Heart of the High King (D'Vaire, Book 19) Page 9

  Sullivan walked to the closet and pulled out his suitcase. “Good, we can go for breakfast to say our farewells, so this doesn’t seem abrupt. We don’t want anyone thinking there’s an emergency at Kestle. I will talk to Kendrick and make sure things are good there, but I don’t want to continue playing nice with a brother who abandoned us and sees no problem living in a home with a bunch of queers and freaks.”

  “Aleksander says they like being freaks.”

  “He should. It’s no secret why he’s the leader of them. That dragon of his? And the blue hair? Ridiculous.”

  With a frown over Sullivan’s words, Rafferty glanced at his screen and found a new text from Aleksander.

  You okay? I didn’t mean to offend you. I just see great potential in our friendship. I think we can get past the awkward stuff. We just need to be a team.

  It was a mistake to let those words make him happy, but there was promise in their rapport. Admitting to himself that he was going to miss D’Vaire and being around its High King, he hoped the next time he would handle everything better.

  ∞∞∞

  Aleksander was still disappointed a week later that Rafferty had already returned to Virginia, but he’d never let on to him. The D’Vaires weren’t so lucky, and he complained to whoever was around with great frequency. It wasn’t purposeful; he just couldn’t keep it inside. With barely any time with his mate before he was scurrying back home, Aleksander was told there hadn’t been an emergency. Kendrick was equally baffled as he’d had a tiny visit with Sullivan too, so they were all left wondering why.

  It wasn’t a question he posed to Rafferty though—he didn’t want to give the wary man any reason to pull away. So, Aleksander spent much of his day texting with him. They spoke of mundane things as they ventured through their daily routines. Rafferty trained with weapons often, and it appeared most of his life was tightly controlled by King Kestle. There was one television, and Rafferty’s father kept it tuned to old movies. The man hated news programs, so Rafferty tried to keep up with books but again, the ones brought into the house were approved by either his father or brother.

  It was an arrangement Aleksander understood as his parent had exerted the same restrictions on him and his brothers growing up. Aching for Rafferty, who was being deprived of so much, Aleksander also wanted to go to Court Kestle and smash some faces in for forcing his mate to live under those conditions.

  Setting aside his desire for vengeance, Aleksander got comfortable on the sofa in his suite and pulled out his phone. With the three-hour time difference, it was getting late for Rafferty, but the man didn’t sleep much. Confessing that he found it hard to settle at night, if Aleksander had to venture a guess, he would say it had to do with the dragon that rarely got released.

  Whatcha up to, Rafe?

  No one’s called me that in over a century.

  Want me to stop?

  No, it’s fine.

  You didn’t answer my question.

  I’m reading. I wanted to know more than the primer given to us when we arrived explained, so Sullivan found one at the library that is supposed to have extensive information on Council structure. You’re in it.

  Aleksander grabbed his beer from the coffee table and although he was by himself, he rolled his eyes. The irony is, I could give a shit less about my role in Council structure. I have a family to keep happy, which is how I wound up roped into things like the advisory panel.

  Isn’t that by invitation of Their Majesties?

  Yep, and they’re family so I couldn’t say no, but the reality is I don’t want to take the time to become politically savvy. I prefer the business side of raising money for D’Vaire.

  They’re family? How?

  We’ve been through a lot together and love grew between us. That’s the best kind of family to have. Chrys and Elf as well as the entire royal family are incredible.

  I knew you were an extension of the royal court, but I didn’t know you guys were so close.

  They spend at least one weekend a month here at D’Vaire with us. We love it when they visit.

  Have you ever said no to them?

  Yes. Every year I’m invited along with every other king to the annual dragon fair. I refuse to attend.

  Why?

  Running a hand through his hair in frustration, Aleksander reminded himself that honesty was the most important factor in his relationship with Rafferty. I hate to leave the house. I have panic attacks sometimes. I’m scared when I do leave that I’ll embarrass myself by having another one.

  I’m sorry.

