The Lunar Prince Page 8

  Will’s ferocious eyes melted to butter when he realised what he’d done. “Nath—" he scrambled but the prince was faster.

  “I order you to get out of my sights this instant or I will call the guards and have you arrested,” Nath’s voice took on a raw, guttural sound, rays of silver spilled from his fingers dripping all over the floor leaving puddles like melted coins.

  Evan’s spine tingled, hair on his arms standing on end. A shadow fell across Nath's handsome face and for a moment Evan felt something close to fear prickle over his skin.

  Will was on his feet and out the room in seconds, door slamming behind him.

  Without thinking Evan reached out and clasped Nath’s scorched wrists; the acrid stench of burned flesh and smoldering fibers filled his nostrils. He held his breath fighting the urge to vomit as magic began respiring from the pit of his belly to his extremities; seeping from his hands in a soft glow.

  Nath was stunned watching the magic seep into his skin forming a patch of pale pink and sealing the wounds.

  Sweat prickled Evan’s brow as he smoothed his fingers over the new skin until Nath stopped flinching. “How’s that?” he asked, sitting back to examine his work. He met the his gaze and swallowed tightly knowing there was no going back now.

  “You’re a healer,” said Nath.

  Evan remained silent, watching him examine his wrists. His hands had steadied and he didn’t appear in any kind of shock, which was fantastic. “I might be able to minimise scarring if you’re willing to let me work on it again later, but if I’ve overstepped a boundary then I apologise,” he said, panic constricting his chest.

  “You can make it look better?” the look of genuine amazement on Nath’s face was comforting.

  “I think so,” said Evan.

  Nath lowered his hands and met his gaze. “Have you been keeping your power a secret this whole time?”

  “It’s been a secret forever,” he said.

  A look of pity crossed Nath’s face but it wasn’t the patronising or irritating kind, there was something stark and understanding about it. “I suppose I don’t need to tell you how rare you are,” he said.

  “One healer born every five hundred years,” said Evan.

  “You’re the only one of your kind and I’m privileged enough to meet you,” Nath smiled slowly, pupils dilating.

  “Most people wouldn’t consider meeting me a privilege,” he laughed.

  “I do,” said Nath. The air was so thick and heady Evan’s head was swimming. He needed to get ahold of himself.

  “I understand now why you’re worried about dueling” Nath’s eyes became searching across oceans of Evan’s anxiety that filled the room like a drowning basement.

  “Yeah, and it’s a wonder nobody noticed Fabian needing a medic while I walked away unharmed,” said Evan. A healer didn’t carry nearly the same bounty as a prince, but elitists and organisations would try to entrap him in borderline slavery, or he’d be used as some sick experimental weapon for their illegal curse binding. Healers throughout history seldom had happy lives. Anxiety surrounded them in tiny blue flashes.

  Nath's face clouded with thought and he said, “I’ll make you a deal. If you work on my burns, I’ll leave you on the books officially as one of my personal medics. That way nobody can force-hire or abduct you. How does that sound?”

  “How can I repay you?” asked Evan, if this meant what he thought then it was a kindness he couldn’t afford. A smile curled his lips.

  “You’re not in my debt, but I’m in yours for what you’ve done today. I like you a lot, Evan,” said Nath, his face was serious but his eyes glittered with boyish charm.

  Evan’s stomach was writhing like a bucket of tentacles, his face a shade of devil’s fire. A thought crossed his mind. “What about Will?”

  Nath sucked in a breath and all of Evan’s suspicions came true. “Let’s sit down,” he gestured to the sofa sprawling before the log fire. Fine flakes of silver drifted from the ceiling dusting everything in a layer of magic. Evan sank down beside him unsure of what else to do but watch Nath reach his fingers out and cast a muffling spell on the door, a huge rippling sheet coated the entire wall. “I’d prefer my private life to remain so, and not be discussed all over the university or the papers,” he said gently.

  “I won’t tell anyone anything you say,” said Evan. Trust meant a different thing to Nath than most people, he could tell. The king was a role model for safeguarding trust after Artemis and Governor Undermouth betrayed him all those years ago when he still relatively new to the throne. To this day the Dead Country and their associates were still on the rise against the monarchy.

