The Lunar Prince Page 12

  Evan clapped the loudest when Nath took to the stand.

  “The lack of accessible care for members of the public suffering with severe and complex neurological disorders is unacceptable. Profits from the charity will be funneled into researching treatments and cures for some of the most complex and dangerous disorders in the magical world,” he said with an arousing level of confidence. “It’ll provide our citizens with medicine, counselling and other forms of therapy and support. Paid clinical trials for willing and consenting adults may also be offered. I’m truly honoured to say by royal decree that the Prince’s Neurological Trust is now live. Clinics will open around the country first thing in the morning. I’d like to say a very big thank-you to all of our supporters and sponsors. We hope this charity brings understanding and equality.” He stepped down to a resounding applause.

  Evan grinned hoping to convey his support through the sea of designer suits; camera flashes pop, pop, popped in the background.

  “Excuse me! Excuse me!” A pompous little man took to the podium introducing himself as Lord Rodford of Archwindle Terraces: an enormous Magical estate agent promising spellbinding homes in impossible locations. Guaranteed to repel even the most curious of non-magical beings and beasts. Let your kids roam free, try our werewolf-proof picket fence in our new range of dragon hide panels. At least that’s what his unwarranted business card read. Evan tossed it in a nearby ash tray.

  “Hey,” said Nath, slipping through the throng to find him.

  Lord Rodford commanded less attention than the prince, so many nobles were mingling, observing the buffet and discussing business while he ranted. Evan got the distinct impression many were using this as an excuse to party and flaunt their wealth and status rather than because they truly supported the charity.

  “You did awesome,” said Evan, smiling as he sipped a flute of crimson champagne. “Are there any journalists here?”

  “Look in the corner,” said Nath, leaning closer to conceal Evan’s direct gaze. Two reporters dressed in short navy cloaks, shirts tucked-into tight navy trousers stood behind a pair of royal guards photographing the queen and bombarding her with questions.

  “Is that allowed?” Evan asked, quirking a brow.

  Nath scrunched his nose and said, “it’s disrespectful but I doubt she’ll have them thrown out for it.”

  An hour spun by before formalities were set aside, introductions and bragging rights to boot. A woman with a severe black bob naming herself a representative from the London Royal Health Service Council gave a speech on the impact lack of care has and why it’s contributing to the rise of rebels. More council members stepped forth with confidence and determination, some bared personal stories of a friend or family member. One man claimed his wife returned from her workplace trip to Iceland suffering severe vampiric delusions despite extensive testing proving she was not afflicted with vampirism. She’d been in a care facility with no progress made for the past three years and he believed this charity might finally help cure her.

  Someone must have laced the alcohol with testosterone because Evan’s balls were huge. Nath watched, eyes twinkling with curiosity and pride as he approached the podium. Few turned to look at him, disinterested in a teenage nobody.

  “I’m Evan Ravenway and I came here in support of His Royal Highness’s charity,” his lips grew in a steady smile. He found Nath in the crowd face dimpled in a heartbreaking smile. If he held his gaze he could do this and ignore the growing attention from the nobility. “I lost my uncle to suicide. He was on waiting lists that were far too long so he gave up and suffered in silence until he couldn’t cope anymore,” his voice scratched, raw and sandpapery. He swallowed the acrid taste of mourning. “I’m glad this charity is up and running because if it saves even one life it’s worth it. Mental health affects more than just the victim, it affects the friends and family too.” A small applause followed him from the podium, he was sweating like a pig and grateful for that extra blast of deodorant. “Was I bad?”

  “You were fantastic,” Nath beamed, pulling him in for a hug which sent a rush of heat up his back. “Come with me, I want to introduce you to someone.”

  Evan accepted another flute of bubbly from a passing manservant and followed close to Nath’s side through the crowd into the top corner. His stomach lurched when he realised what was happening. “Nath—”

  “My Lady Mother,” Nath bowed, “I’d be honoured for you to meet Evan.”

  Evan clammed up and flourished a dodgy bow, cheeks bursting into flames.

