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Chapter Text

Jared

Jared steps out of the small room in the back of the stables. He wrinkles his nose at the overwhelming stench, though he really should be used to it by now. He holds a stack of books in one hand and murmurs a few words as blue sparks fly from his other hand. A few moments later, the hay is fresh, the stalls are clean, and while there’s still a bit of a stench, he can breathe in without feeling like he’s suffocating.

“Jared, there you are. The stalls need to be mucked before the arrival of—”

Mark Sheppard stops abruptly, looking around the stable. “Well, haven’t you been busy?”

“I finished mucking and the hay is fresh,” Jared says. “If there isn’t anything else you require of me, I must return these books to the library before I’m needed at the gentlemen’s club.”

Mark looks over the stables once more before looking back at Jared. “I’ve never known anyone who works as quickly as you do or keeps the stables as clean. You are a wonder.”

Jared feels guilty for accepting praise for hard work when he’s able to accomplish his tasks in mere moments, but not guilty enough to admit the truth. Magic has been outlawed in the kingdom of Arashen since King Henry Ackles ascended to the throne. Folks are still born with magic in them, there’s no royal decree that can stop bloodlines from producing mages, but the practice of magic is strictly forbidden. Highborn families who for centuries have produced the occasional mage are carefully monitored, as magic generally manifests in a child’s twelfth or thirteenth year. Those with magic are required to wear chains of silver around their wrists which inhibits their use of magic.

The silver chains are devised by weaving silver wires together directly on the mage’s wrist, without a clasp or way to safely remove them without magic—which they cannot use as the silver binds their magic. 

King Ackles has decreed that any mages who use magic are to be immediately imprisoned. After all, it was a mage that helped King Henry gain the throne. He can’t risk a mage helping another take the throne from him.

Jared is peasant born, so the affairs of royalty matter little to him. He is beneath the notice of the royal family, who apparently are unaware that peasants can also be born with the gift of magic. Although to be fair, Jared knows no other lowborn mages and as a child had not even dreamt that he might have magic. Jared had been in his thirteenth year the first time blue sparks flew from his fingertips which was—as the fates would have it—shortly after the King’s decree. Jared had learned early to keep his magic a secret–his mother worried that a villager would seek to curry favor from the king by revealing Jared’s secret.

His mother thought Jared must be as mad as the King is whispered to be to come to Thistleton, the village that surrounds the royal castle. But this is where King’s University is, and Jared is determined that he will attend one day, as soon as he saves enough to pay for the tuition.

King’s University, which has taught students for centuries, is a treasure trove of knowledge—history, science, medicine, astrology, physics, literature—and Jared wants to study it all. It’s all that is important to him. It’s why he left his home to travel to Thistleton, it’s why he is working here at the stables and the gentlemen’s club, and why he sleeps in a tiny room in the stables. Every coin he is paid that does not have to be spent for food he keeps. They add up so slowly, but Jared is not discouraged. He will make his dream come true.

Jared says farewell to Mark and hurries to reach the library before it closes. Overhead, he hears a loud screech. Jared doesn’t have to look up in the air–he knows who is trying to get his attention.

“Look, Mother, it’s a dragon,” a little boy says, pointing excitedly.

“So it is,” the mother replies. “You don’t often see them this far from the mountains. I wonder if the poor thing is lost.”

Jared almost snorts at the idea of Chadwick—who is easily three times the size of the woman—being referred to as a ‘poor thing’.

I have no need of you tonight.

Jared needs no words to speak to Chadwick, which he is thankful for. It is hard enough for Jared to be inconspicuous due to his being uncommonly tall, a peasant with a dragon would draw much unwanted attention.

When a mage is on the cusp of adolescence, and their magic manifests, their familiar finds them, assuming their magic has not been stifled by silver chains. Historically most mages have cats or dogs as their familiars, rarely the familiar is a crow or perhaps a snake. Any of these creatures could accompany Jared without raising any suspicions. But Jared’s familiar had practically caved in the roof of their small cottage when he arrived.

Chadwick is huge, with shiny bronze-colored scales, large dark green wings, and blue-sky eyes. Jared instantly felt a kinship with Chadwick and they had had many an adventure together in Jared’s youth. However, Chadwick now refuses to leave Jared, no matter how many times Jared has explained the danger Chadwick’s presence puts him in. Chadwick sees it as his duty to watch over Jared and nothing will persuade Chadwick to leave him.

I’ll be close by should you have need of me , Chadwick responds.

They communicate by thought. When Chadwick is near, Jared can feel him on the edges of his consciousness. When Chadwick is far away, Jared feels an emptiness that he finds unsettling. Perhaps Chadwick feels the same way when Jared is too far away from him, and it’s why he is staying so close now.

However, Jared is very conscious of the attention Chadwick is drawing to himself. Chadwick has always been a show-off.

Apparently, there are dragons in the mountains, perhaps you could find your mate there.

Jared chances a glance up at the sky, Chadwick is circling ahead, his wings so large they almost block out the sun.

Chadwick snorts—fire sparks from his nose, lighting up the sky temporarily. I am bound to you. My fate is your fate. I will not find my mate until you find yours.

You will have a long wait then. Go, find some mischief to get into.

Chadwick sighs. I remember when we used to get into mischief together.

Chadwick swoops down low enough to frighten a group of children who have been playing with marbles on the cobbled street. Their delighted screams fill the air as Chadwick spreads his large wings and flies away.

Jared turns and walks up the steps to the library. He hopes Chadwick understands that Jared has no interest in doing something as foolish as falling in love. As far as he can tell, most of the time love is fleeting, hardly worth the effort. He would much rather focus on his studies.

Jared stops by the receptionist’s desk. He’s delighted to see it is Genevieve sitting at the desk today. The head librarian, Gertrude Pallington, dislikes Jared and has made her dislike plain. On his first visit to the library, Jared had made the mistake of laughing out loud as he perused a book of bawdy poems. Gertrude had snapped that any loud noise was forbidden in the library as she had snatched the book from him. She has never said a kind word to Jared since. Jared thinks Gertrude’s dislike of him has to do with his shabby clothes—and his taste in poetry.

Genevieve is her opposite in every way.  A tiny bit of a woman, with a sunshiny disposition and a love of books that rivals Jared’s own.

“I cannot believe you finished The History of the Araglions in two weeks,” Genevieve says as she takes the heavy tome from Jared. “It took me two months to finish it.”

Jared shrugs. “I like to read.”

“I can see that.” Genevieve smiles at him shyly. She is a pretty woman, with dark hair and mischievous eyes. She has made her interest plain, but even if Jared was seeking love or even a temporary affection, he would not be seeking it with her. He has always been attracted to members of his own sex, not that he’s ever taken time away from his work and studies to act on his inclinations.

“Is there time for me to check out more books?” Jared asks her.

“We were just about to close, I am afraid, but I did save The Advance Study of Mathematics, Including a Guide to Algebra and Geometry for you.”

Genevieve pulls the book from a drawer in her desk and hands it to Jared. “I’ve already checked it out to you.”

Jared looks over the book, entranced by the intricate engravings on the cover and how thick the pages of the book are. He thanks her and Genevieve smiles prettily at him. Jared walks back to the stables, clutching the book happily to his chest. He can’t wait to begin exploring the book. He loves studying every subject, but mathematics holds a special place in his heart.

Mark is waiting for him in front of the stables. “Good, you are back. Come inside, I need to show you something very, very important.”

Curious about what the important thing could possibly be, Jared follows Mark inside the stables. There are at least four horses in the stalls that hadn’t been there before Jared had walked to the library. The one that he’s drawn to is beautiful—tall, with a silky black coat and a white star in the middle of his or her forehead.

“Whose horses are these?” Jared asks.

Mark whispers the words, as if afraid the horses might overhear him. “The black one belongs to the prince.”

“The prince?” Jared asks. “But he’s what—five? Surely there is no way he can ride that horse.”

Mark shakes his head. “I don’t mean him. I mean Prince Jensen.”

“I thought the King took the title away from him?” Jared asks. He steps closer to the horse. He’s drawn to it, it’s just so majestic and beautiful. Jared has always had a love of animals, but he’s rarely been so instantly taken by one. The only other time he felt this much of an instant connection was to Chadwick, who would ruffle his wings at being compared in any way to a horse.

Mark snorts his disapproval. “He did, but there are those of us still loyal to the prince, although, of course, we do so discreetly. Anyway, I must hurry home to eat my dinner. Can you keep an eye on the horses until I return?”

“I have my job at the gentlemen’s club tonight,” Jared reminds him.

“I’ll be back before you need to leave for the club. I’ll bring a bowl of my wife’s lamb stew back with me.”

Jared’s stomach grumbles wistfully at the thought of Mrs. Sheppard’s lamb stew. He is always hungry and he loves lamb stew. Well, to tell the truth, he loves all food.

“All right,” Jared says. “But please do hurry.”

“I will. Please give the horses a good rub down,” Mark says. “And don’t let anyone else near the horses. The prince’s horse would fetch quite a sum and that is tempting to some of the scalawags that are always lurking nearby. I’ll be back shortly.”

Jared goes into his room and sets his book carefully down on his small table and grabs a few carrots before reentering the stable and picking up a brush. He may use magic to clean the stalls, but never to take care of the horses. This is a task he enjoys doing. He takes care of the other three horses first, feeding them carrots to win their trust before brushing them. The horses are fine animals, obviously very well taken care of and Jared enjoys the time he spends with each one. As usual, he’s too generous with the carrots though so when he gets to the big black horse, his hands are empty. The horse, which Jared now knows is a she, looks at him with what he swears are sorrowful eyes.

Jared puts down the brush. “I’ll be right back,” he says to her.

He runs back into his room. He’s out of carrots, but he does have an apple he was saving for after he finished working at the gentlemen’s club. Sighing, he picks it up and hurries back into the stables.

In the few moments he was gone a man entered the stables. He’s approaching the black horse and is speaking to her in a soft melodic voice. “Shh, don’t make a sound and we can make a break for it.”

“Step away from that horse.”

The man startles and then turns around to face Jared. His look of shock gives way immediately to a look of pure insolence as he very openly looks Jared over from head to toe.

Jared can feel himself flushing, despite his best attempts to keep a scowl on his face. The man is beautiful, far more so than any man Jared has ever met. Short dark-blonde hair, eyes as green as sweet-spring grass, full lips. He appears to be a few years older than Jared and has a trim body with an enticing hint of muscles that causes his jacket to pull taut across his shoulders and chest. 

Not that Jared is enticed by him. Not at all. 

The man folds his arms over his chest and leans against the stall the horse is in. “And who is going to make me?”

“I will,” Jared says, faking a confidence he does not feel. “Now go on, before I forcefully remove you from the stables.”

The man grins and his eyebrows raise just a fraction. “I’d like to see you try.”

Jared draws himself up to his full height. “Trust me, friend, you don't want to test my patience any further. Now go bother someone else, I have a job to do.”

The man doesn’t move. He doesn’t seem to be at all intimidated by Jared’s size. Jared’s fingers twitch at his side, wondering if he used magic to douse the man’s head with a pail of water if he would still be looking at Jared so insolently.

The man has ridiculously long eyelashes. And pretty lips. He’d probably be a sight soaking wet…

No, he can’t use magic, even to wipe the smirk off the man’s pretty lips.

“You know,  I came in here planning to take off with this fine horse. But I might be coaxed into being distracted,” the man says. “If you are willing, that is.”

“You’d think I’d—” Jared sputters. The nerve of this man. Thinking that Jared would just—

Jared’s eyes drift down to the man’s full lips. Jared has kissed a few men in his life, all right he’s kissed two, but neither of them were as handsome as this man or had lips so alluring.

The man walks toward Jared. His legs are bowed as if he was born on a horse, but despite that he is graceful. The very fine trousers the man is wearing are tight against his crotch. He’s wearing a short jacket made of fine linen, the shirt alone is probably worth more than Jared’s entire wardrobe, including his shoes.

For a moment, Jared wonders if the man could be Prince Jensen. Then he quickly dismisses the notion. The man is clearly a rake, a ne’er-do-well. Probably wants to steal the prince’s horse as some kind of prank.

And now that Jared has thwarted his plan to steal the horse, he clearly intends to have his wicked way with Jared. Jared gulps, but can’t seem to move from where he is standing, or to look anywhere but at the beautiful stranger.

“What do you say?” the man asks. “I’ve never had an actual roll in the hay, it could be fun, if a bit prickly. But I’m willing to risk it if you are.”

He looks up into Jared’s eyes, and Jared has never wanted anything as much as he wants to press his lips against this man’s lips. To hold this man in his arms, to see how they fit together.

An hour ago, Jared had sworn not to let a man distract him from his goals, and right now, he’s seconds from giving this man everything he’s asking for. Jared may be the one with magic, but surely this man is a sorcerer.

“What say you, stable boy?” the man asks. He reaches up to pull Jared’s head down. The smirk is back on his lips like he knows Jared’s a sure thing. “Want to have some fun?”

And that is what it takes to break Jared from the spell. Jared pulls away from the man. “I’m not going to tumble into the hay with you or anywhere else.”

The man looks up at Jared, a puzzled look in his pretty eyes. “I can see you're tempted, why deprive yourself of a little fun?”

He makes it sound like he’s never been turned down before. Jared figures a man like him probably never has. It will do this man good, being said no to.

Jared ignores the ache in his groin and strengthens his resolve. “I may be naught but a stable boy, but I have standards.”

The man looks at him open-eyed for a moment—with eyes so green they remind Jared of the meadow by his childhood home—and then leans his head back and roars with laughter.

Jared’s back stiffens. How dare this wicked man laugh at him!

“There you are.”

Both men turn. Christian Kane, the nephew of Jared’s boss at the gentleman’s club, is standing at the door of the stables, an amused smile on his lips. “Stephen is looking all over for you. He’s fit to be tied.”

The man shrugs. “I needed a moment alone.”

Christian’s eyes flicker over to Jared. “So I see. The others are waiting for us. I can escort you, unless, that is, you have made other plans.”

“He has no other plans,” Jared says before the man can say anything. He knows what Christian was insinuating and he doesn’t like his boss’s nephew thinking he is the kind of man that indulges in casual dalliances. Even with devastatingly handsome men.

“It seems that I am free,” the man says. He smiles at Jared. “I hope to have the pleasure of your company again someday soon.”

“I doubt we will ever see each other again,” Jared replies.

The man just keeps smiling. He walks over to Christian and they leave the stables together.

Jared didn’t even get his name. He tells himself it’s no matter, the man is quite obviously a scoundrel, and good riddance to him. Still, he  can’t stop himself from going to the stable door and watching the man as he walks down the street.

Giving himself a shake, Jared turns and starts tending to the black horse.

Once Mark returns, Jared retreats to his room. He quickly eats the bowl of stew Mark brought him and then begins readying himself for his night waiting tables at the club. He puts on his clean tunic–this one is powder blue and is the newer of his two tunics–and washes his face and hands in the basin. Try as he might to focus on anything else, his mind keeps wandering to a pair of green eyes and full lips.  He has no idea why he’s letting the man affect him this way, he’s never let another man turn his head before.

It's nothing but a youthful fancy. Jared’s not the first young man to be enticed by a pretty face. He just has to remember what is important—to let nothing deter him from his goal of getting into the university.

Jared picks up his library book and leaves his room. Mark is standing guard by the horses and nods at Jared as Jared passes him by.

It is a short walk to the club where Jared works nights. There are no women allowed in the club, not even to wait tables, so all the men hired to work in the club are of a certain age and are pleasing to look at. Nothing untoward happens at the club, but many of the young men working ther  accept offers of their time after the club closes for the evening.

William, who owns the establishment and hired Jared, has made it clear it is up to Jared as to whether or not he accepts these offers. Sometimes Jared is tempted, since the coin he would receive in return would go a long way to help pay his tuition, but he’s politely turned down all inquiries. In truth, he’s never regretted declining the offers, no matter how comely the men who made them have been.

Jared had thought himself immune to a pretty face, until tonight. No, no, he is not wasting any more time thinking about the scoundrel. He has a plan for his life and he will not allow anything—or anyone—to distract him from it.

Every two hours the male servers are given a break, which is why Jared brought his library book with him. He intends to find a quiet place and spend his break pouring over the book.  As soon as he walks into the main room of the club, Milo hands him a tray full of tankards. “The Prince’s room,” he says, nodding to the largest of the private rooms of the club. Jared places his library book on the tray for now and looks over to the room Milo is pointing him toward.

The gentlemen’s club consists of a main room, with all four walls draped in a rich blue cloth. A bar lines one wall and several tables are scattered throughout the room. There are also four private rooms of varying sizes. The Prince’s Room is the largest of the four rooms, followed by the Captain’s Room, the Red Room, and the room without a name where William entertains special guests.

Jared carries the tray to the Prince’s Room, weaving his way through the main room, while avoiding wandering hands and shouted offers to take him somewhere private. Jared knocks on the purple door of the Prince’s Room once before entering.

Several men wearing expensive clothes are gathered around the large table in the middle of the room. In the center of the table is a pile of coins, some silver, some gold. The men are playing cards, though only two men have cards in their hands at the moment. The others must have already folded, Jared thinks.

One of the men holding cards is Christian. The man he is playing is the beautiful man from the stables. Jared stares at the man, startled to see him again so soon until the man grins and winks at Jared.

Jared ignores him, very pointedly. He starts handing out the tankards, removing the empty ones in front of the men.

“Come now, Christian. You used to be more bold than this. Don’t tell me you’re going to fold your cards just when things are getting interesting,” the man says.

Jared shivers. There is something about the man’s voice that sends the blood in his veins afire. 

“I’m still considering,” Christian replies.

The man looks at Jared again. He scoots back his chair, his head tilted, as he boldly looks Jared over, just the same way he had back in the stables.

When Jared places a tankard in front of the man, he licks his lips and leans forward. “It’s a pleasure to see you again and so soon. I’m sorry—I don’t think I caught your name when we met earlier.”

Christian throws two gold coins onto the pile. “I’m calling your bluff, Jensen. And be nice to Jared, he’s a hard worker.”

“Oh, I’m sure he works very hard,” Jensen replies. “Jared, please keep the ale coming. I have a great thirst tonight. And a hunger as well, one that I think you’re just the man to help me with. I mean, fate has brought us together twice tonight and who am I to argue with fate? Why don’t you meet me in front of the club after we finish our game here? Don’t worry about finishing out your shift, William is a good friend of mine and will understand your services are required elsewhere.”

Jensen says it like Jared’s a sure thing. As if he has forgotten that Jared has rebuked his advances once tonight already. Jared’s back stiffens.

“I do apologize, but you’ll have to find someone else to warm your bed. My services aren’t for sale,” Jared says, putting the empty tankards on the tray to return them to the barkeep.

“Oh, sweetheart, I wasn’t offering to pay you,” Jensen replies. “I’m offering you a night I promise you’ll never forget.”

“And I’m declining your kind offer.” Jared heads back toward the door, eager to leave the room. He notices the man’s other companions are looking at him with a mixture of shock and amusement.

As Jared tries to reach for the door while balancing the tray, the empty tankards slide to one side of the tray, knocking the library book off it. It hits the floor with a loud, heavy thud.

“What’s this then?” Jensen says. “A little light reading?” Jensen picks up the book from the floor. “ The Advance Study of Mathematics— this is the book that we covered in Professor Beaver’s class.”

“Be careful with that,” Jared says. “It’s a library book.”

Jensen tosses the book from hand to hand. Jared resists the urge to snatch it away from Jensen, but barely. “You’re a very busy man, what with being a stable boy and working at the club and being a scholar as well. I didn’t see you in Professor Beaver’s class. I’m sure I would’ve remembered you.”

