“Off to explore the palace and learn it’s many hidden secrets. But there must be time for dinner.” Cutting a piece of meat, Jeffrey put it in his mouth as if to underline his words. It was juicy and fresh, its taste so unlike the food served in army camps in the rest of the Empire.
“Quite right, there must always be time for food.” Kieron nodded, tugging back into his own food.
“How do you do it? Sleeping during the day and being up all night?”
“I’m a night owl,” Kieron shrugged. “I work better at night. How was the Prince today?”
“Charming as always,” Jeffrey said and rolled his eyes. “Have you ever seen him fight?”
“Fight? No, I hardly see him at all most nights. Why do you ask?”
“It’s his secret training... if he’s so good, why hide it?”
“So no one can discover any weakness to exploit.”
“That’s the official story, but I wonder.”
“They say he fought in the Long War. Not commanded but fought in the front lines.”
“I heard that. But in the throes of victory stories can be exaggerated.”
“You don’t believe it?”
“It’s not that.” Jeffrey shrugged. “I guess I’m curious.”
“This is why I’m glad to work at night. I escort him from his study to his bedroom and then that’s it. Nothing to be troubled about.”
“Sounds like an easy life.”
“Considering the circumstances, I think so.”
“How did you end up as his guard?”
Kieron’s brow creased, and he looked around wearily. “I’ll tell you another day.”
Jeffrey nodded in acceptance.
“You know, there’s still time until I have to start my shift. I could show you some of the more hidden passages, exactly the ones the marshal wants you to know about. If you like?”
“That would be great, thank you, Kieron.”
Kieron led Jeffrey far from the main passages used by servants and nobles alike. After many twists and turns, they came to an unassuming door. On the other side was what appeared to be a storage room, barrels and boxes stacked all around.
“This is the place the marshal wants you to find,” Kieron said with a grin.
“This?” Jeffrey asked disbelieving, his gaze sweeping across the room, taking in the layers of dust and the thick cobwebs draping the walls.
Kieron lifted his hand and crooked a finger at Jeffrey, then he disappeared behind a stack of boxes. Jeffrey followed, discovering a path of sorts, flanked by crates on both sides. Another turn and they came to a door. Kieron pulled it open and let Jeffrey see inside. There were several rows of weapon stands; shields, halberds, swords, spears, and more. “For emergencies. I believe only Crownsguards and Palaceguard officers know about this. In case of an attack, it allows a quick resupply.”
“Doesn’t it also allow an enemy to come in unarmed and use this to arm themselves?”
“I guess if they knew about it. But the passage is so far from anywhere people go, the door well hidden. No one would find this by chance.”
Jeffrey frowned, an unsecured armoury seemed like trouble.
Kieron gestured behind them and Jeffrey turned back.
They found another similar path behind a set of barrels, this one leading to a locked door. “This one leads out of the castle,” Kieron said pointing at the door. “It’s always locked. Only the Crownsguard have keys, for emergencies.” He pulled on a string tied around his neck, producing a key. “If there were an attack or fire or the like and the Prince needed to escape, this is an option. If you have a key.” He unlocked the door and gestured Jeffrey in.
“So, there’s a way into the castle, right next to an unsecured armoury? That’s madness.”
“That’s way above my pay grade,” Kieron shrugged. “Besides, there’s a few more doors to be opened and more passageways until you’re actually outside. It’s also for leaving the castle, rather than getting in.”
Jeffrey nodded. He didn’t say that any way out, could always be used as a way in as well.
Kieron led them through another set of doors, into yet another storage room. He unlocked another door and they were outside. Albeit, in a garden with walls so high, one would need a ladder to get over. Garden was also an overstatement. There were trees and flowers and bushes, but they had grown so exuberantly that it presented more of a wild forest.
“What do you think?” Kieron asked, excitement in his voice. “I like coming here, it reminds me of home.” He went further in and then sat down cross-legged.
Their eyes met, and Jeffrey smiled in understanding, sitting down beside him. “How long have you been away?”
Kieron sighed heavily. “I was young, I hardly remember.”
“The Long War.”
Kieron nodded. “They always come when there is war because we train our children to fight. We make good soldiers.”
“I’ve fought beside Clansmen before. You’re ferocious warriors.”
