Beside Pavoni, Prince Merlo watched Rayner. It was disconcerting. Princess Verity was the one Rayner pitied most. She was the opposite of her brothers. Kind and gentle, with eyes that held immeasurable sadness. Perhaps one day he might ask her the cause of her sadness, though he imagined living under the rule of King Pavoni was somehow involved.

  All in all, Pavoni had arrived with a modest sixty members of his court, not including his siblings. It included ten trusted council members, twenty high-ranking Orso, and thirty guards. It was a shame General Segreti was not among Pavoni’s entourage. It would have made the visit more bearable. Understandably, Pavoni had left Segreti to guard the realm in his absence.

  The heavy wooden doors to the hall opened, and everyone stood once again. The horns blared, this time longer and louder than before, announcing the arrival of their king and prince.

  “His Most Royal Majesty, King of the Soldati, Khalon King, and His Royal Highness, the Soldati Prince and Saugur, Riley Murrough.”

  Khalon had always been handsome and impressive, and Riley shining brighter than any star made them a stunning couple. A simple but gleaming gold crown rested on Khalon’s brow, his attire regal enough for a king, but not ostentatious. He dressed in black with gold accents, from his pristine black boots to his black trousers, long-sleeved shirt, and black leather jerkin intricately decorated in gold. He wore a long black cape similar to the one Rayner, Ezra, and Adira wore, but longer and with the added gold crown above the Soldati crest embroidered delicately on the back.

  Rayner’s heart swelled with pride whenever he saw his kingdom’s crest. The gold shield was quartered, the bottom left depicting a lush tree with many branches, symbolizing the natural order of their existence, their connection to all living creatures, and the origins of their birth. They owed their presence, power, and immortality to the great gods and goddesses who came together to create them in order to protect their creations from the demons feeding on the darkness, plaguing all living creatures, especially humans.

  The top right contained three rays representing the light of the Soldati soul, the source of their powers and the means by which they vanquished demons. The bottom right contained a regal crown, the symbol of their realm’s proud monarchy, and the upper left section depicted a sword, the weapon wielded by the Soldati. The shield was framed by two tigers rearing on their hind legs, jaws open, claws outstretched, and eyes glowing. A ribbon below the shield and tigers displayed three words: Lux. Fortitudo. Amor. Light. Courage. Love. What every Soldati aspired to in life.

  Khalon appeared every part the noble king he was, but it was Riley who was a vision. The banquet hall burst into murmurs and expressions of awe. Riley dressed similarly to Khalon, but instead of black, Khalon’s tailor had dressed Riley in gold and cream with a cream-colored cape trimmed in gold, the Soldati crest embroidered in amber. A gleaming gold crown sat on his brow, and his shy smile was charming. Riley looked every bit the Soldati prince, even if at times he confessed to Rayner that he feared he might not be princely enough for the Soldati. Khalon was always quick to reassure his prince with a well-timed kiss and an encouraging word.

  True to Riley’s word, Toka walked behind Riley, dressed in ceremonial servant’s garb of cream and gold to match that of his prince. He looked ethereal, the gold embroidery of his tunic’s hems bringing out the amber of his eyes. A slim gold band rested on his brow. He was beautiful, and after all eyes left Riley, they followed Toka. His foxling skin gave him away as a servant, but his beauty, the way he carried himself, and the gentleness reflected in his eyes rivaled that of any noble.

  Riley might still have a lot to learn regarding the Soldati, but the man was quick-witted and astute. Everyone in the castle was aware Khalon had gifted Toka’s services to Riley, elevating his position, but Riley had discovered how to bring Toka under his protection. By having Toka sit at his side, dressed in finery and wearing his colors, Riley had declared Toka as his personal courtier. Toka could not be commanded by anyone other than Riley or Khalon. If Khalon had disagreed at any point with Riley’s decision, it was clear Riley had won him over. A feat Rayner doubted was too difficult for Riley these days. Khalon would never admit it, but he was wrapped around Riley’s little finger, and eager to please his prince.