“I’m not attending the university at the moment,” Jared replies. “Now if you would just give me—”

“Why not?” Jensen asks, interrupting Jared. “You look of age.”

Jared looks over at the table, at the pile of coins that the men are casually gambling with. It’s more money than he has ever owned. He does not want to admit to this man, to any of them, that he does not have the means to attend the university. He may be poor, but he has his pride.

“That is none of your concern,” Jared replies. “Now, if you would kindly place the book back on the tray.”

“Of course, Your Lordship,” Jensen places the book beside the empty tankards. “I did not mean to offend.”

Jensen is mocking him and Jared has to bite back a sharp retort. But he is a customer, and obviously a well-to-do one at that, and Jared forces a smile before he steps toward the door to the room, grateful for the reprieve, however brief it might be, from the man who seems to get such amusement from teasing Jared.

“Jared, hold on just a moment,” Christian says. He puts his cards face down on the table. “Keep an eye on my cards, fellows, I don’t trust Lord Ackles as far as I can throw him.”

Jensen laughs. “Then you’d better be quick.”

Lord Ackles—the man who until five years ago had been a prince. The man many people in the kingdom still think of as their prince. Mark had said the horse belonged to the prince. But back in the stables he had been so rakish, he had not behaved at all like a prince. Of course, Jensen’s not a prince any longer, not since his father was killed in battle and his uncle stripped Jensen of the title of prince. Jensen’s uncle, the king. How in the world had Jared not realized? In the time he’s lived here, he has heard much about the former prince. Far more than he’s heard about the man the villagers call the Mad King, but only in whispers. Lord Jensen is well known for seducing men and women of every rank and title. Many of the men in the club have claimed to have shared his bed. Many of the women who visit the stable looking to hire a horse and carriage have whispered about how great a lover the former prince is. Jared turns around and looks back at the door with the gilded letters imprinted on it. The Prince’s Room. Jared had never dreamt the room was meant for an actual prince.

“I did not know he was the prince,” Jared says to Christian now. “I would’ve bowed if I had known and used his proper title.”

“Be very careful about referring to Jensen as prince. As I am sure you are aware, once the King’s Consort gave birth to a male heir, the Mad King stripped Jensen of his title. He’s now officially a lord, although many of us still consider him our prince. To say so to the wrong person would be treason, so here—as in all public places—he’s Lord Jensen. But that is not why I wished to speak to you. I just wanted to let you know that ours will be the only table you will be working tonight. Jensen may want some meat and cheese later, please let the cook know so food can be prepared.”

Jared looks over at the closed door, thinking of the offer Jensen made to him earlier. “Does this mean I—I have to accept his offer?”

“My uncle told you when you were hired, you have the right to say no to any offer you receive, and that includes Jensen’s.” Christian pats him on the shoulder. “I’ve never been to bed with him, as we have been best friends since childhood and I think of him as a brother, but I have heard that he is a generous and giving lover, so if you do change your mind…”

Christian opens the door to the room and Jared peers inside. Jensen is leaning back in his chair once more, his legs spread wide, the smirk back on his lips, as if he’s expecting Jared to become overwhelmed with the need for him. He’s arrogant and too pretty for his own good and Jared is definitely not interested in sharing a bed or his body with the former prince. Not at all.

Jared shakes his head. “I won’t change my mind.”

It’s a long night. Jensen flirts with Jared easily and often, leaving Jared with reddened cheeks and an unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach. A few of the card players leave early in the evening, complaining of being far poorer than when they entered the club. Jensen is apparently very skilled at cards, judging from the pile of silver and gold coins he has amassed. If the stories he tells as the night progresses are to be believed, he is skilled at a great many things.

After they tire of playing cards, Jared brings in a veritable feast from the kitchens—roasted pork, spiced beef, succulent rabbit, cheeses of many flavors, bread fresh from the ovens, and small cakes that smell of lemon. To Jared’s embarrassment, his stomach rumbles as he places the last platter heaped with food onto the table.

He can do many things with his magic, but he cannot summon food from nothingness, no more than he can summon coins from thin air. Therefore, he must purchase his food. Jared spends as few coins as possible, so his meals generally consist of dried meat, stale bread, porridge which is plentiful and cheap, and fruit he picks from bushes or trees.

At this moment, he would give up all the coins he has been saving to take a place at this table and eat his fill.

The men talk as they eat, telling tall tales of dangerous exploits and adventures in foreign lands. Jared would wager not one of them has set foot out of the village, much less traveled across the Narrow Sea to the lands beyond.

Still, he holds his tongue and manages to keep a pleasant expression on his face. He needs this job.

An hour later, Jensen and the men have finally eaten and drunk their fill. Jared breathes a sigh of relief as the men say their farewells to each other. And then Jared realizes that he is in the room alone with Jensen.

Jensen leans against the wall and studies Jared as Jared gathers plates and tankards and pretends not to notice the lord’s gaze upon him.

Finally, Jared sighs and turns toward Jensen.

“Is there anything else you require, Prince—um—Lord Jensen?” he asks.

“Well, I was wondering if you had come to your senses. My carriage awaits. I wager you’ve never seen the inside of a castle before. Come with me tonight, and I will give you the grand tour of the castle in the morning.”

“Thank you for the kind offer, but I prefer my room in the stables,” Jared replies.

“I cannot remember the last time someone has refused to share my bed. Tell me, sweetheart, are you like the monks at Raemart and have taken a vow of chastity?”

The mocking way he asks the question raises Jared’s hackles. He knows he should just bow and leave, but the words fly out of his mouth before he can stop them.

“I am nobody’s sweetheart. I would prefer it if you would address me by my name, which is Jared Padalecki in case you have forgotten. And no, Lord Jensen, I have not taken any such vow. I just prefer not to give my affections away as easily as you do.”

Jensen surprises Jared by laughing. “I do give my affections away easily and I do not regret a moment of it. Since you have declined my offer, sweetheart , would you mind asking that divine man who’s standing by the bar if he would like to accompany me for the evening?”

Right before Jared is about to blurt out that Jensen can make his own arrangements for someone to warm his bed, he remembers that Jensen may be a former prince, but he’s still royalty. And that Jared really needs the coins this job brings him.

Jared heads out of the room without saying another word. He’s not surprised it’s Milo at the bar. Milo is a very handsome man with a trim body and a ready laugh. He’s quite popular with the club’s patrons.

“So I see you’ve caught the Lord’s eye. Lucky you,” Milo says with a wink. “Have fun.”

“Actually, he requests your company for the evening,” Jared replies.

Milo’s eyes light up. He hands the tray he is holding to Jared. “Table five.” He straightens his tunic and runs a hand through his perfect hair and then hurries toward Jensen. Jared watches as Lord Ackles pulls Milo into a kiss. Not a gentle kiss either, but a passionate one that sends Jared’s cheeks aflame and causes something in his stomach to knot. Jensen puts an arm over Milo’s shoulder and winks at Jared as he leads Milo out of the club.

It’s not jealousy Jared’s feeling, of course it is not. It’s relief, surely that is it. Hopefully, he will not cross paths with the prince again.

“Hey, where is my ale?” a man demands in an obnoxiously loud voice.

Sighing, Jared carries the tray over to the table where the man is sitting. He still has almost two hours before the club closes.

By the time the last patron leaves, Jared is exhausted. He cleans the tables, sneaking bits of uneaten food from many of them. If William, who is sitting at a table counting coins, sees him he does not say anything about it.

The cook hands Jared some meat and bread when Jared brings the last of the plates to the kitchen. “No sense good food going to waste,” he mumbles. “Now get out of my kitchen, I need to finish cleaning up so I can go home to my wife.”

Jared places the meat between the bread and takes a bite. It tastes heavenly. He thanks the cook before leaving the kitchen.

William waves at him absentmindedly as Jared takes his leave, he’s still bent over his books and coins.

The night is crisp and the sky is clear. Jared munches on his sandwich as he walks, feeling tired but content. He looks over at the castle which lies in the center of the city, surrounded by a wall and guarded by soldiers. There isn’t much of the castle visible behind the tall walls, just a tower or two that looms in the night sky. He’s never been curious about the castle, not the way he is about the university. But now he finds himself staring at it. Thinking about Jensen and Milo and if they are kissing, touching each other—

What has gotten into him? It’s none of his concern. Jared shakes his head and finishes the last of his sandwich. He will sleep well tonight, with how tired he is and with his belly full.

If you wish, I could check in on your mate. Could even claw the eyes out of the interloper that is sharing his bed. All right, I probably won’t claw his eyes out, but I could singe his hair.

Mate ? Jared looks up in the sky. I am not a dragon, I have no mate. And if you mean Lord Ackles—he is a cad and I have no interest in who shares his bed.

Mate. Beloved. Intended.

Jared glares up at his dragon. Prince Jensen is none of those things. He is a pompous ass and he means nothing to me.

Chadwick circles over Jared’s head. If you say so .

I say so.

Jared looks back over at the castle and then quickly turns his eyes away from it. But he knows by Chadwick’s snort that he has seen him.

You seem tense. Care for a ride?

Jared looks around. The streets are deserted.

It has been two weeks since he’s ridden Chadwick. He has missed flying. Chadwick lands beside him, his wings iridescent in the moonlight. 

Quickly, Jared climbs up onto Chadwick’s back and soon they are soaring high above the city. Jared spreads his arms wide and laughs. He never feels so free as when he is soaring high, the stars so bright that he almost feels like if he reaches his arms high enough, he could snatch one right out of the sky. Chadwick’s scales sparkle as brightly as the stars as they soar ever higher.

Chadwick flies over to the castle. Below, Jared can see two figures out on a balcony. Or is it a turret? He’s not exactly versed in castle architecture. But the taller figure has his arms wrapped around the slightly smaller figure.

Jared wonders if they’ve made love yet.

Chadwick snorts, a brief flash of fire flaring in front of him.

That's quite enough from you , Jared replies as they circle one more time around the castle before Chadwick turns and heads toward the stables.

Chapter Text

Jensen

He isn’t supposed to be out on his own without guards, it’s strictly forbidden. So, of course, Jensen sneaks out of the castle often.

He finds himself at a bit of a loss, now that his studies at the university are concluded. He is involved in the King’s council meetings from time to time, usually attending to matters the King would rather avoid, but mostly he feels adrift. 

So, he spends a lot of time riding Black Beauty, whose name over time he's shortened to just Beauty. She had been a gift from his father shortly before the current King and his father's most trusted advisor, Matt, had conspired to kill him.

It’s not only to avoid his uncle that he spends as much time as he can outside the castle walls, although Jensen certainly avoids him whenever he can. Mainly, he just likes the freedom of riding his horse wherever he chooses to go. Jensen is well-liked in the village, and not just because of his exploits in bed, and he feels safe among his people.

His father, when Jensen had still been a prince and heir to the throne, had taken Jensen often to walk the cobbled streets of the village. Jensen remembers being a small lad, holding his father’s hand, and beaming in pride as people bowed and curtsied and wished them well. His father had been a benevolent and fair ruler and far too trusting, which is why he is now buried in the vault and Jensen’s uncle reigns. Jensen considers himself to be kind and fair, but he is not trusting. He will not suffer the same fate his father did. He does not trust his uncle, his uncle does not trust him, and day by day, as Jensen becomes more beloved in the kingdom and Henry more feared, things become more fraught with tension within the castle walls.

All in all, Jensen would much rather be on his horse, roaming the streets of the village. Jensen nods at a few ladies standing in front of an inn, who smile and curtsey at him, but he does not stop. He is restless and in search of something, but he won’t know what that something is until he sees it.

A few children playing with wooden swords point excitedly at the sky. Jensen looks up as well. A huge dragon is flying high over his head, his bronze scales sparkling in the rays of the sun. Dragons are rare this far from the mountains and Jensen is sure he has seen this dragon before. Three nights ago, when he had been with Markus—no—Milo. It’s strange that this dragon stays so close to the village. Jensen wonders if the dragon is searching for something. Or someone.

Jensen decides to stop by the university. There is a professor there, a Professor Fritz, who is said to be an expert on dragons. She  may yet still be in her office, getting everything in order before the university closes for the summer. Perhaps she would have some insight into what would bring a dragon to the village. Even though Jensen will never rule this country, he still cares for its citizens deeply. He needs to find out if the dragon poses a danger or not.

But all thoughts of the university and Professor Fritz fade when he sees a tall figure walking toward the library.

Jared. The boy who said no to him.

Jensen can’t remember the last time someone declined to share his bed. Not only is he royalty, but he is beautiful as well. There is no sense in Jensen pretending he is not aware of how beautiful he is; poets have written odes to his beauty, troubadours have written songs praising his face, his hair, his eyes. Jensen loves giving and receiving pleasure, and everyone he has flirted with has been eager to tumble into bed with him. Everyone . . . except Jared.

Perhaps the man is just shy, although he did not seem to be so the night at the club, judging from his tart but polite remarks. He is young, barely into his manhood. Maybe he hesitated to accept Jensen’s offer because he's inexperienced. He may be yet untouched. Jensen’s cock stirs in his breeches at the idea of being Jared’s first.

Beyond wanting to bed Jared, Jensen is curious about him. Jared seems to love books and knowledge, but does not attend the university. Surely he does not plan to work in a stable or a gentlemen’s club for the rest of his life. 

Jensen slips off Beauty, tying her to the post in front of the library, and follows Jared inside. He approaches the front desk. A middle-aged woman is sitting there, a frown on her face as she sorts books.

“Excuse me,” Jensen says, being sure to bestow upon her his most charming smile.

The woman looks up, her frown growing even deeper. Jensen can tell the exact moment she recognizes him by how her frown disappears. She stands, smoothing down her hair and adjusting her spectacles. “Lord Ackles, it is a pleasure and a privilege to serve you. How may I be of assistance?”

“I’m just looking for a friend,” Jensen says. “I saw him enter the library and thought I’d surprise him. His name is Jared—uh—” Jensen has no idea what Jared’s last name is. He has a vague memory of Jared telling him his name, but he had been distracted by trying to figure out what color Jared’s very pretty eyes were. “He’s um, tall?”

“Yes. Master Padalecki,” the librarian says, her lips pursed as if sucking a lemon. “I believe you will find him perusing the philosophy section.”

Jensen has never been in the public library. “Can you perhaps point me toward the philosophy section?”

“Of course, Lord Ackles. I can take you there if you wish.”

“You are too kind, but I’ve taken too much of your time as is,” Jensen replies. “But if you point me toward the direction of the philosophy section, I believe I’ll be able to find my friend.”

The librarian points to a section near the back of the library. Jensen thanks her and walks toward the section, surprised at how excited he is at the prospect of seeing Jared again.

He finds Jared between two rows of books, his head bowed as he turns the pages of a very large volume. Jared’s chestnut hair is falling into his face, overlong and curling at the ends, but not unkempt. In fact, the style suits him perfectly, and Jensen’s fingers itch with the desire to run through the silky strands.

Jensen steps closer. Jared is so deeply lost in the book that he doesn’t even notice Jensen.

Jensen waits until he is close enough to touch Jared and clears his throat.

Jared startles, his whole body jolting. Jensen bites back a laugh, he doesn’t think Jared would appreciate him laughing right now.

Jared’s eyes widen when he sees Jensen and then his cheeks flush a pretty pink color. That’s interesting.

Jensen leans against a bookshelf as he studies Jared. “We’re going to have to stop meeting like this. People are going to start talking.”

Jared clutches the book he’s holding to his chest as if the book is something precious he’s afraid Jensen will take from him.

 “Why are you here? I can’t imagine you spend much time in libraries.” Jensen doesn't even try to hide his smile, Jared’s prickly tone is so delightful. “Lord Jensen,” Jared adds as an obvious afterthought.

“I’m a seeker of truth and knowledge, why else would I be here?” Jensen asks.

“Then I wish you well on your search, Lord Jensen.” Jared turns his attention back to the books, clearly trying to ignore Jensen’s presence. But Jensen doesn’t miss the way that Jared’s eyes wander over to him before quickly returning to the selection of books in front of him.

“Aren’t you curious about what knowledge and truth I am seeking?” Jensen asks. He steps closer to Jared. Jared is so tall, at least three inches taller than Jensen. Jensen is slightly irked that he has to look up to look into Jared’s eyes, because he’s not used to being shorter than his companions. But he’s even more intrigued by Jared’s long, long legs and just how much there is of Jared to explore–if he could just entice the boy to his bed.

Jared turns toward Jensen. He’s biting his lower lip, which is so damn distracting it’s unfair. “All right, enlighten me Lord Jensen, what are you seeking?”

Jensen steps so close to Jared he can feel Jared’s breath on his cheeks as he looks into the boy’s beguiling eyes. “I seek to know what color your eyes are. I'd love to learn just what is causing your cheeks to turn that pretty shade of pink. Also, what your lips taste like. I want to know what’s true about you. Are you a stable boy? A barkeep’s servant? A student without a university?”

Jared takes a few steps back, the heels of his shoes hitting the back of the bookshelf. His eyes are wide as he looks down at Jensen.

“I’m nobody—nobody important,” Jared says. “Nobody a lord should be concerned about.”

“I disagree. You are a mystery, Jared, one that I intend to solve. But first, I’d very much like to find out what you taste like. I wager you taste sweet as molasses, but there’s only one way for me to find out for certain. I would like to kiss you, Jared, if that is agreeable with you.”

Jared’s lips part. He’s not saying yes, but he’s not saying no either. He’s clutching the book so tightly that his knuckles are white. Jensen lifts up on his tiptoes, tilting his head in a clear invitation. He won’t steal a kiss, as much as he is tempted. He wants Jared to give him a kiss freely.  He wants Jared to want to kiss him as much as he wants to kiss Jared.

Jared bends his head. His eyes are searching Jensen’s as if looking for something. His mouth is so close now, Jared just needs to lower his head just a little bit more—

Jensen feels an intense flare of heat and want as shocking as it is sudden. He's barely pressed his lips against Jared’s and he's immediately desperate for more. 

Jared jolts back, his back hitting the bookshelf hard. The bookshelf shakes and then as Jared turns toward it, he hits it once again with his shoulders. Books begin falling off the bookshelf, some hitting Jared and Jensen on their way down. The bookshelf reaches the ceiling and Jensen watches transfixed as the bookshelf quivers, shaking a few more books off its shelf, but does not fall.

The librarian is there in an instant. Her face horrified as she looks at the fallen books. “What have you done, you big oaf?” she asks Jared.

“I’m so sorry. I’ll pick them all up. It was an accident,” Jared says.

“Don’t you dare touch the books! I have put up with much from you, young man. Your slovenly attitude, your disregard for the decorum of this library, but no more. You are hereby banned from this library.”

Jared looks so instantly crestfallen that Jensen feels sorry for him. “I will take full responsibility for the books, Mistress—”

“Pallington. Gertrude Pallington. And I do appreciate your offer, Lord Ackles, but I feel I must decline. The books have to be carefully attended to, and to be repaired if necessary. It will take weeks of labor, but it is a task that only I am suited to.” The librarian turns toward Jared, yanking the book Jared’s been holding this whole time from Jared’s hand. “You must return any other books you have borrowed by tomorrow morning or I will report them stolen. Now please remove yourself from my premises.”

Jared’s shoulders slump as he walks past Gertrude. Jensen hands Gertrude a few coins from the pouch he always carries with him. “For your trouble,” he says to her.

It takes a few moments to extract himself as Gertrude thanks him over and over, but finally, Jensen is back outside. He thought he would have to chase Jared down, but Jared is waiting for him, a furious expression on his face.

“This is all your doing,” he says angrily. “Now, I won’t have access to books and I won’t be able to study and—”

Jared turns away from him, his fists clenched. Jensen watches fascinated as Jared works to get himself under control.

