6. Chapter 6 #3
Rowan didn’t dislike snuggling—far from it.
Previous lovers had always assumed he’d outright reject them.
Likely because he struggled to express himself, or so Rowan assumed, as no one could ever give him a direct answer when he broached the topic.
But for whatever reason, none had ever seemed comfortable cuddling with him for more than a few minutes. Milo was unique in that regard.
Perhaps he was making too many snap judgments, but Rowan’s gut said Milo was the right man for him.
His instincts had never been wrong before.
And yes, they’d only been dating three days, but he didn’t seem to have the same communication issues with Milo that he’d experienced with previous exes.
That alone was a huge boon to him. Also a very hopeful sign that this relationship would actually develop into something strong and long-lasting.
Ruben stirring in his bedroll on the other side of the fire brought Rowan’s eyes up. He found his older brother watching both of them. He wasn’t quite sure how to read his brother’s expression. Was that intrigue? Approval? Mix of both, perhaps.
In a low whisper, Ruben spoke. “I like him. Not just because he’s a good fighter, although gods, he’s terrifying to watch. You realize he downed half the bandits by himself?”
He had. He was quite proud of Milo for it, too.
“I didn’t take him seriously at first,” Ruben admitted. “He was this cute bundle of chaos who seemed to talk nonstop. Then he does that. But I also like how he is with you. He clearly adores you. From what I see, the feeling is mutual.”
Yes, so it was. Rowan smiled softly and kissed the top of Milo’s head.
“Think this relationship will stick, Brother mine?”
He asked a good question. “I give this relationship better odds than any I’ve been in before.”
“Because you didn’t have to win him over?”
“In part. But we’re a good fit for each other. We work well as a team.”
“I saw that play out all day. I’ll hope along with you, then, that he does end up staying. And that you work out in the long run.”
This was why Rowan loved his brother despite all the teasing. Ruben did want the best for him.
They fell silent once more, and this time, with the comfort of the campfire and the sounds of the forest at night washing over him, Rowan fell easily into sleep.
The last leg of the trip was not necessarily the easiest, but definitely the shortest. The thick evergreens surrounding them on all sides blocked any view of the fortress, although Rowan knew it was close at this point.
For one thing, he could smell the sea. The hint of brine in the air was a dead giveaway.
The journey felt like it took a decade, but they reached home just past noon.
Rowan took in the blocky walls, the towers rising all around them, barely visible through the tree canopy overhead, and sighed happily. Finally. Home.
Although that meant introducing Milo to everyone, which meant Rowan would face even more teasing, but it’d be fine. Milo had handled Ruben without even breaking stride. He’d handle the rest of the family just fine. Chatterbox that he was, he made friends easily, unlike Rowan.
They approached the outer gates, the duchy’s banners lazily flapping in the wind.
The horn sounded, signaling their return, but he ignored it.
Rowan waved a hand in acknowledgment to the guards on duty, Flynn and Lyle, who straightened at their captain’s return, but Rowan was more focused on Milo as they passed through the fortress’s ward.
He saw the way Milo’s jaw dropped with clear dismay.
He hadn’t undersold the state of the ward, but Milo still seemed surprised by how thin and feeble it looked.
Also, after a moment, furious. Rowan shared the fury, no question, not liking how poor work ethics had resulted in a direct threat to his family and people.
Well, after they got settled in today, he had no doubt Milo would immediately get to work tomorrow.
A few bustling servants curtsied as they approached the inner courtyard, but Rowan left their greeting to Ruben. It was only then he realized he hadn’t thought ahead. He waved a hand to get Milo’s attention. “Milo, we do have a room set up for you.”
“Oh… Um, okay.” Milo looked uncertain at this news, biting down on his bottom lip.
And that was all it took for Rowan to immediately know he’d messed up.
Over the past few days, whenever Milo had been sad or uncertain, he’d chewed on his lips, and he was doing it again now.
Rowan wasn’t sure how, but it seemed he’d hit an insecurity.
Was it because he’d mentioned a separate room?
He certainly didn’t want to give Milo the impression they were done because he’d had his fun and wasn’t interested in taking their relationship beyond their travels.
Rather the reverse, but clearly Rowan needed to say so directly.
Knowing how much he loved sleeping next to Rowan, and how much Rowan enjoyed it, for that matter, he didn’t want to give his lover the impression he wanted him to use that room. “Why don’t you put work-related things there? Work from that room but stay in mine.”
Look at his happy expression. Rowan might as well have handed Milo a gift from the gods themselves. Milo dramatically clutched his chest with one hand. “Aww, boo-bear! You do love me!”
Rowan snorted. He was glad he’d said something. Starting off on the wrong foot with Milo was very much a No Thank You.
He had no time to say anything else. They’d reached the courtyard and Raina stood there waiting on him.
His eldest sister looked like him, superficially.
Not quite as tall, but still well above average height, with ginger hair in a loose cascade to her slim waist, freckles heavy on her cheeks.
Raina had just turned forty and still looked a decade younger, in his opinion.
Unlike him, though, she didn’t give off murderous vibes.
When she smiled, people smiled back instead of looking for cover.
“You made good time!” she called to him, hands on hips. “And I see our new mage is in tow.”
Absolutely not giving Ruben any time to speak up and twist things, which he would, Rowan said, “This is Milo Tobitt, a Second Circle Mage and my lover.”
Raina stared at him like she wasn’t sure if he was trying to joke and it just didn’t land right. Then turned to stare at Milo with even more interest.
Milo, of course, didn’t even bat an eye. He waved, expression cheerful. “Hi! Nice to meet you. Phew, glad to get here, too. That was a haul and a half.”
“It was,” Rowan acknowledged with a slight smile.
“Milo, this is my eldest sister, Raina. You’ll soon meet Troy, her husband.
She has twin girls, too. Raina and Troy run the fortress most of the time, as our parents do a lot of trading and aren’t normally home.
I’ll also introduce you to Riley, my other sister, when I can find her. ”
“Riley’s out right now, due back in later today,” Raina informed him.
A slow smile unfurled, and it spoke of pure mischief.
“She’s going to hit the roof when she meets Milo.
Anyway, Milo, welcome. We’re very glad to have you.
For multiple reasons. We have a room set up for you, but it seems that’s no longer necessary. ”
“I’ll use it as a work room,” Milo answered, bright smile not wavering. “But I’ll share a room with Rowan.”
“Oh, really now?” Raina looked at Rowan, but he shrugged. That was the plan.
“Well, why don’t you come inside? The servants will get your luggage in.”
“Sure!”
Rowan had a feeling she wanted to eat lunch with them and suss Milo out better, which was fine. She’d soon see what he saw.
Rowan’s main concern was making sure Milo never wanted to leave this place.