The Warlock (BxB)

Chapter 34

It was nice to finally be home again, and Logain actually enjoyed giving Casimir a house tour. He showed the prince everywhere except for the library and his bedroom. Logain pointed out those rooms to him, but he didn't allow the prince inside. The prince already knew why he wasn't allowed inside the library, but the warlock's bedroom was a mystery. However, Casimir could wager a guess as to why Logain wouldn't let him inside the room. Logain most likely believed that Casimir would try to make love to him if allowed in that room.

That might be true, but the bedroom wasn't the only place for them to hook up. Since no one else lived in the house, they could do it anywhere they pleased. Casimir smiled to himself but didn't tease Logain about this. He kept it to himself even though it was tempting to mess with him. He liked seeing Logain when he was embarrassed and bashful. The warlock was rather cute when he acted that way.

Logain caught sight of Casimir looking at him. "Well . . . what do you think?"

Casimir glanced around. "It's cozy. I think it'll be fun to stay here with you, but I do wonder . . . where do you want me to sleep?"

"T-there are plenty of guest rooms. You're free to pick out of any of the rooms I showed you." The warlock blushed and glanced away. If he was being honest with himself, he wanted Casimir to sleep in his room with him. They already slept near each other without clothes on. Sleeping in the same room shouldn't be a big deal after that.

Casimir chuckled. The warlock didn't have to speak his mind for him to know what he was thinking. After spending time with him, Casimir was able to read the warlock's mind by his expression.

He leaned in close to ask, "Do you want me to sleep with you, Logain?"

Logain placed his hands against the prince's chest as he got close to him. He wanted to deny it, but then he would be lying to himself. Instead of rejecting him, Logain shyly answered, "Um . . . let me show you to my room."

It didn't take much to convince Logain. He might have been adamant about them not starting a relationship before, but that was quickly thrown out the window. Whether he wanted it or not, Logain couldn't pretend as though he wasn't starting to develop feelings for the prince. The warlock wasn't sure when he started to feel this way. He started to like him back in Cordea, and his feelings have only grown since then. If he wasn't careful, then he might cross a boundary that he could never return from.

Opening the door to his bedroom and letting Casimir inside made his heart race. His bedroom was mostly tidy, but he did have a few piles of books lying around. Since Logain spent most of his time alone, he did a lot of reading. He had all the time in the world to read and had probably read thousands of books by now. It got dull at times, but he needed some way to pass the time. There wasn't much left for him to do with his eternity.

Logain shut the door behind him once they were both inside. It wasn't like anyone would walk in on them, but he did this out of habit. He watched as Casimir examined his room. There wasn't much to see, but the prince seemed fascinated to learn everything about Logain. He stopped at the desk, looking down at the papers lying on top. They were in an ancient language that the prince didn't understand, but he didn't touch them either way. They were Logain's property, so the prince wouldn't snoop through what wasn't his. Unless Logain gave him permission, Casimir wouldn't touch anything.

The warlock could tell that the curiosity was killing him. "Those notes are discussing ancient magic and how to control it. For most of my life, I have been trying to understand ways to control my magic, but there's nothing in writing about this. In fact, most warlocks and witches with my condition don't survive. Our magic always kills us."

"I guess it's a good thing we met each other then. With me by your side, you won't have to worry about losing control. I'll help you as much as I can, Logain." The prince shot him a smile.

"But . . . I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of you. You're the first person who has ever been able to help me regulate my magic. What will happen when you're not around anymore?" Logain couldn't avoid this subject forever. It constantly gnawed at the back of his mind, a constant reminder that the prince wouldn't be around as long as him. When Casimir was gone, Logain would be back at square one.

"Well, let's hope we find a way for you to gain control before then. You have your staff which has kept you alive for this long, so there has to be another way to manage your powers," Casimir responded.

Logain bit his lip. While his magic was a problem, that wasn't his only concern. He looked down at the floor and said, "You're ignoring the other issue. Casimir . . . you'll die one day. I'll be left alone again."

Casimir wasn't sure what to say. There was nothing the prince would say to reassure him that things would be okay. Logain was right. Casimir wouldn't live forever like him. His time would come, and he would have to leave Logain behind. The prince couldn't imagine how cruel it was for an immortal to watch their loved ones die while they were forced to live for eternity. It was no wonder Logain didn't want to get close to mortals.

The warlock took a deep breath and crossed his arms. He asked, "How much do you like me, Prince Casimir? Do you have feelings for me, or are you only spending time with me because you want to have sex with me? I-I'm worried I might be the only one starting to catch feelings, and that you're not genuine."

His words upset the prince, but Casimir wasn't surprised Logain had his doubts. After all, Casimir initially left the palace in search of a good time, and Logain never had someone like him before. He didn't blame him for not wanting to open his heart up to him completely.

He wanted to relieve him of his doubts as he approached him. He gently caressed Logain's chin and made him look at him. "If I only wanted to sleep with you, then would I have tried so hard to earn your affection? I meant it when I said I wanted to spend time with you and go on dates. I also wasn't lying when I said I wanted to court you properly. I intend to continue winning your affection until you're completely in love with me, because I like you, Logain. You're fun and exciting, and a breath of fresh air. Running away from the castle and meeting you was the best decision I ever made in my whole life. And if you still have your doubts, well, I guess I'll have to keep trying."

Logain believed him. After getting to know the prince, he could tell he wasn't lying. Casimir was an honest person, and Logain felt silly for doubting him in the first place. If the prince only intended to sleep with him then he would have when they were on the ship leaving Cordea. Logain was vulnerable at that time and wanted to feel loved by someone. Casimir could have taken that opportunity to use him, but he didn't. He wouldn't use him now either.

Logain nodded. He wouldn't question Casimir's affections, but he had another concern. "How do you intend to court me? I'm a man, so won't you get in trouble?"

"Ambria doesn't have any laws against gay marriage. Since I'm the crown prince, it'll be frowned upon, but I don't really care." Casimir shrugged. His parents would give him a hard time about it, but the prince was tired of risking his happiness just to please everyone else. After meeting Logain, it was his turn to be happy.

The warlock could feel his heart beating fast once more as they discussed marriage. He knew he was getting ahead of himself, but as the crown prince, Casimir would be expected to marry. It was something the prince couldn't get away from. Logain was nervous about the idea of marriage.

Casimir could see his hesitation. He gave him a gentle smile. "We don't have to get married right away, Logain. It is still early in our relationship, so let's take our time. It's just a subject I know I'll be hounded about once I return to the palace. My parents have already tried to set me up with someone on multiple occasions."

The king and queen found plenty of eligible women for Casimir, but he wasn't interested. His parents were aware that he liked men, but they always ignored the fact that their eldest son was gay. He knew that when he returned, his parents would try to set him up again. They would most likely hold a ball shortly after his return with the intention of finding a fiancée for him. He would only disappoint them again.

But that was a problem for when he returned to the castle. For now, Casimir wanted to enjoy his time with Logain. He planted a soft kiss on Logain's lips before pulling away to suggest, "It's getting late. Shall we head to bed?"

It had been a few days since Logain slept. He was feeling exhausted, especially after their journey. With a yawn, he agreed to join Casimir on the bed. Tomorrow, they could enjoy their first date together.