Love Is Always Write Volume 4

entirely."
    "If that is what you want, then I will respect your decision, but for my part I have no desire to see you leave," Sarrica said quietly. "The day you vanished, I already had intended to make up for my wretched behavior. I was awaiting you at the luncheon most impatiently, and disappointed you never showed. When you wound up missing ... at first we thought you had slipped away back home, but when that too proved false we combed the nine kingdoms for you. I was not expecting you to turn up here, and am sorry all over again that my careless words drove you to these lengths. I would like for you to remain with me at least long enough for me to make amends."
    Whatever Allen had expected to hear, it was not that. Sarrica had planned to apologize that day? Well, didn't that make him a perfect fool. "If your Majesty desires I stay then stay I shall," Allen replied, and picked at a piece of herb-crusted chicken. "To be honest, I prefer to avoid my parents as long as possible." They were probably already rehearsing the guilt-inducing lectures.
    Sarrica chuckled, drawing his attention and a hesitant smile. He'd never heard Sarrica laugh before, save derisively. "So is it true that you know twelve languages?" Sarrica asked. "I confess I have been a perfect imbecile so far as the matter of a consort has gone. I've been reluctant to ... well, it is long past time I moved on. How in the names of the gods does one learn twelve languages?"
    "One spends a lot of time indoors, sitting at tables, reading and writing, and reciting. Other days, one goes into the city and speaks with complete strangers, some who are kind and help, others who laugh and mock you every step of the way. You practice and practice and practice, all the while envying your brothers the time they get to spend riding and swimming and hunting. On the bright side, all the pretty visitors danced with me because I could talk to them."
    Laughing again, Sarrica poured them both more wine, and then said, "I can imagine the looks your brothers gave you for that. I remember being in precisely their situation. I could not even read the missive that Cartha sent, and only barely read yours. It's been a long time since I've had to read the Old Tongue."
    "It was always my favorite," Allen admitted quietly. "Not much practical use, however, so I study it only in my spare time."
    Sarrica snorted. "I think it has proved its use in this venture. Study it whenever you like. There are all manner of books about this fortress, no doubt because they are trapped here so much of the year. I've had some brought for you and can bring you more."
    "Oh—thank you," Allen replied, trying another hesitant smile. He'd thought Sarrica handsome even when he was being a bastard. When he was being pleasant he was even more attractive. Dangerously so. "I should not be stuck in bed overlong. Two, three days at most, and I'll be fine." He blinked, yawned, found it abruptly difficult to keep his eyes open. "I am sure you must return to the palace, Majesty—"
    He stopped as Sarrica's hand covered his, squeezed it gently. Allen was suddenly reminded of his own much more slender figure, that Sarrica had several stones on him. It was the sort of contrast he had always enjoyed. He was surprised all over again that he found Sarrica so appealing.
    If by some miracle Sarrica actually chose to keep him after all, if they somehow managed to smooth everything out, he was more certain than ever that their bed would never be cold. Not for lack of trying on his part.
    "You are my future consort," Sarrica said. "You need not keep calling me 'Majesty', please. I would be honored if you'd use my name. Indeed, I seldom hear it."
    Allen nodded, and said, "Sarrica, then. Thank you. I am certain you need to return to the palace."
    "I've already made arrangements, and the snow is falling too heavily to travel in the next couple of days, anyway. We will return together when you are well enough to make the journey." When Allen started to protest, Sarrica placed a finger over his mouth. "Get some rest, we'll talk more later." He gathered up the tray and carried it away. Allen fell asleep admiring the way he looked in firelight.
    PART FOUR
    Finding someone to warm his bed had never been difficult. It had always been insultingly easy, and Sarrica had learned at a very young age that it was really only the crown of the High King they were interested in fucking.
    Nyle was the first one to really make him work for it,