Winter laughed, and Rupert got the impression that the people watching them probably thought he was having a good time. “I wasn’t given much choice. You sent a proposal for me – a lesser prince from a large royal family that rules a much smaller country than Simigile. I’m sure I was chosen specifically for that reason, as you likely knew my father would think it prudent to accept.”
His husband was closer to the truth than he probably realized, but Winter’s answer left Rupert feeling all the more confused. “I’m neither confirming nor denying that,” he said, making sure to keep his voice low as the dance floor started to fill. “However, if you knew this was a strictly political alliance and nothing more, why did you insist we be faithful to each other? I know it was you who instigated that clause.”
“Oh, that’s easy, dear Rupert.” This time Rupert was sure Winter was mocking him. That idea was further reinforced when Winter leaned closer to him, never missing a step. “You might rule your domain and get your own way whenever you raise your voice.” Winter’s voice was almost hypnotizing.
“You might stomp over people’s feelings and insist your way is the only way, even to the point of marrying someone you’d seen for no more than five minutes at a social event. I respect you have that right – it’s who you are. I know exactly why you offered a contract for me – I knew that before I signed the papers.”
“Then why did you accept?”Why did you include that damn clause?The music was coming to an end, but Rupert was desperate for an answer.
“For the same reasons you offered the contract in the first place, I imagine.” Winter’s voice dropped even lower. “As to why I decided to hold your balls in a vice, to be kept for my pleasure only, is simple too, if you think about it. You married me to keep your father happy and for no other reason. You have no desire to get to know me, spend time with me, or integrate me into your life at all. I married you, despite knowing that.”
“You’re not making any sense,” Rupert hissed, even as his blood ran cold. How did Winter know so much about him?
“Then I’ll make it simple for you, my dear Rupert. I’ll accept that I’ll barely see you. I’ll accept all you want to do is be out playing with your little friends. I have more than enough activities to keep me busy. Your absence will not bother me. But you will not disrespect me inthatway. You will not flaunt your dalliances, discreet or otherwise, among your friends. I will not be made a fool of. Do you understand now?”
Rupert’s nod was short and automatic, his steps slowing as the music came to a close.
“And Rupert dear,” Winter added as they both stopped. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking I won’t find out about any dalliances you might entertain, because I will. And if I hear the slightest suggestion you’ve behaved inappropriately withanyone, I will drag you before the truth-sayers at the World Council. Do we understand each other?”
“I still don’t understand why you’d do this,” Rupert whispered, horror settling into his belly as the firmness of Winter’s words rang through his brain. “This would be as binding on you as it is on me.”
“I’m aware.” Winter patted his chest as he smiled up at him. To anyone looking at them from out of hearing distance, they could imagine the newlyweds were sharing a romantic moment. “This is about respect, my dear husband. Something you’ve shown me precious little of since you first saw me in Monce. I know what you think about me, and there’s something you should know about those peacocks you think I resemble. You should never underestimate them. Their feathers are beautiful, but their beak and claws are sharp.”
“I don’t…I…er…”How did he know?
“You made a mistake, Rupert dear. One you’re now stuck with. It might be time for you to realize that a person is far more than the fancy robe he wears. People have substance...hidden depths…depths that should be respected.” Winter’s eyes seemed to glow as he stepped back. “Now, would you mind escorting me back to our table? I believe it’s time for my brother and myself to retire for the evening.”
Still stunned, Rupert did as Winter asked, barely nodding at August as the two men made their excuses and left.
“Is everything all right?” Tristan asked as Rupert took his seat again and reached for the nearest glass. “Things looked a bit intense there for a moment on the dance floor.”
“I’m not sure anything will be all right again,” Rupert said before chugging the contents of the glass down his throat.How the hell did Winter know I referred to him as a peacock? Is he a seer or something?A shiver ran down Rupert’s spine. If he was, then Winter’s threat about dragging him before the World Council could be a very real possibility.
Reaching for another glass, Rupert stopped himself. He was more determined than ever to get away from the castle – at least for a bit. He would be on his horse by the time the sun rose. Heneeded to think about what Winter had said, to try to solve the riddle behind the man’s words. It would help if he could get the memory of the man’s body against his out of his brain first.
Chapter Eight
“Have you ever thought about giving up the family business?” August asked as he helped Winter ease the richly jewel-crusted robe from his shoulders. They were back in the relative safety of Winter’s suite. An opulent yet comfortable set of rooms created specifically for Winter in his new position as the crown prince consort of Simigile.
“Only at least once a day.” Winter chuckled as he carefully hung the robe on a hanger provided, easing the silk cover it had been protected by completely over the cloth, before hanging it up in the wide closet he’d been given. Grabbing a sleep robe, he quickly put that on, tying the belt firmly around his waist. He wasn’t expecting visitors, but a crown prince consort didn’t go flashing his bare chest at anyone.
“Why do you ask?” he asked as he took the seat opposite his brother. The chairs were arranged on either side of an ornate fireplace, the fire providing light and warmth. It was likely anticipated that Winter would share that spot with his new husband, but August was more comfortable to be with, at least in Winter’s opinion.
I should’ve known Rupert was only interested in maintaining his active sex life – with others, not his husband.Even though Winter had already guessed that was the only reason Rupert would talk to him at all, it still rankled him. Fortunately, the wonderful staff had also provided a small table holding a decanter of port, which Winter quickly made use of, pouring two glasses and leaning over to hand one to August.
“As far as I’m aware,” Winter added when August didn’t reply right away, “there hasn’t been a prince or princess from the Martingale royal family who hasn’t worked for the World Council in some semblance or another. Ours is simply a slightlydifferent form of employment than most people would consider for a gentleman, or a lady because we can’t forget our sisters, but what anyone else might do. Is something bothering you about your trip to Southland?”
“Apart from the fact that it’s going to take me well over a week to get there?” August shook his head. “I’m not worried about the trip as such, nor concerned about what I’ll find in Southland. My concern is more with leaving you here. I can’t help but feel that father should have done more to prevent your marriage to that buffoon that you are now tied to for the rest of your life.”
Winter took another sip of his port and quirked an eyebrow at his brother.
“I understand it was ultimately your decision,” August added quickly, “and you have every right to make it. But the whole situation has me feeling you’re being used, and not in a pleasurable way. Can you genuinely say, hand on heart, that you think you made the right decision?”
Taking a moment – it wasn’t always easy slipping from the persona others saw, to his true self – Winter said softly, “Frankly, between you and me, and I don’t want it to go any further, but no.” He shook his head. “Sigmund did try to dissuade me, and so did you. I accept that, and yes, I do think I made a mistake.
“But as it’s done, I have to look at the bright side. It’s not all bad. Given the chance, I believe I could do a lot of good here. I have already made some contacts thanks to the World Council effectively giving me three weeks to a month off as a wedding present. I can cultivate those contacts a bit more. I can see where our presence here, our family’s presence here, could be useful.
“I will also admit to having a genuine affection for the king. I understand his concerns, especially for his country. He hasimplemented a lot of ideas here that are truly good for his people. I’d like to think, given the opportunity, I could expand on those ideas and implement a few of my own.”
