by Marie Medina
“Yes, it’s easiest. It’s generic, and most races are fine with it as a catch-all. You certainly shouldn’t offend anyone.” He set his cup down and made himself let go of it, resting his fingers lightly on the edge of the table. “I’m sorry if anything I said or did hurt you last night. No one has ever questioned me or my judgment before.”
Instead of responding to the apology Asmund had struggled so much with, Vadik asked, “How many notes did you write? You said you ran out of paper.”
“Several.”
“Several?” Vadik said with a smile. “You’re sexy when you’re angry, but I think I like you this way, too. Very cute.”
“Cute?” Cute? Cute! As soon as I apologize, he starts in again. I should’ve known!
“Yes, and I like it. You can’t be strong and in charge every moment. You need someone you can be humble and vulnerable with.”
Something about those words struck him, and he wanted to pull Vadik across the table and kiss him again. Or better yet, have Vadik jump over the table and kiss him.
What is this infuriating man doing to me?
****
Vadik eyed the king, wondering what was going on in his mind. “Asmund? Are you still with me?”
“Hmmm” was the only reply he got.
“May I call you that?”
“What?” he finally said, seeming faraway.
“Is it all right for me to call you by your first name?”
Asmund blinked several times. “Yes, if we’re alone. Try to be more formal if others are around.” He licked his lips, gripping the table as if his life depended on it. “If you don’t mind.”
I’m going to be in love by the end of the fucking day if he keeps this up. Vadik couldn’t remember anyone else ever being this flustered by him, and at the moment, he wasn’t even trying that hard. “Of course. I understand.” He gestured to the table. “I appreciate the invitation to tea, but neither of us are really eating or drinking anything. Would you join me for a walk? I’d like to hear more about the guests who are coming, especially the powerful ones.”
“You would?” The king seemed to relax a bit, though he still gripped the table.
“Yes. I want to know what to prepare for. Even if this is a social occasion, I want to be ready.”
“I’ll be perfectly safe. The number of servants working and guards patrolling will increase, and as I said, I can protect myself quite well.”
“I startled you a few minutes ago.”
The king lifted his chin, his jaw clenching. “You did, but I was nervous. Worried. Distracted.” He sat back and relaxed a bit. “As I said, you seem to have that effect on me.”
“Worried?”
“Yes. I’ve never had to apologize to anyone before. Not for something personal, that is. I know I hurt your feelings last night, and I was worried.”
“Glad to hear it, but nothing you could do will scare me off.” He rose and extended his hand. “Will you take a walk with me? Tell me about the fantasy world I’m about to be caught up in?”
“Yes.” He stared at Vadik’s hand a moment and then slid his fingers into it.
Vadik felt the same surge of energy he’d felt the first time they’d touched. Though he wanted to kiss Asmund’s fingers, he settled for giving them a squeeze as he helped him up. And then he made himself release them.
The king looked up at him expectantly but turned away quickly. “An invitation has been sent to the Sons of Fenrir. They almost never show up, and of course the invitation was sent before I’d met you. I doubt anyone from their community will show up, but I’ll be sure to introduce you if they do.”
“Why do they keep themselves separate?”
Asmund clasped his hands behind his back as they walked. “They use dark magic. They tend to dislike humans. They’re a brutal and harsh race. I was a bit scared of them as a child.”
“Do they cause harm to anyone?”
“They have in the past. If they want something, they simply take it. They enjoy coupling with human women but often don’t care for the children that result. They only marry with other dark elves and give priority to the children of those unions.”
“My grandmother never said much about the man who sired my father.”
“There probably wasn’t very much to say.”
“So even if they associated with you and your people more often, they wouldn’t have much interest in the ball?”
“No, I wouldn’t be seen as good enough by most of their women. I’m too slight of build and effeminate. They certainly wouldn’t like the traits my sprite blood has given me. A Fen woman might sleep with me, but she wouldn’t be very interested in marrying me.”
