Ties of Magic (Curse of the Crown Book 2)

by Caitlin Taylor

"Do you want a bath?"

  When Jeffrey shrugged in response and looked at him from under lowered lashes, Akoni chuckled and leaned in to press a kiss against Jeffrey's lips. He stood and ran them a bath, remembering doing the same not long ago. Toby had said it was okay. Akoni had worried that maybe getting the wounds wet wasn't good and had worsened Jeffrey's condition last time, but Toby was confident it had nothing to do with that. As much as Akoni didn't trust physicians, he trusted Toby.

  They sat in the tub, Jeffrey's back pressed to Akoni's chest, and with tender care, Akoni washed Jeffrey's hair and body using a sponge.

  "I could get used to this," Jeffrey murmured, his head leaning on Akoni's shoulder, eyes closed.

  "Me, too," Akoni agreed, kissing along Jeffrey's shoulder and up his neck. "I'm so relieved you're better."

  Jeffrey linked one of his hands with Akoni's and brought it to his lips. "You're doing it again."

  "What?"

  "Distracting me."

  His lips still caressing the side of Jeffrey's neck, Akoni laughed, and he felt the tremor going through Jeffrey's body. "Are you too sore or tired? I don't want to stop, you taste too good."

  "Not sure I can do much today."

  "I know you said our relationship couldn't be like others I've had. But... I haven't got to touch you, taste you. I really want to, Jeffrey. I'll do all the work, you just need to lie back and enjoy. Sex is a great healer, they say..."

  Jeffrey snorted. "And who needs the healing?"

  "Maybe we both do."

  Turning his head, Jeffrey looked at Akoni and reached back with one hand to touch his black hair. "No penetration, mouth and hands only."

  Akoni nodded.

  Jeffrey leaned in and kissed Akoni. "Help me out then."

  When Jeffrey leaned forward a little, Akoni got out of the tub and helped Jeffrey step out, too. He led Jeffrey to a chair and had him sit while towelling him dry, taking his time and being careful with the wounds.

  Drying himself happened a lot faster and with much less care. Taking Jeffrey's hand, Akoni led him back into the bedroom, and they both laid down on the bed, Jeffrey on his back, Akoni on his side beside him. Almost reverently, Akoni explored Jeffrey's body, letting his fingertips trail over tanned skin, tracing muscles and bones and scars. He followed the trail of his fingers with his mouth, licking and tasting all of Jeffrey, always careful with the areas newly red, still healing.

  Akoni took his time discovering every inch of Jeffrey. All the while, sea-green eyes watched his every move. Sometimes he felt a slight tug on his hair, where Jeffrey played with it. He studied every response and reaction, the way Jeffrey sighed when Akoni lapped at the back of his knees or the way Jeffrey snickered when Akoni touched his toes. Jeffrey's hand on Akoni's head guided him. Presented with Jeffrey's arousal, Akoni licked his lips, his eyes locking on Jeffrey's. He leaned forward and captured the tip between his lips.

  Jeffrey's eyes turned darker, the green of an ancient, deep forest. His pupils widened, and his hips bucked.

  Akoni leaned in farther, taking more of Jeffrey. He hummed as he traced the length with his tongue, letting it slide deeper into his throat, fingers on his head, digging into his skin, but he ignored it. Using every trick he knew, Akoni worked Jeffrey, wanting to please him and make it as good as possible.

  He drank everything Jeffrey offered eagerly, savouring the taste. Laying his head on Jeffrey's healthy thigh, he traced his fingers across sensitive skin and felt content in a way that didn't seem to make any sense.

  "Too much now," Jeffrey murmured and tugged on Akoni's hair.

  Relenting, Akoni stopped his ministrations and laid himself beside Jeffrey, his head propped up on his hands, lips pulled upwards.

  "Did you drink your fill then, little one with the talented tongue?"

  "Yes, except now I've had a taste, I'll always want more."

  Jeffrey laughed. "Well then, you know how you're going to wake me in future."

  Akoni grinned in reply.

  Letting one hand trail across Akoni's side, Jeffrey reached underneath him and found hard flesh.

  "You don't have to, Jeffrey. This was about you."

  "No, it was about you getting a taste and satisfying a craving. That I'd enjoy it, more of a side effect."

  "That makes me sound greedy." Akoni pouted.