  Queen Miriam's curious green eyes slid to him and she smiled with dignity and grace. “Pleasure to meet you,” she said softly, face a mask of serenity. “How wonderfully brave of you to tell your story to almost an entire room of strangers,” her smile was small but it filled her face with sunshine. Nath was much like her with the heart-shaped face, ski-slope nose and locks of platinum hair.

  “The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty,” said Evan with no idea what he should be doing in this situation. Panic was creeping up again and he tried to wipe his clammy hands discreetly on his trousers.

  “My son’s boyfriend needn’t be so formal with me. Please, do call me Miriam,” she reached over and placed a fragile hand on his arm, the touch relaxed him at once much like the golden apple. Solarmancer.

  Evan looked at Nath, pink and smirking. Boyfriend. Jesus.

  “How are you enjoying the evening?” she asked.

  “It’s fantastic,” said Evan. “Nath’s told me a lot about the charity and I couldn’t wait to be here.”

  “He’s passionate about helping people,” she said, glancing at her son.

  “His kindness won’t go amiss,” said Evan. “People will love this.”

  “I hope so, he’s worked ever so hard on it,” her brows knit, lips still curved serenely. “It’s wonderful to hear positive public opinion.”

  Chuckling, Nath carefully dislodged Evan from the terrifying situation. “It’s rather warm in here, join me on the balcony?”

  “Charmed. Perhaps we’ll meet again soon,” her pupils flashed with knowledge and secrets.

  Evan bowed low hoping that this one was better, and followed his boyfriend onto the balcony. The night air was crisp and refreshing, snatching the heat from his skin and relieving his anxiety. “You told your mum I’m your boyfriend?”

  “That’s what I consider you, was I wrong to do that?” he asked, a frown shadowing his handsome face.

  “No,” what he really meant was fuck no, but saying that in front of dozens of nobles seemed blasphemous. “It’s a lot for me to take in when meeting your parents because they’re not the same as regular parents,” Evan cringed, embarrassment flooding his face.

  Nath stared, basking in confusion. He reached over and clasped Evan’s hand toasting his whole body with tingles. “My parents are the same as any other, we just live differently. I’m open with them and I want you to feel comfortable around them. They’re not judging you because you’re a commoner. I’ve told them how much I like and respect you. Trust me, Evan.”

  “Your mum is one of the scariest people I’ve ever met,” said Evan. “She could kick me out if she doesn’t like me.”

  “She isn’t going to kick you out,” said Nath, laughter melodic. “Do you know what happened Saturday night after out date?”

  Evan shook his head, leaning in to his boyfriend. Boyfriend. His heart soared.

  “I had a summons from Dad. He talked work, but I knew it wasn’t really about that. He saw us in the gardens and handed me a box of condoms- uh- extra lubricated,” said Nath, eyes sparkling under the waning gibbous. Magic danced in the air lifting the tips of his platinum locks, it looked like a million melted stars.

  Evan burst out laughing. He felt nervous, amused, and slightly aroused. The champagne was getting to his head. “Let’s hope he bought large.”

  Nath looked at him with pink-tinted shock, his dimples danced in the moonlight and his laughter was heavenly; his touch sent wave
s of fire over Evan’s skin. “My family aren’t as scary as they seem,” he said.

  “I don’t know what my family will say when I tell them about you,” said Evan.

  “You haven’t told them about me?” said Nath, unmistakable hurt filling his voice.

  “I’ve told them about you, but I haven’t told them I’m dating the prince. I didn’t want to say anything in case…” he trailed off.

  “In case I didn’t like you?”

  “Yeah. I never expected to meet you let alone date you. You’re the prince I imagined but you’re also a lot different to what I thought you would be like; I was surprised,” said Evan watching Nath's lips threaten a smile. “I write to my family every week, my sister more. If you’re okay with it I’ll tell them straight this weekend. They’ll freak out,” said Evan. His brain had to be pickled in champagne because it took him a moment to realise thousands of stars dotting their darkened corner of the balcony. It was a galaxy on earth and it was fucking beautiful.