  Don’t apologize for things that aren’t your fault, Rafe. I’m different and it makes people uncomfortable. I’ve learned through the incredible men and women in my house that I shouldn’t ask for forgiveness because Fate singled me out.

  You have a great deal of courage.

  Aleksander found the shocked emoji and sent it. Was that a compliment?

  I might take it back.

  No backsies. Plus, I have written proof.

  I have to delete our messages. I don’t want Sullivan reading them. Aleksander’s eyes narrowed, but before he could respond another text came through. I shouldn’t have told you that. Shit, why do I always send you things without thinking?

  Why would Sullivan want to read our texts?

  Can we save that question for another day?

  Although disappointment swept over Aleksander, he was willing to let Rafferty have his way. Sure. Your turn. Ask me something.

  Did you ever consider staying at your ancestral grounds when the dragons joined the Council?

  D’Vaire had no ancestral anything. We were moved frequently since my father told any and every one that I was cursed and evil. I wasn’t going to refuse Chrys though I didn’t know him then. I was going to honor Fate because that’s what I was taught to do.

  Your father?

  Yes. King Ethelin.

  For the first time, it was Rafferty sending the shocked emoji. Your father is King Ethelin?

  You lived in the Consilium. How did you not know that? Worth and I were accused of kidnapping Somerly some years ago.

  I guess no one told me. Wow.

  Ethelin is an intolerant asshat. I grew up thinking it was wrong that I was gay, so I never told anyone not even my best friend. He tore me from my cousins and tried to wreck my life. Thanks to my family, we persevered instead.

  Someone should write your life story.

  Who would read that?

  Me.

  Aleksander grinned like an idiot at his screen. I’m an open book for you. Come visit me again.

  I’ll talk to Sullivan.

  Chapter 12

  “Paunchy, it’s too damn early in the morning for your scowling, and for cripes sake, Sullivan, stop buying him shit in green and red. He looks like a deranged holiday tree,” Charlton complained.

  “Let me have my fun, Your Highness,” Sullivan chided.

  “What are we going to do about D’Vaire, Your Highness?” Rafferty blurted out. Although he’d procrastinated about having this discussion after texting with Aleksander, he wanted to return. It might not even be awkward this time around since they’d had nearly three wonderful weeks of texting.

  Charlton waved a dismissive hand. “Sullivan found me a website to meet attractive women. I’ve had three dates already, and each of my lovelies wishes to see me again. I’m quite the warrior in the bedroom. D’Vaire is less of a priority right now.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Don’t worry about it. Just keep working on making an ally of him.”

  “He invited me to D’Vaire.”

  “Already?” Sullivan asked. “We were just there a few weeks ago.”

  Rafferty tried not to blush as he shrugged. “I guess we get along well.”

  “Well then, isn’t that encouraging?” Charlton mused, snatching a piece of bacon from his plate. “Has a lot of powerful friends, doesn’t he?”

  “The emperors are part of his extended f
amily,” Rafferty confided, with a strange twinge of guilt. It was a matter of public record, so had no idea why it felt weird relaying information Aleksander had shared with him to his father and brothers.

  “Paunchy, get in good with this guy. We’ll need to get him to invite Sullivan and me to the parties and such he attends.”

  “His Highness doesn’t go to parties.”

  “What nonsense. He’s powerful and connected. You and Sullivan need to go back to his house if he’s extended an invitation. I might want to take one of my new lady friends, so try to get some classy thing for next week. Stay away from any queers, though. I don’t want that shit rubbing off on you two. I didn’t raise you to do unnatural acts.”

  “I don’t see why I should have to go,” Sullivan stated. “It’s bad enough that one duke will be absent, making it harder to get things done. If Rafferty and I both leave, you’ll not have anyone to help you.”

  “That’s the damn truth. Neil. Nollan. You hear this? You’re worthless. All you do is spend money and cause trouble,” Charlton hollered. Although he was normally generous with them, they’d gotten charges filed against them for their misbehavior again. Rafferty was starting to wonder if they were going to wind up in a fallen knight prison before long.

