Riley’s expression turned uncertain. “And you’re okay to report them to Khalon?”

  “Any Orso still loyal to Pavoni who would come to this realm to plot its demise is a traitor and will be dealt with as such, whether by the Soldati or Queen Verity.” The idea that traitorous Orso would walk the same grounds as Ezra, or plot to do him harm, had Segreti balling his hands into fists. He would find these vile creatures and put an end to their plotting.

  For good.

  CHAPTER THREE

  “Ezra? Are you okay?”

  Goddess above! How long had he been standing at the window woolgathering? Ezra smiled warmly at his prince. “Oh, yes, Your Highness. Thank you.”

  Riley studied him, his hazel eyes filled with concern. “The herb tent is up. I thought you’d have bought them out by now. Are you not feeling well?”

  Ezra huffed as he turned away from the hall window. He’d intended to stop only long enough to glance out at the castle grounds where many of the stalls and tents were being set up, but instead he’d gotten lost in thought. He faced Riley and smiled. His prince was dressed in his royal garb of black and gold, a thin gold crown nestled on his brow. It had taken some time for Riley to grow accustomed to wearing several layers, and even then, he often ended up shedding layers throughout the day. It baffled Khalon to no end.

  Finding a compromise, Khalon instructed his tailor to make Riley’s princely attire lighter and less “chokey,” as Riley put it. The heavier fabrics of his shirt, tunic, and cloak were swapped for softer and lighter ones, meaning Riley remained in his royal clothes until the end of whatever event called for his princely wardrobe. Of course, none of that seemed to stop Riley from battling his cloak. He was constantly at war with it. As if reading his thoughts, Riley swatted the offending item away from his shoulder.

  “You know, after wearing this thing almost every day, I don’t understand why superheroes would wear one. Yes, it looks badass, but it’s so annoying and impractical. I got it caught in the door the other day and almost strangled myself!” He glared at his shoulder as if he were contemplating the item’s demise before turning his attention back to Ezra. “Sorry. Talk to me. What’s going on? The festival starts in just a few days, and everyone’s outside checking out the goodies.”

  “Why are you not outside, Your Highness?”

  Riley shrugged. “Had to pee.” He motioned to his clothes. “It’s a whole process now. Anyway, you were saying.”

  “It’s rather strange. I felt perfectly sound, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, a flush came on, and heat whooshed from my face down to my toes. What if I caught whatever is ailing Segreti?”

  “I don’t understand. Start at the beginning.”

  Ezra did as his prince instructed, from when the Eye decided to play games, to when he ran into Segreti, Segreti helping him fetch the orb, then Segreti’s flushed face all the way to when Segreti kissed his cheek and Ezra’s ailment started. Once he’d explained everything to his prince, he lifted his gaze to find Riley staring at him, eyes wide as saucers. His prince bit down on his bottom lip as if he were attempting to hold something back.

  “Do you think I’ve contracted whatever the general has?” Ezra asked, unable to help his concern. Soldati weren’t prone to illness or fatigue; the Goddess had made certain of it. Hard to battle demons if stuck in bed with an ailment.

  “Possibly,” Riley said, and it struck Ezra that his prince was desperately trying not to smile.

  “Your Highness? Why is this amusing?”

  “Oh, Ezra. You’re adorable.”

  Ezra frowned. Not the response he’d expected. “I don’t understand.” Why was everyone around him so perplexing? Just this morning he’d walked by Rayner and received a ridiculous smile and eyebrow waggle, as if Ezra was somehow supposed to know what that meant. Then again, his friend had always been full of mischief.

  Riley leaned against the wall, arms folded over his chest. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

  “Of course,” Ezra replied. “My prince may ask me anything.”

  “Do you think maybe you like General Segreti and that’s why you responded to his kiss?”

  Ezra tilted his head in thought. “Well, of course I like Segreti. He’s a very noble warrior, and he helped us defeat Pavoni. Why would I dislike him?”

  “No, I don’t mean like him. I mean like him.”

  Ezra peered at him. “Are they not the same?” They sounded the same. Was this one of those strange human phrases? Every day Ezra learned something new of the human world from his prince. So many odd phrases.