  Nath was silent a few moments longer, he turned to face him and began, “Will was the first guy I liked, my first kiss, actually, but things were never right between us. One day we were arguing; he made some bad choices and I broke up with him.”

  Evan was expecting something along those lines. Will’s outbursts were vicious as a sharpened dagger and smoldered with unspent emotion.

  The firelight reflected in Nath’s dual-toned eyes highlighted something deep and hidden which whispered of things beyond a teenage romance that fizzled out.

  Evan took his hand and squeezed hoping to convey what he couldn’t form into words: I’m listening.

  “He wasn’t content with making out or hand jobs and he won't take no for an answer, especially if he's drunk,” said Nath his eyes clouding: blue turning a tempest ocean, green a rain-soaked jungle.

  “Did he…?” he felt bad for asking.

  “No,” said Nath, cheeks dimpled, “but he tried.”

  Oh shit.

  He pulled Nath into his arms inhaling his skin. “You okay? How long ago if you don't mind my asking?”

  Nath’s brows knit, “I'm fine, but I won't forget it. Someone was watching over me that day, I was recovering from an ailment that day.” His smile was heartwarming; genuine. “His desire to sleep with me was relentless, he'd try to get me intoxicated and invite me to share a secret passage.”

  Evan’s cheeks bloomed.

  “I made habit of escorting my mother to her chambers after events to evade his aggressive advances. I'm not concerned now, but I was rather on the skinny side back then and he's a terrible drunk,” Nath continued, toying with Evan’s fingers. “He’s always been covetous of any guy I spoke to: servants, nobles and even men older than my dad.”

  Evan laughed and Nath’s whole face brightened with confidence.

  “One of the first times we kissed, Dad walked in on us and Will freaked out saying I’d kissed him out of nowhere. Dad believed him until he caught us a second time,” said Nath.

  The anxiety in the air shifted and the walls glittered brightly.

  Evan laughed again. “His face must’ve been something. Wasn’t laughing, was he?”

  “No, but I was,” said Nath. His smile faded and his face became serious. “He’s bisexual. A few years ago I overheard him talking to his father about it; he was told get his head straight and stop pretending to be gay for attention.”

  The kindheartedness in Evan wished to pity Will, but the logic wanted to beat the shit out of him. Freedom of self and sexuality had been largely accepted for more than three hundred years in the magical world, but it didn't guarantee the extinction of bigotry. He recalled the moment he blurted out I’m gay over a family dinner. They'd been surprised but received him with open arms, literally, his twin sister Kalani enveloped him in a bear hug and invited him on a dragonwatching expedition that weekend. He wouldn'thave known what to do if his family had turned their backs on him. “That’s kinda sad.”

  “I suppose, but forgive me for not sharing such compassion,” said Nath.

  “It doesn’t excuse what he did,” said Evan. He smiled and Nath squeezed both his hands. “I don’t know how you can tolerate him. You should've reported it.”

  Nath shrugged. “Gerard Starstone is Dad’s best friend. He’s an excellent member of the Privy Council, but where he
goes so does his son. The Starstone family are powerful and influential billionaires. I don’t want Will using that power to make me stand out any more than I already do,” he said slowly as though the words were sticking in his throat.

  “You’re more powerful than he is,” said Evan. “I’m guessing he has dirt on you?”

  “I am, but that won't necessarily prevent his actions. I have a secret of his and he has one of mine so we're at a stalemate and it's better for our families if we keep it out of the public eye,” said Nath, a tiny smile curlign his lips. “What with all the rising problems in the Dead Country the last thing we need is a royal scanda. Have you read the papers?”

  “Unfortunately,” said Evan. He’d read them, seen the haunting photographs of monsters and gore; read stories of mayhem and murder.

  A silence descended but Nath was quick to break it. “I want you to know I’m over him, I have been for quite some time. He still tries to court me with letters and gifts as though nothing happened and that is by far the worst part of it. He victimised himself when I ended it.”

  “Can I ask you something personal?” said Evan.

