The Lonely Ones

Chapter Thirty-Four: Overbearing Desires

Eidenswill may rest along the busy Jolly Road, but the town has never been large. There are few stupid or desperate enough to live so close to so much fae activity. Normally only those born in Eidenswill remain, having experience with the nearby fae makes them less likely to fall to their charms. This means Wren doesn't have too much terrain to cover in search of any fae in disguise.

Azar's warning may hold real merit. Wren can't take any chances of another discovering his interest in Artemis. Like Azar said, it's unlikely others will be held to any form of promise to prevent harm. Quite the opposite. Should Wren's siblings learn of Artemis, no doubt they'll use him. Either to force Wren to help in their foolish plans or simply to pain him. Families are like that.

Wren's first stop is Artemis' shop. The man mentioned at the shop could have been Azar. He should have coaxed an answer from the bastard prior to removing his head, but he wasn't exactly thinking. If he was, he wouldn't have killed Azar. Once Queen Ignit's favorite son doesn't return home, she will suspect a greenling, probably even Wren.

During a long day of searching around the shop and Artemis' home, Wren finds nothing. No sign of another fae, which means there are no others or it's one capable of hiding their tracks. Even from Wren. That would point towards a strong fae, like his siblings.

There's a sudden urge to whisk Artemis away, hide him where no one will ever lay eyes upon him. Wren will build them a castle far from the rest of the world surrounded by a lush forest. Artemis can hunt or walk his days away among the trees, with Wren at his side of course. But the prince has a sneaking suspicion his knight would not be pleased with being locked away in a tower like a princess from old tales. Perhaps the next time they meet, Wren could convince him. He has a very talented tongue. Far more talented when words aren't actually involved.

Searching the forest, Wren finds no further evidence of another nearby. That doesn't mean no one has been around. He clearly missed Azar's presence, too fixated on Artemis, although no one can blame him. Artemis is very distracting, especially when clothes are slowly removed. His bright eyes yearning for more. His labored breath hot against Wren's skin. The low groans deep in the back of his throat--the prince will have to pay him another visit soon because now he's worked up.

The last place to investigate, for the time being, is Artemis himself. To ask a few questions, if he has noticed anything else without tipping him off to possible danger. Wren has no desire to inform his knight that a murder has been conducted not far from his home. Nor does he wish to explain his past with Azar and how it landed him in very long sleep. He much rather perform a more physical investigation, but alas, that must be saved for another time.

Artemis has already returned from the woods by the time Wren comes to visit. Wearing his disguise, he enters the shop. Artemis stands behind the counter, working on a slab of meat for a customer. Wren feels childish hope that Artemis raising his gaze immediately has more to do with him somehow sensing the prince's presence rather than simply hearing the door open. He's flattered when Artemis picks up his speed, practically hurrying the customer out. The customer brushes by Wren, leaving the two alone.

"I thought you weren't coming back until tonight?" Artemis asks, making no remark about Wren circling the counter to stand beside him.

"Am I not allowed to arrive early?" He leans in for a kiss, startled when Artemis retreats. Has the progress from last night already regressed?

"Your disguise," Artemis says, flushing. "It's weird... to kiss you in disguise."

"But I thought you liked blondes?" Wren teases, more relieved to hear that than he'd care to admit.

Artemis rolls his eyes, turning away from Wren until the shimmer passes over him, revealing the prince as himself. He slips an arm around Artemis' waist, ready to lean in, but the hunter catches him by surprise. Wren hums against Artemis' lips, shivering from his warm hand wrapping around his neck. He presses against Artemis, wondering if he could test how convincing he could be. He wants to leave, return to Artemis' bed to repeat last night or make some new exciting memories. He'd appreciate either. But then the door opens.