“I will say good day to you now, Lord Jensen,” Jared says, after a very long moment. When he looks back at Jensen, he looks so sad that something twists in Jensen’s chest. He can’t allow Jared to walk away from him, not looking so sad.

He could probably go back inside and insist Jared be allowed back in the library, he is royalty still after all, but he has a better idea. One that will allow him to spend more time with this man that intrigues him. 

But it pains him a surprising amount to see Jared so defeated. 

“I’m not sure how you can blame me for your clumsiness,” Jensen says. He gets what he wants, Jared turns back toward him, fury replacing defeat in his blue-gray-green eyes. Jensen holds up his hands like he’s trying to pacify a spooked horse. “But I do have a way that you can study all the books your little heart desires.”

Jared looks at him suspiciously. “And how is that?”

“My library is full of books. Ancient books, books that you will not find in any library. Books from the old masters, journals from great men of long ago.”

Jensen doesn’t miss how Jared’s eyes light up. If only that sparkle in Jared’s eyes were for Jensen.

And then Jared’s eyes narrow.

“And what do I have to do to gain access to these books, Lord Jensen?” Jared asks.

Jensen puts his hands over his chest. “You wound me, sir.  I am offering you access to my library, no strings attached.”

Jared still looks hesitant.

“Did I mention that we have the only copy of the journal of Pious the Wondrous currently in existence?” Jensen asks.

“Truly?” Jared asks. He looks down at Jensen with such hope in his eyes that if Jensen had not been in possession of that book, he would have traveled five hundred leagues to acquire it for him.

“Truly,” Jensen replies.

“Well, this is my day off work at the stables and I do not have to be at the gentlemen’s club until dusk…”

“It’s decided then.” Jensen holds out his hand to Jared, but Jared ignores It and starts walking toward the castle. Jensen hastens to unfasten Beauty and lead her down the cobbled street, both hurrying to catch up to Jared. Jensen takes a moment to admire Jared’s long, long legs and the way the tunic sways over his ass as Jared strolls quickly down the cobbled street before catching up with Jared.

Several of the townspeople stop to give their respects to Jensen, more than one mumbling that he is the only one they will accept as their king. Jensen quickly cuts off such talk. Treason is a hanging offense and King Henry is just looking for an excuse to rid himself of Jensen. Jared watches the exchanges with open curiosity.

Jensen knows the villagers see in him a hope that someday the reign of the Mad King will end, and his chest tightens with a familiar sense of guilt. It is a false hope, because there is naught Jensen can do about his uncle. His uncle has all the power–all Jensen has is a tenuous position in the castle. 

If only he could avenge his father…

No, this is not a day for dark thoughts. This is a day to enjoy being young and in the company of a beautiful boy. 

As they approach the walls of the castle, Jensen sees several people point toward the sky. Jensen looks up, it’s the same dragon with bronze scales he had seen earlier.

“What do you know of dragons?” Jensen asks Jared.

Jared stops walking. He looks up at the sky and then down at Jensen. His shoulders are tense and he’s biting his lower lip again, and Jensen very much wants to kiss away the sting. “Nothing. No more than anyone else knows. Why?”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think that dragon is following me. It’s not the first time I’ve seen it and dragons rarely wander this far from the mountain. Not these days anyway, now that the dragon riders are all gone.”

“I’m sure he’s just—curious,” Jared says.

Jensen looks back up at the dragon. “The dragon is a he? How can you tell with the dragon so far away?”

“I was just—uh—I thought you called the dragon a he.” Jared’s cheeks are pink again, and pink is a very good color on Jared. “Look, we are here.”

“So we are.”

Jensen nods at the guards who open the gates. He motions for Jared to step in front of him, but Jared, looking nervous, shakes his head. Jensen takes Jared’s hand and to his surprise, Jared doesn’t pull away. Jared’s hand is bigger than his, something Jensen is definitely not used to, and Jared grips Jensen’s hand tightly.

Jensen tries to look at the castle from a stranger’s eyes. It looms large in front of them, built of stones cut centuries ago, long before the written word. The wall surrounding the castle is tall, and a hundred soldiers guard it even though there has been no hint of trouble since King Henry took the throne. The castle grounds in front of the castle aren’t much to look at, but the gardens in the back of the castle are beautiful and Jensen hopes to show them to Jared someday. Jared would look beautiful in the garden at twilight, standing among the roses.

There is a statue in front of the castle, a large one that towers even over Jared. Jared pauses in front of it, looking at the statue. “Who is he?” Jared asks.

“Quinton, the first King. Beautiful, isn’t he? Some say he came from the faerie realm, although few believe such a realm exists.”

Jared looks from Jensen back to the statue and back again. “I can see the resemblance.”

“So, you think I’m beautiful?” Jensen asks.

“Of course you are, and what’s more, you know it. Do you believe it? That he came from the faerie realm?”

Jensen shrugs. “If magic is real, then I suppose it would not be such a leap to believe faeries are real as well. There are a few ancient books about faeries in the library, if you are interested.”

Jared smiles and Jensen has to blink several times because it’s like staring into the sun. Jared’s whole face lights up when he smiles and he has dimples— dimples ! 

Jensen is drawn to this boy in ways he’s never been drawn to any of his other conquests. Maybe because Jared is the one who said no to him. Maybe it’s because Jared is so tall, like a statue come to life. Maybe it’s because Jared doesn’t seem to be intimidated by Jensen—not by his looks, or his wealth, or his status.  Maybe it’s Jared’s love of knowledge. It’s most certainly because Jared is comely, with a long, lean body and a face the gods would envy. But Jensen has met many a comely lad, has talked to many people with a great deal of knowledge about many things, and none of them have bewitched him like Jared has. It’s a puzzle. One that Jensen very much hopes Jared gives him the time to solve.

“Come, let’s get you to the library.”

They are greeted at the castle door by more guards. Jensen greets Marquel, the butler who has served the castle for more years than Jensen has been living.

“We will be in the library,” Jensen says to Marquel. “Please have Bethel send up tea and an assortment of sandwiches and cakes.”

“Very good, Lord Jensen,” Marquel replies, bowing before motioning for one of the servants to run to the kitchen.

Jared doesn’t let go of Jensen’s hand and Jensen is certainly not going to mention it. Jared seems to be looking everywhere, his eyes of many colors landing briefly on a tapestry, or a portrait, or a rug before continuing to look around him. Jensen takes Jared to the stairs and they begin climbing up, past the first level which contains the grand hall and the tea room. Past the second level where there are many bedchambers and which leads to the east wing, where Jensen’s rooms are. Up the third level, which contains the library, the office where the King conducts his meetings, and leads to the west wing, where the King and the King’s Consort’s rooms are.

Jensen feels a surge of anger when he thinks of his uncle and Matt, but he quickly lets it go. He's got better things to think about today, like the beautiful man by his side. 

Jensen walks down the hallway, past the portraits of Princes and Princesses of long ago, and opens the doors to the library. 

He is surprised to see Ricard there, being led from the room by his governess. Felicia, the governess, drops into a curtsy while Ricard smiles up at his cousin.

Jensen has no love for his uncle, King Henry, or the King’s Consort, the man who betrayed his beloved father, but he loves little Ricard with a love that is fierce and protective. Ricard is small for his age, often sickly, and there is not a more pure soul to be found in all the kingdoms.

Jensen bends down and opens his arms and Ricard runs to him, laughing happily as he hugs Jensen.

Jensen looks over the boy’s head to see Jared smiling at them. Jensen kisses Ricard on the cheek and rises to his feet, taking Ricard’s hand. “Prince Ricard, may I have the honor of introducing my friend, Jared—”

“Padalecki,” Jared supplies. He bows down, a graceful, perfectly executed bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Ricard.”

“I was just taking the prince back to his room,” Felicia says. “He’s a bit tired, but wanted a book to read as he rested.”

Prince Ricard does not yet read, but he does like to look at the pictures in the books. And loves to be read to. “Perhaps I shall visit you after dinner tonight and read the book to you?” Jensen offers.

Prince Ricard beams happily. “I would love that.”

Jensen closes the double doors after they leave, wanting to be away from any prying eyes that might be interested in Jared. There are many servants fiercely loyal to the king, who serve as the king’s eyes and ears.

Jared is looking at Jensen like he’s a riddle he’s trying to figure out. “What?” Jensen asks.

“Prince Ricard is the reason you are no longer a prince. I thought—”

“That I would blame Ricard? He’s a child. A lovely child at that. Is it so shocking that I adore the boy?”

“No,” Jared replies, slowly. “I suppose not.”

“I thought you’d be waxing rapturous about all the books by now.” Jensen indicates the room behind them.

Jared turns. “ Ohhh .”

The room is full of books, rows of books that line all the walls and go up to the ceiling. In the middle of the room is a large table. A silver and gold chandelier provides plenty of light, but there are also many candles scattered throughout the room. Busts of ancient great writers and philosophers adorn several little tables. A large purple rug covers most of the floor.

Jared walks around the room, sometimes pausing in front of one of the books. There is a ladder attached to the shelves so that people can reach the higher books, but Jared ignores the ladder for now. As he walks around the room, his smile gets bigger and bigger and his dimples more pronounced.

“You can touch them, you know. That’s why we are here,” Jensen says.

Jared looks at him, wonder in his eyes, and then reaches up and pulls down a book. He doesn’t even notice the servants entering the room, bringing a copper pitcher of tea and a tray filled with small sandwiches and smaller cakes of many flavors.

Jensen just watches Jared. Jensen likes to read, but he’s never seen anyone so enamored of books before. Jared is like a child in a sweet shop, unsure of which treat he wants to sample first. Finally, Jared selects a pile of books and lays them on the table.

Jensen pours them both a cup of tea. Jared takes a sip as he opens the first book and then makes a face. It’s a cute face, with his nose all scrunched up.

“Do you prefer milk and sugar in your tea?” Jensen asks, not bothering to hide his amusement.

“Please,” Jared says, holding his cup out like Jensen is his personal servant. Jensen smiles as he adds milk and sugar and hands the tea back to Jared who barely notices, already so lost in whatever book he’s perusing.

There is a knock on the door. “Enter,” Jensen states, frowning a bit. He doesn’t want to be disturbed, not when he has Jared here and there is a chance he can learn something about this fascinating young man. And perhaps even coax a kiss or two from him.

Thomas, the King’s personal valet, walks into the room. Unlike the other servants, he does not bow in front of Jensen. His back is stiff, his posture perfect as he looks straight ahead and not at Jensen.

“The King requests the honor of your presence in his study.”

It is not a request, even though it was phrased as such. Jensen sighs and turns to Jared. “Stay here, I will be back in a moment. If you have need of me, I will be in the room at the end of the hallway. The one with the gold doors.”

Jared nods, not looking up from his book. Jensen straightens his shoulders and readjusts his jacket before following Thomas down the hallway.

The King is sitting behind his huge oak desk, built to intimidate. His advisor, Jeffrey Morgan, stands beside him. Thomas bows in front of the King and then quietly leaves the room, closing the heavy gold doors behind him.

“You sent for me?” Jensen asks.

King Henry looks up from his papers. There is no love lost between uncle and nephew. In fact, Jensen is well aware that if the King could have found a way to lock Jensen in a tower, or better yet, have his head removed from his shoulders without causing an uprising, he would have done it by now. Tensions eased a bit between them after the birth of Ricard, but there is no trust or love between the two men.

Jensen would be safer if he lived anywhere but in the castle, a fact of which he is well-aware. But he does not trust his uncle, and while he may no longer be a prince, he still has a duty to the people of Arashen. And if there is a path someday for him to regain the throne that is rightfully his, a way that does not bring harm to Prince Ricard, Jensen aims to take it. And if not, he hopes someday to be an advisor to Prince Ricard.

There is a long drawn-out silence. King Henry likes nothing better than to exert his dominance by keeping people waiting.

Finally, he clears his throat. Jeffrey hands him a glass of wine. Jeffrey has always been nice to Jensen, but he’s the king's advisor and therefore not someone Jensen can place his trust in.

“You are to be wed in two months. The arrangements have been made,” the king announces. And then he returns to his papers, clearly dismissing Jensen.

Jensen stands there in shock for a moment before finally regaining his voice. “Wedded? To whom?”

“Queen Matilda,” the king says, not looking up from his papers. “The ceremony will be held here, after which you will accompany Queen Matilda back to her country.”

Queen Matilda is eighty years old if she is a day. The country she commands, Amarys, is a cold, desolate place. The people are poor, the castle, if rumors are to be believed, is in disrepair.

Queen Matilda has also outlasted three spouses. There are rumors that each spouse, two men and one woman, died lingering, painful deaths.

“I cannot marry Queen Matilda,” Jensen says.

The king looks up, a thunderous frown on his face. “The page has been sent with the acceptance of the proposal. Must I remind you, dear nephew, that I am your king? And as such, you will do as I command.”

“But I cannot marry her, because I am already betrothed.”

Silence meets Jensen’s announcement. Both the king and Jeffrey look shocked.

“Betrothed? You?” the king asks. “My nephew, who has a new bedwarmer in his chambers every night? Betrothed?”

“Yes. And as a member of the royal family, I cannot go back on my word. Think of the scandal,” Jensen replies.

Jensen has never seen the king look so flustered. Jensen has to bite his cheek in order not to smile.

“Who is this unlucky man or woman to whom you are betrothed?” the king asks.

 That’s a good question. Jensen tries to think of someone who would agree to this charade and not want to force Jensen’s hand and wed him. Maybe he could talk Christian into playing along. But the idea of pretending to be moon-eyed over his best friend…

A gold door opens and all three men look toward it, surprised at the interruption. Jared walks into the room, a book clutched to his chest. He has eyes only for Jensen as he walks toward him.

“I had thought the psalms attributed to the great poet Lorraine were lost, but this appears to contain her works. Do you know if these were truly written by her? Because if so—”

Thomas scurries into the room.

“I’m sorry, your Highness, I was having a word with Thurman and he must have walked right past us.” Thomas grabs Jared’s arm to lead him out of the room, but Jared just plants his feet, glaring at Thomas. This time Jensen doesn’t even try to hide his smile.

And then the perfect solution to his very big problem comes to him.

“It's perfectly all right for Jared to be here, Thomas,” Jensen says. He puts an arm around Jared’s waist as Thomas bows and leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. “Uncle, I would like to introduce you to my betrothed, Jared.”

The book falls from Jared’s hands, hitting the thick rug with a muffled thud. Jared bows, one that is nowhere near as graceful as when he bowed in front of Ricard. “King Henry, my apologies, I did not see you there.”

The king looks at Jeffrey who shrugs. His gaze returns to Jared. “Where are you from, young man? I have not seen you in court before.”

“He comes from the country. A very nice family, they have an estate outside of Berkins,” Jensen replies. “We met at the university and I was immediately captivated by Jared’s charms. I proposed to him just yesterday, and imagine my joy when he said yes. We are to be wed after Jared graduates.”

Jared looks down at him, his mouth working but no sound coming out. Jensen smiles reassuringly at Jared, squeezing his waist a bit tighter, hoping Jared gets the message.

“But I have given my word,” King Henry thunders.

“We can send someone to catch up to the page,” Jeffrey says. “Lord Ackles is right. A scandal like a broken betrothal is something we cannot risk.”

The king looks at Jensen, then at his advisor, and then yells for Thomas. Taking that as his sign to make a quick escape, Jensen guides Jared out the door.

“What was—” Jared says, pulling away from Jensen.

Jensen puts a finger over his lips and leads Jared back into the library. He shuts the heavy doors before facing a very confused-looking Jared.

“What was that nonsense about? You’ve got to go back in there and tell the king the truth—we are not betrothed,” Jared demands.

“No, I don’t think I will,” Jensen says. “Because if I do, he will force me to marry Queen Matilda, which is not only a fate worse than death but will, in fact, almost assuredly lead to my early demise.”

Jared frowns. “That does seem unfortunate for you, but I have no desire to be wed to you so you’ll still have to tell the king we aren’t betrothed.”

“You don’t have to wed me,” Jensen says, brushing past the slight twinge of hurt that Jared’s words cause him. He barely knows Jared, so he’s not sure why Jared’s disinterest in him bothers him so. “You just have to pretend we are betrothed. Are you aware of that everyone who has wedded Queen Matilda have met with painful deaths? All of them, Jared. Every single one of them.” Jensen gets on his knees and clasps his hands together. “Please save me, good and kind sir, I beseech you.”

Jared’s cheeks go that pretty pink that Jensen likes so much, and he wonders what other parts of Jared’s body turn that pink color as well. “Get off the floor, Lord Jensen. You’ll ruin your fine clothes. Besides, surely there is someone more suitable for you to have a–a pretend betrothal with.”

Jensen stands up. “But I have already introduced you to my uncle as my intended. Please, Jared, do this for me. It won’t be forever, just long enough for Queen Matilda to find another victim. Then we can stage a big breakup. If not for me, think of little Prince Ricard. If I am not here, who will protect him? His father, the King, has little love for him and thinks of him more as a possession than a son. And no one has seen the King’s Consort for months.” Not that Jensen is sad about that, but he will admit to being curious as to why his uncle has hidden Matt away.

Jared looks like he’s wavering, Jensen decides to go in for the kill. “Tell me, Jared, and be honest. With your love of knowledge, why are you not attending the university?”

Jared’s shoulders slump and Jensen is surprised by how much he hates that. Jared is tall, beautiful, he should always stand proudly. “I don’t have the money to attend.” Then Jared lifts his head, looking at Jensen with determination in his eyes. “But I’m working hard and saving my coins and I will attend someday. On that, you have my word.”

“Go along with this pretend betrothal and I will personally pay for you to attend the university, for all four years. Tuition, books, better clothes—I will cover it all.”

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” Jared asks.

Jensen stops himself from rolling his eyes, barely. Here he is offering Jared the world he covets on a silver platter, and the clothes are what Jared is focused on. Jensen’s eyes travel over Jared’s clothes. They are clean, to be sure, but obviously well-worn, even tattered in places. His shoes look like they are being held together by Jared’s sheer determination. Jared looks down at his clothes too and shrugs.

“They’re comfortable,” he says.

Then he pauses for a moment as if what Jensen told him is finally sinking in. “You will pay my tuition? Truly?”

Jensen nods. “I will have an agreement written up and we both will sign it. It will have to remain between just the two of us of course.”

“For how long will I have to pretend?” Jared asks.

Jensen shrugs. “Until Queen Matilda weds some other poor soul and it’s safe for me to be single again. Maybe three months? Or thereabouts.”

Jared continues to hold the book close to him. He seems hesitant, but Jensen can see he’s tempted.

“Did I mention the offer comes with unlimited use of this library? Any book, yours to read.”

“All right,” Jared says. “I think we both are mad, but—I agree to carry on with this charade if you pay for me to attend the university.”

Jensen smiles happily. “I just want you to be aware, your agreement comes with certain obligations. We will have to attend functions together, we will have to pretend to be in love. That means you will need to stop scowling at me, at least in public.”

“Does that mean we will have to—kiss?” Jared asks.

“Absolutely,” Jensen replies, trying and failing to hide a smirk as Jared’s eyes go to his lips. He cannot wait to kiss Jared more thoroughly than the hint of a kiss they shared earlier.

“I will consent to kissing, but there will be no sex,” Jared says firmly. “And before you ask me again, I have taken no vow of chastity. I just have no interest in casual alliances and wish to wait until I fall in love to bed someone, as old-fashioned as that might be.”

Jensen would very much like to tumble into bed with Jared, but only if Jared is willing. “You drive a hard bargain, but I agree to your terms.”

“And I may be poor, but I have my pride. You’ll not embarrass me by sleeping with other people. Not until we can officially announce our breakup.”

