by Sam Argent
“Was our coming here your idea or Captain Pembrost’s?”
“Neither. Lord Bast genuinely believes that your father’s scholarly talents are needed.”
Sebastian shook his head. “My father is actually qualified for this job, I’ll give him that, but I would never trust him with something this important. I would give it to a citizen whose loyalty is beyond reproach. My father is no such thing.”
“Do you think your father wants me dead?” Turren asked.
“No, but I think he would obfuscate the truth out of self-preservation.”
“Is there a reason you think that?”
“You’ve never spent a lot of time with him, have you?” Sebastian asked.
“I don’t think he considers me clever enough to hold his company.”
“You know, for a prince, it’s oddly refreshing to hear honest impressions about what you think people feel about you,” Sebastian said.
“Mother says that it’s better to know how little people think of you rather than the best.” A darker shadow moved, as though Turren was shrugging. “And he’s not the only person who thinks I’m simple. It does work to my advantage.”
“You take too many advantages,” Sebastian said. “I could have decided not to take the mirror.”
“But you didn’t,” Turren said. “You’re very bad at respecting boundaries.”
“Excuse me? Who made a go for it at a public eating area?” Sebastian asked.
“I couldn’t help myself. You started moaning, and you let me pull you over the table.”
“I was not moaning.”
“It was more like purring. I didn’t know your voice did that.”
Sebastian glared at the mirror. “I… do… not… purr.”
“You did when I almost had you in my lap,” Turren said.
“That was probably more a grunt from being thrown to the ground.”
Turren sighed. “I will find out who is trying to kill me, Sebastian. This is interfering with my love life, and I will end this.”
“Leave it to Captain Pembrost instead of getting yourself killed.”
“If putting my life in danger distresses you, then I shall take your words into consideration,” Turren promised.
“Or you could do it because people generally like nice things such as staying alive.”
“No, you answered my mirror and expressed your concern. The least I can do is acknowledge your growing feelings for me.”
“Don’t play obtuse, prince.” Sebastian raised his hand over the mirror as if to break the connection, but Turren hastily waved what looked like arms.
“I’m sorry for offending you. I was only joking!”
“Grow complacent, and I will cut you off.”
“Do you always sleep in your robes?” Turren asked.
“Why am I not surprised that while I can’t see you, you’re perfectly capable of seeing me?”
“My statement could be a guess because there’s no way to prove I’m disobeying your father’s orders right now.”
“Now you’re suddenly a stickler for the rules after promising to keep your distance,” Sebastian said. “Kissing me was much more than friendly.”
Turren cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, but you broke that agreement first.”
“This should be an interesting explanation. Go on.”
“You broke our arrangement when you discussed with Lord Bast your plans to bed me. Sex is definitely beyond friendly.”
“You were eavesdropping, and that was an unplanned scenario we were talking about. As in, there was no reason to take it seriously,” Sebastian said.
“From the standpoint of any observer, you were pretty adamant about sleeping with me to prove a point.”
“If you want to get technical, there was little mention about my behavior in our agreement, so I could still say whatever I wanted.”
“It was implicitly understood that both of us would keep our relationship friendly.” Turren crossed his arms. “You openly spoke of a desire to bed me, and it was my duty to reciprocate your advances.”
“If this whole royalty thing doesn’t work out, you really should become a trial counselor. I think you could free a child murderer from execution with that tongue.”
“I’ll settle for convincing you to be with me,” Turren whispered.
Sebastian shook his head. The man would never give up. He leaned back and reached into his pants pocket for the candy he had stuffed in it earlier. There had been cinnamon candy sticks in the kitchens, so Sebastian had helped himself. The paper they were wrapped in kept them cool, and Sebastian snapped off a piece. He had the tip of one at his mouth when he looked at the mirror. It was pitch black, as if Turren had moved closer. “You know, it is rather unfair that I can’t tell where both of your hands are right now.”
Turren moved back and there was a little light again. The dark shoulders squared in offense. “Sebastian, I would never do that… without your permission,” he muttered at last.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow under his hood. “You have no problems performing while I’m still covered up?”
“None,” Turren said without hesitation.
“I owe the queen and king an apology because I might have given you a new fetish.”
CHAPTER 17
SEBASTIAN WOKE the next morning yawning and trying to remember why he thought talking to Turren all night was a good idea. Father is going to be suspicious if I look like a wreck. After grabbing the water bowl near his bed, Sebastian dunked his face in it, and the cool water refreshed his senses. I will not let that bastard beat me. A pot of sunflowers sat on the cabinet that was placed under a window. Sebastian went to it and cradled the plant. “Forgive me, but I need this.” Warmth seeped into Sebastian’s fingertips, and his eyes widened with alertness as the flowers wilted. Satisfied with how his cloaked form looked in the larger bedside mirror, Sebastian left to find his father for breakfast.
“PRINCE TURREN looked very tired this morning. I wonder if he’s coming down with an illness,” Lord Piadas said and then sipped his tea.
“I’m not surprised. Men as powerful as him are rarely careful about their health,” Lord Orwell said.
“And men less powerful are never careful about their mouths,” Sebastian said.