  Nath was quiet for a moment, illuminated by his stars and the palace’s magic. “I didn’t expect to meet you either. In truth my dad has been a little worried. As soon as I turned sixteen he confronted me about the enchantment and because I hadn’t fallen in love and was eligible to wed, he threw a ball in honour of the Queen’s birthday and invited all eligible princes, princesses, lords and ladies from around the world. Will was furious. It was a bit of a desperate ruse because I didn’t feel anything for any of them,” Nath chuckled, pupils glittering. “After that, he sat me down and lay down the law,” his voice had taken on a strange, wary tone. “This is pretty intense stuff to be talking about so soon, but that’s part of dating someone like me,” he swallowed and turned to Evan, eyes stormy with strain.

  Now Evan was glad of the alcohol to process this. “I understand. I half expected you to say something before now,” he said evenly. “What are the rules of dating a prince?”

  “I’m to wed the man I fall in love with, if he refuses, I wed a man of my father’s choosing,” said Nath, drawing a slow breath. “I need at least one biological child but I’ve access to the Royal Medical Care whether my husband has a close relative willing to surrogate or not,” he said quietly. “Of course, that works both ways.” Nath turned his handsome smile to the expanse of Heaven’s diamonds. “They’re protective of me for good reasons. As soon as Dad laid eyes on Mum he married her and they had me.”

  “Wow, that’s fast. Is that how intense this enchantment is?” asked Evan.

  Nath swallowed. “Yes, but she was born a lady and it was expected of her to have an arranged marriage. Dad falling for her meant she’d have the most eligible man in the kingdom,” he said. His hands were shaking so badly he buried them in darkness. “Royals marry young and the moment I tell Dad I’m in love he’ll make sure I’m wed,” his gaze drifted across the dark gardens but not before Evan glimpsed panic in his eyes. “He fears my ascension.”

  Wait- what? Evan wasn’t about pretending he understood the complexities of royal life, but he understood how immense a weight that was for Nath to share. His chest burned. His own life: Mum, Dad, Kalani, his little brother Ian and the shop. Pretty much your average, happy, life with zero concept of ascending the throne of one of the most powerful magical nations in the world. “Is he considering stepping down?”

  “No, nothing like that,” Nath shook his head quickly, “but one day I’ll be crowned and Dad hopes the people will support me, and not- never mind. It doesn’t matter,” his frown flipped upside down as he turned back to Evan.

  Evan swallowed the urge to pry.

  “The night is still young. Would you let me introduce you to a few people?” he asked, voice bouncing back.

  “How can I say no to you?” Evan smiled.

  It wasn’t as terrifying the second time round and most of the people Nath introduced him to weren’t the high-ranking socialites he was petrified of, instead they were supporters, employees of the charity, and medical practitioners. Evan had always found the presence of practiced doctors weird.

  The event wrapped up close to midnight and Evan was overjoyed when Nath pulled him into an alcove and kissed him deeply for fifteen minutes, showering them in magic dust before a wave of leavers passed by and Evan slipped away before the journalists found them.

  Chapter 17

  Evan was still reeling on Friday. It was a fortunate distraction from the competition which caught up to him with ankle-biting anxiety.

  Cass was vibrating with anticipation as she hooted for Evan when he took center stage, bracing himself and armed with all the medical aid in the world and no true weaponry.

  His opponent was the black guy, Alfred, from last week who, from the second Dulcatt dropped his hand, engulfed them both in a backbiting cyclone, lifting Evan off the floor. His hands splayed and his magic rose with tingling warmth, cloaking him. He wasn’t going to lose to a guy with bad wind.

  A choir of horrific gasps echoed the cavernous chamber but fear wasn’t as forthcoming to a healer.

  “No you don’t,” Evan breathed and strained toward Alfred with his magic, snatching at the blood vessels in his cheeks.

  Alfred faltered as searing heat scorched his cheeks deep mahogany and the cyclone broke.

  The crowd screamed as Evan dropped like a stone. Magic coated his feet and he braced the impact like a champion.

  Dulcatt jumped to his feet shouting for a medic.

