Chapter Thirteen
FARRELL WOKE first the next morning, surprising even himself. Lying on his side, he stared at Miceral sleeping peacefully next to him. Recalling the previous night’s events, his calm, peaceful morning evaporated. He’d embarrassed himself, crying in front of Horgon over something that happened ten years ago. Miceral would never want to spend their lives together now.
He loved Miceral beyond anything he thought possible, but it wasn’t enough. Miceral needed him to be more than a child, more than someone who couldn’t control his emotions. Last night he’d shown himself to be weak and pathetic, the silly, soft human Horgon declared him when they met. Miceral deserved someone as strong and beautiful as himself. Instead he got a plain, weak, damaged wizard.
The mere thought he might lose Miceral brought tears to his eyes. His heart pounded so hard he feared he’d wake his partner. Breathing deeply, he blinked the tears away. If Miceral wanted to go, he wouldn’t stop him. He had no right.
Miceral stirred, so Farrell forced a smile.
“Wow, this is a surprise.” Miceral propped a pillow under his head, leaving them a few inches apart. “You wide awake, smiling, waiting for me. I could get used to this.” He leaned in and gave Farrell a small kiss on the cheek.
The emotions that bubbled just below Farrell’s control threatened to explode. Clamping down on his feelings, he kept himself calm.
“I love you.” The words tumbled out before he could stop them. He had wanted to say it for the first time in better circumstances, but this could—would—be his last chance.
Eyes wide, Miceral gave him a face-splitting grin. “Wow, I definitely like waking up like this.”
Farrell put aside Miceral’s reaction. “I know I don’t deserve you, but I wanted to tell you. If you leave, I won’t stop you, but I needed to say it before you go.”
Miceral’s smile faded into a near-frown. He was no doubt reliving last night’s breakdown. Unable to bear seeing the disappointment in Miceral’s face, Farrell rolled over, reaching out to open the permanent Door in the far corner.
“Farrell, stop. What are you talking about?”
The rustle of sheets set Farrell hurrying around the bed. If Miceral expected him to head to the bath chamber, he could make it to the Door. Silently, he opened the portal and had almost stepped through when Miceral grabbed him from behind.
“What’s wrong? Why are you trying to get away from me? Why would I want to leave because you love me? I love you, too.”
Farrell struggled to get away. Against anyone but Miceral, he’d have used magic to escape.
“Wizard, what are you doing?” Nerti’s voice struck him like an anvil. “Klissmor tells me that Miceral is in a panic because you’re trying to get away from him. What has he done?”
“Not what he’s done, it’s what I did or what I’m not.”
“Foolish boy.” He could feel her presence in his mind, rooting around his thoughts.
“Farrell, talk to me, please!” Miceral’s arms tightened around Farrell’s torso.
“Either you talk to him or I’ll clamp down on your mind so hard you won’t be able to blink.” As if to prove she could, Nerti forced him to stop struggling.
“Okay, I’ll talk to him, but I’m coming to see you after we’re done.”
Nerti’s annoyance seeped through their link. “I don’t recall saying you were welcome.”
A snap severed their connection, leaving him alone with Miceral. Short, shallow, rapid breaths slowly gave way to more normal behavior. Once he calmed himself, he realized he was naked.
Fool indeed. Where was I going like this? Knowing Nerti would make good on her threat, he slowly brought his arms up to clasp Miceral’s. “You can let go of me, Ral. I won’t disappear.”
Miceral scooped him up and carried him to the bed. “Please talk to me?”
Turning, Farrell saw a pained, sad expression on Miceral’s face. He’d caused this, too. When he nodded, Miceral slid next to him and pulled the sheets up to their waists.
“What just happened? First you say you love me; then you bolt like a rabbit from a fox. What did I do?”
“You?” He shook his head. “You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s what I did. What I’m not.”
“What does that mean?”
“Miceral . . .” Swallowing hard, he fought back the tears. “Your father was right when he first saw me. I am soft, weak. Ten years ago something bad happened, and I’m still crying. I act like my childhood was so bad. Tell that to the kids with no parents because my father stole them and turned them into monsters. Compared to that, my life’s been grand.”