  Nath hesitated. “Okay.”

  “Why didn’t you want to have sex?” said Evan, biting the bullet hard enough to crack his teeth. The air glittered and Nath’s face relaxed like he’d expected much worse. He wasn’t going to deny it, Will was fucking gorgeous; well over six feet of muscle, lightly bronzed skin, pitch-dark hair that swept eyes the colour of molten fall and a heartbreaking, albeit rare, smile.

  Nath studied him a moment. “I wasn’t in love with him.”

  He wasn’t sure how to react. He hadn’t been expecting that. “Wow. Old school romantic?”

  Nath’s laughter made him weak. “You could say that. Evan, are you aware of my family’s enchantment?”

  Evan’s eyebrows wobbled as confusion drew a blank on his face. Cass mentioned something about it and he’d completely forgotten to look it up. “Um, which one?”

  Nath’s dimples twitched. “Since the beginning of the monarchy every born royal possesses the same enchantment: we only fall in love once and it’s forever. It’s said to be the most emotionally, magically and spiritually intense experience. Call me an idiot, but I want to lose my virginity to whoever that person shall be, not a violent drunk plying me with alcohol and treating me like something to be conquered just to scratch an itch and prove himself to his father.”

  Evan slid his fingers over Nath’s tender wrists, massaging magic into the fragile skin. “You deserve much better than that,” he said.

  Nath was rosy as a maid staring at him intensely like he needed to get something off his chest. Footsteps clattered outside and excitable voices filled the corridor. They both stood up quickly.

  “I can’t thank you enough for this,” said Nath, his cheeks were still glowing and he wore an odd, ruffled expression.

  “Like I said, you don’t have to thank me,” he said.

  “I’ll kiss you instead,” said Nath, and they were full-blown snogging, and Evan’s mind turned to mush. Nath was intoxicating, glistening with lunar magic and exhaling peppermint that reminded him of Christmas morning candy canes.

  The atmosphere filled with stars, and Evan drank him in until something banged against the door followed by raucous male laughter. Nath smiled and drew back, lips swollen. God, he was aching just looking at him.

  “I’m glad I managed to find you though,” Nath said huskily.

  In all the excitement, Evan had forgotten to ask why the prince was lurking around the university on a weekend in the first place. His cheeks tingled where blood was creeping to the surface. Nath had come looking for him. “It was an epic surprise. You know, besides Will,” he said.

  They laughed and kissed some more. Students were hurrying back inside now; the downpours resumed. The door could open any second and Evan was sure neither of them wanted to be caught red-faced and tented. The palace journalists would have a field day.

  “I’ll see you on Monday,” said Nath, brushing arms as he passed. He drew his fingers through the air and the barrier tore easy as cobwebs. “I’ll send note when my wrists need tending to.”

  Evan watched his pupils glint with mischief. I’d tend to more than just your wrists, Evan swallowed the words not trusting himself to keep them private. “Later, Nath.”

  Chapter 12

  Sunday passed in a haze of sleep, weed and chronic masturbation. Cass called twice to drag him out for a healthy lunch of pepperoni pizza topped off with a full Sunday dinner. Jeremiah had been a no-show again, but Evan did manage a conversation with Angelika, whom he was surprised to find out had a sister also studying at the palace.

  The evening brought another stretch of alone time. News around campus was that yesterday afternoon, King Elijah burst from the east wing followed by an entourage, marching deep into the Mist of Retribution, a being made entirely of dense lilac smoke clouds bordering the main gates. The Mist was alive soaking magic into the ground the palace grounds; capable of distinguing friend from foe the moment one stepped inside: if you bypass the Mist you’re welcomed with open arms, rejected or lost and you’ll find no mercy here.

  Something happened, but when the king emerged there was no indication of an event, his face was impassive; advisors silent. Speculation ran rife, especially when a group of guards slipped into the Mist during the night and didn't return until sunrise.

  ∞∞∞

  Monday morning tasted of pain au chocolat and anxiety. When Evan arrived at rune enchantment Nath was already there wearing an lavish gold button-down and a handsome smile.

