The Celestial King

by L Ward

  The act of mercy was silent but resounded through those who knew of his treason.

  “Now it is time for the final blessings and crowning,” he said.

  Evan rose, trembling and sweating like a rapist. He approached the glass table and lifted the cushion, presenting it to the King with a deep bow. He was ready for this moment, he knew his words and the immense responsibility he held close. “I, Prince Evan Alexander McIntyre, pledge my absolute servitude, honour and obedience to my husband King Nathaniel I, and swear to do the best I can for my King and country. If I should commit any act of treason, then may you strike off my head,” he said and straightened up under Nath’s heartwarming smile. He kissed Nath on the forehead and stood aside.

  The vicar summoned a bowl of blessed water and drew a cross over the spot Evan kissed. His fingers dipped lower to the triangle of exposed chest drawing a circle beside a crescent. They lit up, blazing with ethereal light for a few seconds before fading. He turned to Evan, lifting the crown from the cushion he held and, placing it on his head, he said, “I crown you King Nathaniel I of Enchanted Britain, Northern Ireland and the Fae Colonies.”

  A billion stars filled the room and the galaxy burst in a tornado of magic all over the church again; planets, comets and galaxies swirled their mystifying patterns. The church was no longer the church and the King's power was absolute. His skin glowed with ethereal light. He summoned the universe and it was a phenomenal display.

  Applause erupted. The room was by no means packed but voices bounced off every wall like ping pong balls at maximum velocity.

  Evan took his throne watching Nath raise the orb and scepter, his crown made of gold and thickly encrusted with gemstones. At the center base twisted a Celtic symbol; he’d modified his father’s crown. He wanted to cheer the loudest, to throw his arms around Nath and snog him right there for the world to see, but it seemed the worst possible time to break public conduct..

  It was all a whirlwind. The excitement; the crowning. Nath lay his scepter and orb aside and turned to Evan wearing his beaming weapons of mass erections. He lifted his hand and kissed his knuckles.

  Evan’s insides seized, his heart shot into his throat and an overwhelming wave of happiness struck like a bolt of lightning. His skin glittered golden and began to glow, more than usual, this was—

  “A blessing from the gods!” cried the vicar.

  Gasps resounded but Nath’s face was a bonfire smile.

  For a moment Evan was utterly dazzled, speechless and staring from his radiant skin to Nath, his mind buried deep in confusion. He’d forgotten about the cameras and the portals, the guests and the storms. “What does this mean?” he asked softly.

  “It means the gods have recognised you and are offering you their blessings,” Nath said excitedly. “And by the looks of things you’re gaining some solarmancer abilities.” He sank to his knees, taking both of Evan’s hands. The universal gasp could have swallowed the world. “I declare that Prince Evan, my love, shall be crowned Consort and titled Majesty as soon as the ground thaws,” said Nath, eyes twinkling like a fountain of stars.

  Evan stared in bemusement. His skin was still glowing; his magic made him high and he tingled to his extremities. He would be crowned, the weather had eased enough to deploy the protection for Nath’s, which had been urgent to say the least, and at this rate it’d be a matter of weeks before his own. The responsibility and attention was overwhelming.

  He barely registered leaving the church, or the return to the much fuller palace.

  Court burst into life, humming with energies and tasting sweetly of celebration. Garlands blooming with white roses bound with shiny purple ribbons hung from every wall, the chandelier’s candles alternated the reigning colours, and magic dusted everything in a fine layer of silver.

  “Do you like it?” Evan asked, guarding his uncertainty.

  “It’s wonderful,” said Nath, taking it all in with his blinding smile. His eyes were slightly shadowed; pupils dilated. Evan had offered to hide the signs but Nath refused point-blank. He was done hiding. “I thought you said numbers would be small?”

  Evan laughed, “I did, and we had loads of rejections and non-answers, but it looks like you’ve got more support than we realised.”

  “I have an army, Evan. Small it may be, but we need power, not numbers,” said Nath. “Warlocks are powerful until you isolate them, their magic weakens and it evens the playing field. It’s why they tend to stick with their own kind, they feed on the energies of one another.”

