"I'm not going to try," he announced. "I'm going to succeed."
The rare moment of silence from his brother stretched out until finally he spoke in quiet stunned tones. "What do you need me to do?"
Rai smiled. "Have I mentioned lately how much I appreciate you?"
Lewn laughed. "Remember that the next time I need a favor."
* * * *
Bored with waiting in line, Jory watched the people around him for entertainment. Apparently all types attended the festival. Men, women, and creatures he'd never even seen or heard of crowded the massive hall.
"Wow. I didn't realize there would be so much variety." Jory eyes widened as he took in the crowds.
"What did you expect?"
Jory shrugged. "The way my father talked about it I thought it was a bunch of guys like me trying to find mates. I didn't realize there would be women and other beings too." He didn't mention his father's goal of using him for a political alliance. He didn't care if he made an alliance or not. His goal was to find someone to call his own.
"Everyone wants a mate." Val's serious tone brought Jory's attention back to the other man, but Val's eyes were scanning the crowds so he couldn't see his expression.
Returning his attention to the people surrounding them, Jory jerked back when he saw all eyes were on him. At home, everyone knew him so he drew few stares.
"Why are they all staring?"
Val laughed. "Because—"
"Good afternoon, Val."
A tall man approached. The man's smooth caramel skin was a striking contrast to his dark red hair. The look worked well for him.
"Good afternoon, Z." Val sounded a little wary. He tightened his grip on Jory a bit. Not painful, but definitely firm. Jory wondered why this man made Val nervous.
"Prince Lewn wishes to speak with you."
"Tell the prince I'm busy."
Z gave a wry smile. "Sorry, Val, he said it was important. If you like I can watch your boy for you."
Val looked at the redhead for so long the other man started to shift his feet in his place. "Watch him very carefully, Z. If harm comes to him, I won't be responsible for my actions." The low growl in his voice made the other man stand up straighter.
"I promise I'll take good care of him."
"See that you do."
Before Jory could protest about being assigned a babysitter, Val's mouth swooped down and covered his in a kiss so carnal he almost jumped him right there in front of everyone.
Val released him, leaving Jory gasping for breath and his heart hammering against his chest.
Val turned back to Z. "Knowing Lewn, this will take a while. Once he's registered, take Jory to his room and see that he gets whatever he needs."
He pulled some paper money from his pocket and handed it towards Z, who shook his head. "It'll add to my value to be seen with him."
Val didn't seem to find this odd because he nodded and, after a sweet kiss to Jory's cheek, walked away.
"Wow, I've never seen Val kiss anyone in public before. I'm Zellyn, but everyone calls me Z," the friendly redhead said, holding out his hand.
Jory shook hands. "I'm Joriah, but everyone calls me Jory." When they weren't calling him "my prince".
"Nice to meet you, Jory. Val looks quite taken with you." The other man smiled at him with such good humor Jory couldn't help but like him.