  Jeffrey leaned in to kiss him. "Come closer."

  Akoni did as told, lying on his side to give Jeffrey the access he wanted. With expert hands, Jeffrey brought Akoni close and held him there for far too long before granting release at last.

  "You made a mess, little one." Jeffrey smirked and held his hand out to Akoni.

  Staring wide-eyed, Akoni moved his gaze from Jeffrey's hand to his eyes. He'd never done that before. He'd made others clean up their own juices plenty of times, but never done it himself. The challenge in Jeffrey's eyes suggested Akoni would be given no choice in this. He leaned in and licked Jeffrey's hand, tasting his own salty and sticky seed. It wasn't as bad as he feared. And there was something else, the taste of Jeffrey beneath. He lapped at the skin then, deep and long licks. He wrapped his lips around each finger, devouring them as he cleaned them.

  "That was a very thorough cleaning, well done."

  Akoni preened under the praise.

  "Bit wrecked now."

  "Go to sleep. It's early yet, and you still need rest."

  Turning on his side, Jeffrey manoeuvred Akoni until Akoni's back lay pressed against Jeffrey's chest. Jeffrey placed a kiss on Akoni's shoulder and held him close.

  Akoni managed to pull a blanket over them both and basked in the moment, loving being wrapped in Jeffrey's arms.

  They were woken some time later by a knock on the door, a servant bringing breakfast. The same girl as last time. She entered, left the tray on the bedside table, and hushed out without any eye contact. They ate in companionable silence, Jeffrey's appetite back to normal levels.

  "I should probably go meet Val," Jeffrey said.

  "Val?"

  "Valentin."

  Akoni chuckled. "Don't think I've heard anyone call him that since we've been boys. Definitely not since he took his father's title. There's no rush, Jeff. Only if you feel up to it."

  "Hmm, I don't feel good being here without greeting him."

  "We'll go say hi, and you can come back here and rest soon after."

  Jeffrey nodded, and they both got dressed. Another knock came on the door; Toby, coming to check on Jeffrey's progress. Seeing Jeffrey moving about delighted Toby, and he proclaimed it a great progress, though cautioned not to overdo it yet.

  Eventually, they were ready to go see Valentin.

  As they walked, Akoni reached for Jeffrey's hand, sensing his nervousness. Jeffrey jerked his hand away, shaking his head, his eyes wide. Akoni stopped walking.

  Akoni stepped closer to Jeffrey, took his hand in his and wrapped them around his own waist. Stroking his hands up Jeffrey's arms, he cupped his cheeks and leaned in, placing a chaste kiss on his lips, his cheeks, his eyes. Close to Jeffrey's ear, he whispered, "It's all right. I promise." He placed another silent kiss on Jeffrey's neck, behind his ear, and held him.

  When Jeffrey pulled back, Akoni let him but kept him at arm's length. "Okay?" he asked.

  Jeffrey nodded, and Akoni let him go, entwining their hands. He lifted them and kissed Jeffrey's fingertips. Jeffrey smiled and tugged his hand away. Akoni winked at him and turned to walk again.

  They entered the drawing room, where Valentin, Claudia, and Ignacio sat conversing with each other. Claudia rose first and went to hug Jeffrey, whispering into his ear so quiet even Akoni standing right beside him strained to hear.

  "I'm glad to see you, Jeffrey. The new clothes suit you."

  Akoni suppressed a smirk. It was true. Their armour had been returned cleaned and polished, but Jeffrey's had been broken during the fighting and become unwearable without work from a blacksmith. It had forced him to wear the fancier clothes provided by the servants, t
hough he'd fought, even trying to wear Akoni's armour, which had simply not fit since Jeffrey was broader around the chest, and he had to relent in the end.

  Now Jeffrey had a pair of black leather breeches on, a little too small for him and sitting snugger than designed, but Akoni would not be complaining about it. A crisp white shirt sat loosely on his torso, the collar not tied and revealing a considerable amount of tanned skin, more than any noble would risk. His robe hung open, its dark green enhancing Jeffrey's eyes in ways that had Akoni wanting to take him back to bed.

  Akoni pulled himself out of his thoughts when Valentin stepped closer. "Valentin, may I introduce my partner, Jeffrey, whom you may know as Corvin Trevino."

  "Corvin!" Valentin exclaimed, his eyes widening, taking in Jeffrey's appearance.

