by Stevie Woods
Liander dipped his head. King Morus met my gaze. "That's very understandable, but from what you say, there was nothing you could have done."
"Not then, sire, no. But now?"
Liander looked up, glancing at his father, who was now frowning at me.
"Sire, I know it has long been standing policy to protect ourselves as much as we can from Dioland, but the truth is, all we do is send out ship patrols, which are ineffective in stopping the raids."
"A patrol ship brought you home."
"True, sire, but by pure chance, and we had to cross half the distance ourselves first."
King Morus pursed his lips and glanced thoughtfully at Liander.
"I have to agree, Father," Liander said.
"I assume you have a suggestion to make to me," the king asked of me, and I took a deep breath.
"Yes, sire. I've been thinking about it a lot over the last weeks. We need to take the fight to them, stop them from attacking us and taking so many of our people. We have a good army--I can attest to that--yet we have always shied away from fighting Dioland full out because we have never fought a war across the sea. All our battles, our successes, have been on our own continent. I believe we need to increase our navy and build some larger ships to carry our troops over there. I want to be able to bring our people home if we can, but certainly to stop the kidnappings and the slavery."
"You are proposing a major change of policy," the king said thoughtfully.
"He is right, Father. You know he is. There were many good men and women captured with us, people who welcomed us into their lives and homes, people I consider friends. And they are still languishing as slaves, if they are even still alive. How can I face my people when they know I returned home, but many others didn't--and never will--unless we change how we deal with Dioland."
"I do understand, more than you know, but what you're asking is not easy. There is much to think on, much to discuss with my council. Your suggestions would take an awful lot of resources and manpower, both in building the ships and our navy. We'd even need to build up our army. The more I think on it, the more problems I see."
"There's something else you need to put before your council, Father. I believe the man who tortured Hollis was very ambitious." Liander glanced at me, as if for confirmation. "I think he had plans beyond simply raiding our coastal villages for slaves."
"Yes, High Councilor Briahm said his original plan had been to use Liander as a bargaining tool against you, sire, until he recognized me, then he wanted me to tell him of our defensive capabilities."
King Morus frowned and regarded me steadily. "You believe he plans to invade?"
"I believe so. Maybe not for a while yet as he didn't get the information he wants, but Briahm isn't the kind to give up."
"Father, it might even be something we need to discuss with our allies. Briahm may have plans beyond Tesla."
King Morus looked taken aback at that idea. "Very well, I will call a meeting with the Tesla High Council. I will want both of you to attend and report all you know. Though I believe it can wait until after the festival."
"Festival? What festival?" Liander queried.
"I thought you knew tonight's feast has been hastily organized and is only for the family and a few chosen friends. The people will want to celebrate your return, too, so a festival will be organized, probably in a day or two."
Liander sighed, but I guess he knew better than to object. "Well, there's something else I need to discuss with you, Father, but I think it will have to wait for tomorrow." Liander didn't look at me, and I was under the distinct impression it was intentional.
The king looked curious, but he said, "I think that would be wise. So much has happened today already. I think it best now if you two go and bathe, rest if you have time, and I will see you at the feast later." He stood and embraced his son one more time, then gripped my hand firmly. "I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful day this has been. Go now, or you may see your king cry." He smiled as he spoke, as if to make light of his words, but somehow I believed him.
I understood why Liander had delayed discussing our personal situation, but I couldn't help feeling disappointed.
Chapter 17
As I got out of my very comfortable bed, my gaze fell on the long silk tunic and fine linen pants laid out for me to wear this morning, and for perhaps the first time, I felt I had slipped back into my old life. I heard Andim moving about in the bathing room next door and I hoped he had calmed down from his over-emotionalism of last evening. While I appreciated his devotion, there were times when it became cloying, though I hadn't the heart to dissuade his display when he saw me for the first time since my capture.
Dinner had turned out to be less stressful than I had expected, much more like a family meal than the feast my mother had described. My extended family had hugged me and shook hands with Hollis and been vociferous in their relief at our safe return, but everyone had soon settled down to enjoy the meal. Even the few close friends my parents had invited had been noticeably restrained in their greetings, and I concluded someone had primed everyone not to be over-exuberant. My father I presumed.
My mother had placed Hollis and me opposite each other, which I found both teasing and frustrating. Teasing because we kept catching each other's eye and I needed to drop my gaze in case it was too revealing. I wanted to grin happily at him, but had to restrain myself. Frustrating because my fingers itched to touch him--a casual brush along his arm would've been enough--but there was no way I could touch him without drawing attention. Hollis really was so close, but oh, so far away.
As the evening wore on and we moved from the table to more comfortable seating, I found myself feeling really tired, so much so I was surprised when I found Hollis standing beside me, asking me if I felt all right. I could almost feel the tension coming off him. "About as good as you feel, I would guess," I told him.
He shrugged. "I've just about had enough of this," he said quietly. "Do you think anyone would object if we said our goodnights?"
"It would probably be frowned on as inappropriate at any other official gathering, but I think Father would be very understanding in this case."
