ear to ear. They started kissing, Nath’s fingers running through his hair. “Do we have duties tomorrow?”
Nath frowned as though thinking were an enormous strain. “Not until the afternoon. I’m supposed to put you to work this week on your first official project as a prince.”
“Fuck me,” Evan whistled.
“As you wish, Your Highness,” said Nath, dipping him like a dancer and kissing him senseless.
∞∞∞
Hungover didn’t describe it. The party had raged well into the night, but by that point they were so drunk and horny they left the hordes of wasted guests and found their way to bed.
Sunlight filtered through the windows tearing Evan’s retinas apart. He was still a bit drunk when he stumbled into the bathroom to find Nath, head in the toilet, looking like he’d faced three full moons in a row.
“I feel like absolute shit,” he breathed, reaching for a glass of ice water with trembling fingers.
“I know how to get rid of a hangover if you give me five minutes to puke,” Evan replied, peering at his train wrecked reflection. Nath shuffled over but remained sitting on the cold floor swearing it was helping numb his rioting headache.
“There’s Hangover's Essence in the cabinet,” he said. “Although, it’s not helping mine much.”
Ten minutes, fifty gallons of vomit and a bong rip each later, the hangovers were abating. Nath sat at the breakfast table massaging his temples and nursing a cup of tea while the maids dropped into curtsies and offered them magazines and newspapers, all depicting their wedding.