  "It's been a long time, Val."

  "Something like thirteen years?"

  "Thereabouts. I believe the last time we meet you were staying with us for the solstice festival." Jeffrey's shoulders were squared, as if he prepared for a fight.

  "Hmm, yes, I was trying to match you up with Cassandra. She was keen on you, you know. And you'd have made such a good match, class wise especially."

  "And I was still trying for the umpteenth time to explain to you that I was simply not interested in women."

  "Clearly, you had your sights set much higher." Valentin glanced at Akoni for the briefest moment.

  "Didn't peg you for a social climber." Akoni smirked at Jeffrey, who rolled his eyes and snorted.

  Valentin smiled. "It's good to see you again, Corvin. After all these years. You've been missed, you know. Your sister..."

  "Saw me for the first time in years only a few days ago."

  "She must be pleased."

  "Yes," Jeffrey said, the corners of his lips pulled upwards. "You can still hug me, you know."

  "No, no, you're..." Valentin gestured at Akoni.

  "For storm's sake." Jeffrey embraced Valentin, who returned the gesture, though seemed reluctant. "I heard about your parents. My condolences. I'm sorry it comes years too late."

  "Thank you. I'll forgive you for extenuating circumstances. Why did you leave, Corvin?"

  "That's a long story for another day, my friend. And I go by the name Jeffrey now."

  "Jeffrey! Of all the names to choose you pick that of a commoner?" Valentin asked, wide-eyed.

  "I did say it was a long story. I've been a commoner for these many years and I'd still be one if not for His Majesty. I will continue to go by the name Jeffrey, and I hope you'll get used to it."

  "Forgive me, my lord. I didn't mean any disrespect, it's just..."

  "There's no need for titles, Val. Jeffrey will do."

  "Of course. Please, come and sit. Would you like tea or anything else?" Valentin asked in an awkward manner, trying to change the topic, to steer them elsewhere.

  He gestured them to sit and when he turned his back, Akoni took Jeffrey's hand to give it a squeeze. Jeffrey's lips pursed, the only sign of his annoyance. He did give a faint squeeze back, though.

  It would not likely be the only encounter of this kind, Akoni realised. He never cared for class differences himself, but not all the nobles shared his tolerance. Something as simple as a name should make no difference, but clearly, if Valentin found issue with it, others would, too. It didn't bode well for their future, but they'd get through it. And if Akoni had to command them all into obedience, he would do so. As soon as his reign became a little steadier.

  Chapter 18

  Purposeful steps carried Akoni along hallways, both unfamiliar and yet not unknown. In younger years he'd visited his uncle and cousin more frequently and he had some knowledge of the keep but not enough for it to be a familiar place. He hadn't left the palace in many years, other than visiting Extraneo and rare, brief visits to nearby nobles.

  He knew where he was going now and gave off a calm and controlled air as best he could. He was anything but. Jeffrey walked beside him, and their hands were linked. It was calming and reassuring, but still his heart fluttered. His legs didn't seem steady. A squeeze of his hand indicated Jeffrey could tell. They were alone in the hallway, and Akoni slowed his steps.

  This should not be nearly as difficult as his head seemed to make it out to be. He remembered his father's summons when Akoni had been thirteen. He'd been so excited then and had come away with pain that lasted days. But today he wasn't answering a summons. He'd decided to speak with his father himself. This would be on his own terms, not his father's.

  He paused and looked over his shoulder. The corridor remained empty. Turning to Jeffrey, he pushed him against the wall and leaned in close, burying his face in the crook of Jeffrey's neck. Strong arms wrapped around him, holding him close. He took a deep breath, smelling Jeffrey's strong, earthy scent--spice and freedom.

  "It's all right, I'm here and not going anywhere. I'll stay as long as you want me to," Jeffrey whispered and placed tiny kisses on the side of Akoni's face where he could reach.

  Akoni murmured a "thank you" against Jeffrey's skin.

  They stayed still for the longest time, Akoni drawing strength without any magical involvement. After a while, he drew back a little. Jeffrey's hold tightened a fraction, their faces only inches apart.

  "You all right?"

  "I am now," Akoni replied with a weak smile and a nod.

  "Good." Jeffrey leaned in and pressed his lips against Akoni's, sending his heart fluttering for all the right reasons.