Hollis' expression took on more serious mien as he said, "I wonder if that will be the case after your chat with him tomorrow?"
"Let's not preempt matters?" I said. "Come, let us go make our apologies."
Father was, indeed, very understanding, and we left almost immediately. As my Guardian, Hollis' rooms were next to mine, separated only by the bathing chamber we both used.
As we made our way up the stairs, Hollis glanced at me, looked away and looked at me again.
"What?" I pressed.
He glanced around to ensure there was no one within hearing distance, and said softly, "I want to kiss you, just once before we separate for the night."
"Hollis." Lords, I wanted it so much, but I was home now in my father's palace. There were eyes everywhere.
"I insist, Your Highness," he said at normal volume, and my eyes widened, until he continued, "I will check your room before you retire."
"Very well." I couldn't say anything else or I'd have burst out laughing. A clever man, my Guardian.
I allowed Hollis to open my door and step inside first, and I closed the door behind us. Even before the lock clicked into place, Hollis grabbed me and pulled me close. His lips descended on mine with a groan, and I sighed as I opened up to receive him. Oh Lords, I'd wanted this all day, and from the way Hollis was devouring me, I guess he felt the same. His hands had begun by gripping my biceps and now slid around my back, one across my shoulders while the other encircled my waist. He pressed his hips into mine, and I gasped as I felt his solid cock rubbing against my thigh. If I hadn't already been fully aroused...
We broke apart gasping, and not only for breath. Lords, it was hard to let him go to retire to his own rooms. That one kiss had not been enough and, after a second toe-curling kiss, Hollis had backed away, his gaze never leaving
mine until he closed the door to the bathing chamber between us.
* * * *
I stared at the closed door this bright morning and I could still feel his hands on my body and his lips on mine. We had both wished for more than just kisses last night, but I knew it would have been a mistake to take such a risk when there was a chance my father might look favorably on our relationship today.
Andim entered and dragged my thoughts to more mundane matters by telling me my bath was ready.
* * * *
Though it had been several months since we had last been in the palace, I knew Liander's morning routine would be the same and I made sure I had finished in the bathing chamber before it would be needed for my prince. I even heard Andim singing as he filled Liander's bath.
I knocked at Liander's door soon after I expected him to be dressed. I had been tempted to approach earlier, just so I could see him unclothed again, but I'd resisted. I was trying to adhere to Liander's wish to do things properly.
I entered at Liander's call to see Andim finishing tying off Liander's sandal laces. He looked as delicious as he had last evening in his royal finery. I, too, was wearing the classic garb of a Guardian, leggings with a heavy over-shirt fastened with monogrammed bone buttons. I'd donned a belt containing scabbards for both a sword and a dagger, though I usually only wore the dagger within the palace environs, unless there were any guests, and then all royal Guardians went fully armed.
Andim nodded at me and then, with a glance at Liander, he withdrew. That alone was unusual; Andim was rarely quiet. He was a questioning and grumbling man, and I had often wondered why Liander put up with him, though the truth was I knew how devoted Andim was to his royal master and Liander knew it, too.
I could hear him tidying up in the bathing chamber, yet again he was being unusually quiet. It caused me to wonder what Liander had told his body servant, but it wasn't something I could question.
"Have you seen the other Guardians yet?" Liander asked.
I was dragged out of my thoughts by the question. "Uh, yes, last evening, but only for a few minutes. I planned to talk to them properly later today."
"Go and see them after breakfast," Liander said.
Frowning, I said, "I planned to accompany you during your interview with King Morus."
"No, Hollis. I've thought about this and I think it best if I speak to my father alone."
I opened my mouth to protest, but I understood the sense of his plan so I closed my mouth and inclined my head.
Liander stepped forward and leaned his forehead against mine. "Thank you for understanding. Go and spend some time with your friends. You have much to talk over. I'll come to you afterward."
I felt as if a cold lump had settled in my stomach, but I nodded.
"And Hollis?" I met his gaze. "Trust me."
I managed a smile, a small one to be sure, but trusting Liander was never in question and, in that moment, I knew whatever happened in his meeting with his father, we would be together. I wondered if this day would bring our joy or our banishment. I found I didn't care, as long as we shared whatever fate tossed in our path.
* * * *
After breakfast, I watched Hollis walk off on his way to see his friends, taking my good wishes to those loyal warriors with him. I turned in the opposite direction. I stood in front of my father's office, took a breath, knocked and entered, closing the door behind me.
He was sitting behind his desk, but rose as I entered and, indicating the pair of chairs by the fire, he said, "Let's be comfortable while we talk. I believe I'm right in saying this time it's a personal matter you wish to discuss," he said as he took his seat.
I was surprised he was so perceptive, but I guess I shouldn't have been. "Yes, it is." I took a breath and plunged straight in. "I've fallen in love, deeply, and we want to be joined, but I don't know how you will feel about it."
My father smiled. "Well, I'm pleased to hear it. I'd begun to despair if you would ever find someone. And I can only assume you mean you're unsure whether I'll approve of your prospective partner?"
