The Love of a Wielder (Book Two of The Wielders Trilogy)

Chapter Seven

Alec did not at all mind going to check on Captain Carstairs for his father. He actually found it deeply amusing that his father fabricated an excuse to get rid of him, so he could be alone with Maren. That was probably a good sign. It meant his father liked her.

He knew things would be more difficult for Maren since she was so madly in love with someone else, but she looked reasonably content. Alec thought that was more or less the best they could hope for under the circumstances.

He also had no objection to calling upon the Captain for his own reasons. He had been thinking of concocting an excuse to do it and was glad to be handed one. They had spoken briefly the night before, but for obvious reasons kept things strictly professional.

Carstairs and his men had positioned a speeder to block off the entrance to the drive from the road. And apart from that, they just stood there. Alec thought it was likely a dull assignment for them, but every job had something distasteful in it. It wasn't like he particularly enjoyed draining abscesses.

Carstairs saw Alec approach and came to meet him. Alec had to resist smiling broadly at him, but he did allow himself to observe how handsome the other man was. He was about Alec's height and had a similarly slender build, but his face was what really drew Alec to him. Seb had bold and brilliant features, with brown eyes that held just a bit of mischief. Alec couldn't help but swoon a bit. If there had ever been a God of Handsomeness, he must've looked just like Seb.

"My lord," Carstairs said, bowing.

Alec did not miss his small smile. It appeared Carstairs suspected Alec might have ulterior motives for the visit. Which was fine. He did have ulterior motives.

"Captain," Alec said, inclining his head graciously to the other man.

"The Duke has asked me to see if there was anything you and your men needed."

"Not in the slightest, my lord. His Grace's staff has been most attentive."

"I am so glad to hear it," Alec said. "If there is anything else you might require, please don't hesitate to ask."

Carstairs suppressed a smile. "Actually, now that I think of it, it would be helpful to have someone show me around the grounds, just in case."

"I would be happy to."

"Oh, my lord, I certainly don't expect someone such as yourself to do something so...menial," Carstairs said, openly smirking now.

Alec suppressed a laugh. Seb always enjoyed hiding their flirtation in formality.

"Oh, but, Captain, it would be my honor to show you the grounds," Alec said, unable to resist a wink.

"If you insist," Carstairs said, his eyes smoldering. "I'll tell the men I'll be back in about an hour."

Alec nodded gravely. "The grounds are rather large."

"Did your father really ask you to check on us?" Seb asked once they were out of earshot of the men.

Alec laughed. "He really did. I accidentally intruded on his courtship of his new wife, and he wanted to get rid of me."

"Well, how terribly convenient. I was trying to come up with some way to see you. How long are you around this trip?"

"Three weeks. I'm staying until the wedding. I'm planning to visit my brothers as well but, I'm sure something can be arranged. Come to think of it, I'm free this evening."

"Splendid," Seb said. "My boarding house has a rear stairwell."

"Even better," Alec said, feeling a bubble of nervous excitement growing within him.