Segreti let out a raucous laugh. “Handsome? My dear Ezra, perhaps I’m not the only one lacking in sight.”
With a sniff, Ezra folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t see what’s so funny.”
“Wait… you’re serious? You truly believe me handsome?” It struck him then. A reminder that, once again, Ezra was a Soldati warrior. He might be a healer and scholar, but he’d been raised as a warrior among warriors. His noble title did nothing to change what he was or the battles he had fought in. Most of the nobility Segreti had met over the centuries were not warriors. They had others to battle for them.
Knowing Ezra found him handsome stirred something deep inside Segreti he didn’t quite know what to do with. Thankfully, Ezra broke into an enthusiastic conversation about books. Segreti listened with rapt attention, offering a comment here and there. He answered when prompted, but mostly listened, which worked for him since he was better at listening than conversing. As Ezra enthused over his favorite stories, Segreti decided he could easily listen to Ezra passionately discuss books for the rest of time. It wasn’t until the room grew darker that he realized the afternoon sun had begun to set.
“Goddess above!” Seeming to finally notice the time, Ezra gaped at him. “Please forgive me. I’ve been prattling on for hours. I’m certain you have far more pressing matters to attend to that don’t include sitting here listening to me carry on about nonsense.”
Segreti placed his hand on Ezra’s to steady his sudden fidgeting. “Your fretting is unnecessary. I’m in awe of your passion and hope you will forgive me for my boldness. I’ve enjoyed every moment spent in your company. Perhaps you’ll consider allowing me to join you again for tea and conversation?”
The smile that lit up Ezra’s face was glorious. “I would very much like that.” His expression grew timid, and he dropped his gaze to Segreti’s hand resting on his. “I hadn’t expected to enjoy your company as much as I have. You’re quite easy to talk to.”
“I’m pleased to hear it,” Segreti replied, his thumb stroking Ezra’s soft skin. His pulse fluttered at the flush that came onto Ezra’s cheeks. He lifted his gaze to Segreti’s, his eyes searching for something. Segreti would have given anything to know what thoughts occupied Ezra’s mind.
“Segreti, I—”
A knock sounded at the door, making Ezra jump. He let out an annoyed huff Segreti completely agreed with.
“Yes?”
A Soldati entered and bowed. “General Segreti, His Majesty requests your council.”
“Of course.” Segreti stood and bowed his head at Ezra. “Thank you for the tea.”
“You’re welcome.”
Feeling bold, Segreti bent down and kissed Ezra’s cheek. Color flared through Ezra’s face, and he touched his flushed cheeks.
“Oh dear.”
“What is it?”
“I think perhaps I should make myself some herbal tea. I fear whatever might have ailed you may have taken ahold of me.”
Segreti held back a smile. “Is that so?”
By his bewildered expression, it was clear the poor fellow had no idea. “Do you think it could be catching?”
“One could only hope so.”
Ezra opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. “I don’t understand.”
“You will,” Segreti said with a chuckle. He lifted Ezra’s hand to his lips for a kiss. “Should you need my assistance again for any matter, you have but to ask.” Segreti turned and headed toward the door, but Ezra called out to him.
“Segreti?”
Segreti turned with a smile. “Yes?”
“Perhaps you might join me for tea tomorrow?”
“I’d be honored.” With another bow, he left the cottage, unable to contain his smile.
He accompanied the Soldati back to the castle and down the brightly lit stone corridor, the red and orange hues of the setting sun making the place glow. Soldati Castle was a far cry from his own realm’s fortress. Although vast improvements had been made since Queen Verity had inherited the monstrous palace built into the stone mountain, remnants of Pavoni’s putrid influence remained within its walls. Whereas the Soldati castle had always been filled with light and laughter, the Orso fortress echoed with the horrific screams and cries of those who’d had the misfortune to catch Pavoni’s eye or invoke his wrath. The place was haunted by ghosts of the souls Pavoni had touched.
