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“Lord Boraleashe,” Theodor breathed, stepping so close into his space that their aides fell quiet and took generous steps away from them. “I trust your quarters are to your liking.”
Boraleashe stood there stunned for a long moment. Whether by Theodor’s beauty or his politeness, he couldn’t pinpoint it, or hell, it could’ve been the smell of his sun-kissed skin. He wanted to lean in the last couple of inches and inhale the sweet scent of sugared apples and spices until he was light-headed.
Theodor was doing something to him… just like before. He did have a demon for a personal aide; maybe he’d taught Theodor some spells to cast on him. Boraleashe shook himself out of the fog and eased away enough that he was no longer overpowered by that fragrance.
Theodor narrowed his eyes, looking pissed, then cast a quick glance to Mozraath. They appeared to exchange some kind of silent message before his aide said they should hurry and catch up with the rest of the court.
“Lord Notalus is leaving us behind.” Mozraath held his hand out for Boraleashe and his men to precede them. “There’s much to see, my lords.”
Theodor
This Will Never Work
“I told you this was not going to work,” Theodor bit out while he and Mozraath made their way past the palace gates to catch up with the rest of the procession. “You asked me to be charming to him, Moz, and I did. And look what it got me. Nothing.”
“That look in his eyes was not saying ‘nothing,’ Theo. Trust me.”
Theodor was fuming, but he plastered on a phony smile while he griped between clenched teeth. “Boraleashe is impenetrable now.”
“Have faith,” Mozraath whispered.
“Fuck that.” Theodor needed to know if Boraleashe was there for him… and not because of the damn curse but because of him.
Mozraath’s chuckle was the last thing he wanted to hear. He should’ve known his best friend would take a tiny bit of pleasure in his torment. He couldn’t help it; it was in his nature.
Theodor ignored him and quickened his steps to catch up with the front of the court. Boraleashe was walking stiffly beside his father with his hands clasped behind his back as the people of Fhomhair gazed on with wonder. Boraleashe’s long, blinding-white hair glistened in the fall sun, making Theodor want to bury his face in it. And he wasn’t the only one affected by their presence. Most of the people were more than fascinated by the northerners’ pale skin and their snow-white tunics and lush furs.
Dustin was another favorite in the plaza of markets. Many approached him and Notalus and showered them with gifts and flowers, some still congratulating their union. Their love was magical, and the entire realm was affected by their titan’s heart being nourished. Dustin pulled Notalus under a dogwood tree, plucked a few sprigs of the delicate white flowers, and handed them to him.
Theodor tried to read the dull expression on Boraleashe’s face while he watched his brother receive affection from his husband.
“He’s over there by himself.” Mozraath elbowed him in his side, jarring him from his staring. “Don’t just stand here gazing like he’s bathing naked in Aphrodite’s Sea. Go speak to him. This courtship will go nowhere if you both don’t stop acting like fools.”
“And say what?” Theodor sighed. By the heaven and stars, he is everything I want in a consort, but…
“He’s near Ambriel’s market front. Go and offer him a personal taste test from the king. I bet he’s never had a red yam tart or a love lychee,” Mozraath encouraged, continuing to nudge him toward Boraleashe. “I’ll keep his court occupied while you both talk.”
“This is pointless,” Theodor grumbled though he got moving, and in the back of his mind, he prayed to any deity that was listening. He’d given his heart to a titan who was unwilling and now unable to reciprocate his affection.
Theodor needed a miracle.
He approached Boraleashe from behind, and when he was sure his presence was known, he asked close to his ear, “So what do you think of Fhomhair, lord?”
“The people of autumn are happy. Notalus has done right by them, and I’m sure you will, too, as the new king. The praises you both receive are evidence you are beloved.”
The regret and sadness in Boraleashe’s voice made Theodor want to wrap his arms around him, but he knew better.
Boraleashe picked up a tube of marigold paste on Ambriel’s cart while she watched him shyly through the store window. Theodor glanced around at the wealth and abundance the people of his realm were exposed to. The people of the Arctic World lived in distress, and their own titan was helpless to aid them because he himself was the source. Theodor couldn’t fathom the true pain Boraleashe was feeling.
“That’s a salve made from marigold petals. It heals most cuts and abrasions with little sting.” Theodor tried to shift the sullen mood that had settled over them. “Come over here. I want you to see this.”