  Khalon and Riley greeted Pavoni and his court, with a clasp of hands, or in the case of the princess, a kiss to her hand. Once the greeting was done, Khalon waited for Riley to take his seat before sitting at his throne. Toka sat beside Rayner, and Rayner remained stoic, doing his best not to look at Toka, even when he felt Toka’s eyes on him. The hall broke off into chatter as everyone took their seats and conversed. Pavoni and Khalon exchanged polite conversation until Pavoni excused himself to visit with some of the members of Khalon’s court. Riley took that opportunity to get Rayner’s attention.

  “Rayner, you wouldn’t lie to me. Do I really look okay? Because I kind of feel like a Christmas ornament.”

  Rayner reached out to take Riley’s hand and lifted it to his lips for a kiss. “You are the most dazzling Christmas ornament I have ever laid eyes on.”

  Khalon chuckled, and Riley wrinkled his nose. “Thanks.”

  “He’s teasing,” Khalon assured Riley. He placed his fingers under Riley’s chin and turned his face so he could kiss him. It was sweet and quick, but still enough to stir the envy in Rayner just a bit. For some time now, he’d been asking himself why he couldn’t be so free in public with his affections for Toka. He could flirt with Toka, be playful, but showing any true feeling for him would arouse suspicion of something more, and that would rouse concern. It had begun to make Rayner’s skin crawl, to awaken a growing anger within him. For most, the line between servant and Soldati was clear, but for Rayner it became blurred the moment he’d laid eyes on Toka.

  Toka leaned in to Riley with a sweet smile. “Would you care for a drink, Your Highness?” He looked to Khalon. “Your Majesty?”

  “I’d love some of that fruity wine-not-wine thing Nestore makes,” Riley replied. “And maybe a couple of those meat-and-cheese pastry things. They are so freaking good. Okay more than a couple. Like, five.”

  Khalon chuckled. “I’m fine, Toka. Thank you.”

  Toka nodded and stood, his fingers brushing Rayner’s knee as he left, sending a jolt through him. Rayner managed to suppress a groan. He coughed into his fist and straightened, composing himself. Had the little imp done that on purpose? Surely, he wouldn’t have. Pavoni returned, resuming his seat just as Toka approached with Riley’s drink and a plate of treats. He clearly knew Riley very well by now, seeing as how the gold plate included more than the five pastries.

  “I must say, Khalon. Visiting your realm is always such a pleasure to the senses.”

  Rayner gritted his teeth, doing his best to remain unaffected, as if he hadn’t noticed the way Pavoni placed emphasis on the word “pleasure” when raking his lewd gaze over Toka as Toka handed Riley his glass and a plate of treats.

  “Thank you, Toka. You’re amazing,” Riley said with a bright smile, sitting forward and blocking Pavoni’s view of Toka as he sat. Pavoni’s attention was seized by a servant standing in in front of Princess Verity with a silver tray of drinks. He brushed his fingers down the servant’s arm, and the poor foxling gave a start. He managed to regain the balance of his tray before anything spilled. Rayner felt for the foxling. Any intimate touch a foxling servant received in Khalon’s care was done so with their consent. They were unaccustomed to being manhandled.

  “Perhaps later this evening, you might allow me the company of one of these tantalizing creatures.”

  “Our servants are part of our court. They’re not whores,” Rayner said through his teeth, aware of Khalon’s wince.

  Khalon quickly stepped in. “What Rayner means to say is, the servants of the Soldati court are held in high esteem. They have been serving my family for generations. I’m certain we can find other ways in which to entertain you and your court.”

  “I look forward to this. Perhaps, to start off, you might allow me a dance with your enchanting prince?”

  Khalon’s jaw clenched, his eyes darkening. The challenge in Pavoni’s gaze was not lost on Rayner. He was pushing Khalon. To Rayner’s surprise, Riley placed his hand on Khalon’s arm, his smile bright but not reaching his golden eyes.

  “Of course. What’s one dance?” Riley stood, handing his plate and drink to Toka, who swiftly took it from him. “Could you hold this for me, please?”

  Toka nodded, and Pavoni laughed heartily. “Well, now I’ve seen everything. A prince asking a servant rather than commanding. I can’t wait to see what other surprises you have in store for me, Your Highness.”