  Alfred was shuddering, rubbing his cheeks furiously and hissing like a viper.

  It was just what Evan needed. He stretched his power and tickled Alfred's tear ducts and a Niagara Falls of tears spilled down his cheeks. Evan's skin glistened a faint gold and his the crowd's confused, vivacious screams fueled his magical high.

  Alfred raged, spitting a stream of venomous words as his tears blinded him and he stumbled back ward, tripping over his own feet and landing with an embarrassing thud.

  “Match!”

  Evan was through.

  The crowd cheered.

  Nath flashed a double thumbs-up and relief engulfed him in a hug.

  Cass was at his side in moments. “You did amazingly well!”

  “Forget me. I’m rooting for you,” he clapped her on the back and walked the path to victory.

  And boy did she win in a hypnotic sandstorm that cleaned her opponent right out the doors.

  The crowds roared and the final six basked in what would be, for two of them, their final moments of glory.

  ∞∞∞

  True to his word, Evan had written home and an ecstatic, firecracker spellogram shot through his window Saturday morning, ricocheting off every wall until it came to a spluttering stop on his chest.

  Missing you sucks, Ev. We’re so proud of you, but what the actual flopping dog cock do you mean you’re dating Prince Nathaniel? The actual Prince of E. Britain? What’s he like and have you done it yet? What are the king and queen like? I’m dying to hear more so write back ASAP, okay? I’m so happy for you

  Also, I’m doing good, not as good as you CLEARLY, but the Preservation Society put me on a month-long research trip in the Northumberland Wildlife Preserve to keep an eye on a herd of unicorn trekking north. It’s going to be amazing. I leave next week!

  Oh, and Dad’s sending his first shipment to Canada. If all goes well it’ll be a regular thing. They’re putting him in print out there, too. If you’ve already read Mum and Dad’s letter then just ignore this part.

  Ian says hi and that he misses you (not his exactly words, but you get the gist.)

  Peace and love, Bro – K xx

  Evan’s stomach wriggled with excitement as the second spellogram burst in a shower of sparks over his head.

  ∞∞∞

  Nath joined him for breakfast on Sunday morning among the commoners which caused resounding disturbance. He was cheery and talkative, but clouds of worry haunted his eyes. He explained his tiredness as working long hours with the king.

  ∞∞∞

  The we
ekend disappeared and autumn was in full rhythmic swing. Banners and posters advertising a Monster Mash for Hallowe’en multiplied by the hour, spilling over the corridors in enchanted downpours of pages. Thankfully most of them popped into glitter after a couple hours swishing round their legs like a tacky snowstorm.

  Nath was back to his usual self and on Wednesday Cass turned up in their favourite sitting-room dressed in irritation, hair a nest of rats.

  “What’s up?” asked Evan, lowering his lore notes. Flint set their essay the day before and he wasn’t going to procrastinate this one, not when he was studying his boyfriend’s history. God he couldn’t get over the fact Nath was his boyfriend. Giddiness swelled in his belly.

  “Our first Botany task was to grow our own everlasting pumpkins for decorating the Monster Mash, well, they’re nearly due for harvest and mine are all dead. Sabotaged!”

  “Damn, are you sure? Wait- how fast do they grow?” Evan asked, eyebrows in his hairline.

  “Five or six weeks with a sprinkle of elixir, and they’re all different colours,” she replied, dropping onto the sofa and fisting the cushion into a pile of pulp. “I know it was Kristyn, she’s on late-duty this week. I got there first thing and mine were all scorched by some kind of hexed weed killer.”

  “Go and report it” said Evan.

  “I did and there’re no guards posted to watch the uni allotments so they couldn’t prove she’d done anything,” said Cass, shaking her head, eyes burning with fury. She looked as though she'd been crying.

  “Where’s Jeremiah?” Evan asked.

  “Beats me if I know,” said Cass.

  “Where are you going?” he watched her get up and drag her feet over to the door.

  “Asking if there’s anything else I can grow in time for Hallowe’en,” said Cass. She didn’t look back as she disappeared down the corridor.

  ∞∞∞