Jensen stares at Jared, Jared looks back at him. He’s serious. “You expect me to go without sex for months?”

Jared smiles and there are those fucking dimples again. “I think you will survive.”

Jensen’s right hand is going to be very busy in the next few months. Still, it’s better than being shipped off to wed Queen Matilda. “You are a very cruel man, Jared Padalecki, but I agree to your terms.”

Jared beams at him. “You remembered my last name.”

“Of course, I did. You are my intended,” Jensen replies. “Now that that’s settled, I will have the servants prepare a room for you. It will be near me, but not too close. We don’t want to be the cause of gossip.” Jensen winks at Jared. He’s going to like having Jared close, he’s very much interested in getting to know Jared better. He can’t remember the last time he’s been this intrigued by someone. Yes, this will all work out beautifully. And maybe he will even find a way to entice Jared to his bed.

“Live here? I can’t live here. I have a job—two jobs. I am a commoner, I can't live in a castle. We can still pretend to be betrothed while I live at the stables.” Jared is talking so fast that he’s practically stumbling over his words.

Jensen is confused. Jared should be pleased to live in the castle rather than a stable. Everything his heart desires will be provided for him. Why is this upsetting him?

“Of course, you’ll have to quit your jobs and move here. It would be unseemly for the intended of a member of the royal family to live in the back room of the stables or to work at a gentlemen’s club. Everything you require will be provided here.”

“But I can’t stay here,” Jared protests. “I can’t.”

Jensen folds his arms over his chest. This is not negotiable. It would cause a scandal if it appeared that Jensen let that man he supposedly loves live in poverty.  And for many reasons, some of which Jensen admits are selfish, he wants Jared close by. “If you wish to go along with this agreement and have your tuition paid you’ll have to agree to live here. Tell me, Jared, how long have you yearned to attend the university? You could be enrolled next week and begin classes in the fall. Will you really give that up to sleep in a stable?”

Jared sighs, clearly unhappy but seemingly resigned to his fate. “I will need to get my things.”

Jensen grins. “I knew you would see reason. Pretty and smart–everyone is going to love you. Shall we shake hands on the agreement?” Jensen steps closer to Jared. Jared moves back, his back hitting one of the doors to the room. Jensen runs a hand over Jared’s wrist and Jared shivers. Jared may deny it all he wishes, but Jensen can tell when someone is attracted to him. And the way Jared is looking at Jensen’s lips right now—Jared is very tempted. And tempting. “Or better yet, we can seal our agreement with a kiss.”

Jared straightens up, standing as tall as Jensen had wished he would earlier, and holds out his hand. “I believe a handshake will do just fine.”

Jensen feels a flash of disappointment, but it passes fairly quickly. He’s always loved a challenge. Jensen takes Jared’s hand and shakes it once, before bringing Jared’s hand to his lips and gently kissing the back of Jared’s hand. He doesn’t miss the way Jared’s eyes darken. “I must admit, I am delighted I will be spending more time in your charming company.”

Jared pulls his hand back. “You can save your charming words for when we’re in public.”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Jensen says, before reaching behind Jared. Jared’s eyes narrow and Jensen smirks up at him as he pushes open the door behind Jared. “Now, let’s go get your things.”

Chapter Text

Jared

Jared wakes up from one of the deepest sleeps he ever remembers having, most assuredly because the bed, without a doubt, is the softest bed he’s ever slept on.

And shrieks.

Because right beside his bed is a strange man standing completely still and staring down at him. Jared sits up, his heart racing rapidly.

The man gives a small bow. He’s maybe a year or two younger than Jared, so he’s barely into his manhood. He’s comely, with short brown hair and blue eyes. Now that he’s had a few moments to get over his fright, Jared sees that the man is wearing one of the uniforms he saw the men wearing that served dinner last night in the grand hall. Jared had been very nervous during dinner, so he hadn’t paid the attention he should have to the men and women serving the food and drinks, but now that he thinks about it, he thinks he may have seen this young man pouring wine last night.

“I apologize for frightening you, sir. I just wished to let you know that I have brought up water for your bath. I also have a message for you from Lord Jensen. He states that he has business he must attend to this morning but will be sharing the noon-day meal with you. If you desire, I can bring your breakfast here to your room, or I can accompany you downstairs and serve you in the breakfast room.”

Of course, the castle has a breakfast room. And probably a different room for every meal. “Who are you?” Jared asks, fighting the urge to bring the quilt on his bed to his shoulders like a maiden whose modesty is being threatened.

The man flushes and bows again. Jared wishes he would stop bowing, it’s making him uncomfortable. It’s not the deep bow that is given as a gesture of loyalty and respect to royalty, just the slight bow given to men of stature. But Jared is not high born, he’s a stable hand, he’s a pauper. No one should bow in front of him, ever.

“Please accept my deepest apologies, my lord. Of course, I should have started out by introducing myself. I am Keegan and I’m to be your valet. Assuming that I am acceptable to you, of course.”

“I—I don’t need a valet,” Jared says. “And I’m not a lord—nor a sir. I’m just Jared.”

Keegan’s face falls. He looks so disappointed and Jared feels an instant pang of regret that he’s the cause of Keegan’s unhappiness. “Are you dismissing me, sir?”

“It’s not so much as I am dismissing you—it’s just—”

Keegan looks at Jared with hopeful eyes.

“Have you ever been a valet for someone before?” Jared asks.

“No, sir. I’ve always wanted to—I promise to be very attentive, sir. And I will do my very best to make sure that you are well taken care of during your stay in the castle.”

Keegan smiles at Jared and Jared doesn’t have it in his heart to send Keegan away. “I’m agreeable that you should be my valet. On one condition.”

“Anything,” Keegan states, his smile reaching his eyes. He really is a very handsome lad. Not as pretty as Jensen—

No, Jared is not thinking about Jensen. Not until he has to, anyway.

“You call me Jared. At least, while we are alone,” Jared says.

Keegan nods. “Would you like to take your bath now? The water should still be quite warm, but if it’s not to your liking, I can have more hot water brought up.”

The room Jared is staying in is ridiculously large. Almost large enough to put the entire cottage he grew up in inside. Jared looks over to the fireplace. It’s late spring, so the fire is not lit. But in front of the fireplace is a tub that’s big enough for him to sit in comfortably with steam rising tempting from it.

Jared can’t remember the last time he took a bath in warm water. Usually, heating water is too much trouble to bother with. 

“I’m sure the water is fine,” Jared says. He gets out of bed, eager to take off his nightshirt and sink into the warm water. Jared can see a bar of soap and a cloth by the bath, along with a clay pitcher.

“Do you wish for me to wash your hair?” Keegan asks.

Jared has his nightshirt almost pulled off before realizing he was about to strip naked in front of a man he barely knows. Apparently being this close to Jensen has turned him wanton.

Of course, he’s not attracted to Keegan, so maybe he’s not as wanton as Jensen. Still, his mother raised him better than this.

Jared pulls back down his nightshirt. “If you don’t mind, Keegan, I would like some privacy while I take my bath. Perhaps you could bring up breakfast for me like you suggested earlier?”

“Of course, sir—Jared. What would you like to eat this morning?” Keegan asks.

“Anything. Everything. Just make sure there is plenty of it.”

Keegan smiles. “Of course. Would you like me to set out your clothes before I leave?”

Jared has two tunics and two pairs of breeches. The uniform Keegan is wearing is far finer than Jared’s own clothes. Jared is reminded sharply of how out of place he is here, how far out of his depth he is.

How much danger he is in. If Keegan or anyone else discovers he is a mage…

It's why he was so reluctant to stay here in the castle. But the university…the chance to study in those hallowed halls, to be taught by great men and women of letters…

Jared shakes his head. “No, I prefer to choose my own clothes. I’m afraid you are going to find yourself very bored, being my valet.”

Keegan grins again. “Somehow I doubt that.”

After a leisurely bath and a breakfast of mutton, cheese, bread, and the finest berries Jared has ever tasted, Jared finds himself at a loss for what to do next.

He walks over to the window in his room. It looks over a courtyard teeming with servants hurrying to and fro, guards in their uniforms, even a few fancily dressed men and women who stroll leisurely as everyone around them scurries.

Jared has no place here. Nowhere that he fits in. He’s not a servant, he’s not a knight or a member of the king’s guard, he’s certainly not a lord or someone of wealth or from a fine family. He’s not even a stable hand, not anymore. How will he spend his time until he can start attending classes?

He will of course make use of the library. But right now, Jared yearns for fresh air and to escape from all the gilded trappings of this room he does not belong in. 

“Where are the stables?” Jared asks Keegan.

“I can show you,” Keegan says.

It’s a long walk to the stables. It's a long walk just to get out of the castle. Between stairways, corridors, and doors that open to other parts of the castle, Jared’s not sure he can find the way back to his room.

He’s relieved when they near the stables. The air smells of horses, hay, leather—familiar and warm.

A stable boy comes rushing out to meet them, looking up at Jared nervously.

“This is Lord Jared, he is a special guest of Lord Jensen’s,” Keegan says.

“Not a lord,” Jared replies. “Just a Jared.”

‘Be that as it may, I am sure that you will treat a special guest of Lord Jensen’s with the respect he deserves, Osric.” Keegan smiles at the younger boy. 

Osric nods. “Yes, of course. Do you wish to go riding, sir? We have many horses in the stables for you to choose from.”

“I think I’ll take a look around and get a feel for them,” Jared says. “If that’s all right.”

“Yes, of course. The royal stables are over there.” Osric points to more stables several leagues from where they are standing. “The horses there are all spoken for, but there are many fine horses in the stables behind me.”

“I’m sure I will find one that will do nicely.” Jared turns to Keegan. “Thank you for your assistance. You’re free to spend the morning any way you wish. I prefer to go riding alone.”

“I do need to tell you that you have a meeting with the royal tailor after the mid-day meal,” Keegan says. “I will freshen up your room so it will be ready for him.”

Nobody had said anything about a tailor, but Jared supposes that the ex-Prince’s betrothed would be expected to have more than two sets of clothes. Jared nods and Keegan takes his leave.

Jared turns to Osric. “You can go back to your regular duties. Once I find a horse, I will saddle it myself.”

“Oh, but sir—I can’t—” Osric says, nervously stumbling over his words.

“Just yesterday, I worked in a stable myself,” Jared replies. “It will be fine.”

But Jared only takes a few steps toward the stables when he hears a familiar amused voice. “And here we are meeting in the stables again. I think I may find myself developing a fondness for stables I never had before.”

Jared turns around and faces Jensen. “I thought you were busy in meetings.”

“I was. And now I’m free. I looked out the window of the castle and saw a tree walking toward the stables. After careful reflection, I determined the tree was in fact, you.”

“Well, now that you’ve found me, you can go back to doing whatever important work that royal folk do. I’m going riding,” Jared replies.

“You won’t find a horse that will suit you there. Come with me, I had a horse brought up here from a man I know who sells fine horses.” Jensen starts walking toward the royal stables.

Such arrogance! Choosing a horse for Jared. Jared is sure Jensen is responsible for the tailor’s upcoming visit as well. Not even truly betrothed and Jensen thinks he knows what is best for Jared.

“I think I will stick with one of the horses in this stable,” Jared says.

Jensen turns around and looks at Jared, a slight frown on his beautiful face. “But I have a horse for you.”

“Did it not occur to you that I might want a horse of my own choosing?” Jared asks.

“It’s a gift. If I were to give you a bracelet for your wrist, or a hat to wear, I would do the choosing. Come, just see the horse. If you do not approve of her, I will take you to the horse breeder’s stables and you can choose for yourself.”

At the mention of a bracelet, Jared thinks of the silver ones that people with magic are by law required to wear.

Not for the first time, he thinks of the possible danger he is in. If anyone finds out that he has magic, and has kept that magic a secret, he could end up locked in the dungeon. Or a tower. Jared’s unclear where in the castle people are locked up.

It’s dangerous what he is doing—maybe too dangerous.

But the chance to go to the university…

“Jared?” Jensen asks.

“I’ll look at the horse,” Jared says, striding past Jensen.

Jensen has to hurry to catch up with him. “You know, you’ve been awfully unfair to me.”

Jared turns to look at Jensen. “How have I been unfair? I’ve agreed to go along with your mad scheme. I’ve been nothing but kind to you, whereas you’ve made advances toward me and got me kicked out of the library.”

“Actually, you got yourself kicked out.” Jensen laughs at the expression on Jared’s face. They stop walking as two men stroll out of the stables. They are older than Osric, impeccably dressed. No way do they muck the stables in those pristine uniforms. “Ready Beauty and Lady and bring them to us,” Jensen says to the men, who bow and head back inside the stables.

“I still don’t understand how I’ve been unkind to you,” Jared says.

“You judged me on our first meeting, by whatever preconceptions of the wealthy that you harbor. You made up your mind about what manner of man I am and have not even tried to get to know me.”

“You tried to seduce me on our first meeting,” Jared says. “And propositioned me on our second.”

“True. I’m a man who loves giving and receiving pleasure, and you are a very pleasing man to look upon. I do not deny I desired you I still desire you, and I bear no shame for those feelings. But that’s not all of who I am. I would like a chance to show you all that I am, as I would like to come to know you.”

“Why do you care what my feelings are toward you?” Jared asks. “This betrothal is just pretend.”

Jensen shrugs. “I would like to think we could be friends.” Jared watches as the two men reappear, one of them leading the horse Jared knows is Jensen’s. The other horse is tall, taller than Jensen’s, and all white. She is a magnificent animal and Jared already knows he will come to love her. He turns back to Jensen, who is looking up at him with a very smug expression.

“What did I tell you?” Jensen asks. “Is she not a fine horse?”

Jensen pets his own horse, nuzzling his nose against the horse’s. “Hello there, Beauty. Have you missed me?”

There’s a softness to Jensen as he whispers to his horse. Jared thinks how sweetly Jensen spoke to Prince Ricard. Maybe Jensen is right and Jared has judged him too harshly.

“Shall we go for a ride?” Jensen asks. He ignores the groom’s proffered hand and pulls himself up on his horse’s saddle. “There’s a small creek near here that is surrounded by flowers that are beautiful this time of year.”

Jared pats Lady, letting her sniff his hand before attempting to get on her back. Next time he visits her, he will bring her treats. He settles on the saddle. Lady stands there calmly, waiting for Jared to lead her.

Never did Jared think he’d ever ride such a fine horse. Of course, he will have to leave her behind when the ‘betrothal’ ends, but until then he plans to spend many an hour with Lady.

Jared looks over at Jensen who, Jared has to admit, strikes a fine figure on the horse. “Lead the way,” Jared says to him.

“See, as long as you always let me lead, you will never go astray,” Jensen responds with a wink.

Jared tries—and fails miserably—to hide a smile. “Just so we are clear, I will never sleep in your bed.”

Jensen grins at him. “Just to be clear, if you share my bed—we will not be sleeping. And who said anything about sex? I talk about getting to know each other better, and your mind wanders to all the things we could do to each other instead. I do declare, my beloved intended, you think about sex more than I do.”

Jared opens his mouth to protest, but Jensen clicks his tongue and Beauty starts out on a trot that turns into a run and soon Jared is flying on Lady, trying to catch up with them.

They race on the lands outside the castle like children chasing each other on a field. Lady is a dream to ride. Jared feels the wind in his hair, feels a freedom he’s rarely felt except for when he’s riding Chadwick. He has no job to go to, he no longer has to save every coin he receives, all he has to do is keep up with the man riding in front of him and be careful not to let himself get swept away.

By the time they stop at the stream, Jared’s cheeks are flushed and he’s feeling almost dizzy with just how happy he is. It’s been a long time since he’s ridden a horse and far longer since he’s felt this free of worry.

They dismount and let their horses drink their fill. Jensen’s cheeks are flushed too and his clothes are a little disheveled. Jared has never seen Jensen look anything but pristine, and he finds he likes Jensen a bit ruffled. It makes Jensen feel somehow more real.

“Thank you for letting me ride Lady,” Jared says as they watch the horses drink. “She is a remarkable horse.”

“I’m not letting you ride her, I am giving her to you,” Jensen replies.

“I suppose until I leave.”  There’s been no arrangements made for when this farce of a betrothal ends. Jared figures he will leave the same way he entered the castle—with two sets of clothes, a few books, and his dragon. Except he will be in the university by then, so where he lives or what he owns won’t matter much to him—not that those things ever have.

“For always. I’m not the sort of man to give gifts and take them away. She is yours, forever.”

I see how easily I’ve been replaced.

Jared turns his head to hide a smile. He scans the sky, spotting Chadwick in the distance. You know you will always be special to me. Now go away before Jensen sees you.

I will go find myself another mage to bind myself to. See how your fine new horse helps you then.

It’s an empty threat and Jared knows it. Chadwick won’t go too far away. Whenever he has need of him, Chadwick will always be there.

“What are you looking at?” Jensen asks.

Jared turns back to Jensen. He needs to distract Jensen before he spots Chadwick. 

“Nothing really. I was just thinking about how much this place reminds me of home. I was raised in the countryside. I spent many a day splashing in small creeks like this one and fishing in rivers,” Jared says.

“Do you miss your home?” Jensen asks.

He spreads a blanket on the ground that he pulled from Beauty’s satchel. It’s not a big blanket, and Jared is a bit wary of being so close to Jensen, but it would be rude to keep standing while Jensen is sitting. He is royalty after all.

Jared sits crossed-legged on the blanket. This close, he can see the freckles that dot Jensen’s face. And how incredibly green Jensen’s eyes are.

“I’m sorry, I forgot your question,” Jared says, forcing himself to look away from Jensen.

Jensen laughs. “I was just wondering if you miss home. I’ve never been away from mine. I imagine it took a great deal of courage to leave yours.”

“I don’t miss home so much, but I do miss my mother. I know she worries about me, but she has other children and soon a grandchild to occupy her time.”

“How about your father?” Jensen asks.

“He died when I was ten. A hunting accident,” Jared explains.

“I’m sorry to hear that. My mother died shortly after my birth. And my father, well, everyone knows how I lost him.”

“I was wondering—I’m sorry, that’s none of my concern.” 

“We are to be wed,” Jensen says. Jared makes the mistake of looking at him again. Jensen winks at him, a devilish smile on his lips. If only the man wasn’t so damn beautiful. “You can ask me anything.”

“After what your uncle did, why do you stay?” Jared asks.

The smile falls from Jensen’s lips. Jared wishes he could take the question back. His mother had always told him he was too curious for his own good.

“I stay because this is my home. I stay because my uncle is not a good man, and if someday he tries to do harm, I hope to be in a position to stop him. I love my cousin and want to protect him, if I can.”

“But King Henry is his father, surely he wouldn’t harm him.”

“He thinks of Ricard as weak, unworthy to carry his name. If Matt was to bear him another son—a healthy one.” Jensen shrugs. “More than that, the people of Arashen are my people. I was supposed to rule them one day and I still feel an obligation to them.”

“Aren’t you worried for your own life?” Jared asks.

“He won’t kill me in cold blood–at least, I don’t think he will. Although you may not like me much, I’m very popular with the fine folks of this kingdom and he doesn’t want to be forced into quelling an uprising. Behind all his bluster and posturing, he is a coward. But marrying me off to someone who would do the killing for him—that he would do.”

“I never said I didn’t like you,” Jared protests.

“Oh, so you do like me. Enough for a kiss?” Jensen asks, leaning toward Jared with his lips in an exaggerated pout.

Jared laughs. “You are incorrigible.”

“So I am,” Jensen agrees, standing up. “But a word of warning, and I’m being deadly serious, Jared. Don’t trust my uncle. He’s a greedy man and he will keep his throne at any cost. He will lie, cheat, threaten, and yes, kill, to keep that crown on his head.”