"Yes." I took a breath. "It is Hollis." I met my father's gaze unflinchingly. "I know this is not what you expected and I hope you'll understand. I was in love with him before we were captured, but I kept my feelings to myself. Then when we were prisoners...it...he admitted he felt the same."
"Your dire situation crystallized your feelings," my father said.
It wasn't the reaction I'd expected. "That's one way of putting it," I said cautiously.
My father smiled, and the knot in my stomach uncurled.
"I'm not entirely surprised by your admission, my son. You never seemed interested in any of the females you met, and your mother and I had discussed the possibility of your interest lying elsewhere. In fact, I had noticed your...attachment to Hollis before you left on your visit to the coast. I wasn't sure if it was some kind of hero worship or something deeper, but it was something you had to discover for yourself."
I stared at my father, surprised he had seen so much. I had underestimated him. "I can't tell you how relieved I am at your reaction, Father. I was afraid you'd disapprove and that I-- " I stopped, afraid I was going to say too much. How would my father feel if I told him I would abandon everything to be with Hollis?
Father smiled at me. "I can't deny my reaction might have been very different if you had been closer in the line of succession, but I have more than enough heirs to assure the throne is safe and for you to make your own choices."
"Really? We can be joined?"
"Yes." He leaned forward and took my hands. "I'm very happy for you, son. I hope the two of you share as much love as your mother and I do."
I held on tightly to his hands, my heart racing in my chest. I'd gained everything. "Thank you, Father, thank you. I can't tell you how much this means to me. And to Hollis."
"I only ask you delay any official announcement until after the festival. Let the people enjoy your safe return to us first."
"Of course, Father. Whatever you wish."
"Now, go and give him the good news."
"I will. And thank you." I stood, kissed him on his cheek, and left the room. I felt as if I was floating.
I hurried up the stairs, almost running along the corridor to Hollis' room. I hoped he was back from seeing his friends. I was fairly bursting with my news. I pounded on the door, but couldn't wait for a response and flung it open.
He was standing there, as if he had been about to open the door.
* * * *
I took one look at his face and I knew. He looked so happy, his smile threatened to split his face in half. Thank you, Lords, thank you! I opened my arms, and he slipped into them, leaning his head on my shoulder.
"He was even more receptive than I could've hoped," Liander whispered. "He had suspected there was something between us, even before we went south." He looked up at me then, bemused. "How could he have seen what even we didn't?"
"A smart man, your father," I said.
He leaned back then. "It's suddenly all very real."
I knew exactly what he meant. So very, very real and a little overwhelming.
"Come and sit down with me," I said, leading him to a couch near the window.
Liander made himself comfortable, leaning against me when I sat beside him. "You know," he said, "odd as it may sound, this is the first time I really feel as if I'm home." He smiled, looking at me, as he added, "It's as if I've finally left the threat and danger far behind me." He shook his head, frowning. "I don't know why now, though. Why not when the ship rescued us? Or when we reached Teslor? When my mother hugged me?"
"Perhaps because you feel your future is settled now?" I asked.
"Yes, I guess that makes sense." Liander smiled. "I am...happy."
I gathered him in my embrace, placing his head under my chin. His arms wrapped around me, and we just sat, savoring each other. Enjoying the right to be together.
Liander pulled away, smiled at me and got to his
feet. I watched him; I could almost feel his restlessness.
He wandered around my room, touching things, his hands alighting momentarily before moving on to something else. He stopped and stared at the wall beside the door where my collection of blades was displayed. I had half a dozen swords of different designs and a few daggers. Abruptly, he reached up and took one of the swords down.
"Remember our sword fight?" Liander asked, twirling the sword and slipping it from one hand to the other. "Ever wonder who'd have won if it had been for real?"
"I'm the Guardian, so me, for sure." I raised an eyebrow, daring him to disagree.
He threw me the weapon, which was not dissimilar to the ones we'd used in Dioland. "I don't think so!" he challenged with a grin, as he took down another sword. "En garde."
* * * *
As Hollis plucked the weapon expertly out of the air, twirling it around to get a feel for its weight, he asked, "You seriously think you can beat me?" His eyes sparkled with more than a challenged ego.
My heart was racing as we faced off. If you asked me why I'd taken down the sword I couldn't have said, but now I reveled as the excitement raced through me. Hollis made a few quick movements with the sword to limber up his wrist, and I followed suit. Without warning, he attacked, a confident smile on his face. I blocked and grinned back at him. We went on like that for a couple of minutes, feeling each other out, making quick moves and each blocking the other. I knew exactly what I wanted and I just needed to move him around a bit and then press my moves. He was good; I believed I was better.
I flicked my wrist and turned his sword so he had to take a half-turn and step back. I kept at him, pushing him back step by step, until I succeeded in beating his defense and placing my point against the hollow in his throat, just as his back touched the wall behind him. The thought did occur that maybe he had let me win. Probably I'd never know, but I didn't care.
