Yet in the end, it meant leaving everything with Aputi behind. Siku had no choice in his spouse, only in his lovers. Without a care to his wishes, Siku’s hand had already been given to the Duke Qinu. A brave and honorable man, but he was nothing like Aputi, and would never come close in Siku’s mind.
Certainly, by their own laws, Siku could take Aputi as a lover on the side, many rulers had done so in the past. It was one way to keep the bloodline strong without risking inbreeding, while also giving royalty a much-needed outlet their spouses could not or would not always provide. Not all marriages were happy ones, but people had their needs, and it was better to condone the practice.
Yet, Siku would never dream of asking it of Aputi. It wouldn’t matter if he could keep Aputi at his side, even going so far as to move the man’s mother into the castle. In the end, Aputi would never be anything but a piece of Siku’s property, essentially a slave meant for sex and affection. It was the exact sort of thing which had revolted him with Nulak, and Siku would never bind Aputi in such a way. The worst part was that he thought Aputi might just agree to it if asked.
Aputi appeared at his side. “Is there something about an ice diamond that’s fascinating?”
Siku shook himself with a little laugh. “I apologize, I became lost in my own thoughts again.”
Aputi bent, kissing Siku’s temple. “Anything you care to share?”
“The mental ramblings of a fool who doesn’t know when to quit, little more. I can promise you, there are far more interesting things to talk about than whatever idle chit chat is going on in my head,” Siku said.
Aputi caught Siku by the waist, this time kissing him full on the mouth. Siku melted into the kiss, bowing forward so that his body pressed against Aputi’s. His anxious thoughts melted away as he breathed deep, taking the wild scent he’d come to associate with Aputi deep into his lungs.
Siku chuckled, nuzzling his forehead against Aputi. “This is wonderful, thank you for this. I’ve always had such a soft spot for art, ever since I was a boy. I remember the first time I was shown a sculpture; it took up the entire table it was placed on for display. It showed a pack of children playing in the snow, flinging snowballs at one another. It was littered with carefully maintained snow, even in the snowballs. My mother told me the artist came from this very city and I was absolutely amazed, it was the first time I had seen anything from the world outside the castle walls.”
“Was that your first time seeing something like that?”
Siku nodded. “I’d heard much about the outside world, but it was the first thing that I could point at as evidence of a world outside of the grand walls of my home.”
There’d been many more pieces brought in by highly regarded artists from all over the land. Each time they arrived, Siku had been quick to see them, eager to gobble up just one more piece of the larger world. Looking at them, he could have sworn there were glimpses, pieces of a world he would never see, just enough for him to hold tight to his fantasies of something other than a world of tutors, rules, court, and the demands of his position.
He would have never imagined that the place he dreamt so long about was filled with people like Aputi. Never would he have thought there would be a place of unrefined, but ultimately commendable people. Nor would he have believed he would find someone who would spark the emotion that so many romantic ballads sung of.
“My father loved art,” Aputi said.
Siku smiled at that. “Truly?”
Aputi nodded. “He was this…huge man, bigger than I am now. He worked hard down at the docks, sometimes doing other hard labor jobs. Every night he would come home absolutely exhausted, but he did it for us. Yet, anytime there was an art show somewhere near us, he would always scrape together the money to take my mother and me, and then eventually, just me.”
“Your mother isn’t a fan?”
Aputi chuckled. “No, she never was, she’s very practical. But my father, this man who lived and worked in such a hard, dirty world, loved to look at the delicate pieces of carved ice. One time, there was a small exhibit of paintings on canvas, only half a dozen pieces but oh, did he linger around those for hours. He told me once that my mother and I were the balm to his heart, but art was the balm to his spirit. I never did understand what he meant, but I understood he loved my mother and me dearly, and art was special to him.”
Siku ran his finger along the edge of the nearest pedestal. “I believe I know what he meant.”
