"My place in the universe is to be prettied up and married off to some rich, titled bastard who's going to want me to fetch his slippers and rub his hairy feet? Pardon me if I don't jump at the offer."
Subtle he wasn't. He shoved a bite of eggs into his mouth and glared at his father.
The king leaned forward, propping his chin on one elegant hand. Bejeweled fingers flashed at Jory from across the table. "Son, I hate to be the one to tell you, since you're obviously in denial, but you're already a pretty, pretty man. A fact I put down to your beautiful mother, may the gods bless her soul. Do you know how many royal women I have denied a political marriage for you?" In one of his famous shifts of emotion, the king slammed his hand down on the table. "I always have your best interests at heart."
Jory sighed. "I know, Father." It was true. While his siblings had been placed in convenient marriages and slipped into tidy slots, he had escaped the same fate. For some reason, his father really loved him above all others.
"But I'm only twenty-three. I'm not ready to settle down yet, and there's Peter to think of." Wow, that came out way whinier than it sounded in my head.
The king reached across the table and grabbed Jory's wrist. "I want you to be happy and find someone to love like I loved your mother. You may be young, but it's time for you to look for your other half. I've seen your dissatisfaction lately. Peter isn't the one for you. I know you aren't bonded in your heart, and I think you need something, if not someone, new. Besides, I've heard rumors that Detrius is looking to get rid of you."
"Detrius?" Confusion filled Jory. "Why would he want me dead?" Although he wasn't close to his eldest brother due to their twenty-year age gap, he thought the man held him in some affection, or at least not active dislike. How had he not heard of his brother's changing attitude?
"There are some here who think you would make a better ruler after my demise."
Jory laughed. "First of all, you're going to live for a long, long time. Secondly, I would make a horrible king. I hate politics." He preferred to make his changes from behind the scenes.
His father smiled. "I know, baby boy, but not everyone thinks that way. They look at your abilities, your looks, and your sweet nature and think you'd make an excellent pawn on their way to power. I know you're stronger than anyone gives you credit for, but your brother has heard the rumors, and despite five siblings between you and the throne, the plotting hasn't stopped. If you relocate to another planet, the rumors will end, because you'll be settling down elsewhere and starting a new life of your own. That's why I'm banishing you."
"B-banishing me?" Jory's voice broke along with bits of his heart. He'd always counted on his father's love despite anything he might do. To be tossed out of not only the kingdom, but off the planet, hurt more than he expected. "So you're just kicking me out into the big bad dragon world?"
"Don't be an idiot," the king growled. "I'll provide you with food, lodging, and enough money to buy a few planets if you have the urge." He leaned over to make eye contact with his son. "Don't disappoint me, Jory. There's intelligence your brother wants you dead. If you have a mate, you'll have another level of protection on top of what I can provide. Detrius might be able to turn some people against you, since not all of them support your choices, but I'll protect you as best as I can."
"Why does Detrius care if I prefer men? You'd think he'd be happy since I'm less likely to try to put my own children on the throne even if I did decide to take over. Besides he has his own two boys who are ahead of me for the throne. Am I supposed to murder them too?"
The king's face lost all humor. "There's no reasoning with bigotry. Maybe he's jealous because your mother was the only woman I ever loved and he knows I hold you dear. Your other brothers and sisters are little competition. They're happy with their families and place in the royal hierarchy, but you're beautiful, intelligent and our people adore you. If I don't send you away, my son, I fear you won't outlive the week."
Jory nodded as the food churned in his stomach. There was no way out of it. He couldn't deny the man sitting across from him with sadness and love in his eyes. "Very well, Father, if you think it's best, I will take my leave in the morning. But if I don't find anyone…"
The king laughed. "The mating festival lasts one month. If there are no prospects in that time, we will pursue other places. I will see you married before I die, Joriah. I want to go to the afterlife knowing someone is there to take care of you."
Jory blinked back tears. Moments like this reminded him of his father's great age. He always saw the king as an overpowering force, but eventually everyone aged, and everyone died.
Holding out his hand until Jory took it, the king gave him a smile. "I want you to promise me that when you find your permanent partner you'll accept a contract to breed. You still want children, don't you?"
Jory nodded. It was one of his greatest dreams to have a family of his own. "I swore on mother's ascension bed I wouldn't let the line die with me. I'm assuming we're talking artificial creation?"
"Of course. I know of your dislike of women." His father gave him a sly smile.
"I don't dislike them," Jory protested. "I'm just not interested in them sexually."
"A fact we will always disagree on." The king laughed, his good humor restored now that he had his way.
While eating the rest of his breakfast, Jory decided the trip wouldn't be so horrible. He was going to a planet where a group of men attracted to other men would converge. If nothing else, he could have a great orgy. Lowering his eyes so Father didn't see his expression, he said, "Well, Father, I assume your secretary already made my travel plans so I better go decide what to take."
The king nodded. "Calli made all the arrangements in your mother's maiden name. I assumed you didn't want everyone to know who you are."
"I'd rather they didn't. The fewer people who are aware I'm your son the likelier I am to get a sincere mate."
"I agree. Your looks will fade eventually, my son, but money lasts forever. If all it takes is money to get you your perfect mate, let me know and I'll give you whatever you need." The older man leaned forward, his loving expression transforming into the cold gaze of the galactic king. "Just remember, if anyone harms you, they will answer to me."
Jory swallowed convulsively. Sometimes he forgot behind his father's loving gaze lived one of the most ruthless bastards in the universe. "Yes, Father, but just so we're clear, if you need to buy me my mate, I don't want him."
The two men finished their breakfast in perfect accord.
After their shared meal, Jory went to prepare for his trip and his father went to do whatever scary galactic kings did to round off their day.
Chapter Two
