Despite how he’d given the same speeches over and over, the grand monk’s enthusiasm did not flag. But then, the grand monk did have the most powerful individuals from the six kingdoms listening to him. So perhaps that helped.
Elias regularly gave money to the Monks of the Way of the Dove. If not for the Voltarian healer who’d been accompanying them, Elias would be dead. That healer had trained at the Dove Healing Academy at the White Monastery.
And in general, the monks did good work. Not only training healers but also taking in refugees of war. And of course, they also tried very hard to achieve peace between any warring nations.
The grand monk’s speech came to an end.
Elias turned towards his future spouse, ready to try to charm him. But before he could get a word in, the grand monk spoke, “Congratulations to you both. May you have many happy years together, Prince Elias and Prince Gerard.”
“Thank you, Grand Monk.” Prince Gerard inclined his head.
“Yes. Thank you,” Elias said.
“And thank you for all your endless work negotiating the details of this peace treaty,” Prince Gerard added.
The grand monk chuckled. “There are many challenges involved. But I take it as a true honour, a true honour indeed, that I can help such noble kingdoms pursue peace.” Then, with a bow, the grand monk took a step back.
Elias turned towards his future husband. “Prince Gerard, I?—”
But before he could finish his sentence, a torrent of people descendedon them.
“Congratulations.”
“May your marriage be blessed.”
“We wish you both a future filled with joy.”
Elias smiled and thanked the well-wishers, even as they pushed him and Prince Gerard apart.
Then he got caught in a conversation with the queen of Botanial. He smiled and nodded but kept glancing at Prince Gerard. By the time he could get away, Prince Gerard was surrounded by a group from Draconia. Elias tried to get closer.
But people kept coming towards him, kept speaking to him, kept congratulating him!
Fuck!
After what felt like forever, he finally managed to join the group from Draconia. Prince Gerard acknowledged him with a polite nod.
Elias smiled in return, then half listened as Prince Konrad spoke about some meeting he’d attended that day.
Elias nodded, even though he didn’t quite know what Prince Konrad was speaking about.
“Anyway, we resume the meeting tomorrow,” the crown prince said.
“Well, I hope it does not drag on. For your sake.” Princess Senta smiled at her eldest brother. “Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Princess Senta said to the group, “I’m going to retire for the night.”
“So will I,” Prince Gerard added. “Goodnight.” He hesitated, then turned to Elias. He bowed. “Goodnight, Prince Elias. I hope you sleep well.”
“Goodnight, Prince Gerard. You too.” Elias watched the man he would marry walk away. He exhaled. It seemed he wouldn’t get a chance to charm him tonight.
At least he isn’t ignoring me completely.
Chapter
Seventeen
Elias stared at Prince Gerard. Since their betrothal announcement a week ago, Elias had managed several conversations with him. Elias had asked what he thought were insightful questions. He’d turned on the charm. He’d not acted like a fool.
In return, Prince Gerard had given him polite nods, civil answers, and dry and meaningless small talk. Prince Gerard had also asked Elias rather dull questions. He had not responded to Elias’s attempts to flirt at all. In fact, he didn’t even seem to notice.
