Chapter Twenty-Four
Boraleashe
It’s a Celebration
The halls of Mirador Keep were just as loud and rambunctious as the parties in the provinces.
Theodor appeared amused at Boraleashe’s house servants and court leaders dancing under the sun’s beams and singing praises to the gods, but he was exasperated.
Boraleashe clenched his teeth when his own viceroy had to put down his goblet of wine and rush to his side, trying to appear poised and professional.
However, it was clear they were all well in their cups, and the sun had barely risen.
He could imagine what they’d be like by dusk.
It’d been years of dark days in Amárach, his people had a right to rejoice in the light.
He wouldn’t be a killjoy and shut down the festivities or send them into the streets with the rest of the rowdy crowd; but he didn’t want to be entertained.
Adresin righted his low-riding trousers and smoothed one palm down his wrinkled tunic, trying to stand without leaning to one side.
Theodor chuckled, his hazel eyes taking in the loud ruckus and spirits flowing freely.
Boraleashe chose to ignore the foolery. After sleeping outside in the most lethal conditions known to man, all he wanted was to take another bath and get his king in bed, far underneath his covers.
He didn’t know he could be so insatiable or that his cock had such amazing recovery time, but he was learning fast. All he had to do was get through his crazy palace undetected and to the stairs that led to his quarters.
“Lord. I’ll have your attendants start your bath and—”
Boraleashe raised his hand, trying to get them moving. “That won’t be necessary, Adresin. Continue to make a fool of yourself. Enjoy. I only need privacy and zero interrupt—”
“King Theodor Cavalerie! Un-fucking-acceptable,” a vulgar, grating voice called from over the second-floor landing. “Shame!”
Boraleashe didn’t appreciate another interruption, but he recognized the man chastising his betrothed.
Theodor’s man and best friend, Mozraath— if he recalled correctly—rushed down the curved staircase with an entourage of mature servants trailing behind him.
His mismatched face was a mask of disgust and pure joy.
Boraleashe thought it interesting he could display both at the same time.
“You are filthy, and you smell like a rank minotaur. Pfft, Treasure of the Realms, my ass,” Mozraath muttered when he and Theodor were face-to-face.
His thin lip curved into a disgusted sneer, but his one light eye flashed with humor.
“And you stand here hand in hand with the breathtaking Titan of the North as if all is well.”
“All is well, my good friend.” Theodor smiled wide before he grabbed the shorter man in a one-armed hug while refusing to drop Boraleashe’s hand even for a greeting.
“But in case you didn’t notice, we’ve been busy saving our souls from eternal damnation.
” Theodor affectionately clamped his friend’s shoulder and squeezed.
“If you’d been here on time, you would’ve seen it. ”
“Wow. Narcissistic much?” Mozraath mocked, waving his master off. “And I’ve reminded you time and again us lay people don’t travel in the sky. Journeying north takes considerable time.”
“Ignore him.” Theodor beamed at Mozraath. “He gets like this when he’s been worrying.”
“Remove your hand,” Boraleashe cautioned Theodor before he’d thought better of it.
His voice was rough and spiked with a possession he wasn’t used to controlling. It wasn’t like him to show a reaction, but his chest tightened the moment Theodor wrapped the other man in an embrace. Friendly and innocent as it was… jealousy throbbed under his skin.
Theodor eased his hand away from his man and pulled Boraleashe into him.
His disciplined king stared into his eyes for a long, tense moment while Boraleashe tried to conceal his turmoil and embarrassment.
He was ashamed but also not fucking sorry.
He tried to convey it all with one look, his mouth still pulled tight, warning Mozraath to look but don’t touch.
“I, uh… I just…” He grimaced.
Unable to control it, Boraleashe was showing weakness… in front of others! For the love of the gods! It wasn’t easy to be so indifferent anymore now he could feel emotions.
Theodor commanded the room without removing his understanding gaze from his uncomfortable one. “I won’t need assistance at this time, Mozraath. I’ll summon you if I require anything. Adresin, same for you and your servants. Understood?”
“Understood. I mean, yes, lords.” Adresin faltered in his drunken state. “Shall I also relieve the bathers?”
Boraleashe rolled his eyes, just refraining from groaning.
“Boraleashe does not need bathers!” Theodor snatched his hand and led him up the stairs. Their court and other house aides parted and got the hell out of their way. But the cheers and showers of love and glory were still thrown at their backs.
They wouldn’t have long before they were expected to formally announce their engagement, and the moment they did, chaos would erupt. He was going to take full advantage of the privacy for the few hours they had.