“Your fath… the emperor has a long reach. There is nowhere I can hide where he can’t find me.”
“Yes, there is.” The earnestness on Draylon’s face gave Yarif pause. “We’ll hide you in plain sight. He can’t act with witnesses.”
“What about the children? He’s not above using children to manipulate me.”
Draylon slowly shook his head. “Sadly, no, he’s not. First, we need to determine if he remains in Renvalle, which I believe he would until he’s established a loyal leadership there. Things would be much easier if he returned to the capital. Either way, we must be on our way as quickly as possible.”
“Unfortunately, I’m inclined to agree,” Niam said, looking sorrowfully in Rufe’s direction. “I’ve already overextended my planned stay. Before my advisors track me down like a pack of hunting dogs, I must return to the capital. I’ve kept the servants away as much as possible, only letting the most trustworthy guards know you’re here. Still, I must watch my step until relations with the empire improve. While I am king, the nobles outnumber the royal family and are more obstinate.”
Rufe finally spoke up. “What of the weather? Will we have to wait until spring to brave the pass?”
Niam shook his head. “No. The weather has remained clear for three days and is likely to stay that way for the immediate future, but there are no guarantees for how long. My recommendation is that you leave early next week. My mother has said the three of you are fit enough to make the journey, but you won’t be back to full fighting abilities yet. We can’t wait much longer.”
Next week? Yarif’s heart hammered. Leave the safety of this keep where he was only Yarif, nephew, or cousin, and go back to where he was the king consort, and an emperor schemed his doom?
Draylon regarded Yarif for several long moments. “There is a contingent of Glendoran soldiers at the base of the mountains. I know their commander. Though they answer to the emperor, I believe if I plead our case, Commander Vihaan will listen. There must be peace, and any differences solved through negotiation first.” He squared his shoulders, turning his unwavering gaze on Rufe, Niam, then Yarif again. “Now I ask you all to join me in treason: overthrowing Emperor Soland and putting Avestan Aravaid on the throne if we must. Yarif will not be murdered, and the empire will not go to war.”
Niam stroked his chin. “I hope you understand that I must consider the matter, though you’re only asking me to do what I’m already accused of.”
“I wouldn’t trust a rash decision.”
Rufe told Draylon, “I go where you do, you know that. No questions asked.”
Yarif left the room after they concluded their talk, wending his way back toward his chambers.
“Yarif. A word, please,” Draylon called after him.
Yarif froze.
Draylon caught up, wearing the same woolen trousers and tunic style as Niam but with far less embroidery. He’d cut his hair again, nearly shaved on the sides, with a longer patch on top. Did he still shave his chest to make wearing armor over padding more comfortable? Yarif hadn’t noticed during the night.
Images of their wedding night came to mind. Even now, standing close, Yarif’s body reacted to Draylon’s bulky form.
Draylon stared into Yarif’s eyes. Yarif's heart pounded fast from the nearness and from what Draylon might say. “I need you to know I wouldn’t take you back to Renvalle if there was any better way to keep you safe. I would never harm you, and I hope you believe that.”
Every night Draylon protected Yarif from bad dreams, never asking for anything in return, defied an emperor to stage a rescue. “Of course I do.”
“You also realize I’ll protect you.” Draylon raised his hands in a defensive gesture. “Not that you need protection. But I hope you understand my meaning.”
The genuine caring in his eyes nearly undid Yarif. “Yes, I do. As I’d defend you.” Where had those words come from? The moment they left his mouth, Yarif realized how much he meant them. They tasted of truth.
For better or worse, their lives were entwined, and whereas a single strand might easily fray, two bound together weren’t so quickly broken.
They stood there a moment longer before Draylon drew Yarif into his arms. Yarif sank into the embrace, realizing how much he craved the touch. Draylon kissed him, slow, sensual, out in the hallway where anyone could see.
Yarif let him. He’d needed this. Damnation, but he needed this, and he snaked his arms around Draylon, still mindful of the shoulder wound.
Once more, Yarif’s body reminded him thatyes, we like Draylon very much.More than liked. Yarif moaned into the kiss, shifting his body for a better fit. His hard cock met Draylon’s. So Yarif wasn’t the only one so affected.
Their relationship might end short-lived, but he’d make the most of their time together.
“I’ve wanted to do this for days,” Draylon confessed. “But your aunt watches like a hawk, and your cousin keeps me away from you until way into the night, hammering out details for a possible alliance. I want you to rest when we’re alone in your room.”
“I’ve been wanting you too,” Yarif agreed.
Draylon dipped his chin to take Yarif’s mouth with a smile tugging his lips. When he pulled away, he murmured somewhat breathlessly, “Come to my room with me?”
Without saying a word, Yarif grabbed Draylon’s hand and nearly sprinted through the hallway. Tonight they’d be together for more than just sleep, and woe be to anyone who tried to stop them.