Kieron grinned. “We are that.”
“How did you come into the Crownsguard?”
Kieron looked down at his hands. He’d picked a few blades of grass and began braiding them. “After we won, I thought I’d be able to go home. I was so young I don’t remember much, but I do miss my family, the open fields, the way the air smelled fresh and... free. My commanders seemed to have other ideas. They’d recommended me for excellent service and before long I was on a train to Corunia while everyone else I knew went home.”
“I’m sorry, Kieron.”
“Nothing of yours, Tiras.” He shrugged, a smile playing on his lips, his head cocked to the side.
Jeffrey took Kieron’s hand in his and traced a finger over the fine lines of the tattoos. “If you left young, you got many of these from your fellow soldiers?”
Kieron nodded. “There’s so many of us in the army, we flock together somehow. It lets us keep our traditions even when we’re away.” He linked their fingers and moved closer, the smile on his lips one of mischief.
“Trian,” Jeffrey whispered, half in warning.
“Please, Tiras,” Kieron whispered back. “You’re so tense, it’ll do you good.”
Jeffrey smiled wryly. He had been tense recently. Maybe Kieron was right. He sighed and pulled on Kieron’s arm to drag him closer. Their lips met in an innocent kiss.
Kieron’s lips parted, his tongue coming out to lick over Jeffrey’s lips. Hands brushed Jeffrey’s sides, working to loosen his armour straps. The unexpected sensation had Jeffrey gasping. The moment his lips parted, Kieron’s tongue invaded.
Jeffrey relented and let Kieron have his way. Their tongues explored new territories, battling with each other. Jeffrey’s hands wrapped around Kieron, no armour in the way, since Kieron wore only his blue tunic and sandals. It allowed Jeffrey’s touch to roam freely, finding naked thighs and moving upwards, underneath the loose material, over his hips to his waist. He tightened his hold and lifted, placing Kieron in his lap. A gasp passed Kieron’s lips, turning into a giggle.
Leaning back, Kieron grinned at Jeffrey before unfastening the sword belt and moving it out of the way. Jeffrey’s armour came next, with the straps undone, Kieron pulled it over Jeffrey’s head and lay it beside the sword.
“You’re very eager,” Jeffrey said, a smile playing on his lips.
“You’re very hot,” Kieron replied, giggling again. He let his hands trail down the front of Jeffrey’s tunic, hard muscle rippling underneath the touch. His hands came to a stop only when Jeffrey took hold of them. Raising them above his head Jeffrey pulled up the redhead’s tunic, discarding it beside them. Intertwining lines of black ink marked the pale chest revealed to him, only his stomach and left side held unmarked skin. He trailed a finger over the lines, reaching a pink nipple. He pinched it, receiving a hiss in response. Smirking, he let his flat hands travel over heated skin. He leaned in and kissed Kieron again, more demanding this time. Kieron answered the kiss eagerly, wr
apping his hands around Jeffrey’s neck and grinding his hips.
Jeffrey let one hand drop between them and found no cloth in his way. Uncommon but not entirely unusual, especially for Clansmen. He wrapped his hand around Kieron’s length and gave it a few strokes, too slow to be anything other than teasing.
“Tiras,” Kieron breathed in a half moan, his eyes fluttering.
“Right here,” Jeffrey whispered against Kieron’s neck. He licked over sensitive skin, found Kieron’s earlobe and sucked on it.
Kieron reached for Jeffrey’s tunic, attempting to pull on it while Jeffrey sat on it and still had Kieron in his lap. It wasn’t going to move. Groaning Kieron gave up and instead pushed against Jeffrey’s chest. Jeffrey let himself fall backwards, Kieron grinning down at him. He raised an eyebrow at Kieron but remained still otherwise, his arms splayed out beside him.
Kieron leaned forward, shuffling to hover over Jeffrey, their lips almost touching. Slowly he let his hands trail downwards, exploring the contours of Jeffrey’s chest as he went.
Jeffrey propped his head up with one hand, watching Kieron. The redhead shuffled further down, his hand running along Jeffrey’s thighs, using his nails to scrape the sensitive skin on the inside. He went back up again, lifting the tunic up as he went. A few tugs had Jeffrey’s loincloth out of the way, his hardening flesh exposed to the elements.