Jared shivers, thinking what the king would do if he knew Jared had magic. Jared plans to stay as far away from the king as he can.

“This has been a most pleasant excursion, but we do need to head back. Cook will have our meal ready and will not be happy if we are late. And trust me, you want to keep Cook on your good side, her small cakes and tarts are so good you will have dreams about them. And then you have that appointment with the tailor.”

“Do I have to see the tailor?” Jared says, fully aware he’s dangerously close to whining. “I already have clothes.”

Jensen looks him up and down and raises his eyebrows. Jared sighs and gets back on the horse. Perhaps he will reward himself after the tailor leaves with a visit to the library.

Ten days later, Jared is walking up the stairs toward the library, a book in his hand. But he’s re-read the same page three times now and still has no idea what words are on the page.

Instead, his mind has drifted, as if often does to a certain green-eyed ex-prince. 

Jared is surprised at how much he has come to like Jensen. Not only is Jensen charming, but he’s also nice, funny, smarter than he lets other people know he is, and yes–very pleasing to look at. Not that he’s stopped trying to coax Jared into his bed–but Jared has found, to his great surprise, that he likes Jensen flirting with him.

Likes it so much that of late he has been reconsidering his stance on waiting until he falls in love to bed someone.

The days have gone by far more pleasantly than he ever dreamed they would. Jensen is pleasant company as is Prince Ricard. Jared enjoys taking the Prince to the gardens and chasing butterflies with him. Felicia frets that too much exercise is bad for the child, but Jared is of the mind that it’s the coddling that’s bad for the child. He plans to take the Prince riding with him tomorrow, the Prince has a pony, but rarely is he allowed to ride him. Perhaps they'll ride out to the little stream and have a picnic. 

The only true downside of staying in the castle is the official royal dinners, of which there have been two in the last ten days. The King sits at the high table, glowering at everyone. Jensen sits to the left of the king and Jared sits to Jensen’s left, far too close to the king for Jared’s comfort.

But even worse is that Jared is expected to make small talk with the Lords, Ladies, Earls, and other nobles who join the King at his table. They are more ruthless at quizzing Jared than Jared’s former instructors at his grammar school were. They want to know where Jared comes from, what his family background is, how he came to meet Jensen, where they courted. As Jared stumbles his way through vague answers, Jensen always saves him by joining in the conversation with a wild tale or a question about a mutual friend, and soon the nosy noble’s attention is diverted.

But not for long. Jared is sure there are whispers about the ex-prince being betrothed to a commoner. Let them whisper, it’s not like he will actually wed Jensen. In a few months, they both will be free and Jensen will find someone more suitable. 

There is no reason that thought should make him sad, but it does. He has come to desire things from Jensen he has no business wanting.

Things that can never be. 

Jared looks up from his book. He has no idea where he is in the castle. Somewhere, lost in his thoughts, he had taken a wrong turn. He’s gotten better at finding his way around the castle, but he still finds himself lost from time to time like he is now. No matter, he will just retrace his steps. He’s sure he’s on the floor the library is on, he just has to find his way to it.

There is a door in front of him, for some reason, Jared is drawn to it. He takes a few steps closer to it and looks around. There is no one else in the corridor.

He is not going to let his curiosity get the better of him. Whatever is behind this door is none of his concern.

Blue sparks fly from his fingertips and there’s a blue glow around the doorknob and the door opens.

Jared stands there in shock. Never has something like this happened before with his magic. He has always had to consciously wield his magic. 

And now he’s used magic in the castle, the very last place in all the worlds he should be using magic.

“Who is it? Who’s there?”

It’s not a voice Jared recognizes. Jared steps into the room. The room is a bedchamber, covered in rich fabrics and silk tapestries. There are fine rugs on the floor. A man sits by the window in a large red chair, but he stands when Jared enters the room.

“How did you get in here?” the man asks. “Only Henry has the key.”

Jared shrugs. “To tell the truth, I don’t even know where I am. I took a wrong turn. I–I tried the door and it opened.”

“That’s not possible. He never leaves it unlocked.” The man walks closer to Jared. He’s a very handsome man, but pale, thin. He reminds Jared of someone. The man looks at Jared’s wrist and Jared looks at his. The man is wearing a silver chain, several of them in fact, wound around each other.

“You have magic,” Jared says. He’s never met anyone else who has magic before, or at least none that he knows of. 

“So do you.” It’s not a question, but a statement. 

“How does it feel?” Jared asks. “To have your magic locked away?”

“It feels–like a vital part of me is missing. Like I’ve been hollowed out. I miss it, almost as much as I miss my son when Henry keeps him from me as a punishment.”

It occurs to Jared suddenly who this man reminds Jared of. Prince Ricard. This must be his father, the King’s Consort. The man Jensen said has not been seen for several months.

“Are you a prisoner here?” Jared asks.

“Of a sort. It is of no importance,” the man replies. He looks at Jared closely. “I was of the belief that only noble families produce mages, but you are not of noble birth.”

It seems that Jensen can provide Jared with the finest of clothes, but people will always be able to tell he's an imposter. It does not matter, Jared is not ashamed of his humble origins.

“I am a commoner,” Jared confirms.

“You must be Jared. Henry spoke of you. I can see why you caught Jensen’s eye. My son also speaks highly of you.” The King’s Consort, his name is Matt Jared recalls, steps closer. “But, Jared, I must warn you. You are in great danger here.”

“I will be careful. You said you are a prisoner here. Maybe there is a way I can—”

“No! Do not use any more magic. Even Jensen will not be able to save you if Henry discovers your secret. And I’m not alone. I have an ally and there are—I’m sorry, I shouldn’t involve you in any of this.”

Jared has a lot of questions for the King’s Consort, but there’s a noise outside the corridor. Jared turns and realizes he left the door open.

“Leave quickly and do not come back here,” Matt whispers. “It is too dangerous. And for gods’ sake, do not use your magic here or anywhere in this kingdom. The king has many spies. Now– go .”

Jared hurries out of the room. The door shuts behind him.

“What are you doing here?” 

Jared turns to see Jeffrey Dean Morgan standing there. He’s met him a few times. Few people in Jared’s life have intimidated him the way that Jeffrey does. He feels like a small child caught with his hand in the cookie jar under Jeffrey’s stern gaze.

“I lost my way,” Jared explains. “I was trying to find the library.”

“You are in the wrong wing of the castle. Follow me, I’ll lead you back. And Jared, I hope I will not find you in the King’s quarters again.”

“No, sir. I will pay more attention to where I am going,” Jared promises.

As they leave the King’s wing of the castle, Jared doesn’t even try to hide his relief when he spots Jensen standing near the library.

“There you are,” Jensen says. “I was looking for you and I figured I would start here, knowing how you love to lose yourself in the books.”

“Keep an eye on him,” Jeffrey orders Jensen.

Jensen looks at Jared and Jared shrugs. “I got lost.”

Jensen smiles. “I’ll just have to tie a string around his waist, that way I can find him wherever he goes,” he says to Jeffrey.

Jeffrey doesn’t reply, just turns and walks away.

“The man scares me,” Jared whispers to Jensen.

“Same,” Jensen whispers back.

“Where did he find you?” Jensen asks, opening the library doors. There’s tea and sandwiches waiting for them in the library, Jensen must have been fairly certain he’d find Jared here.

“In the King’s quarters.” 

Jared thinks about the King’s Consort. Should he tell Jensen that he saw him? But then he would have to admit he is a mage. 

What if the King’s Consort tells the King he has magic?

His life had been so much simpler when he had been nothing but a stable boy.

“Jared? Is something wrong?” Jensen asks.

“Not a thing, other than how poorly my dance lessons are going.”

Jensen laughs.

In a few days time, there will be a ball. Jensen’s friend, Stephen, has been trying to teach Jared the dances that will be required of him at the ball. Jared has gone from being completely terrible at dancing to being mostly terrible. 

“I hear my feet are in much danger,” Jensen says. 

“Everyone who attends the ball’s feet will be in danger,” Jared replies, sitting at the table and grabbing a sandwich. “I am hopeless.”

“There is still time,” Jenssen says. “Perhaps we can practice together tomorrow.”

“Is there no way I can just watch everyone else dance?” Jared asks.

“I’m afraid not. As you are the guest of honor, it will be expected that you dance not only with me, but other people of import that attend the ball.” Jensen walks over to one of the bookshelves and starts looking through the books. “But perhaps I can find a way to take your mind off the ball.”

Jared turns in his chair to watch Jensen. It’s dark outside, and the light from the candles on the chandelier caresses Jensen’s face, making him appear even more ethereal and beautiful. Jared does not think anyone will pay him any attention at the ball, not with Jensen there. 

Jensen smiles. “There it is.” Jared watches with curiosity as Jensen pulls out a book and brings it to him. “ The  Complete Poems of Nicholas of Charmel .”

“I’ve heard of him,” Jared says, taking the book eagerly from Jensen. The book is clearly old, but well-taken care of. Jared opens the book and then looks up to see Jensen smiling at him. “What?”

“Nothing. I just love the way your eyes light up when you see a new book. It’s a fine night. Why don’t we go upstairs to one of the towers? We can bring a candle for you to read by and sit underneath the stars. You won’t believe how beautiful the village is when viewed from the tower.” Jensen smiles down at Jared and he looks so hopeful that Jared cannot say no.

“You don’t have to woo me with stars and pretty sights. I already said yes to pretending to be your intended,” Jared says as he grabs a sandwich to eat on the way. 

He looks at Jensen just to see Jensen’s smile dim just a bit. He feels instantly guilty. “But I would love to go with you to the tower. It’s a part of the castle I’ve never been to.” 

“I promise you, you will be enchanted. Unless you’ve climbed the Idarius Mountains, you’ve never been this high. But not to worry, I will be there to protect you.” 

Jared smiles. He’s been even higher, riding with Chadwick, but that’s not a secret he’s ready to share with Jensen yet. “Lead the way, my gallant and noble knight.”

They take the book and each carry a candle as they leave the room. Jared follows Jensen through some passageways he’s not yet seen and then up what feels to be endless winding stairs until Jensen opens a wooden door and they step out onto the tower. 

It is a beautiful night. Warm, but not too warm. There doesn’t appear to be a cloud in the sky. There are stone benches against the wall of the tower and Jensen finds one and sits down while Jared takes a moment to drink in how beautiful everything is from up here. 

“Come sit. I have found the perfect poem for you to read to me,” Jensen says. 

“Have you suddenly become incapable of reading for yourself?” Jared asks, sitting beside Jensen. The bench is not a large one and he’s conscious of how close to Jensen he is. If he moves his leg just a little, they will be touching.

He'd very much like to touch Jensen and longs for Jensen to kiss him. Despite what Jensen said when they became pretend betrothed, they have not kissed in public yet. Nor in private. Jared remembers Jensen in the library, brushing his lips against Jared’s. Even that small promise of a kiss had sent heat through Jared’s body, causing him to stumble back in surprise. He’s kissed other men, but never felt that intense surge of desire before. 

Would it feel the same way were they to kiss again? Should Jared even risk such a thing? 

“I have heard you read to Ricard and you have a fine voice,” Jensen says. Jensen hands him the book. “Start here.”

The poem is a long one. It starts innocently enough, two lovers meet in secret. They each sneak out of their cottages and meet in a meadow. Under the watchful eyes of the moon and stars, they lie down on a bed of flowers and kiss.

The poet weaves words beautifully, saying so much in a slight turn of a phrase, hinting at a lover’s tryst in subtle, teasing words. 

But Jared can picture the two lovers clearly in his mind. Two men, naked, lying together in a field of flowers, touching each other, kissing each other, their bodies moving as one–

Jared has to stop reading. It feels like his very blood is on fire. He’s read sensual poetry before, but more with intellectual curiosity than a desire to lose himself in the words. Now it feels as if the words have seeped deep inside him; he can see himself and Jensen in the lovers, laying together, touching and teasing each other with fingers and with tongues.

“Don’t stop reading. The poem isn’t finished yet,” Jensen says. “You haven’t reached the best part.”

Jared closes the book and looks at Jensen. Jensen is grinning at him knowingly. “You are a wicked man,” Jared says.

Jensen leans over and whispers in Jared’s ear. “I do not deny that, but I’m not the one having wicked thoughts at the moment.”

For the love of the gods, stop mooning over the man and kiss him.

Jared jumps. He can’t remember the last time Chadwick has caught him unawares. Usually, he can sense Chadwick long before they are close enough to communicate by thought.

I have no desire to kiss Jensen, Jared replies.

Chadwick laughs, the sound coming across like a loud rumble in Jared’s head. He is your mate , of course you want to kiss him.

He is not my mate!

“There’s that dragon!” Jensen stands up and yanks Jared to his feet. “We must hurry downstairs and warn the guards.”

“Why?” Jared asks. 

“Because we don’t know if it means us harm or not,” Jensen replies. He turns to look at Jared. “I need to get you to safety, the guards will deal with the dragon.”

I’d like to see them try.

“There’s no need to call the guards, the dragon means us no harm,” Jared states.

“How do you know that?” Jensen asks. “He’s been watching me, us, for days now. We don’t know what it’s thinking.”

Maybe it is time to let Jensen in on one of his secrets. Jensen has proven himself to be a good man. Plus, Jared has missed Chadwick. The only way he will be able to spend time with his familiar is for Jensen to know about him.

Might as well tell him, I’m not going anywhere. I don’t trust the king, and I’m not about to leave you defenseless. 

The king has no interest in me.

I’m not as sure of that as you are.

“Jared?” Jensen asks.

“Chadwick is–I’ve known him since I was a child. He followed me to Thistleton. That’s the reason you’ve seen him around–he’s with me,” Jared explains.

“You own a dragon?” Jensen asks.

Chadwick snorts, flames flying from his nose. Jensen gives a very unmanly squeak that has Jared biting his cheek not to laugh. 

“No one owns a dragon,” Jared explains. “We are just–companions of a sort.”

Jensen looks over at Chadwick. Chadwick spreads his wings and circles over their head, showing off a bit for Jensen.

“That is so wonderful. Wait til I tell my friends that I have met a dragon,” Jensen says.

“No,we should keep this between us. Some people fear dragons and wish them harm.” And someone might wonder how a poor country lad became acquainted with a dragon. 

“Our first secret, well, our second I suppose,” Jensen says. “The first being our pretend betrothal. But we’re friends and friends keep secrets for each other.”

“Yes, friends,” Jared agrees. It is good he didn’t kiss Jensen. Jensen thinks of him as only a friend and it’s better that way. If Jared were to kiss Jensen, he might develop an attachment. And that would never do.

The pretty lies you tell yourself.

Stop reading my thoughts, I’ve told you before it’s impolite.

Stop thinking so loud then. Are we going for a ride, or what?

Jared turns to Jensen. “Do you want to go for a ride?”

“Right now?” Jensen asks. “It’s late, the stables are closed.”

“It’s a good thing you are pretty,” Jared teases. 

Jensen’s eyes widen. “You’ve got to be joking. No way am I getting on the back of that dragon.”

Jared shrugs. “I do, all the time.”

Jensen looks from Jared to Chadwick and back to Jared. “The dragon lets you ride him? But no one has ridden dragons for centuries. Not since the last of the dragon riders rode off on a dragon and was never seen again.”

“Tell me, Lord Jensen. Are you only bold in bed?” Jared asks. 

Jensen still looks uncertain. “What do I hold on to?”

“If I were you, I wouldn’t grab any part of Chadwick, he’s ticklish in places he shouldn’t be and that could lead to disaster. However, I will sit behind you and keep you safe.” It's a nice change that Jared is the one in his element and that for once Jensen will have to follow Jared’s lead. 

Jensen straightens his shoulders and nods at Jared. “Well, I’m not going to pass up a chance to ride a dragon.”

Chadwick lands on the tower. His massive size takes up most of the room, but he still manages to bend down enough that Jared is able to climb on top of him. He holds out his hand to Jensen. Jensen hesitates but a moment, before taking Jared’s hand and sitting in front of Jared.

Jared wraps his arms around Jensen. They fit perfectly together. Jared has never held another man this way, and he’s intently aware of how solid Jensen feels under his hands, how enticing his scent is. 

Yes, no interest at all in bedding him.

Weren’t you about to take us on a ride? Jared replies.

Chadwick climbs on top of the wall surrounding the tower. Jensen tenses in Jared’s arms so Jared holds him tighter, for Jensen’s sake of course, not at all because Jensen feels so good in his arms. 

Chadwick spreads his wings and flies off the wall.

“Look at your village now,” Jared tells Jensen.

“Would that involve me opening my eyes?” Jensen asks.

Jared chuckles. “I promise you, you will regret it if you don’t look.”

Jensen is quiet for a moment as Chadwick, on his best behavior for once, sedately soars over the city.

“It’s so beautiful and to think I was bragging to you of the view from the tower,” Jensen says. 

Jensen places his hands over Jared’s and presses his back more fully against Jared as he begins to relax. Heat builds in Jared, heat that has nothing to do with the warm summer night. He can feel his cock begin to fill. 

Chadwick chuckles, Jared pointedly ignores him.

Jensen points at various landmarks in the village and then turns his attention to the stars. Jared reluctantly begins loosening his hold on Jensen and soon drops his arms to his side as Jensen becomes more relaxed. He can still feel the heat of Jensen’s body, but it’s not so overwhelming now. 

Jared closes his eyes so he can savor the way Jensen smells, the way he feels, how joyful Jensen is, how wonderful and perfect this night is. Whatever else happens between them, he will always have this memory that he can carry with him for always.

“We probably should get back,” Jensen says with obvious reluctance. “Our absence will be noticed.”

Chadwick takes them back to the tower and Jared slides off his back first and then helps Jensen down. Jensen stands in front of Chadwick and bows low. “Thank you, Chadwick, for letting us share your flight. It was an honor to soar so close to the stars with you.”

I like him. You can keep him .

You can go away now, Jared replies. But he hugs Chadwick’s neck before stepping back. He’s lucky to have Chadwick in his life and he knows it. 

Jensen turns to Jared, his eyes shining. “This is the best night of my life and I have you to thank for that.” Jensen pulls Jared into a hug, holding Jared tightly. 

Joy fills Jared as Jensen presses against Jared, heat does too. He is also taken aback by how much Jensen's happiness means to him. 

Jared fears if he doesn’t put distance between him and Jensen that his heart will be lost. 

He has spent his life yearning for knowledge, and now the only thing his heart desires is the man in his arms.

Jared is already dreading the day he will have to say goodbye to Jensen.

But that will not be this night.

“Let’s go back to the library,” Jared says. “I would like to read about those dragon riders you were talking about.”

Together they begin the long journey down the stairs and back to the library.

Chapter Text

Jensen

Jared and Jensen bow to each other as the dance ends. Jared’s cheeks are flushed and his eyes are bright. There are many pretty men and women dressed in their summer finery, but none shine as brightly as Jared does.

Jensen leads Jared to the other side of the room, needing to catch his breath. They've been dancing for almost three hours now, both together and with other men and women. It's been a fine night and everyone seems to be having a good time, but Jensen is glad that soon the ball will be over. He is eager to have Jared all to himself. 

“May I have this dance?” 

Lady Diane, who is easily twice Jared’s age, holds her hand out to Jared. 

Jared must be as tired as Jensen is, but his dimples are on full display as he looks down at Lady Diane. “I would be honored to dance with you.”

As Jared accompanies Lady Diane to the dance floor, Jensen accepts a glass of wine from a passing servant and watches Jared’s valiant attempt at dancing. Jared looks dashing in his blue waistcoat and black trousers. The blue of the shirt brings out the blue in his ever-changing eyes. Jared smiles down at Lady Diane who is laughing at something Jared said. Jared is like the sun peeking out of the clouds on a spring’s day, spreading warmth and joy wherever he goes. 