  “Right. I forgot who I was talking to. Let me rephrase that. Do you perhaps feel an emotional connection to Segreti? As you would in… a potential mate?”

  Ezra gasped. A mate? “That’s preposterous. Why would I need a mate? And an Orso one at that?” His heart pounded in his ears, and his breath quickened. Goddess above, perhaps he was ill. He’d never experienced such a reaction to the mere mention of a potential mate. Not that Segreti was a potential mate. Oh dear, he suddenly felt quite breathless.

  Riley hummed. “Why indeed? Have you never been in a romantic relationship? Or just found yourself needing to… release some tension?”

  Ezra felt his cheeks flush. Blasted hell. That he understood. He shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “It’s rather awkward discussing such matters with you, Your Highness.”

  “We’re just a couple of guys having a chat. No big deal.”

  “I… well, I’ve always… taken matters into my own hands.”

  Riley’s expression softened. “You’re a virgin.”

  “I’m not entirely inexperienced,” Ezra explained, though he wasn’t certain why he felt the need to do so. “And it’s not as if I haven’t tried to… um, share those experiences with another Soldati. It’s simply that…”

  “What?”

  “I am connected to the Soldati Eye. Those who do not fear me, treat me as though I were some fragile mystical trinket to be worshipped at an altar. They’re afraid to even touch me. It’s most vexing.” He’d had enough rejections and awkward encounters to put him off the whole finding a mate nonsense.

  “Segreti doesn’t seem afraid to touch you.”

  “He’s not a Soldati. His experience with the Eye has been limited to what he’s witnessed or heard stories of. Also, Segreti is known to be quite fearless.” Ezra frowned at the heat in his cheeks. Why did the mere mention of Segreti cause such a fierce reaction in him? It unsettled him.

  “Let’s say you wanted to pursue Segreti as a potential mate, you could, because now it’s permitted.”

  Khalon had changed their kingdom’s outdated law that would have prevented Ezra from seeking a mate who was not equal to his station. But to have a mate who wasn’t Soldati? Then again, Rayner mated Toka, and his friend had never so much as considered anyone but the foxling.

  “Even so, I doubt Segreti would be interested in a mate such as I.”

  “Why do you say that?” Riley pushed away from the wall and motioned for Ezra to accompany him.

  They walked down the corridor, past elaborate tapestries depicting tigers frolicking among beautiful flowers and greenery. It was quieter indoors today, with the bedchambers already prepared and occupied by royal guests, most of whom were outside enjoying the beauty the Soldati kingdom had to offer. Was Segreti outside on the festival grounds? What might he be doing? Was he thinking of Ezra? Damnation. His thoughts had never been so tumultuous.

  “Segreti is an Orso warrior, much like my fellow Soldati are warriors. From my experience, neither have much interest in books, herbs, or tea.” Despite showing interest in books and reading, Ezra doubted Segreti would be content to merely sit by the fire for hours reading. Not that it was required in a mate. Segreti had plenty of exceptional qualities that made him an ideal mate. Why was Ezra even considering this?

  “What about Khalon? He loves to read. So does Rayner.”

  “They are the Soldati council, and the king’s council has always been made up of both warriors and scholars. Our love of books was passed down to us from our Soldati ancestors. It’s quite different for the rest of the Soldati. Some may enjoy the occasional book, but their passion lies in their skills as warriors. Defeating demons would be far more challenging if they all had their heads in the clouds as I am often accused of.”

  Riley chuckled. “Nothing wrong with having your head in the clouds. Besides, when it comes to jumping into the fray, you’re a Soldati and as fierce as your fellow warriors.”

  Ezra beamed proudly at his prince’s words. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

  Outside, the distant noise of festival preparations made Ezra smile. The day was beautiful, the weather perfect. The vast fields behind the castle were strewn with an endless sea of tents and stalls filled with villagers preparing to sell their wares, delectable treats, or fresh produce from their crops. The scent of delicious food wafted from one side of the field, while the roars and cheers of warriors testing their skills resounded from the other. Although the festival hadn’t officially begun, it often started early for the royal guests and continued throughout the week as more visitors arrived.

  “There’s Khalon,” Riley said, his smile lighting up his face. What was it like to be so in love that the mere sight of your mate caused such an overflow of joy?