  When they pulled apart again, Akoni reached out to stroke Jeffrey's cheek. "You're so different now. So unlike the man who left all those weeks ago."

  "I can be him again if you prefer." Jeffrey cocked his head to the side, a crooked smile on his lips.

  "No, I like the new you. Like him a lot. It's just so unexpected. What happened?"

  Jeffrey shrugged. "I didn't think I could be any good for you, but it was never a case I didn't like you. I mean, well, you were obnoxious in the beginning. But even then I found you attractive. Once I saw you were, in fact, only pretending to be mean to help others, to protect yourself from your father and all that... I always had feelings for you, but I fought them. For me, there were too many reasons why we could never be together, no matter what we felt."

  "What changed?"

  "I told you about my stay at the temple in Ibirea. I had a lot of visions. For the first few nights, the goddess gave me dreams where everyone I love got hurt because of me. Because I left them. Then you got hurt, too, because of me. I begged her to stop the dreams. Spent a full day and most of a night on my knees at her feet, begging and praying. The next dream was...kinder. A clear message what I was supposed to be doing. That's when I came to an agreement with her. I wouldn't return willingly but if I got back to you through other means, well, I'd stop fighting my feelings and see where they took me instead. And since you've been insisting I become a noble again and am therefore your equal, I will take what I want. And I'm a demanding lover." A cheeky grin played on Jeffrey's lips.

  Akoni chuckled. "I don't think I mind."

  "Good, because once we're done with your father, we're going back to our room and not leaving it again until I say." Jeffrey leaned in to nibble Akoni's earlobe, his grip on Akoni still tight.

  Akoni moaned, his body going slack in Jeffrey's arms. How had they ever survived apart?

  Faint footsteps broke the bubble wrapped around them. Akoni stiffened and tried to pull away, but Jeffrey refused.

  "Stay, we're not hiding," Jeffrey whispered, capturing Akoni's lips in another kiss.

  Akoni parted his lips but didn't respond right away. He'd not allowed anyone to see him with a lover in forever. He'd staged plenty of little scenes to keep people talking, but never with anyone he truly cared for. Not since Lux, a lifetime ago. Fear of his father, of the repercussions, had always prevented honesty. But his father was laid up in bed, likely only days away from dying. No one else could tell him what to do or not to do. Or if they told him, he could dismiss them at will,
because his father no longer ruled. Akoni was king now, the one in charge.

  Except with Jeffrey, whose tongue was probing his mouth, exploring as much as claiming ownership. Akoni shifted their position slightly, pushing Jeffrey harder against the wall. He took control, their tongues battling until Akoni could stake his own claim.

  The footsteps became louder, passed them, and faded away again. Akoni didn't know who it was, didn't care either. For the first time in forever, he felt happy.

  When they eventually continued walking, Akoni felt lighter and more confident. He really could do this. The fingers of one hand still linked with Jeffrey, he strode along until he reached his father's room. No guards stood watch. Most had been left behind in Corunia to help defend the city. There'd been no word yet, no news about anyone from Corunia. It was a matter for another day, however.

  They entered the room and found the physicians, Paavo and Toby, tending Akoni's father, Luciano, the dying king. Both men bowed deep at their entry.

  "Leave us," Akoni said, then added, "Toby, I'd like to see you in my chambers after this. Bring your...healing stuff." He waved a hand vaguely, hoping Toby would understand him.

  "Certainly, Your Majesty." Toby bowed again and ducked out of the room behind Paavo.

  Jeffrey remained by the door while Akoni walked towards the bed.

  "My son, is that you?" His father's voice was weak and strained. He looked gaunt, his cheeks hollow, his eyes sunken with dark black circles around them, his skin almost translucent. Only his head and arms poked out from underneath the duvet. He didn't look or sound anything like the imposing king he had once been.

  "Yes, Father. I'm here."

  A grey-eyed gaze roamed over Akoni. "You've grown so much." A smile. "Such a handsome man, too. I couldn't be prouder of you, Akoni."

  Akoni sneered but bit back the words on the tip of his tongue. There was no need to hurt this wreck of a man further.

  "I deserve that." Luciano paused for a moment, his eyes closing. "I've been asking to see you for some time. That you're here now...after so long... I can feel it still, it begs and cries, but now...it's nearly gone. Such a relief."