“Well, Stephen did the best he could.”

Jensen stops himself from dropping the drink, but barely. He never even heard Christian approach. 

“He’s not doing too badly,” Jensen replies, feeling the need to defend Jared. Just in time for Jared to step on the dainty shoes of Lady Diane and begin apologizing profusely. 

“Uh-huh,” Christian says. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

Jensen watches as Jared and Lady Diane take their place in the circle now forming for the traditional trellis dance. Jared stands head and shoulders above almost everyone, making it easy for Jensen to keep his eyes on him as partners are swapped and then swapped again. 

“See what day?” Jensen asks. 

“That the greatest bed-charmer of our time would fall victim to the malady commonly referred to as love,” Christian replies.

Jared is not as bad at dancing as he thinks he is. A little clumsy, yes, but he has innate grace and there is a fluidity to his movement that is surprising considering his size. 

Christian loudly clears his throat. 

Jensen tears his eyes from Jared to look at his friend. “What are you talking about?”

Christian shrugs. “Maybe it’s a crush. Maybe it’s love. But you haven’t taken your eyes off Jared since the ball began. You haven’t even noticed all the lords and ladies trying to get your attention. You could have your pick of all the unwedded nobles here tonight, but yet all your attention is on the commoner.”

“Jared is so much more than a commoner,” Jensen snaps. “He’s a scholar, and damn smart, smarter than anyone else in this room. And—”

Christian laughs.

“Besides, he is my intended. It would be unseemly of me to look at anyone else.” 

“Hm,” Christian responds. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about that. One day you are propositioning Jared at the club, and Jared was turning you down, and the next day I hear that you are betrothed. That’s pretty quick, especially for someone who has always insisted that he has no intention of settling down—at least not for a very long time.”

Jensen shrugs, but doesn’t look his friend in the eye. “I guess we were just meant to be.”

“Does it have something to do with him?” Christian asks, nodding his head toward the King. Jensen’s uncle is sitting on his throne in front of the ballroom floor, looking bored and disgruntled. Christian’s smile disappears and he looks more serious than Jensen has ever seen him. “I have something very important I need to discuss with you, in private.”

The music stops. Jensen turns his attention back to Jared as the dance finishes. Jared is immediately surrounded by two lords and a lady. 

“Excuse me, I must rescue my beloved,” Jensen responds, handing his glass of wine to Christian.

Christian grabs his arm as if to stop him, but Jensen pulls away. Jared is in need of rescuing, whatever Christian wants to talk about can wait. 

Leaving his best friend behind, Jensen steps onto the ballroom floor. “Jared, I find myself in need of fresh air. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the gardens?”

Jared nods, relief evident in his smile. “Of course, I would love to.”

Jensen grabs Jared’s hand and pulls him from the ballroom floor and out the open double doors that lead to the gardens. Several of the ball's attendees have also already made their way out to the garden. Some find a quiet place so they can be together, others stroll among the roses and lilies that line the garden’s paths.

Jensen knows these gardens well, and he leads Jared down the windy paths to a clearing that is surrounded by leafy trees and vines of pink and red roses. Here, they are hidden from curious eyes.

“I thought you might need a moment to catch your breath,” Jensen says to Jared. 

Even though they are no longer walking, Jensen doesn’t let go of Jared’s hand. He notices Jared doesn’t pull away either. Jensen has learned that Jared loves touching and being touched. And Jensen loves touching Jared, so it works out well for both of them.

“I’m sorry. I know I am embarrassing you,” Jared says. “I really am trying my best.”

“Embarrass me?” Jensen asks, feeling confused. “Jared, you’ve been perfect. Everyone loves you. Hell, if I wasn’t royalty I’d expect I would have to duel one or two of the lords and ladies for your hand.”

Jared’s cheeks turn that pretty shade of pink that Jensen loves so much. “You are teasing me.”

“Don’t get me wrong, teasing you is one of my most favorite things to do. But I’m not teasing you now. You look so damn beautiful tonight, Jared. And no, you may not be the best dancer, but the way you make everyone feel seen and special–you are magic on the ballroom floor.”

Jared’s hand twitches in his, but Jensen isn’t sure why. 

Jared bites his lip and looks away and then back down at Jensen. 

It hurts Jensen’s heart that Jared doesn’t realize how extraordinary he is, how beautiful he is. 

Especially out here, under the indulgent gaze of the night goddess, amongst the roses.

Jensen wants–everything. But right now, he will settle for a kiss.

It’s been weeks since he’s tried to kiss Jared. But since then he’s noticed Jared staring at his lips now and then. He’s also noticed Jared staring at other parts of his body. Jared isn’t good at hiding what he’s feeling, which Jensen finds refreshing, and Jensen knows when someone is interested in him.

“Jared, I will ask you once more and never again,” Jensen says. He lets go of Jared’s hand to use both his hands to reach up and cup Jared’s face. “I would like to kiss you, but only if it is something that you want too.”

Instead of answering, Jared lowers his head and presses his lips against Jensen’s. 

Jensen wraps his arms around Jared’s waist and pulls him in tight. His tongue pressing against Jared’s enticing lips, pleading for entrance, and Jared opens his mouth with a gasp. 

Jared tastes sweet and hot and Jensen loses himself in Jared. He has kissed many times before, but always the kisses had been a part of a seduction. He has never kissed just to kiss someone. And standing here, among the roses, blessed by the night goddess and a host of stars, Jensen would be happy to kiss Jared for hours. Would someday he like something more? Of course, he would. Jared is beautiful and intriguing, he’s a tantalizing mixture of scholar and dragon rider. Jensen has spent many a pleasant evening imagining what Jared looks like naked. But for right now, he’s content to explore Jared’s mouth, to savor every gasp and moan from Jared’s lips.

There is a rustling of skirts and Jared pulls his head back. Jensen still holds on to him, because he plans to go right back to kissing Jared after the interlopers are gone.

But the rustling stops. “I think we’re alone here,” a woman’s voice whispers. Jensen is fairly sure it’s Lady Annabelle, a woman he had bedded many moons ago when her parents had paid a visit to the castle. 

Jensen doesn’t recognize the other woman’s voice. “Did you hear what happened to Charlotte?”

They are whispering, their voices barely carrying to Jensen’s ears.

“No, what happened?” Annabelle asks.

“They took her. The King’s knights. Said she was practicing magic and took her away. There was nothing the Earl could do about it.”

He feels Jared tense in his arms. He rubs Jared’s back, hoping the women will be gone soon.

“Was she using her magic?” Annabelle asks.

“Not that I am aware, I never saw her without her bracelet on and I visited her home often. She swore she has not used magic since the King’s decree, but they took her anyway. And not only her. I hear they have taken others as well.”

“Where would they take them?” The question is whispered so quietly that Jensen is not even sure he heard the question correctly.

“It is not safe for us to talk here. Come back with me to our estate and we will talk there. Bring Gregory if you can.”

There is silence for a moment and then Annabelle speaks again. “What do you think of Jensen’s intended?”

“He’s charming to be sure. A horrible dancer, but he’s so pretty he can be forgiven for that. But–”

“But obviously not from a family of any renown,” Annabelle supplies. “Jensen is known to be indiscriminate about who he takes to bed–all that his lovers have to be is pretty and willing. But it’s one thing to bed a commoner, another to wed one.”

Their voices fade as they walk away.

Jensen realizes he’s holding on to Jared too tightly. The nerve of those women–to judge Jared and find him lacking. Jared is worth ten of them–no–a hundred of them.

Once Jensen relaxes his hold, Jared pulls away from him. Jared’s face is pale.

“Don’t pay them any attention,” Jensen says. “It’s just jealousy, that’s all. Annabelle tried to get me to propose to her when we were younger.”

“They’re not wrong,” Jared replies. “I know the ball is for me, but–I have a headache. Is it all right if I call it a night?”

“The ball is almost over anyway. The King is about to make his escape, once he leaves everyone else will begin to depart. You do look very pale. Go, lie down, or better yet go get some fresh air, and I’ll make your excuses. But Jared–I would very much like to talk to you tonight.”

Jared nods and then makes his way out of their little hiding place. Once he’s gone, Jensen feels chilled. The night seems to have gotten much colder.

His uncle had indeed left the ballroom by the time Jensen returns. Jensen makes the rounds, giving everyone Jared’s regrets–’he gets these headaches from time to time, it’s the heat that causes them’—and pointedly ignores Lady Annabelle when she tries to get his attention. 

“I need to speak to you,” Christian says, after Jensen thanks yet another Duke and Duchess for coming. He doesn’t remember their names and right now, he doesn’t care. He just wants to go find Jared. 

“It will have to be tomorrow,” Jensen says. “I have a matter I need to attend to after the last of the guests leave.”

“This cannot wait,” Christian replies firmly. “It’s a matter of utmost urgency.”

Jensen wonders if what Christian wants to talk to him about has to do with what he overheard in the gardens. “Fine. Wait for me in my rooms, I will be there as soon as I take care of another matter.”

It is another half an hour before Jensen follows the last of the guests to the royal stables where his carriage waits for them. More time is wasted as he politely rejects Lord Montgomery’s advances. “I must say, you have changed,” Lord Montgomery sniffs as he settles into his carriage.”And not for the better.”

Jensen just smiles at him as he shuts the carriage door. How had he ever found Lord Montgomery attractive? 

Jensen walks into the stables. He stops to give Lady a few pats and promises he will ride her soon. And then he goes to the stall next to his horse’s and is not surprised to find Jared sitting there, his head on his knees.

“Hello there, Lady,” Jensen says, patting Lady’s nose. She nuzzles his jacket. “Sorry, I have nothing for you today, but I promise to bring you two carrots tomorrow.”

Jensen sits down beside Jared. Between Lady–who is a very large horse–and Jared, who takes up quite a bit of room, even when he’s sitting as he is now, there’s not a lot of room for Jensen. His valet will give him a devil of a time for his fine clothes reeking of horse and hay, but Jensen sits anyway. He bumps his shoulder against Jared’s.

“Chadwick not available?” 

Jared lifts his head. He still looks pale, but his eyes look red. Something tightens in Jensen’s chest and he determines to give Lady Annabelle a dressing down when he sees her next. 

“I didn’t feel like flying tonight,” Jared says. 

“Don’t let careless words get to you.” Jensen wishes he was taller than Jared, just this once, so he could wrap his arms around him and hold him close. Instead, he settles for putting his hand on Jared’s knee. “It’s idle gossip, no one pays attention to such utter nonsense.”

“They are not wrong. I’m a peasant–you’re a prince. Even if this is make-believe, it makes no sense. We don’t fit,” Jared says. “I don’t belong here.”

“Nonsense. I know how much courage it took for you to leave your home, your family, and everything you knew to come to Thistleton. I know how hard you worked to try to make your dream of attending the university come true. You befriended a dragon, for gods’ sake. You are so much more than a peasant. You are a great man, Jared Padalecki, and I’m honored to be your friend and there is no one else in this kingdom I would rather be pretend betrothed to.”

Jared manages a tiny smile. Jensen feels something warm settle inside of him. 

“I’m honored to be your friend as well, but they still aren’t wrong.” Jared stands up. “I’m tired, I think I will retire to my bedchambers now.”

“As your intended, I am honor-bound to ensure you get safely to your room.” 

Jensen stands and holds out his hand to Jared. To Jensen’s relief, Jared takes it. Together they walk back through the grass that surrounds the stables, through the courtyard, and into the castle. 

Neither says anything until they reach Jared’s bedchamber door. 

“I will bid you goodnight,” Jensen says.

It must be a night for surprises, because Jared leans down and kisses him. It’s just a soft pressing of lips, but Jensen still felt inordinately pleased. Despite the words he overheard, Jared still likes kissing him. This is something Jensen plans to explore thoroughly and very soon.

“Good night, Jensen,” Jared says, with that tiny hint of a smile he had bestowed on him in the stables and opens the door to his room.

Jensen presses a finger against his lips. His lips still feel warm from Jared’s kiss.

He looks at the closed door and thinks about how much he wants to open it. And not just to bed Jared, but just to spend more time in his company. They have spent hours together in the last few weeks; reading in the library, riding their horses, they had even flown with Chadwick again a few nights ago, and it still doesn’t seem near enough. Jensen has never met anyone–not even Christian who has been his best friend since he was no bigger than a tadpole–that he finds as intriguing or as delightful as he finds Jared.

He hasn’t even thought of taking another to bed for weeks, has not even been tempted. And it’s not because Jared had forbidden him. It’s because–

He only wants Jared. And he doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. Even when the betrothal ends and Jared begins attending the university.

He has to find a way to keep Jared near…

He’s still thinking about that when he opens the door and finds Christian waiting for him. Jensen stifles a groan–barely–he had forgotten that Christian had something he wished to discuss with him.

“Are you sure this can’t wait until morning? I’m exhausted and I can have the servants prepare your room for you. We can have this conversation in a civilized manner, over breakfast.” 

Jensen nods at his valet Gregory dismissing him, who bows quickly and leaves the room. Jensen looks longingly at his bed. He is so tired he would just like to lay down on it just as he is, jacket and breeches and boots and all, and sleep for a week.

“No, it can’t wait.” Christian opens the door and looks around and then closes the door again. “Your uncle is up to something.”

Jensen thinks back to Lady Annabelle’s conversation before she startled belittling his intended. “Is this about Lady Charlotte? I heard the King’s knights took her.”

“Not only her, but the Earl of Brightly, the daughter of Duke Randolph, and it is whispered there are others.”

Jensen sits on the side of his bed to take off his boots. “But the Earl is ninety if he is a day, even if he can still wield magic he would be no threat to my uncle.”

“It is whispered the King has gone completely mad. Have you spoken to him lately?” Christian asks.

Jensen shakes his head. He avoids his uncle whenever possible. Even during the royal dinners, they barely acknowledge each other. “Not since he announced that I was to wed Queen Matilda.”

“I thought you were betrothed to Jared?” Christian asks. 

“Which is the reason I had to decline my dear uncle's request that I wed the queen.” Jensen pulls off his tunic and his trousers and puts on his nightshirt. “There, that’s much better.”

With a sigh, Christian picks up Jensen’s clothes and folds them, putting them neatly on a chair before sitting down on another chair. “I suspect there is more to this sudden passion to wed Jared than you are telling me, but that is a discussion for another time. We believe the King intends to have all the mages taken away. As you know, my brother Joseph is a mage.”

“What would he do with a dungeon full of mages?” Jensen asks. “The king may be mad, but this makes no sense.”

“Jensen, what lengths do you think he would go to in order to keep the throne? A mage helped him defeat your father–”

“Matt betrayed my father, I do not wish to discuss the King’s Consort with you,” Jensen says, not attempting to hide his anger. Matt had been a good friend to his father, had been his father’s most trusted advisor. Jensen had looked up to him, had even turned to him for advice and counsel.

Maybe his uncle is right. Maybe magic corrupts. After all, Matt had married his uncle and bore him a child.

“I am sorry for the mages being taken, I truly am, but I don’t know what I can do. My uncle commands the army, he owns the castle and everything in it.”

“People will not stand by and let their families get taken. Some noble families have two or more mages. You have to see, Jensen, this is wrong.”

“I can see this is wrong, but I still do not know what I can do to help. If I stand up to my uncle, he will banish me. And then Ricard will be unprotected.”

Christian stands and glares down at Jensen. “You told me once that you stayed in the castle because you felt an obligation to the people of this kingdom.”

“I do,” Jensen replies. “But–”

“There is no buts. This is the time to stand up for what you believe, no matter the cost. There will be bloodshed. Hopefully it will be your uncle’s, but what I need to know–will you stand with us or against us?”

If there is a revolt, everyone in the castle will be in danger. Including Jared.

“Let’s not act hastily. Let me talk to my uncle. Perhaps I can get him to see reason,” Jensen replies.

“I used to think so highly of you.” Christian stands, glaring at Jensen. “I thought of us as brothers-in-arms. I don’t think I’ve ever been so disappointed in anyone in my life. We are not children any longer, Jensen. We are men. And it’s time you acted like one.”

Christian turns around and leaves the room. The door slams shut, the sound echoing all around Jensen.

What should he do? 

The exhaustion he felt but a moment before is gone now, replaced by anxiety, and perhaps guilt.

He had always told himself that his reasons for staying in the castle, underneath the thumb of his uncle, were noble. To protect his father’s people. 

But he has done nothing to avenge his father’s death. He has done nothing to protect the kingdom from his uncle. He sat idly by while his uncle ruled with an iron fist. He never protested when his uncle had banned magic–in fact, he had felt grim satisfaction when he saw the silver chains wound around Matt’s wrist. 

Matt had betrayed his father after all. Matt and his magic.

His father had loved magic. Had had a child’s delight in it, long after the burden of ruling the kingdom had taken all other joys from him. 

His father would have protected the mages. Is Jensen not his father’s son?

Jensen dresses again and quietly leaves his room. If he hurries, he may still catch up with Christian.

Chapter Text

Jared

The summer days slip by like sand falling from his fingers—far too quickly. Soon it will be autumn. Jared fears news of Queen Matilda’s nuptials will come any day now.

Next week, he will begin classes at the university. It is a dream he has cherished and worked toward for many years. He cannot wait to walk down those hallowed halls and learn everything the esteemed professors have to teach him. 

But his dread of leaving Jensen overshadows even that lifelong dream. He has come to love Jensen, despite knowing Jensen will never–could never–be his. Despite knowing it will only lead to his heart being broken. 

Jared is determined to grab onto any happiness he can have with Jensen and worry about the cost later. When Jensen is not in meetings, and he has had a lot of them lately, many with Christian, he is with Jared. Jensen has determined that they should kiss in every room of the castle–except of course for the rooms that belong to the King–and there are a lot of rooms. They have taken long walks in the gardens, kissing under the stars, have gone for rides on Beauty and Lady, savoring the taste of each other’s lips and the feel of each other’s bodies laying on a bed of wildflowers by the spring. They even shared a memorable kiss once while riding Chadwick, and it was worth all the subsequent teasing from Chadwick that Jared had to endure.

And not once has Jensen pressed for anything further from Jared, even when the kisses became so hot they burned, even when their bodies intertwining left their cocks heavy with want.

But that will change tonight. Tonight, Jared plans to share his bed with Jensen. He knows by doing so the loss of Jensen will be even more painful, but he cannot leave the castle without giving them both what they desperately want. Jensen has not pushed–but Jared has seen how he hungers.

They shared a meal but an hour ago. After which, Jensen had been called away for another meeting with Christian, which he promised would be a short one. Jared had retired to his rooms and Keegan had his bath waiting for him. He has become friends with Keegan, who is a good man with a quick wit and a mischievous nature. Jared has also learned that Keegan too dreams of attending the university. Before he leaves the castle forever, Jared intends to talk to Jensen about starting a scholarship at the King’s University. Knowledge should not only belong to the nobility. 

Now he nervously tugs on his nightshirt as Keegan supervises the servants removing the brass tub from his room. He feels wanton, knowing that he will be welcoming Jensen to his room wearing only this.

“The oil you requested is in the bowl by your bed,” Keegan says after the servants have left.

“I can see you smirking,” Jared replies, smiling at his friend. 

Keegan laughs. There is a knock on the door. Jared takes a deep breath. “Let him in and then you are dismissed for the night.”

Keegan opens the door and greets Jensen before bidding them both good night.

Jensen steps into the room. “You are already dressed for bed. Are you unwell? You do not usually retire so early.”

Jared walks up to him and wraps his arms around his waist. “As I have said once before, it’s a good thing you are so pretty.” 