  “Good morning,” he said warmly.

  “Morning,” said Evan, wearing ridiculous grin.

  As time had passed, students and teachers felt more confident greeting, or talking to, the prince. Girls especially fawned over him. If only they knew.

  Evan smiled.

  He was only half surprised when Will failed to show on Monday, but on Tuesday he was back in black and foul as ever.

  That evening, lying in bed reading up on the folklore of ancient fae civilisations for mysticism, a sharp repetitive tap on his window snatched Evan’s attention. The sinking sun highlighted a tiny spellogram was dive-bombing the glass. He popped the window and it spluttered and burned out, leaving behind a folded paper square. Inside read:

  Evan, at your convenience, I’d like very much like to see you this evening. Come to the entrance to the east wing, the guards are expecting you – HRH Nathaniel x

  His heart gave a tremendous leap and he threw himself into the bathroom.

  Fifteen minutes and one shower later, he locked up.

  ∞∞∞

  The east wing was easy to find, shielded behind magnificent gilded doors interwoven with thickset crystal veins and studded with precious gems. Magic drummed loudly from deep within the rock like hundreds of distant chanting voices. He approached one of the guards: a tall, middle-aged man with bright blue eyes, dressed in the king’s livery.

  “My name’s Evan Ravenway and the Prince is expecting me,” his voice cracked and he produced the invitation.

  The guard focused his beady gaze on Evan for a beat before stepping aside, his colleague didn’t acknowledge him at all. The doors swung open revealing a gorgeous, glittering corridor. Amber lights danced on every wall, reflections from the chandelier; the veins branched into millions of capillaries glistening with threads of sunshine and moonlight.

  “Audience with His Highness?” asked a pretty maid with coffee-coloured skin and all but a few curls pinned under her hat.

  Evan nodded.

  She turned wearing the ghost of a smile andescorted him along the corridor into a spacious lobby decorated with a modern sitting area and arched windows overlooking the gardens. Through the reception they took several turns down a winding corridor halting at a set of snowy doors. The maid knocked briskly before opening.

  “Evan Ravenway, Your Highness,” she said revealing a large sitting-room shin
ing with regality and snug with fireside hugs.

  Nath was relaxing on the plush sofa sprawled before the crackling hearth, an enchanted fire burning deadly crimson over split logs. The evenings had grown bitter as October loomed and summer began to die.

  The door clicked shut and they were alone.

  “You look hot in that shirt,” said Nath getting to his feet and offering a space on the sofa. “Drink?” he asked, pouring two glasses of blood-red wine laced with slices of fresh fruit.

  Evan accepted, braving a sip and enjoying the richness of the spiced oranges coating his tongue. He’d never tasted wine like this before, it was light-years away from the watered-down stuff the students were offered. “Potent,” he said.

  Nath drank from his own glass holding the delicate stem like a flower. “You seem a little nervous,” he said.

  “I’ve never been to this part of the palace,” said Evan. “It’s… grand.” Understatement of the year. “I’m surprised they let me in.”

  Nath laughed shifting closer and placing his glass delicately on the mahogany end table. Up close Evan noticed the beginnings of dark smudges beneath his eyes. “You’re very welcome here,” he said. The top three buttons on his shirt were open revealing a triangle of toned, creamy skin scattered with fair hair.

  A surge of confidence found Evan reaching over and trailing his fingers over Nath’s wrists; not his chest hair, he had some self-control. The scars had faded but white fingerprints had begun to form. If he dealt with them now he could prevent scarring completely. Magic seeped from his core with the freeness of a 60s nudist, highlighting Nath’s bones in an aura of gold. The work was complex by regular standards but he was born for this, it came naturally as breathing. He dabbled his fingers over the marks, smoothing the fledgling scars until they faded from existence.

  Nath allowed silence to work but when it was over he examined his arms wearing his pants-dropping smile. “I was struggling to figure out what your unique was,” he said, thoughtfulness taking center stage. “I considered you might be eternal, but now I understand why you’ve hidden it.” He laced their fingers together, thumbs stroking the back of his hands. “I'm curious. How does such magic feel to use?”