Jeffrey sighed when Kieron’s hot breath touched him. A single finger trailed up his length and Jeffrey watched as Kieron sucked the same finger into his mouth. He made to reach for Kieron but a firm hand on his chest stopped him.
As if to prevent any further attempts, Kieron leaned in and wrapped his lips around the tip of Jeffrey’s erection. The heat of Kieron’s mouth served a stark contrast to the cool air surrounding them and had Jeffrey moaning. He thrust his hips to get more of that heat but the hand on his chest had moved to his hip and held him down.
Kieron’s tongue swirled the slit at the same time as he hollowed his cheeks. He wrapped his free hand around Jeffrey’s balls, cupping and fondling them.
Jeffrey closed his eyes and let the sensations wash over him. Desire pooled in his groin, sweeping away everything else. Kieron’s skill drove Jeffrey closer to the edge as he took the full length in his mouth. Fluid movements had him bobbing his head up and down, his tongue swiping sensitive skin, licking along lines and ridges. It had been too long since Jeffrey had allowed himself to relax but right here and now nothing else mattered.
He tangled his hand in Kieron’s fiery hair. A loose hold, neither guiding nor demanding. There was no need for either. Kieron continued to suck and lick, building a relentless need inside Jeffrey.
Cool air wrapped around Jeffrey’s erection and he groaned at the lack of friction, the loss of Kieron’s hot mouth. He bucked hard, his hand searching for purchase.
“Easy, Tiras,” Kieron whispered as he shuffled around on his knees. He positioned himself above Jeffrey’s erection and slowly lowered his body.
Understanding seeped into Jeffrey’s mind and he took hold of Kieron’s hips, helping him steady himself. He bit his lip when his hard flesh touched Kieron’s entrance and forced himself not to thrust but give Kieron time. His eyes were trained on Kieron now, watching the redhead as he slowly impaled himself. Kieron’s tongue came out to wet his dry lips, his eyes were closed, his brow marred in concentration.
Letting go of Kieron’s hips, Jeffrey wrapped one hand around Kieron’s straining erection, the other around his balls. Kieron moaned as his muscles clenched around Jeffrey’s hard length. Squeezing his thighs together, Jeffrey managed not to buck. He jerked Kieron’s erection roughly a few times before rubbing the sensitive underside. He formed a fist, holding him firm as he let his thumb trail the exposed head. Collecting the pre-come oozing from the tip, Jeffrey brought it to his mouth. With his eyes locked on Kieron’s, he licked the salty liquid from his fingers.
Kieron whimpered and sank down further on Jeffrey. Both groaned at the sensation. This time Jeffrey couldn’t stop his hips thrusting and with one stroke, his length got burrowed deep inside Kieron. They groaned again, and Kieron’s hands fisted in Jeffrey’s tunic. The redhead panted, his skin glistening with a sheen of sweat.
Jeffrey trailed his hands up Kieron’s arms. “Come here,” he whispered.
Kieron did as bidden, leaning down carefully. Jeffrey captured his lips in a slow kiss. His hands roamed freely over Kieron’s back, along his sides, his arms. He trailed lower, massaging Kieron’s round globes.
Kieron pulled away first. Righting himself, he pushed up a little before sinking back down. He built a slow rhythm and Jeffrey was entranced by the sight of his length disappearing inside the redhead over and over again. For a time, he stayed still, letting Kieron set the pace, but urgency built inside him and he needed more.
Grabbing hold of Kieron’s hips, Jeffrey thrust upwards, meeting Kieron’s downward movement. Skin slapped against skin. Their harsh breathing filled the air. Adjusting his hold, Jeffrey thrust, again and again, Kieron adapting to the new rhythm.
Releasing Kieron’s hip, Jeffrey wrapped a hand around Kieron’s erection and pumped it in time. It didn’t take much. Kieron tensed, his movements faltered, his ring of muscle clenching tight. Jeffrey continued to pump, pulling Kieron’s orgasm from him, draining him. The tightness as Kieron squeezed his length was the last push Jeffrey needed and he came, shooting his load into the redhead’s willing body.
Kieron collapsed on top of Jeffrey, their bodies slick with sweat, Kieron’s sticky mess between them. Jeffrey wrapped his arms around the redhead, holding him tight. Both their chests heaving, especially Kieron’s. Trailing a hand downwards, Jeffrey massaged one pale thigh.
