The Warlock (BxB)

Chapter 35

The next day, Logain led Casimir through the woods to the spot where they could proceed with their first date. The prince carried a basket with some food and a blanket. Since Logain's home was magical, it was able to preserve the food while he was gone. The warlock didn't have to worry about being away for a while and coming home to old food. It was as fresh as the day he bought it.

The path Logain led him down was just as beautiful as his home. Casimir could sense magic in the air. It was ancient magic, and the feeling only got stronger the farther they walked into the woods. Eventually, Logain pushed past some hanging vines to reach their destination. He held the vines out of the way so that Casimir could come through as well.

The spot Logain took him to was well hidden. Casimir never would have realized this place was here. They were in a circular grotto, and there was a small waterfall in front of them with crystal clear water. There were white flowers all along the grotto, but something else caught Casimir's attention. The magic here was stronger and the butterflies that floated around reminded him of the ones he created for Maira. They were the same type of magic as his.

"You probably noticed by now that ancient divine magic runs through this place. It's been here for a long time, but this place doesn't help me regulate my magic as you do. I don't know why. It's the same magic, so why doesn't it help me?" Logain raised his hand to one of the butterflies that floated near him.

When the butterfly touched him, it disappeared. He frowned. He had been here many times, and it was always the same result. The magic disappeared the moment it came into contact with him. It was almost as though the magic was rejecting him, but it wasn't the same when he was with Casimir. With the prince, Logain finally felt like he was in control.

"Maybe it's because I have control over the flow of my powers, while this is wild magic? This just further proves that you need me. Whatever the case may be, this is another reason for us to stay together, right?" Casimir couldn't explain it either.

There was still much he didn't know about magic. All he knew was that people wanted him for his divinity, but he didn't understand how he was supposed to use it for the people. He was called the divine savior, but he didn't know for what purpose. His mother was considered the divine maiden during her youth, and she protected Ambria from the corruption that threatened to overtake the kingdom. Those times were over, and the kingdom was free from corruption. Yet, there he was, lost and confused by the fate that awaited him. His mother told him when he was a child that his time to save the kingdom would come, but Ambria had been peaceful for years. There was no need for people to want him because of his powers.

Since he didn't feel as though there was anything he could do for his kingdom, the least he could do was help Logain. Maybe helping the warlock was the purpose he needed. Logain was the one who needed him the most. If given the chance, Casimir would choose Logain over his kingdom. The people of Ambria would be fine without him.

"Casimir . . . I don't want to feel like I'm using you for your powers. This issue is something that I've dealt with for my entire life, so I don't want you to feel as though you have to stay with me to keep my magic under control," Logain said.

"It'll be my choice to stay with you. Logain, when are you going to stop doubting me?" It felt as though the warlock was trying to push him away again. Casimir already admitted that he liked Logain, and yet, the other man still seemed to think he was only with him for ulterior motives. He thought that he had gotten past this, but Logain still had doubts.

Logain shook his head and shyly glanced down. "Sorry . . . it's just so hard to accept that someone actually likes me for me. You have to remember that I'm old and have never been in a relationship before. It still feels odd to me that someone wants to be with me. I almost gave up hope until you came along."