Alexander is a handsome prince who treats Nicolas, the head of his Knights, as his personal plaything. Nicolas, however, is in love with the powerful wizard Elian, who has just arrived at the castle. Elian’s magical abilities have not been seen for generations. Alexander knows his magic is the key to the kingdom’s future, but he must give up hope of loving Nicolas if he is to count on Elian’s assistance.
As Nicolas and Elian grow closer, Alexander’s jealousy grows. Elian’s magic is their only hope for survival but it comes at a physical cost. Will Alexander’s jealousy drive him to ask for more magic than Elian can handle? Will he sacrifice Elian to get Nicolas back and save the kingdom? Can Nicolas prevent Elian’s death?
Elian crawled into bed with Nicolas. He wrapped his arms around him and snuggled close. He could feel no signs of fever which he hoped was a positive sign. The stress of the day soon put him to sleep. He slept soundly and woke to see Nicolas awake, looking at him and stroking his hair. “Thank the gods, you are awake!” he said. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, quite!” Nicolas replied. “I am tired and weak, still, but I feel no pain. I move without difficulty, which is impossible to understand as I recall an arrow having pierced my side.”
“I am glad to hear this!” Elian said.
Nicolas pulled him close and kissed him deeply.
“Quite the loving embrace!” Alexander said as he barged into the tent with Lorencio and Geneva. “There is a war on. Might the two of you be interested in contributing to our efforts to win?”
Elian hopped out of bed. Nicolas looked around and asked, “Elian, might you be able to assist me with some clothing?” A tunic, leggings, boots and a belt appeared on the bed.
“The southern and western armies as well as half the Castle Guard are now with the northern armies,” Lorencio announced. “The eastern army -- or what remains after the battle of the previous day -- marches towards the north. The Daarsinians will arrive at the border by nightfall. They will march through the forest that lines the border. Our armies await in the open fields.”
“Elian has put the forest in disarray. Their progress through the forest will be slow,” Nicolas added.
“Slow is not stopped. Eventually, they will break through and engage with our forces,” Alexander said. “We must start the journey to the north now. Lord Theron of Ballincullen and Lord Dromin of Potalley await our assistance. Nicolas, are you fit to travel?”
“I am, indeed,” he responded.
“Let us make haste!”
* * * *
As Alexander, Lorencio, Geneva, Abel and a contingent of the Castle Guard rode north, Nicolas and Elian rode just behind. “It was a pleasure to awaken with you in my bed,” Nicolas said.
“It just as well could have been Alexander instead,” Elian said, somewhat dejectedly.
“How is that?” Nicholas wondered.
“After the battle, I required rest. When I awoke and Geneva brought me to find you, Alexander was there with you. Holding your hand.”
“You kicked the prince out of his own tent? How cheeky!”
“Nothing of the sort. He made clear his intentions to win your heart. He questioned your feelings for me. He said your jealousy was proof that you love him.”
“Jealousy? That died years ago.”
“As I reminded him. It did not sit well with him, but he did leave and allow me to stay with you, for which I am grateful.”
“I have told him my feelings for you are true. That the life I wish to lead is with you. He knows these things,” Nicolas insisted.
“I am aware,” Elian replied. “He asked if you had ever told me that you loved me. When I could not say yes, he took great pleasure. He will not give up on you. He believes you will be together.”
“I see. Do you need me to tell you that I love you?”
“Nicolas, you well could have died yesterday. What I need is just this: for you to know that I love you. Deeply, with all my heart, I feel blessed by you. I would not want you to leave this world without knowing that.”
“Yet, when the arrows rained down upon us, it was Alexander that you immediately flew to safety, leaving me to be injured.”
Elian looked at Nicolas in complete surprise. “He is the prince!” he exclaimed. “Is it not our sworn duty to protect him above all others? I was back to you instantly!”
Nicolas chuckled. “Yes, of course. You did exactly the right thing. Exactly what I would want you to do!”
“Do not toy with me!” Elian said, seriously. “I have drowned men, had the flesh torn from their bodies by wild beasts and set their bodies on fire. I need your support, not your ire nor your jests.”
“You are correct and please accept my apologies. I was attempting to be jovial to assure you that we have nothing to worry about. Alexander will not come between us.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Because Elian, I love you.”