“Farrell—”
“Please.” He put a finger to Miceral’s lips. “If you stop me now, I probably won’t finish.”
Waiting until he saw the small nod, he closed his eyes and clenched his teeth.
“You mean everything to me, but I know you deserve better, so much better. I’m sorry I’m not the person you deserve. I saw . . . saw how you frowned moments ago when you remembered last night. Not what you waited seventy-five years for, is it? You don’t have to stay. Go find someone better.”
“Enough.” Miceral sat up, tossing the sheet off. “What madness grips you? Ashamed? Of you? Where did you get such an idea?”
Farrell opened his eyes and moved until he was sitting. “I—”
Miceral pointed his finger, shaking his head. “No, this time you’ll listen to me. If you saw me frown, it was because I couldn’t believe you’d think I want to leave. I’ve wanted to tell you I loved you but didn’t want to scare you off. Every day I thank Lenore for you. Every day. You are so much more than I’d hoped for that I worry what you see in me. So yes, you are what I waited all those years to meet, and no, I’m not going to leave.”
Chewing his lip, Farrell took a moment to respond. What could he say? “You love me?”
Miceral gave out a nervous laugh. “Why are you surprised? Of course I love you. I think I loved you the moment we met, but I knew it for certain when you were tossed aside by the explosion outside Northhelm. My life is with you. Nowhere else.”
This time Farrell couldn’t stop his tears. How could he be so wrong? Or so stupid. He’d nearly pushed Miceral away because of his insecurities.
Miceral pulled him nearer, and Farrell resisted the urge to pull back. Pressed close, he felt the soft blond chest hairs move against his face. “I know I promised to be less insecure, but there are times when it’s so hard. I feel like what I am—a child compared to you.”
Miceral’s lips brushed the top of his head in a light kiss. “Farrell, my saying this won’t help, but you have no reason to question who you are around me. I love you, not some ideal you that’s somewhere in here.” Two fingers tapped the side of Farrell’s head.
Hearing the words helped him push his fears deep inside. “I know you love me. I just get so—”
Miceral put a finger over Farrell’s lips. “Just leave it at that.”
Another kiss brought Farrell’s head up. He moved closer and closed his eyes when their lips met. If he didn’t feel so safe and happy, he might have been embarrassed.
“Okay, but can I say one more thing, please?” With effort, Farrell kept the smirk off his face for a heartbeat. When he smiled, he moved to the side so his lips were closer to Miceral’s ear. “I love you.”
A kiss was Miceral’s response. Leaning back, he felt Miceral’s body settle on his. Despite their size difference, Farrell didn’t feel crushed by the weight. Aroused, he moved to draw Miceral closer when his partner pulled back.
“No time for that now.” Miceral jumped off the bed and headed to the closet before Farrell felt the cool air chill him. “Since you’re up early, we can practice early. Get dressed.”
“How romantic,” he muttered, but got up anyway. Despite the snide tone, he didn’t care. Miceral loved him. He could manage everything else.
FARRELL WOKE with a start. Though they worked well, he hated wake-up spells.
He’d never found one that didn’t leave him with a sense of panic. Probably came from being jolted awake. Fortunately, he hadn’t woken Miceral.
Blond hair covered parts of Miceral’s face but didn’t hide the peaceful, content expression. Disturbing him didn’t seem right, but Farrell had plans for the day that didn’t include sleeping late. Of course, how he woke Miceral might make it less wrong.
Gently pushing strands of hair back, he kissed Miceral’s ear and cheek. When that didn’t work, he slowly pushed the sheet back and ran his fingers softly over the tight back muscles. Quicker than he could react, Miceral spun around and encased Farrell in his arms.
“Did you think I didn’t feel you wake up?” Twisting slightly, he brought their lips together for a brief kiss. “What do you have planned that you used a wake-up spell this early?”
“How . . .” It didn’t matter. Hopefully Miceral hadn’t guessed what he’d planned. “Happy six months together.”
