by Pelaam
Although it shook, Midnight reached out his hand and laid it against Tresilian’s cheek.
“You’re far from plain. In any way.”
Still gazing into Midnight’s eyes, Tresilian covered Midnight’s hand with his own, then turned his head enough to be able to kiss the palm.
“I won’t rush this, Midnight,” he whispered. “You’ve been through a lot, and I want to be sure of your affection. Your actions suggest to me that you’ve had, shall we say, little experience in romance.”
Midnight nodded. There was no point in telling a lie.
“I am…inexperienced. But this isn’t born of…of a misplaced sense of gratitude. I felt a pull toward you from the moment you boarded our ship. However, I would be grateful if we can take things slowly. These feelings are all very new to me, and being here, in this place, leaves me feeling vulnerable and unnerved.”
“We’ll move at whatever speed suits you. But may I have a kiss? To seal the deal?”
“Yes.” Midnight slid his hand around to the nape of Tresilian’s neck and left it there as their lips met. This time he pressed his mouth firmly against Tresilian’s, arching up, new and pleasurable sensations rippling through his whole body. When Tresilian eased back, Midnight tried to follow, a soft whimper of denial breaking free.
“Not too much, not too soon.” Tresilian laid his finger briefly against Midnight’s lips. “Now, I hate to insist, but you must eat. Even if it’s only to get you out of here and into a room of your own.”
“No. Not alone. Please? May I share a room with you?” The idea of being on his own was more than Midnight could bear. He only hoped Tresilian didn’t think any less of him, and relief washed over him as Tresilian smiled.
“Of course. If that’s what you wish once you’re told we can get out of here. Now, eat.” Tresilian’s voice lowered in timbre and the deep, reverberating quality made Midnight shiver with an unknown delight.
“Very well.” To his surprise, the fish stock wasn’t as unpalatable as it had sounded. And, even better, it didn’t disagree with him, although when some full fish were brought in for Tresilian a few minutes later, Midnight couldn’t stomach the notion of eating one.
“I was never a fan of fish.” Midnight sighed. “Now it’s all I’m able to eat.”
“Never mind. Once you’re well enough to get around, we can return to the ship, and make sure she’s able to fly once more. Then we need to know what Voltaire’s found out about the weapon that was meant to be here.”
“I’d almost forgotten about that.” Midnight looked up at Tresilian. “These people don’t seem the type to have some kind of superweapon that could bring the world to its knees. I mean, they’re trapped down here, and clearly have been for a long time. Maybe the weapon doesn’t exist.”
“If it was anyone other than Voltaire Crevin telling me it was here, I’d be inclined to agree.” Tresilian sighed. “But he’s usually right. And since Ferdinand Ashdown is also involved, well, I may not like the man, but he’s no fool either. We’re not looking for a modern weapon, but an ancient one capable of destruction the likes of Biblical proportions.”
“Oh. I didn’t realise. Maybe it was destroyed and that’s what caused Atlantis to sink.”
“Maybe. But there’s one thing I can be sure of, and that’s wherever he is; Voltaire will be trying to ferret out the truth.” Tresilian frowned as he looked down at Midnight. “Do you want to rest? You look tired.”
“I am tired.” Even as he spoke, Midnight yawned. “Sorry. Will you stay here?”
“Of course. I’ll be here when you wake. I promise.” Tresilian leaned down and feathered a kiss against Midnight’s lips.
“Good.” The sentiment was heartfelt as Midnight settled back and closed his eyes. “I can’t wait to get back aboard the Freedom and get out of here.” Midnight closed his eyes, imagining long walks, or punting on the river with Tresilian.
Chapter 13
When Midnight next awoke, Tresilian was still with him, but asleep himself. Midnight took a moment to study the man’s face. His whiskers were getting bushy, and now, looking so closely at him, Midnight detected a few small scars.
But the imperfections only added to Tresilian’s masculine attractiveness. Midnight smiled, a warm feeling enveloping him as he looked down to where his hand was clasped in Tresilian’s. Even asleep he’s taking care of me.