  “Go to him,” Ezra said.

  “Are you sure? We were talking about Segreti.” Riley looked torn, and Ezra couldn’t fault his prince for wishing to be near his mate. As it was, Khalon headed in their direction.

  “I’m certain. I have several herbs I need to purchase before the entire realm descends.”

  “Okay. Maybe talk to Segreti. Give him a chance.” Riley winked at him before running off and launching himself at Khalon, who laughed as he caught his mate with ease. They made quite the handsome pair in their matching regal attire, Khalon’s slightly larger crown gleaming in the sun. Leaving the two and their entourage of Soldati guards, Ezra made his way onto the festival grounds, enjoying the many wonderful scents. His heightened senses caught the tantalizing aroma of cooked meats and mouthwatering baked goods. Freshly baked bread and scones were a weakness of his. Nothing like spreading homemade fruit preserves on a buttered scone still steaming from the oven. But first things first.

  Finding his favorite tent, he greeted the silver foxling pair who grew some of Ezra’s most beloved herbs. Tables laid out with pots containing every manner of herb lined the tent, and Ezra lost track of how long he spent inspecting each one. His excitement got the better of him at finding several herbs he’d been searching for, as well as bags of the best fertilizer available in the Soldati realm, and he hadn’t realized he’d accumulated far more than he could carry. The six bags of fertilizer alone would warrant two trips.

  “May I offer you my assistance?” a deep familiar voice rumbled in his ear, and Ezra turned with a bright smile.

  “Segreti.” Ezra hadn’t intended to sound so excited. Good heavens! Since when did he lose himself in such a manner? Segreti bowed and took Ezra’s hand in his, lifting it to his lips to kiss the back of it. Ezra did his best to ignore the heat that flooded through him, though he could do nothing to stop the shiver that wracked his body, one Segreti noticed, judging by his blown pupil. Segreti caressed the back of Ezra’s hand with his thumb, his gaze on Ezra, who couldn’t help but lower his eyes. “General,” he whispered, his face burning. He wasn’t accustomed to such intimate gestures, much less receiving them in public.

  “Allow me to carry these for you.” Segreti released Ezra’s hand to crouch down before the heavy fertilizer bags, the muscles of his biceps flexing with the weight of them as he scooped them up. Ezra quickly turned away, though not before catching a glimpse of Segreti’s backside. Oh Goddess above. He shouldn’t have looked. Why had he looked? And why was he so bloody flustered?

  Segreti stood, seeming imposing as always. He wore a simple brown leather jerkin over a black shirt with short sleeves. The thick belt matched the heavy wrist guards and boots, which probably weighed more than most foxlings.

  “Lead the way, dear Ezra.”

  Ezra picked up his box of herbs, thanked the foxlings, and ignored their knowing smiles. They stood to one side, eyes on him and Segreti as they left the tent. They weren’t the only ones to stop what they were doing to take in the sight of Segreti following Ezra, his arms filled with heavy fertilizer bags. Had they never witnessed anyone being helpful? It was most aggravating.

  Ignoring the curious and amused onlookers, Ezra headed for his cottage, Segreti at his heels. “Did you have a good rest, General?”

  “Please, we’re past such formalities. And yes. At least better than I had in years. I’m a light sleeper and tend to wake up often. A hard habit to break after years of required alertness.”

  “Understandable.” The need to be on alert when threats were near was something Ezra was all too familiar with.

  “I should have known you’d be purchasing herbs. It only occurred to me when I entered the book tent and found it void of your lovely presence.”

  Ezra’s breath hitched, an odd flutter in his stomach. “You searched for me?”

  “I did.” Segreti came to walk at his side. “On such a beautiful day, only your company could surpass its perfection.”

  “You flatter, General.”

  “I speak only the truth.”

  The sincerity in Segreti’s voice had Ezra’s heart skipping a beat. He didn’t know what to do with such sweet words. No one had ever sought out his company for the sheer pleasure of it.