He placed a hand behind Miceral’s head and brought them closer. When their lips met, neither pulled back for a time.
“You woke up early just to wish me a happy six months?” Miceral’s expression seemed surprised but pleased.
Farrell shrugged. “I can see that’s not enough, but fortunately I’ve something else in mind.”
Scooting off the bed, he waved a hand absently in the direction of the bath chamber. “Let’s go, lazy sloth.”
“You realize a sloth is naturally lazy.” Miceral put both hands behind his head and settled back into the pillows. “Calling a sloth lazy is like saying ‘ice cold.’”
“And taunting one’s grand master wizard companion is a recipe for being doused in water for lying in bed.” For emphasis, Farrell conjured a wall of water and positioned it over Miceral.
Miceral looked worried but didn’t move. “Do that and you’ll soak the bed.”
“You’re counting on that to keep you dry?” Farrell let the water inch closer. “There are spells that can dry out mattresses and beds quite nicely, you know.”
Farrell let the liquid drop, watching as Miceral shot up. The expected splash never happened, as the water disappeared inches from contact.
“You sneaky wizard.” Despite his words, Miceral smiled. Farrell ran his eyes up and down his lover’s body. He never got tired of admiring Miceral, especially in his usual morning state. Turning his gaze back to Miceral’s face, he noticed he got the once-over in return.
Miceral smiled, closing the distance between them. “Nice way to wake me up. I suppose I can’t be too angry if you got me out of bed for this.”
Pressed together, Farrell ran his hands through Miceral’s hair as they continued their kiss. When they stopped, he put his hand up to prevent Miceral from resuming his lip-lock. “Ral, much as I want to continue this, I have plans for us. Nerti and Klissmor are going to meet us at seventh hour, and we can’t be late.”
Closing one eye, Miceral stared down his nose. “Where are we going?”
“For a ride.” Farrell took his lover’s hand and pulled him toward the now-ready bath. “It’s a surprise, so please don’t spoil it by asking questions.”
“Fine—for now.” Miceral scooped him up and carried him to the tub. “But I expect to resume this when we get back.”
“I think that can—” He never finished the sentence, as he was dumped into the water. Before he could retaliate, Miceral stepped in behind him.
After kissing the back of his neck, Miceral asked, “Got a spell to dry the chamber out, too?”
FARRELL EXITED close to where Nerti lived. The clear sky, crisp air, and bright sun made for a perfect autumn day. Two baskets sat by a large rock marking the edge of the unicorn homes.
“You enlisted others in this scheme?” Miceral hoisted a basket and handed it to Farrell.
“Did you know that if you talk about doing something totally romantic, Lisle melts like chocolate?” Farrell nodded quickly for emphasis. “Of course, five minutes later, she’s back to her old self.”
Laughing, they rounded an outcrop and found the two unicorns in the clearing.
“I’m glad you didn’t make us wait, Wizard.” Nerti’s playful reproach added to his good mood. “Are we ready to go?”
“You seem eager to be off,” Miceral said, leaping on Klissmor’s back.
“Of course we are. It has been long since Nerti and I have had the chance to run for an extended time.” Klissmor pawed at the ground, as if willing Farrell to get on Nerti and open a Door.
Once on the Plains of Gharaha, the pair raced for the pass. When they cleared the entrance, Farrell turned them north, hugging the mountains at a distance-eating gallop.
The sun had nearly reached its apex when Farrell asked them to slow down. They turned and found themselves in a small glade near a clear mountain brook.
“How did you locate this?” Miceral dismounted and unstrapped the basket from his back. “It’s perfect, but not exactly easy to find.”
Farrell took a blanket from his basket and spread it on the ground. “I have many talents besides being sneaky.”
He removed a large bag of apples with a note from Lisle. For Nerti and Klissmor. Don’t eat them!
“Great Honorus, I have no idea what unicorns like to eat. The clerics handle your care, and they never consult me. Do you even like apples?”
Nerti appeared behind him, her gaze fixed on the bag. “Silly wizard, of course we like apples. I told Lisle to make sure she packed extra for Klissmor and myself.”
