The original quarters provided for the royal family of Draconia were in the process of being examined and the dead bodies of the guards removed. As a result, their family had been placed in new quarters.

  They had Draconian guards on duty. And when the grand shield had told Gerard, “My warrior monks will be at your disposal,” Gerard had agreed and thanked her, less resistant than he had been previously to accept her help. After all, his own guards had failed to protect his family.

  The king coughed. “It was those three,” he rasped. “The three of them. Black masks.” He gestured to his face. He coughed again and tried to sit up. He cleared his throat. “I saw them … They cast their spell and …” A fit of coughs racked his body, robbing him of speech.

  “There will be time to talk later.” The grand healer poured tea and held it to the king’s lips. “What is important now is that you rest.”

  The king sipped and lay down.

  “Yes. Rest will help you recover, Your Majesty.” Then Healer Doran glanced meaningfully at Gerard and the others and gestured to the door.

  The healers walked out of the room. The siblings and Juniper followed.

  When they left, the grand healer shut the door. “I know you have questions. But he needs sleep for now.”

  Healer Doran lifted his chin. “And do not fret, as the king’s personal healer, I will remain by his side and watch over your father as he sleeps.”

  “I will join you,” the grand healer said.

  Healer Doran sniffed, clearly disliking sharing the care of the king with anyone. But he did not refute Grand Healer Eveline’s words.

  “We will inform you immediately if any changes occur,” the grand healer said.

  Gerard and the others said their thank yous. Then they wandered down the corridor without speaking a word to one another. They filed into a sitting room. The weight of the day’s events hung like a thick fog over them. Luther poured wine into goblets and handed them out.

  Konrad leaned forward in his chair, face drawn. “He is alive. That is what matters. That is what is most important.”

  The silence stretched. Gerard glanced towards one of the doorways leading out of the sitting room.

  Where is Elias now?

  Gerard had last seen his husband in the courtyard, speaking with the grand monk, the grand shield, and several others. For half a second, he’d considered calling out to Elias and asking him to come along. But it looked like the grand monk had need of him.

  Was Elias okay? Had he seen a healer? A healer had treated Gerard whilst Healer Doran and the grand healer attended his father. He hoped a healer had seen to Elias as well.

  Gerard did not know where he and Elias stood. Their last conversation before they’d been captured had been harsh.

  “You’re a liar, Elias! That’s all you are. A fucking lie! How do I believe a single treacherous word from your mouth ever again?”

  He rubbed his eye. Since then, they’d fought together. They’d had to.

  But how could Gerard let go of that which he’d learnt? Because even though they’d managed to defeat their enemy, it did not change the fact that Elias had lied to him. Gerard could understand lying about being an archmage. He’d done that for his kingdom.

  But do I even know him?

  Gerard swirled his red wine.

  Vile. Repulsive. Dragon wretch.

  He closed his eyes. Elias had said those words. He’d confessed to saying them. None of that had anything to do with Elias being an elite lightning sorcerer.

  Gerard had thought Elias cared for him. Found him desirable even. He’d not believed it at first, of course. How could he? But Elias had been so convincing. Had it really all been a lie?

  Perhaps Elias had found it amusing to dupe the dragon warrior.

  Maybe Gerard shouldn’t want to see Elias. No doubt the lightning prince would speak his beautiful lies. Gerard didn’t know how to defend himself against that. Because Gerard adored Elias. He cared for him more than he wanted to admit. Even after everything, he still cared for Elias.

  And Gerard had now seen Elias in all his true power.

  Previously, Gerard had thought he surpassed Elias in battle capabilities and bravery. But now he’d seen the real Elias, fearless and mighty as he vanquished his enemies. He was beautiful in a wonderous and terrifying way.

  If not for being completely dishonest, he’d be far above Gerard. Because Elias was strong, powerful, beautiful, intelligent, and brilliant. Gerard took a deep gulp of his wine.

  “Fire and fucking flames!” Luther exclaimed. “I still can’t believe Adelina plotted to kill us and Father!”