“You’re not effeminate. You’re beautiful, yes, but in a very noble and strong way. I see nothing to object to in you.”
The king seemed to be fighting a smile. “Thank you,” he said softly. “But it’s not just my looks. They would call me weak for my attitudes toward humans. And they would not like this treaty with the shifters and the way we’re mixing with your pack. My cousin mating your Alpha would bother them. And me not dismissing you the moment you said I was your mate? They’d be, well … let’s just say opinionated. Your human and shifter parts are not worthy of my lineage and status, and yet with you being just one-quarter Fen, I’d be deemed unworthy of your own bloodline. It’s all absurd.”
“I agree. All of that is their problem. As interested as I am, I’m not so sure I actually want to meet any of these people.” Vadik paused at a trellis to examine the roses, each blossom seeming to be made up of petals in a dozen shades of pink. “These are beautiful.” Turning to Asmund, he said, “Tell me about sprites. I’m picturing very tiny creatures with delicate wings and clothes made of spiderwebs and dewdrops.”
Asmund laughed. “Are you? Well, a full-blooded sprite would make quite an impression then. They are petite, but still roughly the same size as us, and they’re exquisitely beautiful. Ethereal is a very good word for them. They can enchant humans with a look. They’re extremely sensual creatures, skilled at seduction and ensnaring others to their will.”
The words had Vadik’s body responding, but then he frowned. “Will there be any creatures like them? Full-blooded?”
“I’m not sure there are many full bloods left, honestly. And yes, there will be some with strong sprite blood. But I have sprite blood as well. I won’t be ensnared.” He reached into his shirt and pulled out a blue crystal on a silver chain. “I’m powerful enough to resist, but for just this occasion, I wear this to ward myself from magical or otherwise unnatural seduction.”
“Good. You make sure you keep it on.”
“I will, of course.” He slipped it back under his shirt. “But my guests will use many methods to persuade me. Those with stronger elven heritage, for example, will try to convince me of mutual benefits to be found in our union. Nymphs and other spirits will rely heavily upon their charms and wit. Sirens tend to be playful and try to intrigue. Elementals will be concerned with finding a balance in our magical abilities. If a Fen were inclined to come, she would likely emphasize the strength our alliance would lend my kingdom and heirs.”
Vadik stared at Asmund, starting to feel his relief evaporating as worry set in again. “Nymphs? Sirens? Am I going to have to stay at your side the entire time to keep their hands off you?”
Asmund seemed confused but then shook his head. “Your ideas are coming from human legends and folklore. Yes, some truth comes through regarding seduction of humans, but as I said, there is a certain etiquette everyone is supposed to follow. If anyone commits too many breaches or becomes too aggressive in any way, I can ask that person to leave.”
Vadik crossed his arms, still frowning. “Good.”
Asmund finally gave him a genuine smile. “You know, they would all have every right to be far more upset about you. I kissed you last night. That’s more than I plan on doing with any of them. And your claim to be my mate gives you an unfair advantage.”
; “Just an advantage? My claim is undeniable, and I’m going to convince you of it.”
The king opened his mouth, but he didn’t say anything. He came forward and touched the roses Vadik had been admiring. When he lifted his gaze again, he said, “You really like these? They’ve always been one of my favorites, too.”
He eyed the roses again, admiring the swirl of pink hues on each blossom. “Yes, I do like them.”
“There are some that are a mix of purple and blue hues as well. I’ll make sure they’re used as decorations for the ball. I could perhaps even enchant a bush to produce green ones.” He sucked in his lower lip and averted his gaze as he tugged at his waistcoat. “But if you’ll excuse me, I have some things to attend to. I’ll let you get ready for your training.”
“Whatever you wish.”
Asmund looked up and bowed, and then he scurried off as if he couldn’t get away from Vadik fast enough. Vadik plucked one of the roses and took it with him, his mind whirling as he thought about the world he’d invited himself into.