“I’m sorry, did you say something, Sebastian?” Lord Orwell asked. “It’s hard to hear over this delicious food you’re eating because of me. Please speak louder.”
“It’s probably hard to hear with all that gold clinking in your pockets,” Sebastian said. “How did you get that money again?”
“An ungrateful investment finally paid off. I don’t expect another return in the future, though.”
“Do you have any plans this morning, Sebastian?” Lord Piadas interrupted the Orwells’ bickering. “Your father will be sifting through the royal archives in case the information we seek is there, and I have free time on my hands. Would you like to have tea with me?”
“I wouldn’t be opposed to your company,” Sebastian said. “Would before lunch be all right?”
“That is fine,” Lord Piadas said.
Lord Orwell frowned at his son, but Sebastian smiled at him under the hood.
SEBASTIAN CARRIED the tray into the study.
“You’re a very independent young man, Sebastian. I see why you clash with your father,” Lord Piadas said.
Sebastian shrugged. “We don’t see eye to eye. Our beliefs are far too removed from each other.”
“Religious?”
“Ethical.”
“Ah. I don’t know where your father stands on the subject. He’s a hard man to nail down.”
“It’s not hard if you spend as much time with him as I do,” Sebastian said as he placed the tray on a low table between two sofas.
“If we’re going to work with each other for an unknown time, it’s wise for me to take any advice you have about him.”
You want more than just advice, but then I want something too. Sebastian pou
red tea into both cups and added cream to his. “Do you want cream?”
“No thank you.”
Smiling at the two calculations working in his favor, Sebastian sipped the dark, sweet drink.
Lord Piadas tasted his tea and smiled. “This is even more delicious than the pot I had this morning.”
“I hope so since I’m the one who made it.”
Lord Piadas blinked and shook his head. “Funny, I suddenly feel tired. Does it feel warm in here?”
“Do you suspect that Trenton Keyes has anything to do with the assassination attempts?” Sebastian asked.
“Yes,” Lord Piadas mumbled and he shook his head again. “I’m not supposed to say that.”
“What is the Heart of Light?”
“A powerful artifact that can summon the heart of this world’s magic. I thought you weren’t like your father.”
“His type of methods can get the job done occasionally. What does Turren have to do with any of this?”
“He might have read the same information or come into contact with someone who knows where the amulet is. We just don’t know,” Lord Piadas said.
“Why are you asking about my father?”
“He’s too suspicious. First he wants nothing to do with this, and now he offers his services. He must know more, and he’s an old acquaintance of Keyes.”
“What is Keyes like?”
“He’s dangerous.” Lord Piadas pursed his lips in an attempt to stop speaking. “Turren encountered him in Anerith.”
“He didn’t tell me that,” Sebastian said. “I’ll have a chat with him later.”
“Why are you doing this?” Lord Piadas asked.
“Familial obligation, and I believe we’re done for now.” Sebastian leaned forward and poured cream into the ambassador’s cup. He cradled the man’s head and forced him to drink it. Sebastian held a napkin under his chin so none of the tea spilled. He tickled Lord Piadas’s throat and made him swallow. After the cup was empty, Sebastian poured the rest of the cream into the teapot. Lord Piadas stared blearily at the room, but his eyes closed after a few moments. Sebastian took a book out of his cloak pocket and opened it to his last place. Calmly, he poured himself another cup and drank it. Sputtering came from the other couch, and Sebastian looked up to see the ambassador waking.
Lord Piadas looked around confused. “How long have I been asleep?”
“Only a few minutes,” Sebastian said. “I know you had a long trip here, and I didn’t want to wake you. The tea has cooled off a little.”
“I didn’t realize I was so tired. Maybe it was all that research from last night,” Lord Piadas suggested as he nonchalantly sniffed his teacup. He smiled at Sebastian, who returned to his book.
Sebastian thought, I still don’t understand what the amulet can do. The heart of this world’s magic can be interpreted in many ways. Literally and metaphysically. Now all I have to do is figure out a way to interrogate Turren without Captain Pembrost or Frederick knowing. Reaching into his pocket, Sebastian touched the small mirror that probably had an eavesdropping spell attached to it. Maybe the prince being smitten with me isn’t such a bad thing.
TURREN GLANCED both ways before entering the dark room. “Sebastian?” he called out.
“Get inside and close the door behind you!” Sebastian whispered fiercely.
“Calling me to a cellar only Pembrost and his closest guards know about.” Turren shook his head. “I almost assumed this was a trap. How did you know about this place?”
“I did come with my idiot brothers a few times,” Sebastian said while he came out from behind his hiding place of old crates.
“You were in the main part of the castle, not my uncle’s old rooms. My father will be pissed to know I’ve been in here.”
“I used to abandon my brothers and sightsee on my own,” Sebastian explained.
“Captain Pembrost is going to be thrilled if he finds out.”
“We needed a private place to go where it was unlikely anyone would try to kill you. The old rooms of King Harris’s brother qualifies.”