  “You’ve got a plan,” he said, meeting Nath’s gaze.

  Nath flashed a warm smile to a returning lady of the court and swept him aside. “Yes, I’ve come up with a plan,” he said, voice low. “The army are extensively trained but they need to begin preparations. Once you’re crowned we’ll be going on our first mission.”

  Evan turned to stone. “Mission?”

  “I’ll say more when we have privacy, but I meant what I said: I will bring the Dead Country under control,” said Nath, a small smile graced his lips. “You’ve nothing to worry about.”

  “Apart from my own coronation, preparations for it, regular royal duties and this surprise mission.”

  Nath laughed; Evan did too. “You won’t be planning your own coronation, and you’re safer with me than here alone with a handful of servants for protection,” said Nath. “But for now, let’s enjoy the feast and festivities.”

  Chapter 2

  Celebrations were long; the feast magnificent. The kitchen staff had outdone themselves with fountains of chocolate studded with a rainbow of strawberries. Platters landed along the tables bursting with roasted meats, steamed vegetables, buttery potatoes; platters of fried chicken, pizza and tacos landed beside them.

  Evan was drunk and his cheeks hurt from grinning. “I’m so happy this many people showed up,” he said. “Court went from booming at Christmas to desolation. It’s nice to feel the festivities again, and I can't wait to seeing my family at my coronation.”

  “It should be two weeks at a push,” said Nath, sipping his lavender champagne. “Soon you’ll notice your new powers developing.”

  Evan snapped to attention. “Won’t I be able to heal any more?”

  “You won’t lose any power, you’ll gain it,” Nath’s face dimpled and Evan had another intense urge to behave inappropriately in front of the guests.

  Evan forgot about the sweet promise of power, whatever that meant. At first when Nath offered his hand for a dance, he was excited; a little unsteady on his feet, but now he wasn’t regretting it one bit. They danced themselves dizzy under the shower of magic, tasting of sugar and champagne. The palace was alive with music and everyone was happy again, even if at midnight the spell would break and the beloved King would become the public enemy once more.

  “I know how I’d like to finish tonight,” said Nath, draining the last of his flute and placing it on a nearby table.

  “How?” asked Evan.

  Nath leaned over and whispered something that made Evan lightheaded.

  “Are you allowed to just piss off up to bed with me?” said Evan, eyes twinkling and cheeks redder than enchanted apples.

  “It’s late, it’s my coronation, so why not?”

  “I think I’m starting to rub off on you,” Evan smirked.

  Nath’s cheeks went pink and his cheeky smile turned into a kiss.

  ∞∞∞

  The morning after, Evan woke up still drunk; food didn’t sober him up much for his lesson with Sir Wintor. Unsurprisingly, he’d been as militant as ever and didn’t bat an eyelid in the face of events. Evan was truly amazed.

  Fortunately the lesson was cancelled when a spellogram from Nath turned up requesting his immediate audience.

  “You got here quickly,” he said, sinking onto the loveseat curled before the fire.

  “The halls are still empty enough to use the carpets,” said Evan. They were in one of his favourite parlours with windows overlooking the wishin
g tree and a fireplace made of gold. He watched Nath cast a barrier over the door, sealing in their secrets.

  “We’ll be traveling to the Dead Country soon. The reports suggest there’s a council not far from the border; if we take control of that, we can forge a plan to march on the palace,” said Nath.

  “Ride into battle?”

  “Our soldiers are trained with magical and physical combat, we are more than capable of this,” he tilted his head to one side. “I wanted to ask something of you that you might not like.” said Nath, eyes clouding with worry. “Would you be willing to act as doctor if the need should arise?”

  Evan blinked, stunned. “You don’t even have to ask, Nath, of course I’ll help.”

  Nath’s face split in a wide, charming smile. He enveloped Evan in his strong arms bathing him in warmth and reassurance. “I know you’re worried about the mission, and that’s what I’ve asked you here to talk about. After your coronation we’ll prepare to leave, the storms are easing; the skies will clear next week.”

  Evan’s breath caught in his throat and a weird noise escaped. “Is it safe for my family to travel?”