“Ah, good, you’re awake.” Merit-Ptah’s voice cut into Midnight’s study of Tresilian. He’d been so engrossed; he hadn’t noticed the physician approaching.
Midnight’s surprised reaction to Merit-Ptah sudden appearance communicated itself to Tresilian, who surged to his feet, fists at the ready, until he saw who was there.
“I didn’t mean to startle you, Tresilian-Hawke.” Merit-Ptah held up their hands, stopping where they stood.
“My apologies.” Tresilian ran a hand through his hair. “I haven’t been sleeping very well.”
“That is hardly surprising since you’ve spent as much time here as Midnight-Pendragon.” Merit-Ptah locked their pale-eyed gaze onto Midnight who tried not to shudder. “However, I have good news for you both. Since there has been no adverse reaction to eating, and you’ve remained fever free, I’m happy to allow you to move to a room of your own.” Their gaze moved from Midnight to Tresilian. “Unless, of course, you have other requirements?”
“I think I’d prefer that Midnight have a bed in my room.” Tresilian stood tall as if ready to do battle. “That way if he does have a relapse, there’s someone with him. After all, we aren’t going to be here long, now that he’s recovering.”
“As you wish.” Merit-Ptah gave a small bow. “I shall ensure the Nisut-bity and Princeps are informed of Midnight-Pendragon’s progress and of your…most generous offer. As to leaving here,” they shrugged bony shoulders. “Terms such as sooner or later mean little to us.”
Midnight waited for them to leave, then sat up fully.
“I get a bad feeling about leaving.” He shook his head as Tresilian sat back down. “I can’t put my finger on it. Like…like they were hiding something.”
“Once we get the Freedom running, there’ll be nothing to keep us here.” Voltaire leaned back with a growl of disgust. “Except that blasted weapon. I’ll have to speak to Voltaire. Perhaps I can get him to come to our room.”
The notion of Tresilian terming it their room made Midnight’s heart skip a beat. Even so, a mind-swirling mix of relief and apprehension warred in him. As much as he didn’t want to be alone in this strange undersea city, sharing quarters with Tresilian, even given their intention to court, seemed to be skirting the edge of scandalous.
“I’d like to see my sister. And…and I have to let her know we’ll be sharing a room.”
“Midnight, if you don’t want anyone to know about…well, us, then I’ll understand.” Although Tresilian had kept his voice soft, and his words gentle, Midnight didn’t miss the flash of pain in the blue eyes.
He thinks I’m ashamed of us. The realisation made Midnight’s heart constrict and he shook his head quickly.
“No, you don’t understand. I want her to know that we’re courting, and that it’s at my insistence we’re sharing a room. I don’t want her to find out any other way. We’ve never kept secrets and I’m not ashamed of you. Or us.”
“Are you certain? I’m not to everyone’s taste. Especially as a suitor.” Tresilian smiled, his eyes warming with a different emotion.
“Quite certain.” Midnight nodded firmly. “I have my own faults, as I’m sure you’ll discover. But deceit isn’t one of them. I don’t want our relationship to be something hidden and furtive.”
“I give you my word, I will not hide it from those I’m comfortable around. However, as far as anyone else is concerned, such as these people,” Tresilian waved his hand vaguely. “Then I think they should know only that I feel protective toward you, and that you are leaning on me as you would any friend.”
“Yes, I agree.” Midnight no
dded. That Tresilian didn’t trust the Atlanteans either helped settle Midnight regarding his own misgivings about the strange undersea people. “Well, all we have to do now is wait for Merit-Ptah to redress my leg and we can go.”
All Midnight wanted was to get as far away from the hospital room, or whatever it was called, and somewhere he felt less under the eye of the seemingly ever-vigilant Atlantean physician.
Chapter 14
While he reminded stuck in bed, as far as Midnight was concerned, time had slowed to a stop. There had been no visitations by the Atlantean doctor, and there was nothing he could do except wait with an ever-growing impatience.
Since he could do little else, Midnight devoted his time to thinking. As a consequence of which, he decided that if he and Tresilian were to develop their relationship further, he needed to take a less passive role. The first step in that direction, is to learn a little more about my new suitor. Midnight coughed discreetly.