  “At least we ain’t hanging out with queers like Paunchy,” Nollan sneered.

  “What queers are you friends with, Rafferty?” Charlton demanded.

  “I don’t know what Nollan’s talking about,” Rafferty retorted, slamming his napkin onto the table. For once in his life, he’d lost his appetite. It was none of his business what happened in someone’s bedroom, and it should have no impact on his relationship with them, but that mindset was one of the many things he was realizing separated him from the rest of his family.

  “You said the D’Vaire king is friends with the emperors,” Neil pointed out. “That’s two men quite open about having sex together.”

  “He’s a High King, so use the right title, and Fate chose the emperors. She must be okay with their sexuality,” Rafferty shot back. Silence fell over the room as he got to his feet. A moment later, so did Charlton.

  “Now look here, Rafferty. You know that’s not natural, and I won’t have any son of mine saying different. We need someone like D’Vaire to get us in the right circles, but that doesn’t mean we like what he or his family stands for. Don’t let his ideas influence you. All you need to do is your job. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Your Highness.”

  “Good, now go upstairs and pack your things to go to Arizona. You’ve only got two nights there; we can’t be wasting money on a hotel any longer. And have Sullivan help you pick out your clothes. I don’t know what those people must think when you show up dressed like that.”

  Rafferty went upstairs without wondering if his brother would assist him in pairing shirts, pants, and the sweaters that he thought hid his fat better. As far as Rafferty was concerned, Sullivan was useless in that department. Since his oldest sibling delighted in putting together things that had his father complaining, Rafferty doubted he would aid him in not looking stupid at D’Vaire. At least he’d ceased being embarrassed about the fashion misfortunes he was unable to perceive.

  Ignoring the banging on his door once he got into his room, he sat on his twin bed and thought about what to say to his friend, Aleksander. Liking that he had a nickname precious to him since Molly had used it, he wanted to reciprocate. I can come visit you, Sander.

  Sander, huh? That’ll work. I’m so glad you’re coming back finally! When can you come?

  Um…today?

  Wonderful! I’ll get Noir to ready a room.

  I’ll be at the hotel for two nights.

  “Open this fucking door, Paunchy,” Sullivan roared. With an epic eye roll, Rafferty stood and let his glaring brother into his tiny space. “I’m going to pick out two outfits. Wear them. I have shit to do, and don’t embarrass yourself by eating like a pig. And you just shifted when you visited before; you don’t need your beast to get used to doing it again. I’ll call to get you teleported and a rental car.”

  “Fine.”

  Sullivan slapped the clothes onto the bed, where Rafferty had sat back down, and marched out without a word. With a shrug, Rafferty returned his attention to his lifeline with Aleksander.

  Have it your way but it’d spare you the expense of the hotel. Can I at least send someone to teleport you?

  Sullivan’s already taken care of it.

  Next time let me, okay? Any one of the warlocks or druids here would be happy to come get you. Is Sullivan coming too?

  No, he’s too busy.

  When Aleksander didn’t reply immediately, Rafferty pulled out a bag and stuffed his clothes, as well as the book he was reading, into it. His phone didn’t have a single notification on it until after he got his toiletries inside and had it zipped shut.

  Guess what I just did? Aleksander asked via text message. A second later there was a gif of a dancing animated character.

  You’re excited so I think it must be something awful.

  You really are starting to get to know me, Rafe.

  Rafferty smiled into the empty room. Each day he did feel like he was growing closer to Aleksander, and much to his surprise, he’d even had a dream a few nights ago that had stunned the hell out of him. Aleksander had kissed him and when Rafferty woke up, he didn’t want to immediately dismiss it. Instead he allowed it to sit in the recesses of his mind while he wondered what it meant. For all the thinking he did, he still wasn’t sure. Did he like the idea? Was that something he wanted? Why was he only not bothered by the idea of a kiss but one with a man? Shaking off the questions, Rafferty went back to his phone. Enough stalling. What’ve you done now?