He presses his lips and his body against Jensen’s. Jensen wraps his arms around Jared and kisses him back hungrily. 

“But I thought–you said you were planning to wait until you fell in love,” Jensen says. 

“I did.” Jared is not expecting declarations of love from Jensen. He knows he is not worthy of Jensen. But Jensen is fond of him and desires him, and for tonight, that will have to be enough.

Jensen pulls away from Jared. His eyes are wide. He looks from Jared to the bed and back to Jared again and shakes his head. Jared’s heart falls. Maybe he shouldn’t have admitted his true feelings for Jensen. Now it seems he will be leaving the castle without ever knowing how it feels to join his body with Jensen’s.

“I’m sorry,” Jared says, feeling embarrassed and dejected. What had he done to make Jensen no longer want him? “Give me but a moment and I will get dressed.”

Jensen holds onto him and doesn't let him move away. 

“Jared, it’s no longer safe for you in the castle. I’ve made arrangements for you to stay at Christian’s estate.”

“Leave the castle?” Jared asks. “But the King’s name day is the day after tomorrow and the King has demanded that I attend.”

The order had come from Thomas, who made it clear that Jared had no choice in the matter. Not only that, but he wants Jared to be part of the official ceremony. A huge podium is being built in the courtyard just for the occasion. Jared feels nervous about being so close to the King, but he also likes his head being attached to his neck.

“You cannot attend the King’s name day,” Jensen says. “I–we can’t talk here.”

“If you give me but a moment, I will change my clothes. I did want to apologize for greeting you in my bedclothes, that was very presumptuous of me and I did not mean to cause you any discomfort,” Jared says.

“Jared, if you only know how much I want you right now. The only discomfort I feel is in my cock. I want you in ways that would make you blush if I were to list all of them. You are so beautiful standing there, with those long legs of yours so brazenly on display for my ravenous eyes. But I cannot take you to bed, not until this business with my uncle is concluded.”

“What is going on with your uncle?” Jared asks. “Has it anything to do with the mages that were taken?”

Jensen steps closer to Jared, putting his fingers against Jared’s lips. “Not here,” he whispers.

There is a noise, a soft thump, coming from the room that adjoins Jared’s. If they hadn’t been so silent, he wouldn't have heard it. Jensen takes Jared’s hand and leads him to that room. It’s a room meant for a servant to occupy, or to be used as a nursery, but Keegan lives off the castle grounds and Jared has never had cause to use this room for any purpose. Jared is still dressed in his nightshirt and with feet bare as Jensen approaches a tapestry. He pulls it aside, behind it is a door. 

Jared watches as Jensen opens the door. He can see a passageway. It is lit by a single burning torch that has been left against the wall. 

Jensen puts his finger against his lips and leads Jared into the passageway, closing the door behind him. Jensen picks up the torch and they begin walking. It is eerily quiet in the passageway, the torch leaving large shadows that seem almost to follow them. Jared has no idea where they are going, but Jensen seems to know these corridors. They pass by doors to other rooms in the castle, by other corridors that Jensen seems to have no interest in. Once, Jared thinks he hears a noise and Jensen stops walking. They wait for a moment in silence, but there are no other sounds and Jensen soon starts walking again.

They seem to walk forever until Jensen opens a door. 

“And here you are back again. All the cakes are gone I am afraid, but I do have some apple tarts left over from dinner that might please your young man.”

It’s the cook. They are in the kitchen. Jared follows Jensen into the kitchen, where the cook is smiling up at Jensen fondly. “Oh, you brought your young man with you.”

The cook politely says nothing about Jared being in his nightshirt, but he is very aware of standing there with his bare legs exposed. 

Jensen kisses Cook on her cheek. “I hope we can count on your discretion.”

“As always,” Cook says. She hands them each a tart. “Now begone with you, there is trouble afoot tonight.”

“I am aware.” Jensen grabs Jared's hand again, leading him out of the servant’s entrance. They step out to a part of the courtyard Jared has never seen before. “Is Chadwick near?” Jensen whispers.

Jared hasn’t sensed him today. Chadwick has been spending a lot of time in the mountains lately. Jared supposes he has missed spending time with his kind. These mountains aren’t Chadwick’s home, but he knows Chadwick loves to visit the dragons that dwell within them. He has even wondered if Chadwick is courting one of the dragons that dwell in the mountains. If so, Chadwick has been uncharacteristically discreet. 

Chadwick ?

For a moment, there is no response and then Jared hears him. I’m on my way.

Jared looks up in the sky toward the mountains. “I think I see him.” He can't see him, not yet, but he hasn’t explained his very special connection with Chadwick to Jensen yet. 

They eat their tarts—still warm and gooey—as they wait for Chadwick to land. Quickly and quietly they get on his back. Jensen has no fear of flying anymore and no need for Jared to hold him, but he still likes Jared’s hands around his waist and tonight, Jared needs to hold Jensen tight. 

Jared pulls Jensen close to him as Chadwick takes off. I know a place where we can be alone , Chadwick says to him.

They fly out of the village, past the spring they take the horses to, out past the forest, until Jared sees a field of flowers beneath them. Chadwick lands there. Once they climb off his back, Chadwick doesn’t fly away but settles close to them. Jared has the feeling Chadwick is guarding them.

Of course, I am. I told you before, the king wishes to harm you and I will not let that happen. Also, those are nice clothes you are wearing.

Stop teasing me, there was no time to change , Jared replies, hoping that the stars aren’t shining bright enough to show how pink his cheeks have gotten.

“Thank you, Chadwick, for bringing us here,” Jensen says. “It’s the first time in days I have felt truly free from my uncle’s spies.”

“What’s going on?” Jared asks Jensen. “And why are there hidden passageways in the castle?”

“They were built for servants to be able to travel room to room without being seen, but haven’t been used in that way for a century at least. I found them when I was a child and Christian and I spent many an hour exploring them. I didn’t think anyone else knew they were there, they are pretty well hidden. But lately–it appears that the King or one of his men have discovered them and have been using them to spy on me–on us.” 

Jared doesn’t know how he will be able to sleep in his bedchambers again, knowing that there is a good chance someone has been using the passageways to spy on him from the room that adjoins his. 

“But there’s nothing that they could learn from spying on us, other than perhaps that we enjoy kissing each other,” Jared says.

Jensen grins and pulls Jared into a kiss. “That we like kissing each other very, very much.” One of Jensen’’s hands rubs Jared’s back and then goes lower. Jared feels his senses fill with heat as Jensen’s fingers graze his ass, covered only by the thin fabric of his nightshirt.

Chadwick snorts loudly and Jensen pulls away.

“As much as I would like to take you here and now, preferably with Chadwick flying far away, I can’t. We cannot be away from the castle long, we will be missed. I have things I need to tell you, Jared. Very important things. Things that involve the King. I won’t insult you by swearing you to secrecy, but I must impress upon you that many lives are in danger.”

“Does this have anything to do with the mages that the King has taken?” Jared thinks back to what the ladies had discussed at the ball. He knows Jensen had thought Jared had been bothered by them discussing how unworthy he is to wed Jensen. That part did not bother him as it is true, he is not worthy of Jensen, and of course, others would realize that. 

It was the thought of mages being locked up that had gotten to him. Mages, who by all accounts, followed the King’s edict and had stopped wielding their magic, while he had often used his magic carelessly just to make his life easier. Jared is the one who should be locked up. He is the one who has broken the King’s edict. 

He knew that night he was a coward, hiding under Jensen’s protection. But to admit that he is a mage would mean being taken from Jensen–and Jared is selfish, he wants to hold on to Jensen as long as he can.

“It does, and that is why you must leave the castle. Tonight. Chadwick can take you to Christian’s estate, you’ll be safe there. I will have your clothes sent to you.”

“But I don’t understand–” Jared says.

Jensen grabs both of Jared’s hands. “I know you’re not a mage, but you are still in danger. There have been too many members of noble families taken. The nobility will not stand for it. Most have no love for the King anyway and now he is separating them from their loved ones–all because of his hatred of magic. I’ll have no way to protect you when the uprising begins. I need you safe, so I can focus on the things I have to do.”

“I don’t need you to keep me safe, Jensen. I am not going to Christian’s or anywhere else. I’m not going to hide away like a child. Whatever you are planning, I want to be a part of it.”

“You have no idea–”

“I may not be noble or royalty, but I can still fight against an unjust king. And I intend to. What is the first step? You must be planning something before the King’s name day, because you want me to hide tonight.”

“You’re too clever for your own good,” Jensen says. 

“I’m still waiting to hear how I can help,” Jared responds. ‘I will not leave your side, so you might as well make use of me.”

“Do you know how damn sexy you are? Standing there in that nightshirt, being so brave? I want to kiss you and never stop.”

“After this is over, you can have all the kisses you want.”

Jensen stands on his tiptoes and presses his lips against Jared’s. “I promise you, should we both survive this, we will be doing much more than kissing. I plan to take you to bed and you will be lucky if I ever let you out of it.”

They indulge in a few sweet kisses before Jensen pulls away. “You are right. We have much to do. First, we need to find a way to rescue the mages from the dungeon. My uncle has plans for them on his name day, and we aren’t certain what these plans are, other than they are not good.”

“I suppose they are guarded?” Jared asks.

I can burn all the knights to a crisp.

They are just doing what they’ve been ordered to do, I think we can come up with something a little less drastic.

Fine, but burning them to a crisp would be the quickest solution. I bet Jensen would agree with me.

“It is guarded by three of the King’s men at any given time. If we can disarm them and take the keys–but we would have to tie them up so they can’t warn other guards. Christian and I have been trying to come up with a plan where no one will end up hurt, but I don't think the knights are going to stand there quietly and let us tie them up.”

You could always put them to sleep with the poppy seeds, seep them in their afternoon tea.

They are standing in a field of flowers. Surrounding them are red morning glories and zinnias of many different colors, but beyond them are poppies.

“Chadwick says we can boil the seeds from the poppies and make tea, that will put them to sleep for long enough we can take the mages to safety,” Jared says.

“That is a brilliant–wait, Chadwick talks to you?”

Maybe it’s time to let Jensen see the real him.

He could tell Jensen he is a mage or he could just show him.

Jared waves his fingers and blue sparks cover the flowers.  Flowers float close to Jared and they intertwine to make a circle of reds, purples, oranges. Jared plucks the circle of flowers from the air and places it over Jensen’s head. “A crown for my prince.”

“You have–you have magic?” Jensen asks.

No dust under his feet, Chadwick snorts.

“Yes,” Jared replies. “I’m sorry I hid it from you for so long.”

“But–”

“I know, I’m not a noble. I have no idea how I came to have magic. My mother suspects there may have been someone of noble birth in my father’s forebears. It doesn’t matter. I’m a peasant still, even if I have magic. And Chadwick is my familiar, we communicate by thought.”

Jensen sits down, right in the middle of the field, with the crown of flowers still on his head. “Do you have any other surprises for me?” 

Jared sits down beside him. “No, that was my last secret. I wish my magic could be of help to you in your uprising, but my magic can only be used to move things about. Everyone’s magic is different, or so the books in your library tell me, but I don’t see how being able to clean a stable with a wave of my hand or to create flower crowns will be of any service to you.”

“Do you think you could break the other mages’ chains or free them from their cells?” Jensen asks. 

Jared thinks of the locked door to the King’s Consort’s door opening. “Possibly.”

Jensen turns toward him. “All right, time is running short. Let’s talk about tomorrow night…”

The next morning Jared finds himself in the exact place he should not be–in front of the door where he had met the King’s Consort weeks ago.

The King is not there. Jared knows this because the King is having a meeting with all his ministers right now. A meeting that he demanded Jensen attend. Jensen was glad to be a part of the meeting, since the more they know about the King’s plans tomorrow the better off they will be. But Jared knows the King has no love for Jensen and it makes him nervous that Jensen is stuck in a room with him for hours.

In his anxiety, Jared had begun pacing in the corridor outside his bed-chamber, which had somehow led him up the stairs, which had led him to the King Consort’s room. Jensen told him that Matt had once been a trusted advisor to Jensen’s father, someone Jensen looked up to. And now–now he’s a mage whose magic has been trapped and who is himself trapped in these rooms.

Jared has no idea why he feels the need to talk to Matt, but he does, and since he’s here now…

Jared lets the sparks fly from his fingers. The door opens. Matt is standing in the middle of the room as if waiting for him. 

“Come in,” Matt says. “And shut the door behind you.”

Jared does. 

“Sit, we have a lot to talk about.” There are two chairs seated across from each other with a small table in between them. A tea kettle sits on the table with two tea cups, the tea already poured. There are also the lemon cakes that Jared likes so much.

“Were you expecting company?” Jared asks.

“I had a feeling you would be coming.”

As Matt sits down, Jared sees that his stomach is not flat. There is a fairly sizable bump, one that somehow escaped notice the first time Jared was here.

“I am not sure why I am here,” Jared confesses as he sips his tea. “Jensen does not trust you.”

“There is no reason he should. Not after I killed his father,” Matt replies calmly. 

“Why did you?” The question escapes from Jared’s lips before he has a chance to consider if he should ask the question or not. Well, he might as well keep going now he’s asked the question. “You were close to Jensen’s father. Did you discover something about him? Was he unjust?”

“No, not at all. King Andrew was a great king, a kind man. He was a good friend and a good father to Jensen.”

“Then I don’t understand,” Jared says. “Why would you then help King Henry kill him?”

“What do you know about the War of the Brothers?” Matt asks.

“Not much, just what I read in books. Jensen doesn’t like talking about it.” Jared puts the teacup back on the table and leaves the lemon cakes be. His stomach is churning; he’s  worried for Jensen, worried about their plans for tonight and for tomorrow, worried that coming to see Matt was a huge mistake on his part.

“No, he wouldn't like talking about it. The King declared war on his brother during Jensen’s sixteenth summer. He had insisted on accompanying his father to the battlefield, was so stubborn about it in fact that when King Andrew left him behind, Jensen snuck out of the castle in the middle of the night and rode his horse for two days until he caught up with King Andrew’s army. He had been so young then, as beautiful as he was foolhardy. King Andrew did not let him fight, of course, but Jensen was often seen amongst the King’s army, tending to their wounds, encouraging them, helping them keep their spirits up.”

Jared smiles. “That sounds like him.”

“The war was not going well for Henry. In fact, he was losing badly and many of his knights had deserted his army to join ours. Victory was close at hand. And then, one night, Thomas sent word that Henry wished to speak to Andrew and me in private. No one was to know. We went, of course, believing that Henry wished to hold on to the last shreds of his dignity and admit defeat privately. But instead, he told us that one of his men who had joined our army was really still working for him. He invited us into his tent. Jensen was there, sleeping.”

“Jensen never spoke of this,” Jared says. Being captured by his uncle seems like something Jensen would have mentioned at some point.

“Jensen doesn’t know. Henry had poisoned him, and  he would only let me heal him if King Andrew and I agreed to his terms.”

“Are you a healer?” Jared asks.

“I am. A lot of mages are. Can you heal?” Matt asks.

Jared shakes his head.

“Every mage’s magic is different, as I am sure you are aware. But to heal, I have to be able to lay my hands on the afflicted. And there were three knights with swords between me and Jensen. We had been foolish, we had come alone. So a deal was made. Henry wanted to kill Andrew in the most public way possible, wanted there to be no doubt that it was his arrow that killed him, wanted there to be no doubt that I helped him. He wanted his brother not only dead but for it to look like he was betrayed as well. Andrew agreed–how could he not? His son’s life was more precious to him than his own.”

“So you helped King Henry kill Jensen’s father,” Jared says.

“And so I did. And afterward, I carried Jensen back to our tents while he was still sleeping and I healed him from his poison.” 

“But why would you wed such a man?” Jared asks. “And bear his children?”

“Because the King still carries that vial of poison wherever he goes, and I no longer have the ability to heal Jensen.” Matt holds up his wrist. “I made a promise to Jensen’s father that night, to do all in my power to keep Jensen safe, so that is what I have done. As for me bearing his children–” Matt leans closer to Jared. “Jensen has had many lovers. Have you not wondered why he has not fathered any children or become with child himself?”

Jared had never thought about it, he doesn’t like thinking of Jensen’s other lovers at all. “How?” Jared asks.

“Because I know a spell, one that renders people unable to father or bear children. I used the spell on Jensen that summer at his request. He knew even then that he would have many lovers. Although, I hear he has not looked at another man or woman since he met you.”

“Jensen will never be able to father a child?” Jared asks. He is not sure how he feels about that. Then he reminds himself, it’s none of his business. He will be gone soon and Jensen will be free to find a man or woman of the elite to wed.

“The spell can be reversed, which I cannot do with these chains on, but hopefully I will not wear them much longer. He is not the only one I used that spell on that summer, the difference being I didn’t have the other man’s consent when I performed the spell as he slept. Thank the gods, I used that spell before he bound my magic.”

“The King cannot father children? But Prince Ricard–”

“Our time is growing short. Tell me, Jared, what are you planning? Because I can sense there is something you wish to talk to me about, and I would like to help you if I can.”

“Do you know about the mages being held in the dungeon?”

Matt nods. “I believe if I were not with child, I would be in the dungeon myself.”

“We plan to free them tonight,” Jared says. “And take them to safety.”

“You can’t do that, not tonight. He has plans for the mages tomorrow, I’m not sure what he plans, but he will know something is afoot if they are gone before the festivities begin. If my husband finds they are gone too soon—I fear what he is capable of. Wait until tomorrow, to as close to the ceremony as you can.” Matt stands up, his hand cupping his stomach. “Someone will be coming soon–it is time for us to say our goodbyes. I know you have no reason to trust me, Jared, but trust that I hate my husband. Trust that I would do anything to keep Jensen safe.” Jared stands and to his great surprise, Matt kisses his cheek. “Keep an eye on Jensen. If the King feels threatened, he will not hesitate to have Jensen killed. Now, hurry, go.”

Jared walks out of the door into the corridor, turning everything Matt told him in his mind. Matt is right, they cannot free the mages too early or all their plans could be ruined. 

Jensen’s absence would be noticed during the King’s name day feast. Jared is known to have headaches, after all he supposedly left his own ball early because he had one. He will have to make his excuses and leave the feast early. He has the poppy tea ready, he has his magic, he has Chadwick. He can free the mages alone. He has to. 

Jared heads to the library, as he knows that is the first place Jensen will look for him when he is freed from the meeting. They have more plans to make.

Chapter Text

Jensen

Jensen stands to the far right of the King’s throne on the platform, playing the part of the dutiful nephew, searching the crowd for Jared. Jared is so tall he should be easy to spot, but there is no sign of him. Jensen has not laid eyes on him since Jared excused himself partway through the feast and left the grand hall.

He hates that Jared was left to free the mages alone. So much could go wrong. One of the guards could have woken up early. Jared’s magic might have failed to release the mages’ chains. Jensen looks up at the sky, but there is no sign of Chadwick. Jared could be in danger and here Jensen is stuck watching tumblers and troubadours and endless other entertainers perform for the King.

But he can’t go find Jared. He made a promise to Christian. He has to help capture the King when the mages are freed from the dungeons and taken to a safe place. Christian and several other nobles plan to denounce the King and request that he be held for trial. Already five Kings and Queens from nearby kingdoms are on their way to Arashen to pass judgment on the King. Queen Matilda was not invited to be part of that tribunal.

Jensen looks over at Matt. He’s seated next to the King, his hand over his swollen stomach. It’s the first time the King has allowed his consort to be seen in public in several months. 