  Konrad groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

  “Honestly, I understand why she was angry,” Senta said. “I wouldn’t tolerate my spouse treating me like Father treated her. Still, murdering your whole stepfamily and your husband is a lot!”

  Juniper rubbed Senta’s back.

  “And Elias’s stepmother turned on him too. It’s like the plotting of the stepmothers!” Luther shook his head.

  “Elias’s stepmother despised him and relished hurting him,” Gerard said. “At least our stepmother felt guilty for plotting against us.”

  Senta snorted. “Not enough to stop her from trying to kill us!”

  “True,” Gerard said.

  Juniper cleared her throat. “I just feel that I should point out that not all stepmothers are evil. My stepmother raised me as if I were her own. She didn’t treat me differently from how she treated my stepsiblings.”

  Senta patted her on the knee. “Your stepmother is a lovely woman, and I cannot imagine her even doing what ours or Elias’s stepmother has done.”

  Konrad leaned forward. “Gerard, go over it all again. Slowly. With as much detail as possible. After all, we’ll have to question Adelina when she arrives.”

  Taking a deep breath, Gerard launched into the story, answering all their questions as he drank his wine. Luther refilled his goblet twice.

  “So our half-siblings have no idea?” Luther asked.

  “None,” Gerard said. “I am certain of that.”

  “Good. That’s one thing we don’t have to worry about, at least.” Konrad rested his head against the back of his armchair and closed his eyes.

  “I’m not so sure.” Senta rubbed her forehead. “They might not have been plotting with her. But she is still their mother. And she will be charged with treason. Even if they weren’t traitors before, they might be soon. Especially because they must have witnessed the poor treatment of their mother at the king’s hands. They might think her behaviour appropriate.”

  “Fuck!” Luther threw his hands into the air.

  A Draconian guard appeared in the door. “Your Highnesses, Prince Elias Storm wishes admittance into these quarters.” The guards had strict instructions to let no one in without first clearing it with Gerard and his siblings.

  Gerard’s lungs constricted. “Let him in.”

  Senta looked at Gerard. “So it turns out that the lightning prince is not just a pretty face.”

  Gerard took another deep gulp of wine, finishing his goblet. “Definitely not.”

  “Don’t feel too bad for being fooled by him, Gerard,” Konrad said. “It seems he fooled everyone.”

  Unfortunately, that didn’t make Gerard feel any better.

  A moment later Elias appeared in the doorway. He startled and glanced around, apparently not having expected to be faced with all of them.

  It was clear that Elias had not taken a moment to freshen up. Dark blood matted his skin and tangled white hair. His clothes were dishevelled and dirtied. Fresh bruises stained the pale skin of his face. Bags hung beneath his violet eyes.

  Still, Gerard thought him the most beautiful fucking sight he’d ever seen.

  Chapter

  Sixty-Six

  Gerard rose. He could feel his siblings’ stares.

  Elias cleared his throat as his gaze darted around, as if he didn’t know where to look. It finally landed on Juniper. “How is Colette?”

  “She is fine. She is sleeping soundly in one of the rooms.” Juniper smiled at him. “I just checked in on her a little while ago.”

  Elias let out a breath. “Thank you.”

  Luther rose and poured an extra goblet of wine. He handed it to Elias, lifting a brow. “I hear your pretty little sparkles can actually be quite deadly.”

  A shaky laugh escaped Elias. “They can be.” He took the goblet of wine but didn’t drink. He rubbed the stem between his fingers.

  “Well, then I’m glad I never met you on the battlefield.” Luther lifted his goblet to Elias.

  But Elias glanced again at Gerard, eyes flicking over Gerard’s scars and eye patch. He looked immediately away.

  Luther froze. He glanced between them. “Wait.” He pointed at Gerard. He looked at Elias. “Was that you?”

  Elias’s face flushed. He half shrugged. “Kind of.”

  Kind of? Very definitely yes!

  “Really?” Gaping, Konrad leaned forward.

  Senta gasped, eyes wide. “Elias, you almost killed Gerard? You?” Gerard couldn’t tell if his sister was outraged or impressed.