Shaking those morbid thoughts from his head, he turned his attention back to the brightly colored flowers painstakingly arranged in intricately painted vases, the eye-catching tapestries, and the cheerful conversation of the servants as they went about their duties. Perhaps Khalon would honor him with an extended stay in his kingdom. After thanking the Soldati who’d silently accompanied him to Khalon’s study, he stepped through the doors. He bowed his head toward Khalon, who sat behind his desk, and the Soldati Prince, who sat beside him.
“Rayner,” Segreti greeted his old friend with a nod. Why did Rayner always appear as if he were up to something?
“Thank you again for accepting my invitation and for arriving early, as requested,” Khalon said, drawing Segreti’s attention.
“Think nothing of it. In truth, I’ve always enjoyed visiting the Soldati realm.”
Rayner leaned his hip against Khalon’s desk, his arms folded over his chest and his amber eyes glowing with mischief. “Where have you been hiding yourself all day?”
“I’ve spent the most delightful afternoon with Ezra. He’s wonderful company. Quite the chatty fellow, isn’t he?”
Khalon stared at Segreti. “I beg your pardon?”
“Ezra. He’s a chatty fellow.”
Khalon and Rayner exchanged glances, and the prince broke into laughter.
“What? Is there something on my face?” He instinctively touched his eyepatch. No, it was secured in place.
Khalon peered at him. “Ezra? Are we speaking of the same Ezra?”
Was there more than one? “Pretty fellow with blue eyes, usually followed around by a floating magical orb.”
“Yes, that would be him,” Rayner agreed, his expression puzzled.
“He is actually a talkative guy,” Prince Riley said, and Khalon’s eyebrows shot up. With a soft laugh, the prince patted Khalon’s cheek. “When he’s talking about books. Or Segreti.”
Khalon frowned; then something seemed to dawn on him. “Oh. Oh!” A slow smiled spread across his face. “Well now, isn’t that something.”
Rayner clapped his hands and rubbed them together in glee. “Well, I’ll be damned.”
“What in the name of the Gods above is the matter with all of you?”
“My dear Segreti,” Khalon said, sounding amused, “Ezra is not a chatty fellow. In most circumstances, you’d be lucky to get more than a few words out of him.”
“Really? That hasn’t been my experience. We’ve had a lengthy conversation about books, among other things. He’s quite forward, but I find his approach rather refreshing. No false niceties, even if I do believe him to be a little daft at finding me handsome.”
Rayner gave a hoot. “Oh, this just gets better and better!”
Khalon shook his head at his dearest friend. “Whatever mischief is percolating in that devious little brain of yours, I suggest you bury it.”
“Come now, Khalon. Think of Ezra. How often has such an event occurred?”
Khalon frowned.
“Exactly,” Rayner pointed out enthusiastically. “Never.”
Segreti looked from Rayner to Khalon and back. “What is this about?”
“Rayner’s trying to play matchmaker,” Riley informed him. “Other than his books, Ezra hasn’t shown this much interest in anyone or anything. I think he’s interested in you.”
In him? Heat flooded his neck and face. He spun toward Khalon. “I vow I’ve not laid hands on Ezra. Merely a peck on the cheek.”
Khalon lifted a hand, and Segreti pulled in a deep breath. In his experience, showing interest in someone who belonged to the ki
ng was a deadly mistake. “Calm yourself, Segreti. We have been friends for a very long time. I know you to be an Orso of honor. Should you feel affection for Ezra, and he feel the same, I fully support the match.”
Segreti stared at Khalon. “But… he’s yours.”
Riley whispered in Khalon’s ear, and Khalon’s expression softened as he turned his attention back to Segreti.
“Ezra does not belong to me. He isn’t my property, but my dear friend, my family. He is a trusted member of my council.” His gaze hardened. “Don’t get me wrong. I’ll protect him fiercely should anyone attempt to harm him.” His warm smile took Segreti by surprise. “But he is free to choose his mate, as is everyone else in our realm. What Ezra gives of himself is done so out of choice. His choice.”
Segreti bowed his head, the backs of his eyes stinging. “You are a good and noble king.”
Khalon stood and rounded his desk. He put a hand on Segreti’s shoulder and gently patted his cheek.
“You are free of that nightmare, Segreti. And as I’ve said to you many a time, you’re always welcome in the Soldati realm.” He went back to his desk and resumed his seat. “Now, on to business. I’ve called you here in the hopes we might be able to ease some of my prince’s worries.”