The King is sitting on his throne–one of six identical thrones he had made so that wherever he goes he can sit on one. The jewels that cover the gold throne are ridiculously large and gaudy, not that anyone is going to tell the king that. To make things worse, the King had requested an arch be built over the throne–and just the throne–with vines of deep purple roses overlaid thickly. Jensen has never seen roses that color and does not know if the royal gardeners grew them or if some poor soul had been tasked with dying pink and red roses. The purple roses clash with the bright yellow clothes the King is wearing–which–of course–are covered in jewels. 

For years, Jensen had tried to hate Matt, although, if he is honest with himself, he never could quite manage it, remembering how kind Matt had been to him in his youth. Jared told him about his meeting with Matt the day before. Hopefully, Jared is right and they can trust him. Although if what Matt told Jared is true, Prince Ricard is not his uncle’s child, which would make Jensen next in the line of succession. Jensen is not sure he’s ready to step in his father's shoes and shoulder that much responsibility. But succession is a matter for the royal tribunal to settle. First, they need to rid the kingdom of his uncle.

The King claps his hands twice and all the entertainers bow and depart. Thank the gods. Jensen looks over the crowd again, but there is still no sign of Jared.

Jensen’s eyes meet Christian’s, who is standing near the platform. The crowd is small, almost everyone in attendance from highborn families who are not used to having to stand for hours. By all rights, the entertainers should have performed in the grand hall, where everyone could have remained seated throughout the whole ordeal, but the King insisted that the entertainment should take place outdoors. Other than proving he can make everyone do as he wishes, Jensen has no idea why the King insisted that his name day celebration be held outside. Even though it is late summer, it is still almost unbearably hot. Even the King looks uncomfortable in his fine clothes. 

And then Jensen sees several of the King’s guards bring a pile of large sticks and branches into the crowd. The crowd parts, making room for them. One guard brings a heavy wooden pole and drives it into the ground.

Fear grabs hold of Jensen. Whatever the King is planning, it is not good. 

“First of all, I want to thank all of you for your kind wishes on this, my name day,” the King says. He stands flanked by two of his guards. Jensen desperately looks around for Jared again. Jared was to join him after freeing the mages and the longer he is away, the more Jensen is filled with dread.

“As you well know, magic is dangerous. Those who wield magic cannot be trusted. I tried to do what is fair by decreeing that they contain their magic, but mages are wicked and have defied my decree. Therefore there is only one way to rid our kingdom of the plague of magic. All those that carry magic must be burned. Beginning with my dear husband.”

Several people in the crowd gasp. Jensen can only stare at his uncle, frozen in his shock. Surely he does not mean to burn Matt alive? While Matt is with child?

But more of the King’s guards are approaching Matt, pulling him to his feet. Jensen catches Jeffrey’s eye, who is standing beside the throne. Jeffrey looks as shocked as he is.

A guard comes running up the platform. “Your Highness, the mages are gone.”

“Gone? Where?” the king demands.

At that moment, Jensen feels a shift in the air behind him. He turns to see Jared standing there. Jared is pale, breathing heavily, but he’s here. Relief floods Jensen, almost causing him to fall to his knees. But then he hears his uncle roar. 

“You. You had something to do with this,” the King thunders. “My nephew is a traitor to the throne. Kill him!”

“No!” Jared and Matt yell at the same time. 

One of the King’s guards pulls out a sword and approaches Jensen with the clear intention of running him through. 

“We denounce the king.” Christian jumps onto the platform, followed by other nobles. “He has gone mad and is no longer fit to rule our kingdom!”

Jared screams and Jensen turns to see the knight within an arm’s length of him and the sword pointed at his chest. There is no time to move, no time to say goodbye to Jared.

And then blue sparks appear in front of him and the vines and purple roses rise from the arch and wrap around the knight, binding him so tightly he cannot move his sword. Behind him, Jensen hears Jared fall to the ground. Jensen runs to Jared as the King roars about magic and more nobles storm the platform. Jensen searches Jared’s body with eyes and hands. Jared is so still, but there's no sign of blood or injury. 

It is bedlam. More guards storm the platform, determined to protect their King. But they are met by the nobles, swords at the ready. Calls of ‘treason’ and ‘grab him’ fill the air. But Jensen only has eyes for Jared, who is as white as the star on Beauty’s forehead.

One of the King’s guards grabs Jensen and yanks him to his feet and then two more head toward Jared. The King is yelling for them to take Jared and Matt and lash them to the stake.

There are guards surrounding the King, guards fighting the nobles, more guards than Jensen has seen since the days of the war that took his father from him. There are too many of them and not enough nobles. There is no way they can win. No way that Jensen can save Jared.

There is a roar from over their heads and everyone stills, their eyes looking upward in terror.

Chadwick is blowing fire into the air, his anger so palpable that Jensen has no doubt everyone in the courtyard feels it. 

Everyone moves at once, knights and nobles alike, trying to get away from Chadwick. Even the guard holding him lets go of Jensen and runs off the platform. 

Jensen kneels beside Jared as the others disperse. Jared’s skin is so cold. He looks up at Chadwick who is circling lower, preparing to land beside the platform.

“Kill the dragon!” the King roars. “And kill all the traitors!”

Jensen watches as Jeffrey approaches the King. “Come, let's get you safely into the castle, your Highness.”

The King turns to Jeffrey, gratitude clear on his face. “Thank you, Jeffrey, I can always count on you. Even my guards have deserted me, but you remain steadfast. But first, I demand that you run your sword through my traitorous nephew and spouse as proof of your loyalty.”

“I will always be loyal,” Jeffrey vows. “To the one that deserves my loyalty. To the one that deserves my protection.”

Jeffrey pulls out his sword. And drives it deep into Jensen’s uncle’s chest. The King looks at Jeffrey, his eyes wide with surprise, as he falls onto the platform, his red blood spilling over his garish yellow clothes.

Chadwick lands, his wings covering Jared. The guards eye him warily as they cautiously approach the platform, probably intending to take Jeffrey prisoner.

Matt runs to Jeffrey and wraps his arms around him. 

Christian yells Jensen’s name as the nobles once again approach the King’s knights with drawn swords. 

It is time for Jensen to prove he is his father’s son.

Knowing that Chadwick will keep Jared safe, Jensen moves to the center of the platform and holds his hands out wide. Chadwick roars again, the sound echoing over the courtyard. Everyone stills.

“Put away your swords! There will be no more bloodshed tonight. Jeffrey is under my protection. His fate will be decided by the tribunal. Until then, I demand that all fighting cease.”

“Who is he to bid us to drop our swords?” one of the knights asks. Jensen recognizes him as Sir Frederick, who is in charge of the King’s guards. “He is guilty of treason. Prince Ricard is our King now.”

Several of the guards murmur their agreement. Christian turns to face Frederick, his face red with anger. 

Matt stands next to Jensen, his hand still holding his stomach protectively. “On behalf of my son, I renounce Prince Ricard’s claims to the throne. King Henry gained the throne by treachery, he was never a true king. By all rights, the crown should go to King Alexander’s only true heir. I pledge my allegiance to King Jensen, long may he reign.”

“I too pledge my loyalty to King Jensen.” Christian goes down to one knee, burrowing the tip of his sword into the ground before him. Slowly, more nobles do the same. Lords, ladies, and dukes, in their now dirty, tattered fine clothes, all bowing in front of Jensen.

Jeffrey kneels, as does Matt. Even Chadwick lowers his head, his wing still protecting Jared.

The knights remain standing. 

The air is filled with uncertainty. Sir Frederick approaches Jensen. Jensen does not move. 

Sir Frederick drops down to one knee in front of Jensen. “The royal army is at your service.” Slowly all the rest of the knights kneel. 

The reign of the Mad King is over.

Chapter Text

Jared

The bedchamber door opens and Jensen enters, he looks so exhausted that Jared rushes to him, pulling Jensen into his arms.

“Long day?” Jared asks, kissing Jensen.

“Very long,” Jensen replies. “But the tribunal has ruled.”

Jared was not allowed to be a part of the tribunal proceedings, other than testifying to his part in the rescue of the mages. 

Jared leads Jensen to the bed. Jensen sits down with a weary sigh and Jared kneels in front of him and begins removing his boots. Jared has dismissed both their valets. Now that he’s recovered and the tribunal has concluded their business, he has plans for the night.

Jared had not been prepared for how it would affect him to use so much magic in so short of time in order to free the mages. He was so drained that it had taken a tremendous amount of effort just to walk across the courtyard to join Jensen on the platform. Once on the platform, after the King’s order to kill Jensen, everything had seemed so blurry, so out of focus, that he never saw the sword being pointed at Jensen. It was the second time in his life that he had used magic without consciously doing so; he saw the blue sparks fly from his fingers before the world went black.

When he woke up, it was under Chadwick’s sheltering wing, and to Jensen kneeling in front of him. That had been two days ago. 

“Are you going to tell me or make me guess?” Jared asks now, as he removes one boot and then unlaces the other.

Jensen runs his fingers through Jared’s hair. Jared leans into the touch. “It has been determined that Jeffrey was just in his actions, as my uncle was not the true king, having gained the throne by treachery. Matt was absolved as well, and as Ricard is the child of Matt and Jeffrey, he has been removed from the line of succession.”

“And so I am to bed a king,” Jared says, taking off the other boot. 

Jensen lowers his head to brush their lips together. “And now you are betrothed to a king.”

Jared lifts his head to look Jensen in the eyes. “I know the betrothal must end and I accept that. Tomorrow I will move into one of the inns in Thistleton, hopefully one close to the university. But for tonight, let’s not think about that. Tonight, I am yours.”

“I have no intention of ending the betrothal,” Jensen replies. He kisses Jared, pulling him up so he can hold Jared between his legs. “Not tonight, not ever, not until the betrothal ends when we are wed.”

Jared frowns. “But we cannot be wed, I am a nobody, and you are a King. Surely there is a prince or a princess in a nearby kingdom that you will find appealing enough to wed.”

“Jared, you are the most important person in this kingdom. Without you, I wouldn’t be here. Without your love, I would still be lost. If you will not wed me, then I will wed no one. I love you, Jared. I love you with all that I am. For me, there will never be another.”

Jared’s eyes fill with tears. Jensen loves him. 

“I love you too, so much. But we must be reasonable. No one will accept me as your consort.”

“The nobles already do, Jared. They consider you a hero for rescuing their family members. They saw how you saved my life. As for the rest of the kingdom–they are already singing songs about you, how brave you are, and what a pretty pair we make, a sentiment which I have to say I do agree with. And, in the end, I don’t care. I don't care if they accept you or if they don’t. I’d give up my crown for you, Jared, and I would do so gladly.” 

The tears are flowing now, blurring his vision enough that he wipes them away so he can look into his love’s eyes. Jensen has tears in his eyes too. 

“Let’s see how we feel in a year or two. I think the kingdom has been through enough for right now,” Jared replies. “But if you still want to wed me after that–then yes, nothing would make me happier than to be your husband.”

Jensen kisses him, his hands roaming down Jared’s back to grab his ass. “We have a lot to celebrate, I think we should begin right now.”

Jared pulls off his nightshirt. “I’ve already prepared myself for you, my King.”

Jensen stands up and kisses Jared. “I have two confessions I need to make to you before we make love.”

“Can you make them while you get naked?” Jared asks. “We have waited so long and I have no desire to wait any longer.”

Jared pulls away from him and lies on the bed on his stomach, bending his knees and crossing his ankles in the air.

“I remember when I was the wanton one.” Jensen leans down and traces his fingers over Jared’s ass before bending down and kissing each of Jared’s ass cheeks. Beneath him, Jared’s cock hardens.

Jared watches eagerly as Jensen takes off his clothes quickly. “Confession number one is that I received word that Queen Matilda was wed many weeks ago. I kept it from you, because I couldn’t bear the thought of you leaving the castle, of you leaving me.”

“I can’t tell you how much I was dreading our pretend breakup,” Jared replies.

Jensen crawls into bed. Jared takes his time to drink Jensen’s beauty in. He's waited so long for this moment he wants to take his time and savor it. His eyes linger on Jensen’s cock, jutting proudly in front of him, long and thick and perfect.

“Like what you see?” Jensen asks.

“Very much.” Jared turns over on his back and holds his arms out to Jensen. Jensen covers Jared’s body with his own, claiming Jared’s mouth with a kiss that leaves Jared in such a state of want that he needs Jensen to enter him right now. 

“My second confession is that I'm glad you turned me down when I propositioned you.” Jensen’s hands have wandered down to Jared’s thighs, so close to where Jared needs them to be. 

“Which time?” Jared asks.

“Brat,” Jensen replies, scraping his fingernails lightly over Jared’s thighs. Jared hisses, but his cock gets even harder. “Both times, all the times. I’m glad we waited, because although I have taken many to bed, I have never made love to anyone before now. You will be my first and my only.”

“Can we never mention again all the others you’ve taken to bed?” Jared asks.

“Gladly, my love.” Jensen kisses Jared again. Jared wraps his legs around his waist and one of Jensen’s hands glides over Jared’s hole.

The time for pretty words, or any words at all beyond moans and pleas, has passed. Jared is lost to Jensen’s touch, to the taste of his lips. Jensen slips a finger into Jared’s oiled hole and his touch burns, sending fire to Jared’s cock. Soon there are two fingers, as Jensen ensures Jared is ready for him, and Jared is begging Jensen to take him now–long past caring how wanton he sounds.

Jensen sits up and uses the oil in the bowl to coat his cock. He looks down at Jared with such heat in his eyes—and love in his eyes too—and Jared pulls Jensen back down on top of him, needing to kiss Jensen because he hasn’t the words to tell him everything he is feeling right now.

Jensen pushes one of Jared’s legs to the side and then guides his cock inside of Jared. There is pain, but already, there is pleasure as well as Jensen keeps kissing him and murmuring words of praise and love into his mouth. By the time Jensen is fully inside of him, there is no pain, just an overwhelming feeling of being filled.

Jensen moves, shallow thrusts inside of Jared, sometimes pushing into a spot inside of Jared that fills him with such ecstasy it feels as if he's drowning in it. Jensen’s hands seem to be everywhere, his fingers searing pleasure into Jared’s skin wherever he touches, as he pushes into Jared over and over, each time sending Jared soaring ever higher.

“So beautiful,” Jensen whispers. “So perfect for me.”

“Jensen–” Jared has no idea what he wants, what he needs, but Jensen seems to. He reaches between their bodies, wrapping his hand around Jared’s cock. He only strokes Jared a couple of times before Jared’s body tenses, his pleasure overwhelms him, and his cock spills. 

Jensen curses and stills, claiming Jared’s lips as he spills his seed deep inside of Jared. Jared clings to Jensen–with his lips, his hands, his legs which are now wrapped around Jensen as waves of ecstasy course through his body.

Jared had an idea what bedding Jensen would be like, but he had never been so wrong about anything in his life. This was–it took him higher than he had ever flown with Chadwick, made everything else in his life–including magic–pale in comparison. This was profound and beautiful and pleasure so intense it was like touching the sun.  Jared can’t wait to do it all again.

Afterwards, Jensen cleans them off with a cloth and then Jared pulls him into his arms. He’s once again amazed at how well they fit together. Like Jensen’s head was meant to lie on his chest, Jared's arms were made to wrap sound Jensen.

“By the way, I meant to congratulate you earlier, but I got distracted.” Jensen is tracing circles over Jared’s stomach, leaving in their wake a tiny hint of the fire they shared together.

“Are you congratulating me because I bedded a King?” Jared asks, teasingly.

“And will again–many times. But no. I am congratulating you on your new position as Minister of Coins.”

Jared lifts his head, looking at Jensen. “You cannot be serious. I have no qualifications for such a position.”

“You have all the qualifications I require. You are good with numbers. You have an insatiable curiosity which means you will not stop until you figure out the mess my uncle left of the royal coffers. And when I am forced to attend meetings about numbers and how much is spent on swords and if the Cook deserves a raise, which she does, I can just stare into your beautiful eyes and try to decide what color they are today and won’t have to pay attention to any of it.”

“But I cannot be the Minister of Coins. I have no training, I haven’t even started the university yet. I will have my classes and my studies,”  Jared protests.

“Which is why Jeffrey has agreed to stay and assist you for as long as you need. Jared, you have a brilliant mind, and you’re good at solving problems. I have no head for numbers. I need you, I trust you, and you get to read all the books about past Ministers of Coins, think about how exciting that will be.”

“You are teasing me,” Jared replies, leaning down to give his beloved a kiss.

“I am, a little. But I'm serious about you being my Minister of Coins. And Matt and Jeffrey are going to stay here for a while and help us out. By the way, did I tell you that Ricard was never weak or ill at all? Jeffrey, Matt, and Felicia all conspired to make him appear so in order to keep him out of the King’s clutches, knowing my uncle would disdain a weak son. I have to admit, I’m impressed by just how thoroughly they tricked my uncle, tricked us all.”

Jared settles back down, letting the soft way Jensen is touching him lure him closer to sleep. “I will agree to accept the position of Minister of Coins. I’ll take a look at the books tomorrow after class.”

A tiny thrill comes over him at the thought of class. After years of dreaming, planning, hoping, tomorrow is his first day at the university. Which reminds him. “The first thing I will do as Minister is set up a scholarship so that people who are not highborn can attend the university.”

“See, already being brilliant at your job.”

“Jensen?” 

“Hmm?” 

“Could we maybe do that again in an hour or two?” Jared asks.

“So wanton,” Jensen teases. “And yes, I want you to think of me every time you sit in one of those uncomfortable chairs in the lecture halls.”

“Oh, I will,” Jared promises as his eyes close and he tumbles into sleep, only to be woken two hours later in the most delicious of ways.

Chapter Text

Jensen

There is only one throne now, carved out of the finest gilded wood by a couple of the kingdom’s finest craftsmen. It is beautiful, adorned with carvings of two horses side by side and a dragon flying over them.

The ceremony is being held outside, so that everyone who wished to attend the coronation could, regardless of birth or rank. The courtyard is filled, the gates are open and people are gathered in the streets, straining for a glimpse of Jensen. After the ceremony, he plans to walk among his people and thank as many as he can for coming.  A task that will be made even more pleasant with his intended at his side.

Jensen’s throne is seated on the same platform his uncle had built. The arch remains, now covered by the vines of the pink and red roses that had surrounded Jared and Jensen the first time they had truly kissed.

Jared kneels beside him, resplendent in his dark green tunic with dark brown breeches. Jensen knows if it were up to Jared, he would be wearing the same clothes he wore when he first came to the castle. Those clothes, sadly, have been lost–thanks to Keegan, for which task Jensen paid him handsomely.

Jensen kneels in front of the priest as the ancient words of the blessing are spoken. As the priest drones on and on, Jensen grabs one of Jared’s hands and holds it tightly. Everyone gathered on the platform is kneeling, a sign of respect for the priest and his ancient words. 

Jensen thinks about Quinton, the first king, and wonders if he heard these exact same words in the long ago.

Finally, the priest bids everyone else to rise. Jensen remains kneeling. There is a pause in the ceremony as the priest looks for a crown that he won’t find. Jensen has no desire to wear the crown his uncle wore. 

Jared whispers a few words and Jensen hears the shouts of delighted children. Jensen looks up in time to see the rose vines rise into the air and become intertwined in a circle, forming a crown.

The priest steps aside as Jared places the crown on top of Jensen’s head.

“I present to you, your King,” the priest intones.

Jared’s eyes are shining with happiness as he pulls Jensen to his feet. Jensen hears wings flapping and looks up to see Chadwick has joined the celebration, to the great delight of everyone in attendance. He’s become a familiar figure to the villagers, along with his mate, who follows Chadwick into the courtyard.

Shouts of jubilation ring from the villagers in the streets, from the knights guarding the walls, from the nobles and the peasants alike, their voices calling out as one.

“Long live the King!”