Page 53 of The Night Prince 6

You don’t think it’s a good idea?

What I think doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t, Declan agreed mulishly.

But I do think–

You’re going to tell me–

Oh, yes! You see, I’m reckless and I want you to reveal who you are to all of those stuffy, snotty, arrogant Aravae. I want Aquilan to see them for who they are as they judge you both and things come to a head, Vex said as he slithered out of his pants.

So you want to be a god of chaos?

That was the last thing that Declan wanted. He didn’t desire to shake Aquilan’s life up at all. He just wanted to slide unnoticed into it and then they could have the private time they both desired.

Rahven, you are the chaos, his father corrected as he leaped into the bed with two eager humans who let out shouts of happiness at getting their hands on a very naked Vex. You change everything.

No, I…

The gods sent you to this world. They created you. Bypassed all of my enchantments. Got around all of Ashryn’s sizable doubts to have my child. Hid you from me–and from my enemies–until you were strong enough to face them, his father pointed out as he threw Cynda’s jeans across the Airstream. Hank was rolling around, trying to get his own off. Vex assisted him and they, too, went flying. I assure you that your fate is not to be invisible. You are here to shake the pillars of heaven. And perhaps to bring together…

Here, Vex broke off. Just at the good part. At the part where his father would admit that while he was angry with the Aravae and thought them stuffy, snobby and arrogant that he also missed them. Illithor was created by Aravae and Kindreth together.

And there is no way that Aquilan will let you stay a dirty little secret, Vex continued. Think about that when you dream of private liaisons while he wishes you by his side during official events in addition to those.

Declan hadn’t considered that Aquilan might want him there for those events. But if Aquilan’s feelings for him were as serious as Declan’s feelings for Aquilan then he would want that. Of course, he would. And Aquilan would take the brunt of the approbation from his people by Declan pretending to be a human bartender. But being a Kindreth royal? Would that be any better?

Now! I must begin my teaching, Vex sounded terribly enthusiastic, which had Declan groaning.

No, really, I’m good. I’m–

Lesson one of which is you not ignoring your partner. Aquilan looks concerned. He’s noticed your inattention.

Declan immediately focused his gaze on the Sun King below him. Aquilan was still smiling but his head was tilted to the side and a slightly concerned look had appeared in those luminous blue eyes. Declan reached over and smoothed the faint lines between Aquilan’s brow with his fingertips. Light strokes. They went away and his heart beat happily.

So beautiful. So perfect. And mine.

Aquilan cupped his face. Declan could not help but turn his face into that gentle touch. His lips were against Aquilan’s palm. He kissed that skin. A mixture of soft and rough from the calluses from his swordplay. Declan kissed those calluses tenderly. His Light had to protect himself and others from a young age too. He was glad that things weren’t quite as difficult for the Sun King as for him, but he admired Aquilan’s martial skill. He wondered if that would translate in the bedroom.

It does! Vex piped in happily.

Declan let out an audible groan and pressed his face against Aquilan’s shoulder. The Sun King’s fingers carded through his hair.

“What is it, my Shadow?” Aquilan asked.

“It’s… ah… I don’t know how to tell you this,” Declan’s voice was muffled, but Aquilan heard him well enough.

“Ah, I think I know.”

Aquilan urged him to get up. Declan did so, but a little shamefaced. What would Aquilan think knowing that his father was watching, listening and experiencing their lovemaking? And he was giving tips!

“Look at me, my Shadow,” Aquilan urged.

Another groan, but Declan did as he asked. The Sun King framed his face with both hands. His thumbs lightly caressed Declan’s cheekbones and his other fingers feathered through his hair.

“Is your father communicating with you?” Aquilan asked.

A soft sigh. “Yes.”