Riley arched an eyebrow at Khalon before moving his gaze back to Segreti. “Khalon thinks I’m overreacting, and although I know that along with overthinking, it’s a talent of mine, this time I have very good reasons for it. Hundreds of guests are about to flood our realm, among them Orso loyal to Pavoni who want revenge. No way are they going to miss out on an opportunity to get to Khalon.”
“Agreed,” Segreti said, thanking Khalon and accepting the offer to sit in the comfortable-looking wingback chair to the side of his desk. “Any threat to the king would surely be seen by his Saugur.”
“So Khalon insists, but these Orso have stayed hidden this long. They’re smart and calculating. They’ve managed to evade my Spidey senses so far.”
Segreti eyed the prince. “Your… spider senses? I’m not sure I follow.”
“It’s a human thing,” Khalon said with an amused smile. “It means his powers. The Orso have managed to keep themselves hidden from Riley’s Saugur powers.”
“Which is annoyingly impressive,” Rayner pitched in.
“But as I’ve told my prince, the moment any of those Orso begin to form a plot that would genuinely pose a threat to the Soldati, he’d know. As that has done little to ease my prince’s mind, I have asked you here in the hopes that you might offer insight to the Orso in attendance, primarily those most loyal to Pavoni. Can you think of any in particular who might attend whose loyalty you question?”
“I can think of several.” A few individuals came to mind. They’d been the most vocal over the Soldati handing the Orso realm over to Queen Verity.
Riley’s expression turned uncertain. “And you’re okay to report them to Khalon?”
“Any Orso still loyal to Pavoni who would come to this realm to plot its demise is a traitor and will be dealt with as such, whether by the Soldati or Queen Verity.” The idea that traitorous Orso would walk the same grounds as Ezra, or plot to do him harm, had Segreti balling his hands into fists. He would find these vile creatures and put an end to their plotting.
For good.
Chapter Three
“Ezra? Are you okay?”
Goddess above! How long had he been standing at the window woolgathering? Ezra smiled warmly at his prince. “Oh, yes, Your Highness. Thank you.”
Riley studied him, his hazel eyes filled with concern. “The herb tent is up. I thought you’d have bought them out by now. Are you not feeling well?”
Ezra huffed as he turned away from the hall window. He’d intended to stop only long enough to glance out at the castle grounds where many of the stalls and tents were being set up, but instead he’d gotten lost in thought. He faced Riley and smiled. His prince was dressed in his royal garb of black and gold, a thin gold crown nestled on his brow. It had taken some time for Riley to grow accustomed to wearing several layers, and even then, he often ended up shedding layers throughout the day. It baffled Khalon to no end.
Finding a compromise, Khalon instructed his tailor to make Riley’s princely attire lighter and less “chokey,” as Riley put it. The heavier fabrics of his shirt, tunic, and cloak were swapped for softer and lighter ones, meaning Riley remained in his royal clothes until the end of whatever event called for his princely wardrobe. Of course, none of that seemed to stop Riley from battling his cloak. He was constantly at war with it. As if reading his thoughts, Riley swatted the offending item away from his shoulder.
“You know, after wearing this thing almost every day, I don’t understand why superheroes would wear one. Yes, it looks badass, but it’s so annoying and impractical. I got it caught in the door the other day and almost strangled myself!” He glared at his shoulder as if he were contemplating the item’s demise before turning his attention back to Ezra. “Sorry. Talk to me. What’s going on? The festival starts in just a few days, and everyone’s outside checking out the goodies.”
“Why are you not outside, Your Highness?”
Riley shrugged. “Had to pee.” He motioned to his clothes. “It’s a whole process now. Anyway, you were saying.”
“It’s rather strange. I felt perfectly sound, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, a flush came on, and heat whooshed from my face down to my toes. What if I caught whatever is ailing Segreti?”
“I don’t understand. Start at the beginning.”
