“Because it’s none of your goddamn business, that’s why,” Kade snapped. “You’re not entitled to knowing the partners I choose. It’s not like I ask you about your bedroom habits even if I have to listen to them. These walls are thin.”
They blinked at Kade, not at all intimidated by his outburst.
Then, Porthos leaned ever so slightly towards Taiga and covered his mouth with his hand, as if that would keep Kade from hearing. “He’s quite defensive, no? That means it’s serious.Reallyserious.”
Nodding solemnly, Taiga mirrored Porthos. “It has to be someone important. A scandal if it got out. The king, maybe? He snuck out pretty early, too.”
Porthos jerked back looking absolutely horrified. “Ew. Don’t even joke about that. That’s my cousin. Kade would never.” Sudden doubt flashed across his face and he eyed Kade. “You would never. Would you?”
That was the single most disgusting thing Kade had ever heard. He’d rather sit on a sword than go anywhere near the king’s cock.
Kade sighed and put both hands on Porthos’ shoulders and resisted the urge to shake with every ounce of strength he could muster. “I’m so sorry, Porthos.”
Taiga choked.
“No!” Porthos gasped. “No!”
“I couldn’t help myself. He’s just so…beautiful and gorgeous and magnificent and—”
“Oh, I see.” Porthos shoved at Kade with an annoyed grunt. “You fuckers.” He frowned as Kade and Taiga cackled. “That wasn’t funny.”
“It was,” said Kade. “Don’t be boring.”
Porthos rolled his eyes. “Get changed. We’ll meet you downstairs. Don’t run off to fuck my cousin again, I’ll be angry.”
They were halfway out the door when Kade remembered. “Wait. Actually, Porthos, could you stay a moment? I need to speak to you.”
With a wave of his hand, Porthos gestured for Taiga to go on without them and then stepped back into the room, looking hunted. “What?”
“Relax, would you. I’m not going to jump you. Here.” Carefully, gently, Kade reached into his pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief he’d wrapped the flower in. When no formof understanding dawned on Porthos’ face, Kade unfolded it just enough for the golden haired elf to see. “I got it.”
“Oh, Kade, you’re brilliant! I could kiss you.”
“Please don’t. Ah, ah.”Kade pulled away when Porthos reached for his prize. “We had a deal.”
“That we did,” agreed Porthos, more serious than Kade had ever seen him. His eyes were trained on the hidden flower, sharp and focused and desperate.
The crawling feeling of unease was back, but Kade shoved it down as they took their vow. The golden light of theirenswirling around them and filling the air as they repeated the words that would tie them together and still Porthos’ tongue if he ever tried to speak of Kade entering the king’s garden.
Their vow showed itself as a band around the back of Porthos’ tongue. To anyone who noticed it would seem like he drank too much wine, nothing but an unassuming stain.
“Happy?” asked Porthos.
Kade nodded. “Yes. Thanks.”
Porthos softened at that. “You’re my friend, Kade. I wouldn’t have ratted you out, but I do understand the need for a guarantee. Plus, I should be the one thanking you. You’ve really helped me here. I mean it. This means a lot to me.”
With the shake of his head, Kade felt a weight lift off his chest. Their secret garden would stay a secret for a little longer.
“I’ll be downstairs,” said Porthos as he held the handkerchief close to his chest. Once in the hallway, he called over his shoulder, “Don’t forget to put some healing salve on those bruises, you whore.”
Kade slammed the door shut behind him.
Later, once Kade had changed into fresh navy robes andcombed his hairandapplied the healing salve, he made his way downstairs to report for the longest day of work he’d ever have. As Taiga predicted, Hokda hadn’t arrived yet, so they could enjoy a smooth and slow morning.
“Take this,” Taiga whispered, pressing a blue bottle of vitality elixir into the palm of his hand. “You really do look like shit.”
Fyar was staring a bit too hard for Killian’s comfort. The blank white eyes a bit tooseeing. He tried not to squirm under the scrutiny, to not give anything away.