“When did you and Voltaire meet?” he asked.
“Well, it was at university, actually.” Tresilian smiled as Midnight stared at him. “I don’t look the type, do I? But I had a generous grandmother who ensured there was money for my education, and I played an excellent game of rugby as well as a decent game of cricket. The skill with sports helped as I was in demand for the university teams. Voltaire’s family were very well to do, and like me, he was an excellent sportsman.”
“I didn’t do well in sports, except for running and agility, but there wasn’t much call for either of those. I did passably well in the classroom. Just. My forte was, well, it got dubbed tinkering.”
“Did you build the ship?” Tresilian asked and Midnight laughed.
“Oh, no. Well, kind of.” Midnight sighed. “I drew the plans, but Aurora and I designed it between us. I helped build the engines, though, and built my own automatons to stoke the furnaces.”
“Admirable talents indeed. Voltaire helped me where necessary with classwork. But I passed the exams without cheating. Unlike some.”
“Really? That must have been a terrible scandal.”
“Oh, it would have been. But only if it had been made public. It wasn’t. Therefore, the university’s reputation remained intact and the miscreant was expelled from its hallowed halls. All for jealousy.” Tresilian shook his head.
“Jealous? But who—?” Before he could finish his question, Merit-Ptah came toward them.
“I shall replace the dressing on your leg, then you may go to your room. One of my assistants will escort you. They will then go to your sister and let her know where you are. I’m certain she will be pleased to see you again.”
“Yes. I’m eager to see her, too.” Midnight nodded, his spirits lifting.
For the next couple of minutes, Midnight waited as the new dressing was applied. Whatever they’re using stings this time. Perhaps it’s because they won’t be seeing me quite so often and is using more of it.
“There should only be need once a day to redress it. You must come here. Come after breakfast. The gong tolls twice when it’s time to retire and three times when time to rise. If you’re interested in the passing of time, individual sounds toll the hours. Other than that, you may walk on your leg as normal, although it is likely to take some time to feel fully better.”
“Yes, thank you.” Midnight was almost ready to run for the door; except I’m not getting out of bed naked while they’re still here.
For a moment Midnight thought the physician was going to stay in the room, then Tresilian picked up the tunic that had been brought in for Midnight to wear.
“I’m sure this outfit will look a lot better on you than it does on me. If you’ll excuse us, Merit-Ptah, I’ll help Midnight to dress and then your servant can escort us to our room. I’m sure you’ll be glad to see your healing rooms empty once more.”
“Of course. No physician wishes to keep any other than the truly sick in their healing rooms. I shall see you tomorrow, Midnight-Pendragon. Tresilian-Hawke.” With a nod at Tresilian, Merit-Ptah turned and left without a backward glance.
“Right, let’s get you in this and out of here.” Tresilian laid the tunic down, then turned his back, forming a human barrier as Midnight got out of bed and slid the garment over his head.
“It makes me look like a skinny sack of potatoes, but so long as it gets me out, I don’t care.” Midnight tugged at the material, but nothing was going to make it look or fit any better.
“I’ll do the sandals. Save you struggling.” Tresilian knelt, fastened the basic footwear, then stood, his hand outstretched. “Take it easy, don’t rush, and lean on me if you need to. Don’t forget, it’s been a long time since you moved normally.”
When Midnight stood, he experienced a momentary dizziness, then he was eager to get going. However, by the time they reached their room, he was leaning heavily on Tresilian, caused by a mix of exhaustion and a persistent aching in his injured leg.
“Sorry,” he panted as Tresilian helped him to the bed. Midnight gently rubbed the offending limb. “I had no idea it would be so uncomfortable.”
“You mean painful.” Tresilian looked down at him, his expression was stern, but Midnight heard the concern in his voice.
“Well, yes. That, too.” Midnight sighed. “I hoped to feel better than this.”
“Impatience. Is that one of the faults you warned me of?” Tresilian’s teasing tone made Midnight laugh and he nodded.
“Yes. That and stubbornness. I’m sure Aurora will warn you of that one. And others.”