  “Thank you,” Ezra replied softly. “Lately, my thoughts seem to be occupied mostly with you and my desire to be in your company. At first I believed myself afflicted by an ailment, but after discussing the matter with my prince, I concluded that was not the case.” They reached the cottage, and Ezra held the door open for Segreti before following him inside. “You can place them over there in that corner,” Ezra said, pointing to the small nook where he tended to prepare his pots. He placed the box of herbs on a small wooden table before washing his hands. Segreti followed his lead, thanking him for the hand towel before he turned to face Ezra, who couldn’t understand why Segreti’s closeness made his pulse soar. “Thank you for your assistance.”

  “It’s my pleasure.” Segreti’s voice was a low, rough rumble that sent a shiver through Ezra. He remained still as Segreti placed his fingers beneath Ezra’s chin, lifting his face so their eyes could meet. “What did you conclude, then?”

  “Oh, well, I concluded that perhaps I… that I have certain feelings for you. Feelings I’ve never experienced before.”

  Segreti studied him. “Perhaps?”

  Ezra huffed, and Segreti smiled. “Not perhaps.” He met Segreti’s gaze. “His Highness believes there’s an emotional connection between us, one beyond acquaintance. I can’t deny your presence stirs certain… reactions in me.”

  Segreti swallowed hard. “Oh. You… um, find me…”

  “Arousing,” Ezra stated, matter-of-fact.

  “I had convinced myself I’d imagined the way you shivered at my touch. That the change in your scent had been nothing but a trick of my fanciful thoughts.”

  “Why would you think that?” Was it possible Segreti possessed insecurities similar to Ezra’s where mates were concerned? How was that possible? Segreti was an Orso with worldly experience. Why would he feel reservation in expressing his interest?

  Segreti slipped one leg between Ezra’s as he cupped Ezra’s cheek, a low moan escaping Ezra. He was mortified to discover how quickly his body reacted. His shaft swelled and grew hard against Segreti’s leg.

  “Look at you. You’re beautiful and soft, so very astute and powerful. What would you want with an Orso like me?”

  “Segreti…” A whimpered name was all he could summon. His heart pounded fiercely, and his trousers grew painfully tight as Segreti slipped an arm around his waist. The scent of grass, sweat, and a heavenly male musk filled Ezra’s nostrils, causing his head to spin with desire. The object of said desire shifted his leg between Ezra’s and brought their bodies together, drawing a gasp from his lips. If Segreti had not felt how hard Ezra had been before, he certainly could now he was riding the man’s thigh. Segreti made no effort to hide his own erection, and it made Ezra’s body shudder.

  “May I kiss you?”

  Ezra swallowed hard, the very idea of it conjuring all manner of naughty images in his mind. His face flushed and his stomach tightened. He couldn’t bring himself to speak, so he nodded instead. With a tender smile, Segreti pressed his lips to Ezra’s.

  Heat the likes of which he’d never felt flared through him, flooding to his groin. His breath quickened. What was happening to him? Heaven of heavens, ambrosia couldn’t have tasted better. Segreti’s mouth was all consuming, his tongue demanding entrance. Ezra raised the white flag and surrendered to his mercy without struggle, his lips eagerly parting.

  Segreti’s tongue and lips raged war against Ezra’s, plundering and seizing. He tore his mouth away only to move on to Ezra’s neck, sending a tempestuous fire exploding through Ezra. He groaned, needing to feel more, desperate to feel bare skin beneath his hands, desperate to know if Segreti felt as he did. Segreti kissed, nipped, and licked at Ezra’s skin, and Ezra lolled his head to the side to expose more of his flesh to him. His own lips were swollen, but the strain in his trousers was far more painful, and he longed for release, prayed for it. Until now, he’d never felt the joy of release at the hands of another.

  “Soon, my sweetness,” Segreti said knowingly, his voice sounding breathless, as if he were barely restrained. He unfastened the belt around Ezra’s tunic with one hand while his free hand gripped Ezra’s backside, rocking him hard against his leg.

  “Oh dear Goddess. Please.” Ezra clutched Segreti’s broad shoulders, and he cried out as Segreti crushed him back into a table, pinning him so he felt Segreti’s engorged shaft hard against him. Ezra grabbed a fistful of Segreti’s hair, his other hand joining Segreti’s on his trousers as he pushed them down. Cool air caressed his skin, but Ezra paid no attention to his seminaked state. He was too busy tugging at Segreti’s belt. It fell to the floor with a loud thunk.