Prince of Lies

Chapter 11

They awoke the next morning to the sound of a page knocking on Haruto's door.

"Your highness, the princess from Horin has arrived."

"Great." Haruto  yawned. "Up and at 'em, Jace."

Jace groaned and wrapped an arm tighter around him.

"Come on, we need to have our best clothes on. I know you like my special tunic."

That was enough to make Jace release him. 

He must really like it. Haruto  mused. Just like I like seeing him in my guard's uniform.

When Haruto  had turned fourteen, it had been his turn to choose the colors for his emblem and for the outfits of his guards. His father's color was red, like his fiery nature. Haruto's were a nice combination of blues and silvers.

Which meant Jace's guard uniform was a color Haruto  liked to call "winter blue," with silver trim and his status marked by golden shoulder cuffs.

He's the most handsome man I've ever seen.

Haruto  continued thinking silently to himself as he got dressed, shimmying into dark pants and then a white shirt, pulling over a fancy blue tunic and sash.

"Like what you see-" Haruto  started, then stopped when he turned around. Jace's shoulders were awkwardly shrugged like he was stuck, and his neck was stuck at an awkward angle.

"My jacket's too small." Jace said, cheeks flushing red. "I must have grown-"

"You bulked up, that's what." Haruto  hobbled around to Jace's back and helped him out of the jacket, grabbing Jace's tricep in the process.

Jace froze when Haruto  examined his triceps closer, feeling the strength hidden within the firm muscle.

"You could pick me up with one hand." Haruto  said, quietly.

Jace chuckled. "I don't think I'm that strong-"

Haruto  suddenly stood on his tip toes and closed Jace's hand around his collar. "Try it!"

No.

"Haruto, that's..."

"What? Inappropriate?"

"...kinky..."

The prince cocked his head. "Kinky? What is kinky?"

Jace's blush deepened. "...Never mind... but it looks like I won't be able to wear my full uniform today."

"That's okay." Haruto  smiled and caused his eyes to crinkle up adorably. "As long as you wear it for me some other time."

Jace's heart skipped a beat at the connotation. Ignoring it, he pulled his sword belt over his shoulder and followed Haruto  down to the courtyard.

The princess from Horin arrived on her own horse, a breed Haruto  wasn't familiar with but couldn't help but admire. It looked strong, and dependable-

"Haruto." His father nudged him forward.

Using only one crutch, Haruto  limped forward and bowed. He knew this was the part where he introduced himself, but his words failed him as he could feel all the eyes on him.

She's going to become the prince's betrothed, they whispered.

Is she ashamed of the cripple?

I heard the prince doesn't want to get married. Hopefully he isn't a man-loving disgrace like his father.

But for all that Haruto  imagined, he knew Jace was still there. And he felt a bit better.