31. Benjin #3
Haldric stepped up beside him. Benjin’s heartbeat quickened at Haldric’s closeness after so many days apart. “Perhaps. But no doubt he also saw your innate talent and potential. You’ll be a powerful mage someday, Benjin.”
Benjin fixed Haldric with a disbelieving look, but Haldric merely smiled. “I’m serious. In fact, that’s why we’re here. It turns out I have need of a powerful mage to fill the position Dexil vacated—one I can trust in these tumultuous times.”
Benjin’s breath caught, certain he must’ve misunderstood. “But…but I’m barely trained in the basics of runeflame! Even you know more than I do.”
Haldric shrugged. “True. But I intend to ensure you receive the very best education, and I have no doubt you’ll manage in the meantime. From what I hear, you’re already doing an admirable job carrying on the Grand Magus’ work.”
“That hardly counts!” Benjin stared at the alcoves in the walls that housed Dexil’s most prized contraptions.
“Most of the potions I’ve been delivering are simple tonics the Grand Magus had already mostly prepared.
I can’t—” He paused, focusing on something Haldric had said.
“Hold on. What did you mean about my education?”
This time, Benjin thought he detected a flicker of sadness in Haldric’s smile.
“If you accept my offer, I’m prepared to reach out to Astralyn on your behalf.
With the king of Ilthabard as your patron, you should have little difficulty securing a spot at the Arcanum to study runeflame as Dexil did.
It’s the best education a fledgling mage can hope for.
And if you elect to return in several years once your training is complete, the post of Grand Magus will be waiting for you. ”
Benjin’s couldn’t deny that the offer was tempting.
How often had he dreamed of escaping his life here?
He’d be able to take his mother away from Revesole and her ceaseless work to start anew with him in Astralyn.
Once he was Arcanum-trained, he’d have no shortage of positions available to him all across Allaria, in Ilthabard or beyond. And yet…
Swallowing, Benjin met Haldric’s eyes. “Or?”
“Or,” Haldric said softly, taking a step closer to Benjin, “I can arrange for you to study here. It’s no substitute for the Arcanum, but with Dexil’s books and some good tutors, I suspect we can make fine mages out of you and me both.”
It was Benjin who stepped closer this time, his pulse quickening as heat zinged through his veins. The two of them were practically pressed together, Haldric’s proximity like the burning brush of magic upon Benjin’s soul.
He expected the king to react—to back up or shove him away or call him out for his lack of decorum. Instead, Haldric’s breath grew more ragged, his pupils dilating with desire as his eyes locked on Benjin’s lips.
“So,” Haldric whispered, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. “What do you think?”
“Are you asking me to stay here? With you?”
Haldric licked his lips. “I am.”
Benjin raised a hand, gently cupping Haldric’s face. He started to lean in, then hesitated as harsh reality set in. “What about Katalin? I won’t be your dirty secret.”
“She knows. In fact, this was her idea.”
Benjin’s eyebrows shot up. “Really?”
Haldric nodded, his cheeks flaring red. “She is remarkably perceptive. She realized what I needed even when I was too stubborn to admit it.”
Benjin tensed, scarcely daring to believe his ears. “But the alliance? During the Summit, she said—”
“The alliance stands,” Haldric said firmly. “All that has changed are the specifics. Even if it takes a bit longer to secure, alliances need not be forged in blood, and we both still have much to gain from the arrangement. My heart, however, belongs to another.”
The king’s hands wrapped around Benjin’s waist, tugging him flush against him.
Benjin’s heart soared, his breath catching. A wide grin split his face. “Oh, really? And who might that be?”
Haldric smirked before tugging Benjin into a fierce kiss. Benjin soon lost himself to the scrape of Haldric’s stubble, the press of his lips, the warmth of his chest.
When they parted, Benjin gave Haldric a dazed smirk. “Does this make me queen? Or co-king?”
Haldric rolled his eyes, shoving Benjin playfully. “We’ll cross that bridge once we reach it. For now, I believe the official term would be ‘royal consort,’ but we’ll stick with Grand Magus…assuming you accept my offer.”
Benjin leaned in and stole another quick kiss that sent a ripple of pleasurable heat through him. “Mmm, with these kinds of perks, how could I refuse?”
Haldric bit his bottom lip, suddenly seeming uncertain.
“Are you sure this is what you really want, Benjin? I may have won this round against Westley, but that doesn’t mean he won’t make more ploys on my life or the lives of those I care about.
Not to mention the knife’s edge our kingdom still treads along.
Staying here close to me will put you at risk. ”
Benjin clasped Haldric’s hand, entwining their fingers. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” He couldn’t help another playful grin, cocking a brow. “So long as you promise not to get me cursed again.”
Haldric chuckled, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “Deal.”