  Riley’s regal cape billowed behind him as he descended the stairs. He held his head high, an intensity in his eyes Rayner had never seen before. Rayner sat in silence, aware of Khalon’s subtle hints of annoyance. The music started, and Pavoni swept Riley up in an animated waltz.

  “I see Riley’s lessons are going well,” Rayner commented, impressed by Riley’s grace and fluidity as he moved. Khalon grunted, his eyes never leaving Pavoni and Riley. Pavoni’s hand moved from Riley’s back down to just above his ass. Khalon’s fingers clenched into a fist. It was clear Pavoni was attempting to stir a reaction from Khalon. He held Riley closer to him than was necessary, his grin all teeth, his hand squeezing Riley’s, and his face far too close to Riley’s.

  Rayner shifted his gaze between Khalon’s growing fury and Pavoni’s blatant disrespect and lack of boundaries with a Soldati prince. Murmurs broke out through the banquet hall, the guests looking on in concern. Then Riley turned the tables on Pavoni. He spun Pavoni and took the lead. Rayner held back a smile. Pavoni had no idea what the hell had just happened. Riley pulled no punches, putting Pavoni through his paces, and at one point, Pavoni appeared as if he might not be able to keep up, even stumbling over his steps for a slip of a moment. When the dance was over, the hall cheered, and Riley bowed. He gave Pavoni a hearty pat on the back and walked off.

  Riley winked at Rayner before he took his seat beside Khalon. The prince was a quick learner. If there was one thing Pavoni despised, it was being made a fool of. He had asked Riley to dance in order to vex Khalon, but in turn, it was he who ended up aggravated.

  “Your prince is quite the dancer,” Pavoni said through panting breaths. He pulled a handkerchief from his tunic and dabbed his brow. He cleared his throat before resuming his seat. “Must be exhilarating to have a mate so young and full of vigor. I hear he’s not even half a century old. He’s the youngest Soldati prince to date.” His gaze raked over Riley while Riley stood removing his cape to drape it over the back of his throne. He was brazenly eyeing Riley’s backside.

  Thankfully Khalon hadn’t noticed. He’d stood, allowing Riley to sit first out of respect for his prince. He placed Riley’s hand to his lips for a kiss. When Pavoni met Rayner’s gaze, Rayner made certain the bastard was aware Rayner was watching him.

  “Tell me, King Pavoni,” Riley said sweetly, “do you always talk about someone as if they’re not present? Because I’m right here. You can speak directly to me if you have a question.” He arched an eyebrow. “Do you have a question?”

  Pavoni grinned. He turned to Khalon. “He must be a spitfire to keep up with in bed.”

  Khalon squeezed the armrest of his throne, his knuckles white. When he spoke, it was through gritted teeth. “That is highly inappropriate.”

  “Of course. Forgive me. I forget how stuffy you Soldati are.” Pavoni chuckled, and Rayner wished he could plant a fist in the smug bastard’s face.

  The banquet continued, and soon it was time to dine. The tables were set up before their thrones, the servants moving swiftly and efficiently. The décor was stunning, in black and gold, Khalon’s royal colors. The food soon came out, and thankfully Pavoni was too distracted by the delicious meal to speak much.

  Throughout the evening, Pavoni continued to try their patience, whether it was making snide remarks about other monarchs in neighboring realms, criticizing Khalon’s rule in the guise of “friendly advice,” or making inappropriate comments. Rayner could see Khalon’s patience dwindling, but Rayner had to give his friend credit. Khalon was determined not to lose his composure. Rayner was certain that was down to Riley.

  After their meal, once the tables were removed, Riley stood. “Will you excuse me? I have to visit the little prince’s room.”

  Pavoni arched an eyebrow at him. “The what?”

  “The potty. Restroom.”

  Pavoni’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t know what that is.”

  “Where you take a piss.”

  Khalon almost choked on his drink. Riley patted his back, and when it was clear Khalon wasn’t drowning in his wine, Riley kissed his cheek. “I’ll be back.”

  “I’ll accompany you,” Pavoni said, getting up.

  Khalon frowned. “Why would he need an escort?”

  “Your home is currently filled with dozens of guests unknown to you. It’s merely a precaution.”