  “They’ll be escorted. I doubt the warlock invaders will prevent all travel when their main concern is infiltrating the palace,” said Nath, “but that isn’t going to happen. We’ll be leaving two days after your coronation.”

  “Can I ask one thing?” said Evan, heart beating audibly.

  Nath’s smile faded and worry drew his brows together. “Yes.”

  “Is there any chance we won’t make it back?” the words tasted acrid like burning rubbish. Six months ago he’d never thought he’d ask that question and mean it.

  Nath hesitated a moment. “It’s not an impossibility, but it’s unlikely. We have a solid army and I won’t make the same mistakes Dad did. Besides, how are we to get so much as a scratch with you around?”

  Evan’s cheeks grew warm, the sweet smell of apple logs drifted from the cosy fire and he found himself burying into an increasingly toned chest. Every morning he watched Nath do his pull-ups and sit-ups, push-ups and planks. Every time he saw a photo of Nath from a year or more ago he was shocked at how thin he was in comparison. He knew it’d started after Will’s attack, and Evan couldn’t blame him. Nath confessed, face red with shame, that he’d felt like he was fighting for his life just to keep his trousers on and he never wanted to feel that vulnerable again. Will had been buff; Nath had not.

  “The plan is to penetrate north of the border and take down their main outpost; once we’ve done that we take the main city council and prepare to walk on the palace. It’s going to be dangerous but entirely possible with faith and teamwork,” said Nath.

  Evan nodded slowly and glanced out the window. The snow was falling in drifts, abating like a fed lion. “How do we enter the Dead Country? We’re not citizens and the barriers will recognise that.”

  “They’re weakened and I’m the key,” said Nath, dimples on full display.

  Evan laughed in confusion. “What?”

  “I can bypass the boundaries because I’m a monster. It won’t be able to tell the difference. As long as everyone passes with me there won’t be a problem,” for the first time Nath talked about his lycanthropy with a twinkle in his eye.

  Evan couldn’t control his smile. “How are we traveling?”

  “Horseback. You’ll ride with me, it’s the safest way,” said Nath.

  Evan nodded. He’d expected as much.

  A pleasant silence descended; Nath stroked his fingers through Evan’s caramel hair and they listened to the crackling fire. It was beautiful, peaceful; he wanted to savour every moment.

  After a time Nath asked, “are your powers coming in yet?”

  Evan gazed at him thoughtfully. “I’m sure my hair was sparkling this morning, but I don’t know if it was because I was still a bit pissed. And hot flushes, really hot, like menopausal inferno hot,” he said.

  Nath laughed.

  “I don’t know if it’s my powers or because I’ve not lost any of my Christmas weight,” Evan continued listening to the cavernous droplets of Nath’s dimples.

  “It’ll be your powers. Hot flushes are common if you’re harnessing sunlight. This might be a silly to say to a doctor, but drink extra water,” said Nath, “and you don’t need to lose any weight, I love your size.”

  “Sir Wintor said it’s rare for a lunarmancer and a solarmancer to reign together, usually the consort mimics the sovereign,” he trailed his fingers through the soft, fine hairs on Nath’s belly.

  “It is. The gods truly blessed you, and sunlight goes better with your healing,” he replied. “There are many different names for Solaris and Lunara. Some alternate the pronunciation of them; others just call them the gods of constance and balance.”

  “I felt them in the church when they blessed me. It was like in that moment I knew everything would be okay. I felt weirdly at peace and powerful,” said Evan.

  “Wait until you’re crowned,” Nath smiled.

  A knock at the door snapped both of their attentions.

  “Your Majesty?” It was Gerard.

  Nath sighed and said, “come in.”

  The door opened and Gerard stepped in looking rumpled and tired. Evan felt a pang for everyone now working on preparations for his coronation, including Nath. He glanced at Evan as he shut the door.

  “Apologies for interrupting, I didn’t know you were entertaining.”

  “We’re discussing the mission,” said Nath, flashing a smile. “Evan will be our doctor.”

  Gerard’s eyes widened. “You’re bringing your consort?”