“Yeah, in a way, I sort of do now too. Except, the art doesn’t make me feel better because it’s pretty, although it is. I can see the care and skill it takes to make something like this, and I can appreciate it. But it’s really the memory of the happy smile on my father’s face as he looked at this sort of thing that helps me.”
Siku twined his fingers with Aputi’s, squeezing. “I think he’d be happy to know you carry a piece of his love for something. Especially as it’s in his memory.”
Aputi shrugged. “It’s not true appreciation.”
“I was able to speak to one of the artists who came to the castle with his collection. He told me that as much as he loves bringing something out of the realm of thought, and into reality, it was the people who saw his pieces he adored the most. It was why he insisted on going everywhere with his collection, rather than sitting from afar and hearing about it afterward. This man would stroll among the crowds, listening to what they said and watching them closely. He later told me that watching people’s faces was what kept him going, seeing what pieces of their heart and soul were drawn out by his art.”
After hearing the man’s description, Siku had been tempted to ask what he had seen in his own face. He held back, however, content to listen to the artist’s explanation. Well, and part of him had been afraid of the glimpse the artist might have had into his own soul.
“I believe many artists look at their own work with the same regard. If their art makes someone feel something, especially something happy, then their work is done. For me, art is a way for an artist to express themselves, but it’s also so the viewer can touch a piece of magic made real,” Siku said, eyeing the pieces as they walked.
Aputi hooked an arm around Siku’s waist as they neared the exit. “I’m not sure if I can see all that, but I have to admit, your way of looking at it is a hell of a lot better than mine.”
Siku chuckled. “The world needs its pragmatists, just as it needs its dreamers.”
“Speaking of, in practical terms, I think it’s time to feed ourselves,” Aputi said.
“For the record, that was an awful segue into telling me you were hungry,” Siku told him with a light laugh.
“Why don’t we stop back at home, and we can see about getting us some food then.”
Siku shook his head. “We wouldn’t want to have to deal with you when you haven’t had food.”
“C’mon, I’ll even get you something special.”
“Are you back already Aputi?” Ainu’s voice called from somewhere in the house.
“Yeah Mom, I brought Siku back too,” Aputi called as he helped Siku out of his coat.
“Hello Siku, come in and make yourself comfortable. If you’re both looking for lunch, it won’t be ready for another hour or two, I wasn’t expecting you back.”
Siku chuckled. “So much for your plan.”
Aputi sighed. “Mom, would you mind keeping Siku company while I go out and get something for us all?”
Siku looked up, startled. “What?”
“You were the one who said you were charmed by her. Plus, it gives me the chance to get you that surprise I was talking about,” Aputi said.
Ainu appeared in the hallway, holding a steaming cup. “Is this your attempt to have someone watch over him, or me?”
“This is my chance to spoil you both with some good food,” Aputi said.
Ainu shook her head. “Come on in Siku, I just made some tea.”
Smiling weakly, and nudged along by Aputi, Siku followed after her as
she strolled down the narrow hallway.
“He never could sit still for long, always moving,” Ainu said as she led him into the sitting room.
Siku smiled. “A fair bit of an understatement, considering he’s only been here a few minutes.”
Ainu eased herself into a plush chair. “He’s also never been one to tolerate an empty stomach for too long. Honestly, I thought he might outgrow his voracious eating, but he never did. I suppose it comes with being a shifter.”
“Are you not?” Siku asked.
Ainu shook her head, pouring another cup and handing it to him. “I come from a family of shifters, but the blood never passed to me. Enough of it I suppose, that when I had Aputi with Niku, he came out a shifter. Oh, my boys, how they could eat sometimes.”
Siku smiled at what he figured was the name of Aputi’s father. It pleased him that it sounded remarkably similar to his name.
“He speaks of his father with a great deal of respect and love,” Siku told her.
“Niku was a good man, a superb husband, and even better father. He doted on Aputi, and did his absolute best to raise him right. To no one’s surprise, Aputi idolized him. He would never admit it of course, but Niku was his favorite parent.”
