The Warlock (BxB)

Chapter 36

Sebastian waited on the porch for the men to arrive. When he saw the prince and warlock approaching, he looked relieved, but there was also concern and surprise written on his face. Out of the three men, Casimir was the most surprised when he saw Sebastian. Sebastian was a warlock married to Casimir's sister, Selene, and he had no idea that Logain was acquainted with him. However, it dawned on him quickly how these men knew each other.

Logain mentioned that he was in love with a warlock, but that warlock was married to a woman. Sebastian was the only other warlock that Casimir knew. From what he knew about Sebastian, the warlock was around the same age as Logain, and they were both from Ambria. Judging by how Logain was refusing to look at Sebastian and by how he was hiding behind the prince, Casimir knew he was correct.

The prince couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy, despite knowing that Sebastian didn't share the same feelings as Logain. It was clear that Logain still felt something for the other warlock, even though he knew nothing would ever come between the two of them. Casimir wanted to be the only person Logain had feelings for. Their relationship was just starting, so he knew it would take some time before Logain only had eyes for him.

Sebastian broke the awkward silence that fell between them, "Logain, Casimir, I wasn't expecting to see the two of you together. I had no idea that you knew each other."

"We met recently. Logain actually kidnapped me," the prince responded, trying to lighten the mood of the tense atmosphere.

"Casimir!" Logain shouted his name, surprised that the prince would admit that. He needed to straighten things out before Sebastian got the wrong idea. "I didn't really kidnap him. It was an accident. He tried to rescue me and I may have accidentally teleported us to Cordea. We returned to Ambria not that long ago."

"I . . . see. In any case, I decided to visit because I felt your presence again. You've been gone for some time, and now I know why. Selene was starting to worry when I told her I couldn't sense you in this kingdom anymore. I'm glad that you returned safely," he said.

While listening to them, Casimir couldn't help but feel slightly frustrated by Sebastian's words. He had to ask, "What do you mean that you can sense him?"

"Warlocks can sense other powerful warlocks nearby. Since Logain and I are attuned to each other, I can tell when he's close by. He suddenly disappeared from Ambria, so I was worried about him," Sebastian explained. Then he added, "When he returned, I was going to request that he helps us look for you, but it seems that won't be necessary. The kingdom is in disarray ever since you left, Prince Casimir. Your family has been trying to hold off the church for as long as possible, but they can't continue to deny them for much longer. It is urgent that you return to the castle before things get out of hand."

Casimir shook his head. "I'm not ready to return to the castle."

"This isn't a request. Whether you like it or not, you're the crown prince of Ambria. You have a responsibility to this kingdom, and your family is worried about you. You suddenly disappeared, and if you want to keep your position, you better return to the castle. The second prince is already talking to your parents about replacing you as crown prince." Sebastian crossed his arms.

The prince shrugged. "Then let Oliver have it. I have no desire for this position anyway. I'd rather stay here with Logain."

Casimir wrapped his arm around Logain's shoulder. The warlock stiffened in Casimir's touch. He felt nervous as the prince and his old friend went back and forth with each other. He didn't know who to side with. He understood Casimir's concerns about returning to the castle, but he also realized that Sebastian had a point. Besides, Logain once scolded the prince about returning because of his responsibilities.

Logain took Casimir's hand and squeezed. "I know you don't want to return to the castle, but maybe you should calm things down slightly. This won't be the last time you get to see me. You promised that you would visit me often."

The prince looked disappointed, and he sighed. "Could you come with me? I won't tell my parents that you kidnapped me, and since you're a friend of Sebastian's, perhaps they won't think anything of it. I'll take the complete blame and tell them that I ran away. It's not a complete lie."

"Do you really think that's a good idea? Your family isn't stupid, so they'll put together what your relationship is with Logain. The church also won't like having another warlock around. They only tolerate me because your sister doesn't have the same divine powers as you. You'll be putting your father and the throne in an awkward position by bringing Logain along," Sebastian said.

It didn't take a genius to figure out what sort of relationship those two had. By how they stood close and touched each other, Sebastian could tell right away what was going on. He also knew about some of the things the prince had done in the past. Prince Casimir was known for being flirtatious with men, and since Logain wasn't used to that affection, it was no wonder he fell for him easily.

"That's not your decision to make, and I didn't ask you for your opinion," the prince answered.

Casimir took a deep breath. He realized he was being hostile towards the other warlock and Sebastian must have been confused as to why. It wasn't his fault that Logain had feelings for him. Since they were both over two hundred years old, they had a history that Casimir couldn't begin to imagine. He was curious, but now wasn't the time to ask. Maybe Logain would be willing to give him the details later. Instead of being a jerk to Sebastian, he could take the time to learn more about their past together. It wasn't as though the other warlock had any feelings for his friend, so there should be nothing for Casimir to worry about, right? However, he couldn't help but feel annoyed and jealous.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow at him, clearly not understanding what was going on with Casimir. "If you're angry with me for requesting that you return home, then I apologize. Your sister is the one who asked me to find you. If you weren't the future of Ambria, I would return to the castle without you and let your family know you're safe. However, I can't do that. I'm sorry, Casimir."

It wasn't his fault; Casimir was aware of that. None of this was Sebastian's fault. He always got along with the warlock before. He didn't consider him a friend, but he respected Sebastian since he was married to Casimir's sister. This warlock rescued his sister a few years back, so he was forever grateful to this man. He was just annoyed that Logain liked him. He would get over it eventually. It wasn't a competition since Sebastian was straight and had no interest in Logain other than friendship.

He felt silly for feeling this way as he felt Logain grip his arm. His expression softened when he looked at him. As much as Casimir wanted him to go with him to the castle, he knew he couldn't ask that of Logain. While he could lie to his parents to tell them a different story, they would know something was going on if Logain spent too much time with him at the castle. And with the church always hounding Casimir, he would be putting Logain in danger. While Ambria had laws that protected witches and warlocks, the church did whatever they pleased. The high priestess was the most corrupt of them all.

But to his surprise, Logain agreed, "I'll go with you. I-I won't stay for long, but I'll come with this time to support you. And it would be nice to see your sister again."

Since Sebastian and Logain were friends, Logain would know the princess and was most likely friends with her as well. If they were friends, Casimir wondered why he never saw Logain at the castle before. He was always busy as the crown prince, but he should have seen the warlock at least once. He would have to ask him about it later. He was just glad Logain would be coming with him this time.

Sebastian didn't seem too pleased that Logain would be coming with them, but he decided not to argue about it. With the flick of his wrist, the warlock created a portal that would take them right to the castle.

"Let's get going," he said, then turned and walked towards the portal.

Casimir didn't want to go, but it seemed he didn't have a choice now. It was comforting to hold Logain's hand as they followed the other warlock through the portal, but this affection couldn't last long. He didn't want to put Logain in a bad position.

The prince didn't let go of him until they were on the other side and in the castle of Ambria.