Chapter Five
Two Days Later
Asmund felt better with the sun warming his skin, and he took a deeper breath of fresh air as he walked along the armory walls and watched the drills taking place. Erik had been monitoring the RSVPs, and though he hadn’t said anything to Asmund, the king knew his friend was pushing the men harder just in case something did go wrong at the ball.
Leaning against the wall, Asmund drew a letter from his pocket. It bore the wolf’s head wax seal of the Sons of Fenrir, and it had been addressed specifically to him. It had even been enchanted so no one else could open it, which had caused his steward and members of the council to panic. Asmund had opened it in their presence and read it aloud to calm all of them, though he’d only experienced minimal success with that.
He unfolded it and read the brief message again. Word had spread that the king’s guest had Fen blood, and according to this letter, that fact was of great interest. No explanation had been given, and nothing about Vadik’s claim to be Asmund’s fated mate had been mentioned. But Asmund felt it safest to assume the Fen clan had in fact heard that part as well. Someone named Tasia and described as a “royal delegate” would be attending the Briod Ball. Asmund wondered if this person was only coming to see if Asmund would accept Vadik or not. But what could they gain from that? Tasia sounded like a woman’s name, though he doubted she was coming because of him or any interest in marrying him. Perhaps a woman was being sent because this event was only seen as being of minor importance. Asmund clearly remembered that women were only given respect among the Sons of Fenrir if they were very skilled warriors who had defeated a certain number of men.
He refolded the letter and tucked it away, his gaze moving to Vadik. He hadn’t actually seen the man in shifted form yet, and he wondered what he might look like. Vadik had bragged that his form was much larger than other wolves, yet more proof of his heritage. Asmund watched him with interest now. Watching the large, well-muscled man fight with such grace and precision proved mesmerizing.
Asmund didn’t realize he’d been staring until Vadik disarmed his opponent and then threw Asmund a smile and a wink. The king straightened and unfolded his arms, giving Vadik a regal bow to acknowledge his victory. At least, he hoped it looked regal. A glance around told him all of the other men in the yard were smiling but trying to hide it as they pretended not to notice the king and Vadik.
Vadik handed his weapon off to a page and came striding over. He wiped his face and hands with a towel before throwing it over his shoulder. He extended one hand, looking at Asmund expectantly.
Asmund could feel everyone watching him, but he slid his hands into Vadik’s anyway. The warrior gave his knuckles the barest of brushes with his lips, yet Asmund had to use every ounce of control he had to keep from shivering visibly. The last couple of nights had been torture, and he wondered how the other man had fared. He hadn’t dared reach out with his mind again, as he worried he’d end up running across the hall in the middle of the night.
“I came to tell you I’ve arranged a fitting for you. For the ball,” Asmund said.
“I was wondering what I should wear. Nothing too frou-frou, I hope.”
Asmund tilted his head. “Frou-frou?”
“Frilly, lacey. Velvet and silk and all that shiny thread. Girly, for lack of a better word.”
The king glanced down at his robes. “You mean like me?”
Vadik eyed the olive-green robes. “No offense, but I wouldn’t look anywhere near as good in a dress as you do.”
Asmund narrowed his eyes, even though he knew Vadik was only trying to provoke him. “These are traditional robes. It is not a dress.”
“Oh, they suit you. And I like the fact that all I have to do to get to you is start unwrapping the layers.”
“And how do you know that?”
Vadik grabbed the sash at his waist and tugged him closer. “Because I have eyes. You have one layer wrapped around you like a bathrobe. There are ties on the inside of the garment to keep it in place once you’ve arranged it to your liking. Like a kimono.” He paused and tugged on the sash. “And the sash keeps the overlapped fabric in place. The outer layer is just another robe without as many ties, meant to hang loose and give you a train of sorts. Just a few tugs, and I could have you naked. Trousers hug your ass very nicely, but like I said, I’m thinking I prefer you this way.”