Farrell handed one to each unicorn, then took the rest from the bag and set them on a flat rock. Turning his focus to their food, he found Miceral removing items and arranging them on the blanket. The goofy grin as he examined each item made Farrell’s day even better.
They ate most of the food before Farrell pronounced himself full. They followed Nerti and Klissmor down to the stream and sat quietly on the bank while their companions drank.
Farrell stared at the light reflecting off the water, hand straying to his pocket. Fingering the gift he’d brought for Miceral, he debated whether to give it to him. Miceral disliked magical gifts, even though magic helped with so many things. Farrell didn’t understand the aversion, which made his decision harder. Closing his eyes, he let out an unintentional sigh.
“Wow, that’s a serious face.” Miceral’s voice made him look over. “What happened?”
He almost made up some problem, but he didn’t want to lie. And he had made the gift for a reason. “Trying to figure out how to ask you something.”
Miceral moved closer and put his arm around Farrell. “What can be so bad that you can’t just ask me?”
“It’s not bad . . . well, I don’t think it’s bad, but you might not like it. Actually, I’m sure you won’t like it at first. It’s just a matter of how mad you’ll get and if you’ll hear me out.”
“Farrell, what are you babbling about?” Miceral chuckled softly. “Just ask me.”
Farrell drew in a deep breath and held it to calm himself. He let it out at the same time he reached into his pocket. The round ivory amulet on a long platinum chain dangled from his hand. He watched as Miceral’s face scrunched up as he eyed the pendant. Farrell traced the symbols he’d carved on it with his thumb. “I made this for you, but I’m not sure you’ll like it.”
Miceral turned his eyes up to meet Farrell’s. “It’s beautiful. Why wouldn’t I like it?”
“It’s not just a pendant, Ral.” He pointed to the family crest of Yar-del in the center. “This is my family seal. The symbols around the edge were made just for you, but otherwise it’s the mirror image of the one I wear.”
Movement behind them let him know Nerti and Klissmor were inching closer. He watched Miceral’s face for a sign he understood but found none.
“The amulet has magical properties. Most significantly, with it, you and I can communicate mind to mind, like we do with Nerti and Klissmor.” Here, he paused, waiting for the expected reaction. Miceral’s features hardened an
d his eyes narrowed. If Farrell didn’t act now, he’d lose the moment. “Please, hear me out before you say anything.”
Miceral turned away only to find Klissmor staring at him. Something must have passed between them because, when he turned back, Miceral nodded twice. His face told Farrell how much he opposed the idea. At least he agreed to listen.
“I know you hate magic being worked on you, and you really hate magic that gets inside your head, but I swear by Honorus and Lenore this isn’t like that. More, this is linked only to me, and you have to know by now I won’t enter your mind without permission.”
The lack of change in Miceral’s demeanor didn’t encourage him, but he pressed on. “Soon Meglar will be on the move again, and when he is, I know you’re not going to sit back and do nothing. You’ll ride out with the resistance to help in the fight.”
“Of course I will. I—all my people—owe him for the loss of our home.”
“I know.” Slowly, he pulled out an amulet from under his tunic. “This is the mate to yours. I . . . it should have been linked to my mother’s. She died before they could be connected. Not that it would have mattered.”
Thinking about his mother nearly derailed him. Squeezing his eyes shut, he pushed her and his feelings aside for now. He didn’t want to mess this up. He opened his eyes and pressed on. “Even if I went with you to fight Meglar, we would be separated by our tasks. These will allow us to speak to each other no matter where the other is.”
“Farrell, you know I hate this kind of magic. Why would you ask me this?” Miceral’s kept himself under control, despite the sharp tone to his voice.
Good. Now to keep it that way.
“Ral, at any time I could slip into your mind; you know I can. But I haven’t, and I won’t without your permission. I hope you trust me enough to believe that.”
“Of course, but this is different.”
Farrell held up his hand to cut him off. “No disrespect, but how do you know this is different? All this does is make it easier for you to find me and me to find you. It’ll be no more intrusive than the two of us speaking to each other.”
Champion of the Gods Box Set Page 17