“Thank you, Kieron, I hadn’t realised how much I needed that. I’ve not been so relaxed in weeks.”
“My pleasure, Tiras. You know where to find me, come to me anytime.”
“Little Trian, if there’s a next time,” Jeffrey said, his voice low and teasing. “I will tie you up and spank you raw before fucking you so hard you won’t be able to walk or fight.”
Kieron groaned. “Is that a promise?”
Jeffrey laughed and swatted him over the head.
Chapter 6
The day of Dino’s and the servant’s flogging arrived. Jeffrey slept badly yet again. Despite the diverting time spent with Kieron, he’d woken several times throughout the night. As a result, the morning passed in a blur. A part of him was glad for it. Any more awareness on his part and he may have done something regrettable.
As previously agreed with the marshal, Jeffrey spent the time of the actual event exploring the palace again. When the time came to return, he took his post next to a Palaceguard, posted at the entry to the courtyard where the flogging took place. While he had been exploring the palace, Jeffrey could pretend, but once he stood still, nothing distracted his mind from what happened on the other side of the door. He felt his anger stir again.
No sound came through the door, so when it banged open, the clang of it echoing it startled both Jeffrey and the Palaceguard. The Prince walked along the corridor briskly, his heeled boots click-clacking on the stone floors. The marshal exited behind the Prince. Jeffrey saluted him and with a nod went back on duty. He hurried after the Prince.
Jeffrey’s gaze fixed on the Prince’s back must have felt like piercing daggers, yet the Prince seemed oblivious. His fast pace continued, his fists clenching and unclenching as he walked. Tension radiated off him.
“No one is to enter.” The command, spoken harshly, would allow only obedience.
Before Jeffrey could respond, the door to the Prince’s study slammed shut. Jeffrey stared at the closed door for a moment before he shrugged and took up his post.
Only minutes passed until Ignacio arrived. Standing in front of the door with his arms crossed, Jeffrey blocked the entrance. “I’m sorry, my Lord. No one is to enter, on the Prince’s orders.”
“Typically, he exempts me from that,” Ignacio said,
scrunching his nose.
“Unless I hear that from him, I’m afraid I can’t let you pass, my Lord.”
“I quite understand. You know,” Ignacio paused a moment. “Your absence earlier was noted by a few people. Rumours are brewing now.”
“Not unusual at a court.” Jeffrey shrugged. “I don’t care much for rumours myself.”
“Not at all? But they are so intriguing.” Ignacio grinned, his eyes gleaming.
“If it’s so important to you to share, I’m all ears.” Jeffrey couldn’t stop a roll of his eyes.
Ignacio chuckled. “It’s quite refreshing talking with you, Jeffrey. I do wish to share. People say you have a reputation for being temperamental, for following your own head. They say you’re well suited to the Prince. They also say you’ve been flogged for disobedience numerous times. It seems there’s no consensus yet whether that makes you more or less suitable for serving the Prince.”
“And what’s your opinion in this?”
“I haven’t decided yet. But so far I like you.” Ignacio’s grin widened, almost reaching his ears.
Jeffrey scoffed.
“You seem to take your duty more serious than most of your predecessors. I commend you for that. The thing is, he’s not in a good mood, and I’m generally the only one that can help that. It’s really quite important, Jeffrey, and urgent, that I see him.”
Jeffrey cocked his head to the side, studying the Lord.
“Please go and ask him at least?” Ignacio’s tone was neither commanding nor demanding. He was respectful, simply asking.
“Why should I care about his mood?”
“Hasn’t anyone told you? Bad things happen when he is in one of his moods.”
“So he behaves like a child? Throws his toys around? And you’re his nanny telling him off.”
Ignacio raised an eyebrow. “I don’t stand much for ceremony, that is as much as I will tolerate, however. He is your Prince.”
“He is a great many things,” Jeffrey said evenly, forcing himself not to argue. The look in those dark brown eyes seemed to make it easier. “If he rips my head off, I will blame you.” Tentatively, he knocked. “Your Highness, I apologise for the disruption. Lord Ignacio is insisting on seeing you.”
Ties of Destiny (Curse of the Crown Book 1) Page 7