Ezra did as his prince instructed, from when the Eye decided to play games, to when he ran into Segreti, Segreti helping him fetch the orb, then Segreti’s flushed face all the way to when Segreti kissed his cheek and Ezra’s ailment started. Once he’d explained everything to his prince, he lifted his gaze to find Riley staring at him, eyes wide as saucers. His prince bit down on his bottom lip as if he were attempting to hold something back.
“Do you think I’ve contracted whatever the general has?” Ezra asked, unable to help his concern. Soldati weren’t prone to illness or fatigue; the Goddess had made certain of it. Hard to battle demons if stuck in bed with an ailment.
“Possibly,” Riley said, and it struck Ezra that his prince was desperately trying not to smile.
“Your Highness? Why is this amusing?”
“Oh, Ezra. You’re adorable.”
Ezra frowned. Not the response he’d expected. “I don’t understand.” Why was everyone around him so perplexing? Just this morning he’d walked by Rayner and received a ridiculous smile and eyebrow waggle, as if Ezra was somehow supposed to know what that meant. Then again, his friend had always been full of mischief.
Riley leaned against the wall, arms folded over his chest. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course,” Ezra replied. “My prince may ask me anything.”
“Do you think maybe you like General Segreti and that’s why you responded to his kiss?”
Ezra tilted his head in thought. “Well, of course I like Segreti. He’s a very noble warrior, and he helped us defeat Pavoni. Why would I dislike him?”
“No, I don’t mean like him. I mean like him.”
Ezra peered at him. “Are they not the same?” They sounded the same. Was this one of those strange human phrases? Every day Ezra learned something new of the human world from his prince. So many odd phrases.
“Right. I forgot who I was talking to. Let me rephrase that. Do you perhaps feel an emotional connection to Segreti? As you would in… a potential mate?”
Ezra gasped. A mate? “That’s preposterous. Why would I need a mate? And an Orso one at that?” His heart pounded in his ears, and his breath quickened. Goddess above, perhaps he was ill. He’d never experienced such a reaction to the mere mention of a potential mate. Not that Segreti was a potential mate. Oh dear, he suddenly felt quite breathless.
Riley hummed. “Why indeed? Have you never been in a romantic relationship? Or
just found yourself needing to… release some tension?”
Ezra felt his cheeks flush. Blasted hell. That he understood. He shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “It’s rather awkward discussing such matters with you, Your Highness.”
“We’re just a couple of guys having a chat. No big deal.”
“I… well, I’ve always… taken matters into my own hands.”
Riley’s expression softened. “You’re a virgin.”
“I’m not entirely inexperienced,” Ezra explained, though he wasn’t certain why he felt the need to do so. “And it’s not as if I haven’t tried to… um, share those experiences with another Soldati. It’s simply that…”
“What?”
“I am connected to the Soldati Eye. Those who do not fear me, treat me as though I were some fragile mystical trinket to be worshipped at an altar. They’re afraid to even touch me. It’s most vexing.” He’d had enough rejections and awkward encounters to put him off the whole finding a mate nonsense.
“Segreti doesn’t seem afraid to touch you.”
“He’s not a Soldati. His experience with the Eye has been limited to what he’s witnessed or heard stories of. Also, Segreti is known to be quite fearless.” Ezra frowned at the heat in his cheeks. Why did the mere mention of Segreti cause such a fierce reaction in him? It unsettled him.
“Let’s say you wanted to pursue Segreti as a potential mate, you could, because now it’s permitted.”
Khalon had changed their kingdom’s outdated law that would have prevented Ezra from seeking a mate who was not equal to his station. But to have a mate who wasn’t Soldati? Then again, Rayner mated Toka, and his friend had never so much as considered anyone but the foxling.
“Even so, I doubt Segreti would be interested in a mate such as I.”
“Why do you say that?” Riley pushed away from the wall and motioned for Ezra to accompany him.
They walked down the corridor, past elaborate tapestries depicting tigers frolicking among beautiful flowers and greenery. It was quieter indoors today, with the bedchambers already prepared and occupied by royal guests, most of whom were outside enjoying the beauty the Soldati kingdom had to offer. Was Segreti outside on the festival grounds? What might he be doing? Was he thinking of Ezra? Damnation. His thoughts had never been so tumultuous.
The Soldati General (Soldati Hearts Book 3) Page 3