“You’re coming very close to breaching etiquette here,” Asmund said.
Vadik let go but didn’t back up. “Do forgive me, Your Majesty.”
Asmund backed up and cleared his throat, thankful for the robes not hugging any part of him, given the way his body was reacting. “It’s fine.” He smoothed his robes. “I was thinking of something more along the lines of trousers with a simple yet elegant waistcoat and jacket for you. Very minimal ornamentation. Were you really concerned I’d put you in robes and silk? Is that why you’ve been studying my clothes?”
“I wasn’t too worried. And I wasn’t really studying your clothes. Just snooping through the closet in my room, ever so briefly. Based on the scent I picked up, you’ve been keeping extra clothes in the room I’m sleeping in.”
“Oh.” Asmund hadn’t even thought of cleaning out the closets and drawers. “Yes, I have been. After my mother died, my father fell sick. I was regent, so I moved into my mother’s old room.” He gave a shrug. “I guess I’ve gotten used to no one else using it.”
“How long ago did your parents pass away?” Vadik asked.
“My mother has been gone for a little over a decade. My father was weak and sickly for a couple of years after that. I was crowned eight years ago. They had me when they were in their fifties, but they were still young by fae standards.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” Asmund thought of the letter in his pocket, but instead he asked, “You haven’t spoken of your family except for your mysterious grandfather. What about your parents?”
“My mother died in childbirth. My father was shot by a hunter while in wolf form. He was reckless, at times, and unfortunately it was his undoing in the end.”
“But if he was harming no one, the hunter had no right to shoot him!” Asmund said, his anger rising. “I’m so sorry, Vadik. I had no idea.”
Vadik drew closer, his eyes somewhat sad. He pushed Asmund’s hair behind his left ear. “You don’t begin a courtship with sad stories. But thank you.”
“I suppose it’s not my place, but when did this happen? What became of the hunter?”
“A few years ago. And the hunter went home, I suppose.”
Asmund’s mind raced. “But he killed your father.”
“Yes, but he had no idea he’d killed a man.”
“Aren’t wolves protected in your world?”
“Yes, they’re supposed to be, but like me, my father was huge. The hunter was probably terrified. I’m glad you care, but I wish the man no harm. I don’t even know who he is.
And if I did, I would hesitate to even tell him what he’d done. I love animals, and I’d probably dislike him for shooting a wolf. But to tell him he’d killed a person? I’d feel terrible.”
“Then I admire your compassion. I can’t share it.”
“I admire your fire, but please, don’t dwell on this. I wish I hadn’t told you now.”
“No! Don’t wish that, please!”
Vadik looked around, and Asmund realized he was gripping the shifter’s arm tightly and speaking far too loudly. Asmund let go. “I’m sorry. I think I’m a bit too wound up right now.”
“I’m partly to blame for that. Anything I can do?”
Asmund could think of many things the man could do, but none of them were allowed. Not yet anyway. He pulled out the letter to distract him from his anger. “It turns out you will get to meet one Fen, at least. I can’t be sure, but the name sounds female. I don’t know if she’s coming just to meet you or if she’s interested in me as well. I suppose we’ll see soon in a few days.” He handed the letter over.
Vadik eyed the handwriting and the seal a moment before unfolding it. “Funny I’m suddenly of interest. No one cared for the past thirty years.”
“I thought you should know.”
“Thank you.” He refolded the letter and handed it back.
“The tailor can be with you in half an hour or so, if you want to go bathe. I’ll bring him to your room.”
“And will you stay?” Vadik said with a grin.
“Probably, unless you don’t want me to.”
The man grinned even broader.
Asmund sighed. “He can take your measurements with your clothes on. He’ll mostly be draping cloth over you. There’s nothing kinky about me staying.”
“That’s just too bad,” Vadik said. He took the king’s hand again, this time kissing his palm. “I’ll see you in half an hour, then.”
“Yes, you will,” Asmund said.