The Warlock (BxB)

Chapter 52

Logain latched onto Casimir's arm as the prince led him through the palace. Having a conversation with the king and queen of Ambria made him nervous. He didn't want to disappoint them or make a fool of himself. Logain was aware that the royal family had certain expectations when it came to their significant others. Being a warlock was frowned upon, even though Selene was allowed to marry Sebastian. He knew the king and queen weren't fond of the other warlock, but they accepted him into the family because he made their daughter happy. Would Logain be able to join the family in the same way?

He knew the other problem was the fact that he's a man. That seemed to be a bigger concern than him being a warlock. The royal family was worried about the church becoming involved if they learned Logain's identity. Casimir wasn't allowed to be with Amaris because he was a man, so the past might repeat itself.

The prince squeezed the warlock's hand when he noticed him lost in his thoughts. He gave him a gentle smile and tried to reassure him. "Everything will be okay. My parents will accept you, and I'm sure they have a plan to let you join the family. If not, then I guess we'll just have to run away."

Logain rolled his eyes. "You can't always run away from your problems, Casimir."

Casimir chuckled. "Watch me. If it means being with you, I will do anything to obtain that future. I love you too much to give up on you now."

His words warmed Logain's heart. He tightened his grip on the prince's hand and said, "I-I love you, too. Whatever happens, we'll get through this together."

If they could secure a future, then Logain would worry about the rest later. He knew that Casimir's mortality would catch up to him eventually, but Logain would figure out the details. He kept it to himself for now, but there might be a way for them to expand Casimir's life. However, doing so was forbidden dark magic that the church frowned upon, and it was part of the reason why many people despised warlocks. It was a spell Logain didn't think he was capable of casting. Perhaps with Casimir by his side, he could perform the ritual, but that was something he would have to discuss with the prince in the future. He would be asking a lot of the prince.

Logain placed his head against Casimir's arm. He knew it was something he shouldn't think about at this moment, but he couldn't help his racing thoughts. He had to ask, "Casimir . . . if you were given the opportunity, then would you live with me forever?"

The prince didn't hesitate to answer, "I would. Being with you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. If I could, I would spend eternity with you."

For a moment, Logain wanted to tell him that it was possible, but he held his tongue. Though Casimir agreed, asking the prince to give up his mortality to be with him was selfish. Logain knew what it felt like to lose the mortals he grew close to in the past. Death was why he chose his life of solitude and never got close to humans. Asking Casimir to give that up meant the prince would watch all his friends and family die while he remained young forever. He might have loved him, but was this really something Logain could ask Casimir to sacrifice? No amount of love could free him from the pain he would feel.

Logain kept his thoughts to himself as they neared the dining hall. His heart picked up in speed when the doors opened and he could see the rest of the royal family waiting inside. Logain believed it would only be the king and queen they would speak to, but Casimir's siblings were there as well as Sebastian, who sat beside Selene. Being around too many people was emotionally draining for Logain. He didn't know how he would get through this without making a fool out of himself.

Casimir was there to support him, which helped the warlock feel a little more confident. If the prince were by his side, then he could get through this. He tried to keep his head held high as Casimir led him over to the open chairs that were reserved for them, right beside the king and queen. Casimir pulled the chair out so Logain could sit down before taking his spot at the table. The prince took Logain's hand in his, showing that he wasn't backing down from this relationship. Regardless of whether his parents accepted it or not, Casimir had every intention of marrying Logain.

The prince would make that clear now as he said, "I'm marrying Logain no matter what anyone says. I love him, and I won't let anyone stop me from being happy."

He looked his mother in the eyes when he said this. She was his biggest obstacle. The queen had always been adamant about Casimir finding a woman to marry, but the prince was going against her wishes. He knew she wasn't telling them the complete truth. She was hiding something, and today they would find out what it was. Casimir assumed that's why his siblings were here as well.

The queen kept eye contact with her son. Eventually, she nodded her acceptance. "You may marry him, but on one condition. Until the dilemma with the church is resolved, either Logain keeps his distance, or if he is in the castle, then he'll need to continue dressing as a woman. I will not forbid you from marrying him."

"Since we're on the topic, could you finally explain why this is happening? What were you trying to hide from us and the church?" It was about time his mother was truthful. His father and siblings were curious as well and they all waited for the queen to tell them what was going on.

With a sigh, Queen Lillian responded, "As the divine maiden, I was able to see visions of the future. I haven't had any visions since Casimir's birth. He holds part of my power, so I can no longer see the outcomes. However, before I lost that power, I was able to see part of Casimir's future. In his future, I saw a lot of pain and heartache, and all of that pain revolves around you, Logain. If my son marries you and the church finds out what you are, you will die."

Her words came as a shock to everyone listening. Logain, especially, was at a loss for words. After living for centuries, the idea of death hardly crossed his mind anymore. He witnessed many loved ones dying around him, but he never believed he might lose his life one day. He wasn't invincible, but it would take a lot to kill him.

The queen continued, "That's why I wanted Casimir to marry a woman. Or honestly, I wanted him to marry anyone besides you. You might bring him happiness right now, but it might not last forever. If you do join the royal family, High Priestess Meredith can never meet you. You will constantly have to conceal your identity from her or avoid her entirely. I will not stop the two of you from being together, but you will have to be cautious. I want my son to be happy."

"I would never let anything happen to him. Try as much as she wants, Meredith will never lay a finger on Logain." Casimir tightened his grip on Logain's hand. Hearing that the High Priestess could have a hand in Logain's death infuriated him. Everything always went back to Meredith. She was the bane of all their problems.

Selene nodded. "And we will do whatever we can to protect him as well. Isn't there something we can do about her? She's been nothing but trouble, and if Logain does join our family, then she will be hurting royalty. She can't get away with that."

"I think Meredith's goal is to break the royal family. She doesn't care about the consequences, and she can use Logain as an excuse that we are not fit to rule anymore. She will plague the people's minds and turn them against warlocks. Our people are already starting to believe that magic users are the enemy. If she convinces the people that warlocks and witches are evil, she can claim that we are letting them take over our kingdom. She has already turned the people against Selene and Sebastian. She will do the same to Casimir and Logain. This will ultimately lead to Logain's demise," the queen explained.

No matter how they looked at it, Meredith had the upper hand. Logain didn't know how long he could hide his identity from her. The High Priestess could sense other magic users, so she would know what Logain is just by being around him. Since she was always bothering the royal family, Logain couldn't avoid her forever.

He was starting to doubt that he should be there. Logain didn't want to cause Casimir any more pain. The prince had already lost people he cared about. Logain didn't want to be added to that list. The warlock let go of Casimir's hand and stood up.

But Casimir was quick to latch onto his arm. "Logain, don't leave, please. We'll figure this out. Nothing is going to happen to you, and we won't let the High Priestess win. You'll be safe with us."

He wanted to believe his words, but Logain was struggling with this information. "Casimir . . . I need some fresh air."

Casimir nodded, but he wasn't willing to let Logain be alone right now. He was scared that if he let him go now, then he would never see him again. He couldn't let Logain run away. He stood up with him and said, "I'll go with you."

The prince glanced at his family and excused himself before leaving the dining room with Logain.