“I imagine no child would want to admit such a thing.”
Ainu smiled softly. “I don’t mind, didn’t even when Niku was with us. People cannot help how their heart feels, and Aputi loves me no matter what. In truth, it warmed me to see the two of them together, with Aputi looking so much like his father, even then.”
“I would have liked to have met him.”
Ainu laughed. “No doubt Niku would have referred to you as a ‘pretty boy’ and teased you. The man had a wicked wit when he wanted, and knew how to keep me on my toes, which I adored about him. More so, he would have been thrilled to see you with my son.”
Siku reddened. “I wouldn’t be so bold as to presume my place in anything.”
“Modesty doesn’t work here, it’s better to be honest. For one, I haven’t seen Aputi bring someone around here since he was younger. And he’s never had someone stay overnight with him. If he isn’t falling for you, he soon will be, but I’ll bet he’s already there.”
Siku stared down at his cup, the taste of it going bitter in his mouth. Aputi had said nothing when Siku admitted his feelings, and now Siku was beginning to understand why. To admit his feelings, especially after Siku had finally come to reveal his true identity, would have only courted disaster. Shared feelings led to a deeper bond, and perhaps with it, they both would have craved more than what they had with one another. That ‘more’ would have been impossible, not without drastically altering the course of their lives.
“Did I say something to upset you?” Ainu asked.
Siku’s head snapped up, and he shook it. “No, apologies, I was lost in my own thoughts.”
“And here I was beginning to think you were saddened because you’ve eased your way into my son’s heart. No simple or easy feat.”
“In truth, I would be honored to be that person,” Siku admitted quietly.
A sharp series of knocks on the front door interrupted whatever Ainu was preparing to say. With a frown, she set her cup aside and stood up. Another quick set of knocks echoed through the hall, impatient and demanding.
“I see someone is feeling a little impatient,” Ainu said as she disappeared around the corner.
Siku listened intently as the door opened and a gruff voice began speaking. A moment later, heavy, booted feet stomped their way down the hall. Siku was on his feet as several royal guards, in their resplendent, silver trimmed armor, burst into the room.
“Your Highness, I am Knight-Captain Rinan, we’re here to take you back to the castle,” the lead man said.
Siku’s heart plummeted. “Knight-Captain.”
Ainu squeezed her way through the group, her face shadowed with annoyance. “Excuse me, but this is my house, let me pass.”
The Knight-Captain turned to her, digging in a pouch at his hip and producing another small bag. To Siku’s horror, the jangling bag was placed in Ainu’s hand, who stared down blankly at it.
“And this is?” Ainu asked.
“I assume the man who led us here lives here, and this is the reward for the knowledge to Prince Siku’s whereabouts. We thank you for your service to the crown in both retrieving him, and in ensuring his safety.”
Siku stared at it, his voice weak. “Aputi?”
Ainu’s head snapped up, staring at Siku in shock. “So it’s true? You…”
Siku closed his eyes, nodding. “I’m sorry Ainu, I never wanted to deceive you. I just wanted to be free, if only for a short while.”
Ainu stared for a moment longer, her eyes darting over Siku’s face. Her hand clenched around the bag in a strong grip. Slowly she shook her head, her mouth tightening into a thin line.
Siku smiled sadly. “I suppose I should have known there would be a reward for information on me.”
It broke his heart to think Aputi would have sold that information, but Siku understood. Their time together was destined to end, and if Aputi could get hold of a substantial sum to help care for his mother, how could Siku blame him?
Ainu stepped toward him. “Siku…”
The Knight-Captain shoved an arm toward her, hitting her chest and stopping her. “Mind your manners, this is the crown prince, and you will show due respect, kneel.”
Siku ground his teeth, stepping forward to smack the Knight-Captain’s arm away with a glower. “Mind your own manners Knight-Captain. Or am I to understand that it’s proper to go around roughly handling ill women?”
