The Warlock (BxB)

Chapter 38

Logain waited outside of the throne room, trying to listen in on the conversation going on inside. He could hear muffled voices, but it wasn't enough to make out any words. Knowing Casimir, he was most likely telling the truth. Logain didn't mind, as long as he was kept out of it. He didn't want the royal family to know about his involvement. He was worried they would eventually figure out that he was the one who took Casimir to Cordea. If they were feeling generous, they would pass it off as an accident, but if not, he worried what the consequences of capturing the crown prince of Ambria would be. He didn't know much about the king or queen, so he didn't know what they would think.

As he waited, Logain didn't notice someone approaching him. He didn't realize until that person threw their arms around him, startling him.

"Logain! It's been so long!" The princess of Ambria, Selene, hugged the warlock.

When he learned that it was only the princess, Logain returned the hug. He used to visit the princess and her husband often, but he stopped because of the uncomfortable feeling he always had around them. Selene and Sebastian were the perfect couple, which made Logain jealous. He wanted a loving relationship like theirs, and it was hard to get past his feelings for Sebastian. Selene knew about Logain's feelings, but she still chose to be his friend and didn't resent him for it.

In the past, when Selene was captured, Sebastian was the one who rescued her. The princess and warlock grew fond of each other during their journey, and eventually, developed a relationship. Logain joined their adventure halfway through and saw how they came to care about each other. Regardless of his feelings, Logain never came between them. He continued to keep his feelings bottled up.

Now that he had Casimir, Logain could attempt to finally move on.

When the princess pulled away, she asked, "What brings you to the castle? And outside of the throne room, for that matter? You hardly come to visit anymore, and I doubt you have an audience with my parents."

Logain wasn't sure how much he should tell her. He trusted Selene, but it was embarrassing to admit that he was there because of her brother. He didn't know if he could tell her that he accidentally kidnapped the prince. She would keep it to herself, but he still didn't want to admit it.

The warlock glanced away and shyly answered, "I'm waiting for Casimir. He returned to the castle."

At the mention of her brother, Selene's eyes lit up. Selene knew that Logain and Casimir were both gay, so her mind was turning. The princess didn't know why she never considered introducing them to each other before. Logain was cute and appeared innocent, which was the type of man her brother usually went for. They would make a cute couple.

Judging by the slight blush on the warlock's face, something happened between them. Selene couldn't help but tease him, "So . . . you were the one with my brother while he's been away. Did something perhaps happen that I should know about?"

Thinking about what happened during their journey only made Logain blush harder. Part of him wanted to tell the princess all of the details, but there were a few things he couldn't mention. Casimir was her brother, so there were some things that should stay private. Logain was about to answer, but he stopped when he caught sight of a group of people walking toward them.

They were being led by one of the servants, and at the head of the group was a woman who radiated power. She kept her head held high, clearly feeling superior to everyone else in the room. Behind her was a group of five men also dressed in white robes. Logain might not have recognized their faces, but he knew who they were. The High Priestess and her followers had arrived. Selene grabbed Logain's arm and pulled him closer to her and away from the throne room door.

The High Priestess was about to walk past the princess and warlock, but she stopped and decided to acknowledge them. They weren't the ones she was there to see, but she stopped anyway to address Selene.

"Princess Selene, it is a pleasure to see you again. However, I should give you another word of warning about warlocks. It seems those types of people flock to you. Keep your warlock trash away from the crown prince. We don't want him to be corrupted by their darkness." The High Priestess finally looked at Logain.

She was able to tell what he was just by being in his presence. Since Logain was only a halfling, his dark powers didn't radiate off him as much as a regular warlock and witch. Only those with the training could tell what he was by being near him. She clearly held power, but she still sought the power Casimir had. No matter how strong she was, she couldn't face someone with divinity.

Selene looked down, unwilling to meet the eyes of the priestess. She tightened her grip on Logain when she noticed his fists clench. She could tell he wanted to retort, but he stayed silent. He wouldn't say something to anger the High Priestess and get both of them in trouble. He held his tongue even though it was difficult.

The priestess turned back to the throne room door and then gestured to one of her men to step forward. "Amaris, come to the front and stay close to me. You'll be needed in case our dear prince is feeling better."

Logain watched as a man with long white hair stepped forward. He was pretty with light blue eyes and long lashes. Logain also noticed a symbol of a crescent moon on his forehead. After seeing him, Logain didn't know how he was supposed to compete with that. He took the spot beside the High Priestess. Logain felt inferior to a man this beautiful and confident in himself. He could see why the prince liked him, and Logain felt his heart clench. Casimir might have told him that he didn't have feelings for this man, but perhaps that would change when he saw him again.

They entered the throne room, leaving the princess and warlock alone in the hall once again. Logain couldn't be relieved by their disappearance, though. When Casimir saw Amaris again, what would happen? Maybe the prince would forget about Logain and go back to his old fling. The priestess knew Amaris was Casimir's weakness and she wanted to use him against him. Why else would she want him to walk beside her?

He was brought back to reality when Selene said, "I can't stand that bitch."

Logain was taken aback by the princess's foul language. For as long as he knew her, the princess never spoke that way. She must have really hated the priestess, and he couldn't blame her. Selene was married to a warlock after all. The High Priestess hated anyone who used dark magic, and she wanted to get rid of warlocks and witches for good. If it weren't for the royal family protecting magic users, the priestess would have gotten her way a long time ago.

Selene sighed, then said, "Logain, don't worry about them. I'm more interested in your relationship with my brother."

"There might not be much of a relationship after this if Casimir decides to choose Amaris over me," Logain retorted.

He had his doubts. Amaris was attractive, confident, and probably had full control over his magic. Logain knew the clergyman and prince shared many intimate moments, even after Casimir ended their relationship. That man was someone the prince used to love. Casimir only liked Logain but wasn't in love with him. The warlock couldn't hope to win the prince's affection.

The princess seemed to think otherwise. "What are you talking about? Casimir would be stupid to choose him over you, and that's not going to happen anyway. Their relationship is over and has been for a long time. My brother has no desire to be with him again. And besides, you don't know all the details. After what went down, Casimir will pick you."

Logain hoped she was right. If she wasn't, Logain didn't know if he would try this relationship thing ever again. He was tired of being heartbroken.

She linked her arm through his. "While we're waiting, how about we find somewhere quiet where we can chat? After their meeting, I'm positive Casimir will come running to find you. Until then, you're mine."

Selene gave him a friendly smile, which helped relieve some of his worries. He nodded, then followed the princess. He would tell her everything that happened during their journey.

Well, almost everything.