  “Of course,” said Nath, brows furrowed. “He’s invaluable to me, and for the mission.”

  “There’s no time to train him,” Gerard said pointedly.

  “He’s the best qualified doctor on the face of this earth,” Nath replied, taking a sip of water. Tension sparked in tiny blue fragments but Gerard let it go knowing, unlike his son, when to concede. “Besides, I will have my consort with me where I know he’s safe,” Nath added, meeting Gerard’s dark gaze.

  “Very well,” said Gerard stiffly. “Intelligence have picked up a large pack of werewolves gathering in the southern region of the Dead Country. They’re planning an attack for the full moon,” he continued, sinking into an armchair and pouring himself a shot of vodka.

  Nath sighed as though the weight of the world was on his shoulders. “The best we can do with so little notice is address the nation in warning. Could you organise a signal portal and I’ll do what I can to help the people,” he said.

  Evan knew that look: shame.

  “As you wish. I have one request,” said Gerard.

  “Okay,” said Nath.

  “Will’s asking to join us on the mission. History aside, he’s a good pyromancer and he’s trained,” Gerard said, brows drawn together. “This would be good for him and maybe he’ll finally learn some responsibility.”

  Evan’s stomach was a soggy pretzel. He knew Gerard was talking about his sister but it wasn’t as sweet as it sounded, he just didn’t want Will repeating the same mistake again.

  Nath sighed, running his fingers through his platinum hair. “Does he understand his role?”

  Gerard looked away a moment, pupils glittering. “He’s dealing with his heartbreak by working, and I’ve never seen him work harder.”

  Evan stared down at his lap. Through all the resentment, the stress, the downright anger, on a strange level he wanted to feel sorry for Will and the colossal fuck-ups that got him to this point, but karma was making Will her bitch and he deserved it.

  “If he’s fit for travel and remembers his place, then I grant him permission. If he causes any trouble he’ll be sent back to the palace in disgrace,” said Nath, eyes flashing with warning.

  “He swore loyalty to you, Your Majesty. He’ll be a good pair of hands for the mission,” Gerard continued. “I’m hoping a bit of honest work outside the palace will help him get his act to
gether.”

  “Better late than never,” said Nath.

  Gerard looked like he wanted to say something but didn’t. His cheeks sucked in and he bowed low. “Before I go I’ve got an update, the coronation is expected to happen on Monday. The storms will be weak enough to travel through this weekend.”

  Evan looked up, mouth hanging. “My family are coming, aren’t they?”

  “Yes, and Freya has also been invited,” said Gerard, catching Nath’s eye.

  Freya: the daughter of Miriam from before she met Elijah. She’d been tricked by a servant and assaulted resulting in a bastard daughter and her disgrace. She was of no blood to the throne, and therefore chose to run an estate and stud farm near Kent. Evan had been vaguely introduced to her when he was off his face at the wedding but hardly remembered her, she’d been whisked away right after to stop the nobility talking of the Queen’s shame. It pissed him off.

  “Good,” Nath flashed a smile.

  When Gerard was gone, Evan’s anxieties stampeded all over him, heat burned up his back and he started sweating profusely. A deep, would-be, ache penetrated his organs and he groaned, clutching his stomach. Ever since the Mass his powers had grown stronger, he could heal things in mere moments and his magic flowed faster than ever before, but sometimes it felt overwhelming and this was the worst he’d felt. The added solar power didn’t help.

  “Use your new powers, Evan,” Nath said softly, laying him back on the sofa and clutching his hand.

  Evan shook his head. His healing rose and numbed the pain but the burning sweat wouldn’t stop. It felt like something stiff was trying to burst out of him, and not in the good way. His breath came in pants and his temperature was climbing.

  “Use them or you’ll become delirious and pass out,” Nath urged.

  Evan’s world was a pink-tinged inferno. If he wasn’t a healer he’d be crying with pain right now. He cupped his shaking hand and pushed with all of his might. Immediately the pressure on his spine decreased and his temperature stopped climbing. A ball of golden sunlight lay in his right palm; his magic shot to his shoulder blocking the burn before it began.