“I’m okay…Your Highness,” Ainu whispered.
Reaching out, he steadied Ainu, then took her free hand in his. “Tell Aputi, when he finally comes back, that I understand. Tell him I forgive him, and that I will always hold the memory of our time together near to my heart.”
Ainu shook her head, bottom lip trembling slightly. “He would not do this Siku, not my son.”
Siku bowed forward, kissing her cheek. “Thank you Ainu, you and your son have been everything I could have ever wanted in my time here. When a messenger bearing the royal sigil comes, please, accept what they bring.”
Ainu’s lips parted, but only a soft breath escaped her as she continued to clutch the bag. Siku couldn’t blame her, it was a lot to take in all at once. The man she’d had in her home had turned out to be the runaway prince, and it seemed her son had been the one to out Siku.
Taking a deep breath, Siku slowly took his fingers from Ainu and turned to the assembled guards. All of them, particularly the Knight-Captain, were watching him intently, if a little warily.
“Your Highness, you will need this back,” Rinan said, holding something out.
Siku took it, his chest squeezing so hard he couldn’t draw breath. It was the royal ring threaded through his necklace, bearing the royal sigil on its surface. The same one Siku had been unable to find after they’d dressed that morning. It was perhaps the one thing which would have convinced the royal guards someone knew of Siku’s location. Eyes stinging, Siku placed the necklace around his neck.
Siku motioned toward them. “Knight-Captain, you may do your duty now.”
Silently, they parted to allow Siku to walk in formation with them, protected by their bodies. With a heavy heart, he allowed them to lead him from the house and out into the streets. Siku barely noticed the crowds of people stop to stare, gossiping as they tried to figure out what was happening.
Throughout the whole trip, Siku never stopped searching for the face which he knew would forever be etched in his heart.
Aputi
Whistling to himself, Aputi shifted the bag of food higher up his arm. The smell of the smoked fish wafted up, making his stomach rumble. Below the packaged fish were a few tarts, made from an exotic fruit known as a peach which grew in the warmer climate to the south. Aputi wasn’t sure if Siku had ever had something like it before, but even stil
l, he’d imagined it would be a good treat.
Passing beneath one of the many bridges in the city, his attention was brought up at the sound of heaving clanking. He recognized the sound of metal armor, catching a glimpse of a small group of soldiers passing over the bridge. Aputi only saw the outer two in the formation, but he recognized the armor, with its regal coat of arms on the shoulders, and the silver lining around each piece.
His stomach tightened at the reminder that his time with Siku was limited. The royal guards were bound to be getting desperate, with their prince having been missing for days. Sooner or later, they would have to escalate their search.
His darkening mood was worsened as he hurried back, spotting Pukak only a few houses down from his home. The man’s normal greasy smile was replaced by a sour expression, which grew positively angry when he spotted Aputi.
Aputi grunted. “What can I do for you Pukak?”
“You have something that is rightfully mine.”
Aputi stared, glancing down at the bags under his arm. “What, this?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“If this is about the bag I snagged off you, then fair’s fair. You stole it through your stupid little trick, I stole it back with another trick. We’ve been over this, I’m not giving you Siku’s things.”
Pukak pushed away from the wall, advancing slowly on Aputi. The angry twist of his mouth didn’t bother Aputi nearly as much as the satisfied glint in his eyes. Pukak had done something, and he was just waiting to see the results. It was a look Aputi had seen more than once, and he didn’t like it directed his way.
“I don’t think you’ll need to worry about that bag anymore. You do have something that should have been given to me, but it appears that even royal guards are utter fools. ‘Need further proof before giving the reward’ they said,” Pukak spat.
A chill ran up Aputi’s spine. “What did you do?”
Pukak jabbed a finger at him. “Give me that reward, or no amount of mercenary thieves and thugs will stop me from getting in your house, and I might just give your mother a gift for all the trouble.”
Claiming the ice Prince Page 11