  Gerard cleared his throat and put down his empty goblet. “We should … talk.” Elias placed his untouched wine down and followed him out. His siblings started whispering as soon as they left.

  Gerard led Elias to a bedroom, which he’d been allotted. Servants had packed and moved his and Elias’s trunks there.

  The fire had been lit by one of their trusted servants. Only a few servants, ones who’d been with them for years and years, had been granted admittance into their quarters. They had to be very careful at present.

  Gerard turned to face Elias. Elias stared at him, eyes guarded.

  For several moments neither spoke, as if not knowing how to proceed. Gerard really wished they did not have to do this right now. He did not have the energy.

  “I want to say I am sorry. For saying that stuff about you being …” Elias circled his arm in the air as if not wanting to say the actual words.

  But Gerard would not let him off so easily. The barbs felt seared into his soul. “Vile? Repulsive? The dragon wretch?” he said, voice sharp.

  Elias stepped towards him. “I didn’t mean it! I never meant it!” He reached for Gerard.

  But Gerard stepped back and out of Elias’s reach. He shook his head. “How can I believe that?”

  Elias deflated. “I only said it to my stepmother because she told me Beau would marry you. I couldn’t stand the thought. And I knew if I made it sound like marrying you would be horrid, she’d arrange for me to marry you instead. I just said those things to manipulate her. Because I knew she’d marry us if she thought I’d hate it.”

  “You … wanted to marry me?” Gerard shook his head. “That can’t be true.”

  Elias’s violet eyes softened. “I did want to marry you. And I am glad I married you. We are connected, after all.” His gaze landed on Gerard’s scarred cheek. “I did that to you. And you did this to me.” He tugged the loose hem of his trousers up, revealing his leg.

  “I did that?”

  “When you hit the cliff face, the rocks crumbled. I jumped back into a cave to dodge them. But I didn’t quite make it in time. They crushed my leg and pinned me. I almost died. But an earth elemental and healer were travelling with me and saved me.”

  Gerard didn’t speak for several moments. “I thought the lightning sorcerer— I thought you had died.”

  “I thought you had too.” Then Elias gave him a half-smile. “So you see, we are bound together, you and I, through war and pain and a narrow miss with death.”

  “I suppose that is one way to look at it. You really wanted to marry me?”

  Elias nodded. “I never saw you as repulsive, Gerard. Not for a single second. But I can understand why you don’t trust me or my words.”

  Then Elias cleared his throat and stood to his full height, which was still a head shorter than Gerard. “So let me introduce myself properly. My name is Elias Storm. I am an elite lightning sorcerer. I fought in the war against the dragons, and we met once on the battlefield.”

  Elias swallowed. “My mother died when I was a boy, and I recently learned she was murdered by the woman who would become my stepmother. She manipulated my father for the benefit of Zephyrias, and I learnt to never rely on my father. Because of this, I trusted no one for years, because I thought everyone betrays you or at least lets you down.

  “When I became a lightning archmage, I took a vow saying I would not tell anyone my identity. I may be a liar, but I have always been loyal and true to that.” Then Elias paused.

  “But honestly, I’m glad you found out that I am an archmage. Now you know the truth, and I never broke my vow.” Elias took a step towards him. He hesitated. Once again, he reached for Gerard.

  This time Gerard didn’t pull away.

  “Since I’ve gotten to know you, I’ve found myself wanting to open up and be honest with you. To show you my true self. I told you that, and it was true.” Elias licked his lips. “I found myself wanting to trust you, even though I’d never trusted anyone since my mother’s death. I know you have no reason to believe my words, but over the past few weeks, I found my feelings for you deepening.”

  He squeezed Gerard’s hand. “I care for you, Gerard. So much. I desire you. I want to be married to you. And even if you can’t believe those words today, I hope you give me the chance to prove them. I hope you believe them one day.”

  Gerard took a breath. He dropped his gaze and stared at Elias’s dirtied and bloodied hand gripping his.

  Elias exhaled. “Actually, if you want, I can go to the monks. I can take a vow that what I’m saying is all true. Then you’ll know. Do the monks do stuff like that?”