  Be nice. I just got Noir and Kendrick to make you those little potatoes with the rosemary for dinner tonight.

  That was one of the things about Aleksander Rafferty liked the most. The man never missed a detail. Is there steak too?

  Did my dragon just cross the veil or something? Of course there’s steak. Dray’s going to BBQ them.

  “Paunchy! Get your fat ass down here so I can drive you to get teleported,” Sullivan hollered from the first floor.

  Leaving now for closest Dérive station.

  Good, come over as soon as you get settled in the hotel.

  The trip didn’t take long but Rafferty had hated teleporting. Running his tongue across his teeth, he tried to get moisture into his mouth and rubbed his belly as it gurgled. It was strange to be in Arizona without Sullivan, but there was also a welcoming sense of freedom. In his entire life, he’d never been anywhere alone, and he liked going to Aleksander’s house, knowing there was no one monitoring his every move. After getting checked into the hotel and with his stomach calmer, Rafferty made the short drive to D’Vaire. The moment he arrived at the gate and announced himself, it swung open and he maneuvered his way to the multi-car garage and parked.

  Once he got outside of his rented vehicle, he saw Aleksander leaning against the front of the house, wearing a smile. While Rafferty had hoped things wouldn’t be awkward, a feeling of discomfort flowed through him as he walked toward the High King. But this time it was different—he was excited to see him, but Rafferty wasn’t sure what to do. Did he wave, shake hands, or give in to an odd urge to hug him?

  “I’m glad to see you,” Aleksander said, standing up straight.

  With those words, Rafferty calmed, and he went with the smile he had no hope of containing. “It’s wonderful to be back.”

  Aleksander swung one of the double doors that led into the house open and gestured to it. “Come on in and say hello to everyone.”

  “Sure.”

  Rafferty walked inside and waited for Aleksander to get in front of him before he headed down the hallway to the great room, where members of the family were lounging comfortably or working on exquisite textiles he’d checked out on the Elven D’Vaire website. Trying not to be a dork, he waved and said hello to peopl
e. They passed through the kitchen, where Kendrick returned his greeting but studied him carefully, as if he were waiting for horns to sprout from his head.

  Noirin handed Aleksander a tray with two glasses of tea and a plate of crackers, cheese, and bread, and the High King led them out onto the deck.

  “Grab a seat,” Aleksander directed, setting their snack on a table between two chaise lounges. “And help yourself.”

  Rafferty shouldn’t indulge; the last thing he needed was additional calories, but he snagged a slice of cheese.

  “So, just two nights here, huh?” Aleksander asked.

  “Yeah, I have to get back to do my duties.”

  “I hope it’s not another three weeks until I see you again.”

  His voice was so earnest, Rafferty gulped the last of the cheddar in his mouth. There was such a feeling of ease and familiarity sitting on the deck with Aleksander at his exquisite estate that Rafferty could hardly believe it. In his entire life, he’d never found such a feeling of peace, and it had happened so subtly in the few minutes it took to cross from the driveway to the backyard. “I hope not either,” Rafferty confessed. “But I don’t get to decide that.”

  “I’d point out that we’re mates and that no one can come between us, but that’s not a fair statement given that your family is unaware of our connection. So, I’ll just repeat that I’m damn glad you’re here.”

  “I don’t know how to handle the whole ‘mates’ thing. I’ve been focusing on our friendship.”

  “Let’s not even talk about the ‘mates’ thing. I shouldn’t have brought it up. You’re right. What’s important right now is this great friendship we’re building. I already feel like I’ve known you more than a couple of weeks.”

  Since Aleksander was helping himself to the plate, Rafferty decided to grab the smallest slice of pumpernickel bread, and his eyes closed as he chewed. “You’re the first person I’ve felt like I could tell anything to,” Rafferty surprised himself by saying. When he evaluated the words, they were completely honest.