“I wonder where he’s spent his banishment all these years,” Turren whispered, looking at all the old bric-a-bracs that hadn’t been boxed up or thrown away. “It’s amazing. Half a year he ruled, and in that time he brought Larnlyon to civil war, and rebuilding meant we couldn’t help Anerith in its time of need against Orsen for years. This is all that’s left of Alchone’s legacy. Then again, my parents might not have met if my father hadn’t needed a knight’s protection.”
Sebastian chewed on the inside of his mouth. “I thought there wouldn’t be unpleasant memories for you because you never met him, but if you want to move this to another place….”
Turren shook his head. “I’m fine. Like you said, I never met him, and I doubt he ever thinks about me in good terms. Why did you want to meet alone?”
“I’m surprised you didn’t assume I brought you here for a romantic rendezvous.”
“I’m optimistic, but I can be a realist too,” Turren said.
“You gave me the mirror by way of Frederick, so it’s likely to have one of his spells on it.”
“Probably as one of his safety precautions.”
“Yes, but if I want to confide in you, I don’t want to confide in him too.”
“I don’t know if I can take off whatever spell he cast on it,” Turren said. “I’m powerful, but he is more knowledgeable.”
“And that’s where I come in,” Sebastian said as he stepped closer to the prince. “The best way to remove a spell is to place an even stronger one on the object.”
Turren frowned. “What kind of spell?”
“A sealing spell using both our powers,” Sebastian murmured, now standing directly in front of Turren.
Turren gulped. “That kind of magic is usually more powerful if….” He cleared his throat. “If it’s sealed with a kiss.”
“You don’t want to kiss me?” Sebastian asked. “You were so enthusiastic last night. Have your feelings soured that quickly?”
“You know they haven’t, Sebastian, but I know you’re getting something out of this,” Turren said. “I am not stupid.”
“My motives aren’t pure, but do you want to turn down a chance of me being the one to initiate an intimate moment?” Sebastian trailed his finger down Turren’s chest. “You claim you want to free me from my curse but balk at the price of accepting the unknown. How am I to accept your advances as sincere?”
“You know I’m going to say yes,” Turren said.
“I’m counting on it.”
“You spend a great deal of your life pretending not to have magic. Are you sure you know how to perform the spell?”
“Lord Bast is aware of my magic and has been personally training me since I was eleven,” Sebastian said.
“Have you ever performed this sort of spell before?”
“No. Harm won’t come to either of us even from a botched sealing spell, so I have no idea why you’re concerned.”
“I just want to be clear. Have you actually done the spell before, and with anyone you’ve had a physical affinity for?” Turren asked.
“No, and I don’t see why that matters.”
“If you are determined to go through with this, then I am too.”
“I can’t have anyone sensing my magic when they touch one of our mirrors, so your power will be the base,” Sebastian said.
“I’m fine with that.”
“Take out your mirror,” Sebastian instructed, and Turren obeyed. They held them out, the surfaces touching each other. Magic flowed out of Sebastian’s fingers into both mirrors, covering them in light green flames. Turren’s stronger magic burned blue and surrounded Sebastian’s, blending them into one and breaking all other magical ties on the mirrors. Turren stared at Sebastian, waiting like a patient puppy. This wasn’t so bad, Sebastian thought. One kiss and I’ll have what I want. Sebastian wrapped his hand around Turren’s neck and pulled him forward.
&nbs
p; Sebastian decided to be a little kinder and opened his mouth as their lips met. He slipped his tongue into Turren’s mouth and sealed their mouths together. Warmth slowly built up as magic flowed from his body into their mouths. When Turren’s power met his, Sebastian buckled under the force. Waves of power flowed between them, but Sebastian couldn’t break the connection at their lips. Instead of pulling away, Sebastian leaned in closer as heat coursed through his body. Turren held on to him tightly, and they slammed against boxes. Sebastian gasped as their mouths finally separated, but magical surges made him moan against Turren. When blue light no longer flared in his vision, Sebastian frowned at Turren. “It’s not supposed to do that.”
“A funny thing about bond-seals.” Turren chuckled breathlessly. “They amplify desire between spellcasters if they’re attracted to each other. Harold probably had no reason to explain it to you because your relationship is only that of teacher and pupil.”
Sebastian looked up into Turren’s smirking face. “You fucking—argh!” Another wave went through him, and Sebastian hung on to Turren so he wouldn’t fall. “Gods, when does it stop?”
“I’m hoping not for a while.” Turren gripped Sebastian’s shoulders and moaned. “But if they don’t stop soon, I will need to attend to my underwear.”
“You do not have my permission to do that.”
“I’ll take that into consideration once your cock stops pressing into my thigh,” Turren said.
“I am no—” Another wave tingled through Sebastian, and he practically humped Turren’s leg.
“This is one of those times when your arrogance works in my favor. I hope you want to do another spell.”
“Don’t be shitty,” Sebastian said. He waited for more waves but nothing happened. More minutes passed with no new sensations, and he was able to withdraw from Turren. Catching hold of a nearby stack of boxes, Sebastian leaned on them and caught his breath. Turren looked at him but said nothing. “What?” Sebastian asked.
“I’m grateful to you for sharing your magic because I’ve discovered one of your secrets,” Turren said.