  Gerard huffed a laugh. “That won’t be necessary.” He hesitated. “Because I think maybe I already do believe you.”

  Elias let out a breath. “You do?”

  Maybe it was because of the exhaustion and lack of sleep, maybe it was because he was a complete and absolute fool, maybe it was because he was besotted with Elias and wanted to believe Elias felt the same way, but Gerard did.

  Elias hesitated. “Does that mean you forgive me?” His grip on Gerard’s hand tightened to the point of pain.

  Gerard tucked a dirtied strand of hair behind Elias’s hair. “I think I do.”

  Elias’s face lit up, and Gerard could not have looked away from his brilliance even if he’d wanted to. Then Elias leaped up, wrapped his arms around Gerard’s neck, and kissed him.

  Chapter

  Sixty-Seven

  Hands trembling, Elias pressed his lips to Gerard’s. He clutched at Gerard’s shoulders as Gerard’s hands slid around him and lifted him from the ground. Elias wrapped his legs around Gerard’s waist.

  He forgives me. Gerard has forgiven me.

  Gerard knew him now. Knew him better than anyone had ever known him. And still he cared for Elias.

  He’d worried if he’d ever get to kiss Gerard, ever get to be in his arms, ever get to make love to Gerard again. He’d thought that Gerard would never want that—want him again. But Gerard’s hands held Elias tight, and Elias melted against him, the tension ebbing from his body.

  He still wants me! Elias smiled into the kiss.

  Their mouths moved. Elias glided his fingers up Gerard’s neck, sliding them into his short hair. He tugged. Gerard groaned.

  Gerard carried Elias to the bed and laid him down. Elias released his grip as Gerard pulled back and gazed down at Elias. Gerard touched Elias’s cheek. Elias turned his face to kiss his fingertips.

  The dragon warrior studied Elias’s face. “I’ve always known you were beautiful. Too stunning for words. And now … Now I know that you are brave and intelligent and strong. Seeing you fight …” He let out a rush of breath. “You were magnificent in all your glory.”

  Elias grinned. “You thought me magnificent?”

  “I’d never seen a more magnificent sight.” Gerard paused. “Before, I struggled to comprehend how someone as beautiful as you could desire someone who looks like me.” A frown flickered over his brows. “And now that I’ve seen the true you and I know how incredible you are … It baffles me that you still want me.”

  Gerard swallowed, Adam’s apple bobbing. “All I can say is that now, until I draw my last breath, I promise you my devotion and my protection.” He huffed. “Although, you don’t really need my protection, do you? Still, I give you everything that I am.” He paused. “I love you, Lightning Prince.”

  “You speak as if you weren’t offering me a great gift.” Elias tugged at Gerard’s shoulders, drawing him closer, wanting to inhale the air Gerard breathed. “You and your love is all that I could ever want, hope, or dream for. I love you, Dragon Warrior.”

  Gerard smiled, and for a moment they remained still, gazing at each other, unmoving, as if not wanting to break the moment, as if wanting to just sit in the knowledge of having the other’s love.

  Then Gerard lowered his head, taking Elias’s lips in a soft, sweet kiss. But slowly the press of their lips grew firmer. Elias wrapped his arms and legs around Gerard, squeezing him tight as the kiss deepened. Gerard’s hands snuck between Elias’s body and the bedding to slide up Elias’s back.

  Elias arched against him. He rubbed himself against Gerard, wishing neither of them wore any clothing. He wanted skin against skin. He wanted nothing separating them. As if reading his thoughts, Gerard pulled back and tugged at the fastening of Elias’s clothes, removing them. Elias reciprocated, taking off Gerard’s robe.

  Finally, when both were naked, Gerard lay on top of him. Elias moaned at the feel of naked skin pushing him down into the bedding. Gerard’s hard cock pressed against Elias’s thigh. His own dick lay trapped between his and Gerard’s stomachs.

  They undulated, bodies rocking and sliding together. Gerard’s hard abs rubbed against Elias’s hard cock.

  Elias tore his mouth from Gerard’s. “Oil. We need oil.”