“And you have connections there,” Wren said. “Powerful ones.”
“I enjoy a sporadic correspondence with the current king. He was Prince Grantham when I visited and we worked closely together during our time. He is transitioning his government to a democracy, if you can believe it.”
Wren’s eyebrows went up. “I see. How egalitarian of him.”
“He truly is.” Aiden smiled. “And not terrible to look at either.”
“Don’t make me jealous,” Wren said, but he was teasing if the brightness in his eyes was any indication.
“Not as handsome as you, I promise,” Aiden said. “He’s occasionally asked me for my assistance and has extended an invitation for me to visit many times, so we would be welcome there. Protected. And if we went, there would be other advantages."
“Such as?” Wren asked.
“Athawick is well known for its more…shall we say,liberalview of love and sex,” Aiden said. “Three lovers living together might not be common even there, but it will surely meet with more acceptance. We could live in the open, unlike here or in the former colonies or on the continent.”
Wren swallowed hard. “Live openly,” he repeated. “I…I never thought…”
“I know. But it’s possible.”
Wren was silent for a long moment. “Then Athawick it is.”
“Good,” Aiden said with a sigh of relief, but also worry. “I only hope we can make it there. We would have to sail from London. And it’s clear from what Huntington told us in his letter that Wilburn is still on the hunt for Emilia. Returning could be very dangerous and sailing even more so.”
Wren nodded. “If you can provide us with the spot to go, perhaps I can help with the protection and cover.”
Aiden tilted his head. “How?”
He was surprised that Wren’s lips quirked a little. “I have connections, too, my love. Just ones that are a little different than your own.”
Aiden arched a brow. He wasn’t accustomed to this tone from Wren. “Why do I feel like you’re going to take us into a lion’s den?”
Wren tilted his head back and laughed. “Well, perhaps it is that. But I think the lions I have in mind might be just the weapon we need.”
Aiden still wasn’t certain he liked the idea of lions, but asked no further questions. “I trust you. Just let me know where we need to go. I can arrange the transport.”
Wren reached for him and tugged him in, folding his strong arms around Aiden and holding him tight. Aiden relaxed into his warmth, his strength and realized how much he had needed this over the years. How happy he was to have this man back in his life and his arms.
And now they just had to convince Emilia that she, too, belonged with them. That their love was a risk worth taking and a future worth grabbing.
CHAPTER11
Wren
Wren looked out the carriage window as the edge of London grew up around them. He didn’t like returning to the city with Aiden and Emilia before he was certain that he could keep them both safe, but there was little choice in the matter.
“Your leg is bouncing,” Emilia said, reaching across the gap between the benches and laying a gentle hand on said knee.
He shook his head. “My apologies, I didn’t even realize I was doing it.”
“No apologies necessary,” Aiden said, watching him just as closely as Emilia was. “You’re obviously nervous, though. And you’ve been very secretive about just who we’re going to meet.”
Wren bent his head. “Yes, I realize I’ve been so the last few days. I’m sure it must not add to either of your sense of safety. I almost don’t know what to say about the people we’re putting our faith into.”
“How long until we reach out destination?” Aiden asked.
Wren looked out the window again. “Perhaps half an hour, a little more if the carriage traffic is heavy.”
“Then why don’t you tell us a bit now?” Emilia said gently. “I admit I’d feel more secure if I knew something of where we’re going here in London, so close to Wilburn and his obsessive hatred.”