  There was no reason for Pavoni to insist on escorting Riley in his own home, other than wanting to be alone with him. Khalon narrowed his eyes at Pavoni. “Are you suggesting someone in your court may pose a threat to my prince?”

  Pavoni bristled. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m simply—”

  “It’s okay,” Riley said pleasantly. “Toka will come with me.”

  “Such beauty should be accompanied,” Pavoni insisted once again. “You never know what lurks in the shadows.”

  Khalon stood and turned to Pavoni. “Your concern for my prince is commendable, and noted. Rayner can accompany them while you tell me more about your soldiers. I hear your army has grown since last I visited your kingdom.”

  Pavoni preened at having his ego stroked, and he quickly took a seat, followed by Khalon. “You’ve heard right.” As Pavoni went on to boast about his army, Rayner walked alongside Riley with Toka close behind them. As they left the banquet hall, Rayner leaned in to Riley.

  “You don’t really need to use the washroom, do you?”

  When they were far enough down the corridor and away from guests chatting outside the banquet hall, Riley turned to Rayner. “Oh my God, I had to get away from that guy before I lost it. I’ve never met anyone I wanted to punch so badly in my life!” Riley paced, working through his frustration. “I don’t know how Khalon does it. I mean, I can see how hard he’s trying not to rip the guy’s head off. He’s disgusting. Not only is he full of himself, but the way he talks about the servants, the way he looks at them.” Riley shivered with revulsion. “I feel like I need a shower to wash all the gross off.”

  Rayner smiled in sympathy. “I know. He’ll be gone soon enough.”

  “I hate that we have to put up with his bullshit.” Riley stopped pacing, and turned to him, his brows drawn together in worry. “I can’t believe we have to associate ourselves with this guy. How can one man’s ego be so out of control that he’d risk the obliteration of an entire world just to get his way?”

  Riley’s genuine distress concerned Rayner. “I’m sorry, Riley.” He placed his hand on Riley’s shoulder. “This is clearly upsetting you. Perhaps tonight, before you and Khalon go to bed, when you’re in your bedchamber together, you should speak to Khalon. Make your concerns known to him.”

  Riley released a heavy sigh. “You’re right. I should talk to him. I don’t want this guy back here. He’s so… volatile, and we’re walking on eggshells around him. He keeps poking and prodding, like he’s trying to start something.”

  “That’s my fault,” Rayner said, his jaw muscles tightening. “I’ve brought this on us.”

  Riley stared at him like he’d gone mad. “The guy wanted you to marry someone you didn’t want to, and you said no. His douchebaggery is not on you. If he decided he wants to be an asshole about it, that’s his decision, but we shouldn’t have to put up with it.” Riley sighed, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Man, and I thought politics where I came from was a pain in the ass. Could you do me a favor?”

  “Of course.”

  “Could you let Khalon know I’ll be back in half an hour? I’ll be in the garden. I just need to get away from… everything, for a bit. Too much noise.” He turned to Toka. “Would you mind coming with me? I always feel calmer when you’re around.”

  Toka smiled. “Of course, Your Highness. It would be my pleasure.”

  The relief was instant, and Rayner was glad to see Toka had such a calming effect on Riley. Rayner bowed and excused himself. He chanced a look around, and seeing the corridor clear, he took Toka’s hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

  “Take care of yourself, and our prince.”

  Toka blushed, his eyes going soft as he nodded.

  “For crying out loud, just kiss him,” Riley whispered, glancing down the hall. “There’s no one here.”

  Rayner hesitated, but Toka didn’t. He threw his arms around Rayner and brought their lips together in a heated, passionate kiss.

  “I miss you,” Rayner murmured against Toka’s lips. “You’re striking.”

  “As do you,” Toka replied, breathless. He smiled up at Rayner. “I miss you too.”

  A door resounded somewhere, and Rayner reluctantly pulled away, though not before brushing his fingers down Toka’s cheek. “Be safe.”

  Toka nodded, then hurried off with Riley as they made their escape to the gardens. Riley was the most courageous human Rayner had ever known. Well, he was a Soldati, really. He still behaved as a human, despite his newfound immortality. At times their prince could be skittish, and too much noise or activity could become overwhelming to his senses. The gardens provided the peace and solace their prince needed.