Unsevered Ties

30. Mate

Chapter 30, Mate

Cerise tucked away a stray strand trailing into Naki's face. "Just look at this crown. I must say, King Aiden has a decent taste. At least he knows how to peg you just right." He gave a devious smile. "Your entire persona around him has changed. Has someone perhaps fallen in love with his kidnapper?"

Naki blushed. What was Cerise on about now? Love? Was he insane? How could someone fall in love in such a short time? He huffed, feeling slightly hot. His heart sort of fluttered at the thought of being in love with Aiden. What did being in love feel like? Would he know if he was?

Cerise was right. Somewhere along the line, Aiden had just become someone so much more than the man who wanted him to become his mate. He had not thought about it in a while. The way they met, the way this came to be.

Naki looked at his friend, who stared at him with a puzzled look since he had not answered. His lips parted slightly, and his light eyes zoned out. "Cerise, I know you were teasing me, but now I am confused. Lately, it's like this man who showed up and turned my life upside down, the man I pretty much bartered my virginity to. The man I just saw as some weirdo looking to mess up the lives of the people I cared about for his gain. It's like..."

Naki shook his head, unsure of how to say his words. "It's like he's become Aiden, the giant oaf of men who has far too little regard for his own life to save others. He's become King Aiden, a man who would do anything to make sure the people in his lands want nothing and prosper. I don't.... It's like I was so angry at him for appearing, but really, he has sort of saved my life. He kept me from being Sega's mate. This whole time I've been raging at the loss of my life, but this man has paved a path for me."

Naki looked at the grand doors. Beyond that point, his mates were waiting. One mate had used him, hurt him, and made him feel like an object that should feel lucky to have such a shining appeal. He was cunning, but could be so cruel. He could be protective, but that stemmed from being possessive. Sega had become the epitome of dread in his life.

Then there was Aiden, Aiden who had asked his opinion from the start, and Aiden who apologized profusely for the way things had to start with their mating. Aiden had put himself between Sega's tyrannical rule. He protected Naki with his very life. Most important of all, Aiden had never, ever forced Naki to do anything he did not want to.

"Cerise," Naki whispered, eyes wild. "I think I might... I think that I do have feelings for him!"

The bright light from the sun high in the sky radiated through the hall, lighting up anything and everything that could glisten, including the two young men. Decked out in lavishly royal clothing and shimmering jewels, they glittered as much as Aiden's drawing room. Cerise narrowed his eyes to shield them from the brightness. His face turned towards his friend, unsure what to say, but then again, he no longer had time to answer.

"Are you two ready?" Aiden's baritone voice sounded in their ears, and his golden eyes crinkled with admiration the moment his eyes fell on Naki. Standing amongst the muted earthy browns and bronze golds of his receiving room, Naki looked like the most precious Jewel in his entire home. Cerise dressed Naki in beautiful jewel tones.

"You look handsome. You were meant to wear the crown, Naki." Aiden sincerely meant his words. Naki looked exceptionally grown up. He had more maturity in him now and more confidence in the way he carried himself. He looked towards Cerise."You have indeed proved you are a man of your word, young Prince."

Cerise smirked, "Well, duh, do you not know the Field Royals are notorious for our style?" He locked arms with Naki. "Our carriage is ready, right?" He looked Aiden up and down. The man was dressed to impress, his Royal colors strewn through his entire outfit. The deep greens and creams fit Aiden's skin tone well. With his hair so neatly styled and combed back and his beard cropped clean, Cerise had to admit that he was one handsome devil.