“Then I look forward to being able to tick them off, one by one, like this.” Tresilian slid a finger under Midnight’s chin to tilt his head a little higher and kissed him softly. “Impatience.”
“I think I may like having faults if that will be my reward.” Midnight stroked Tresilian’s cheek, frowning slightly, then touching his own cheek.
“You prefer clean shaven?” Tresilian asked.
“Well, certainly for me. Any facial hair I get feels scratchy and looks more like fluff.” Midnight pouted. “I like your sideburns. They’re very distinguished. As to the rest,” he fingered his lips.
“Far too coarse. Just like me.” Tresilian laughed. Then he held up his hand as Midnight went to protest. “I’m being honest. I’m no gentlemen. Not like Voltaire and certainly not like you. But Voltaire said he knew a good man when he saw one and didn’t care about my background. He and I have been friends for a long time. I’d trust him with my life. You know you can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear. But I promise you this.” Tresilian went down on one knee in front of Midnight. “I may not be a gentleman, but with you, I shall always strive to be a gentle man.”
“I trust you.” Midnight framed the craggy face in his hands and instigated his own kiss, his stomach fluttering as he did.
“Midnight? Midnight, are you in there?” A loud banging on the door accompanied Aurora’s voice and Midnight jumped at the loud noise.
“I think my sister may be here. Sorry.” He gave a wry smile. “I hope you’re ready for this.”
“I think I can deal with an over-protective sister. If not, I’ll hide behind you.” Tresilian winked and Midnight snickered as Tresilian strode over to the door, opening it so that he was hidden as Aurora barrelled inside.
“Midnight. Oh, thank the Lord.”
With barely time enough to ease to his feet, Midnight was enveloped in a rib-crushing hug by Aurora, but he didn’t care. He returned it with equal fervour, soaking up her sisterly care and affection.
“Good to see you again, Tresilian. Where’s your room? Perhaps we should leave the siblings to reconnect and go to your room, or mine.”
At the sound of Voltaire’s voice, Midnight gently extricated himself free of Aurora’s grasp.
“Actually, Tresilian and I are sharing this room.” Midnight gazed unflinchingly into Aurora’s eyes. “It was my choice. And not just because I remain a little frail from my encounter with the sea beast.”
“I see.�
�� Voltaire nodded, looking across the room at Midnight, then back to Tresilian. “Jolly good, then. Well, if you and your sister would like some privacy, Tresilian and I—”
“Is that it?” Aurora glowered at Voltaire. “Oh, you’re impossible.” She turned her glare onto Tresilian. “If you think you can take advantage of my brother—”
“Aurora.” Midnight grasped her wrist but had to sit as a sharp pain seared along his calf.
“Midnight, is your leg bothering you? You’re trying to do too much.” Tresilian was at his side in a few strides, the attention as much embarrassing for Midnight as it was desired.
“It does hurt.” Midnight confessed, burying his head against Tresilian’s shoulder as the bigger man fussed over him, settling him to sit up in the bed, a pillow under his leg which helped to ease the pain. “Sorry, Aurora, but as I said, the decision was mine.”
“You and…and him?” Aurora looked directly into Midnight’s eyes. “Are you sure? This isn’t because of what’s happened to you or what these Atlanteans have given you?”
“I may not be sure of what the future may bring, but I am very sure of this,” Midnight drew a deep breath. “I found Tresilian attractive from the moment he boarded our ship, but never expected there to be anything more than that. This has nothing to do with the way he’s cared for me,” Midnight reached up to Tresilian, who immediately took the proffered hand. “But he and I would like the chance to see if this can be more, and I would like you to be happy for me, Aurora. It’s not the ideal place for us to begin a courtship, so we’d prefer if you didn’t make it public knowledge.”
“Well…if you’re sure.” Aurora looked from Midnight to Tresilian, and Midnight was relieved to see that her anger had melted away. But she still scowled at the bigger man. “You’d better not hurt my brother, or you’ll have me to answer to.”
“I assure you, Aurora, hurting your brother is the last thing on my mind. I’d sooner hurt myself.”
