Crossing Paths

15

Chaol's POV
With the adoration within their glances, with the fact Dorian went above his father to rescue Maven-with their overall love for the other-I had suspected that something of this caliber might happen. A fight was to be expected, not necessarily having to do with safety and of fear of harm, but a fight nonetheless. Though I didn't expect it to be in front of my men.
And I certainly didn't think Maven would question Dorian's authority, or challenge rather. Yes, they are both princes, but Dorian is a prince within his own kingdom. And Maven needs to understand that, needs to respect that. With the guilt on his face as of yet, I would assume he does.
I know he's been through hell, with even that little amount of time, and when I look at him, I feel guilty. I had promised Dorian I would keep him safe. And I hadn't. I failed Dorian. And that will not happen again, because I will help him gain back what he wants most in this world.

Maven's love.

"If I may, Your Highness." Maven's soft eyes met mine, once blistering with anger. Now gentle as if belonging to a child. Scared as if he was about to be scolded.

Approaching him, I placed my hands behind my back. As I kneeled, I placed one of them upon his knee, hoping he'd listen to me. Or, at least pretend to.
"I know hurting Dorian is scary, and I know that he doesn't want to hurt you either. But what is love if not to take risks?" Taking a deep breath,"It goes against my better judgment, but even I can see that you belong by his side, as he does yours. " I explained, looking at him.
His eyes were full of fear, but within that fear, are streaks of fire. That fire being his love for Dorian. And I knew, at that moment, that that fire was stronger than any fear.
"We cannot let our life slip idly by." I whispered, removing my hand. "We all deserve to be happy."
He stood up gingerly, as if second guessing every movement he took. But when I beheld him, his stance full, there was not an ounce of doubt.

"Be happy with him, Your Highness." I breathed, touching his shoulder. He said nothing after, so I took that as my leave. Turning and beginning to exit the room, he called for me.
"Chaol?" I halted and faced him.
"Your Highness." I stood straight.
"Thank you." His blue eyes pierced mine, that fear no longer residing within the love.

The love Maven Calore could only have ever feel toward Dorian Havilliard.

"You're welcome, Your Highness." Turning my back again, I heard a chuckle.
Glancing at him one last time, he met me with a smile.
"Call me Maven."

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Dorian's POV
I was still tasting him by the time I entered my own tower. Still thinking of him. And it certainly didn't do any good to stare at my bookcase, which had reminded me of the one I got him when he first came to stay with us. I sighed, running my hand through my hair. I had more important stuff to think about, like the ceremony held for Celaena and I tomorrow.
Taking off my shirt and pants, I stood and gazed out the window. I am tired, and I think it is a perfect time to just get some rest.
Then the door opened.

Maven's POV
I needed to see him. Needed to apologize about how silly and childish I was to think I could ever possibly stay away from him. Running down the corridors, skipping certain steps down the stairs, I raced to him.
And only him.
"Prince Maven." I stopped abruptly when a guard came in front of me, blocking the entrance that led me to Dorian.
"Yes? What?" I asked irritably. They're stopping me from getting to my prince.
"Please refrain from running, Your Highness. Take precaution."
"I will be fine." I reassured, attempting to move past them.
"My apologies, Your Highness, but it is late and His H-"
"Do not tell me what to do." I whispered, staring at them dead in the eye.
"Now move, I wish to speak to Prince Dorian." Both of them moved out of my way without another word. Looking over my shoulder. "The Captain wishes to see you, all of you. So leave."
Opening the door quickly, I walked inside briskly and closed it, or slammed it rather.

Immediately, my eyes took in Dorian. His back was to me, and toned and muscled, it was taking up my whole attention. My mouth watered.
He turned around a moment later, his chest and arms now exposed. I locked my eyes with him for a second, then they traveled downward. To his pectorals: strong and solid, along his arms: broad and hard. I swallowed, my gaze shifting to, pardon my language, but exactly where I wanted my mouth.

Dorian is perfect. He is beautiful. And he is all mine. I took a step forward, noting how Dorian didn't move. He only stared.
I took off my crown, putting it down onto his desk. My hands moved to the buttons of my coat, my fingers working at each button. Slowly, taunting him because he was unable to look anywhere else.
He shuffled forward suddenly,"M-" I held up a hand to my lips, telling him to keep quiet. He listened. The first few top buttons of my coat were unbuttoned, and I kicked off my shoes as my hands continued working. His eyes followed my movements. And he licked his lips. I rushed up to him a moment later and he met me in a ravaging kiss.

Gripping his waist as he gripped my face, I sucked on his lips. He broke away and started kissing along my chin and throat, tilting my head back.
"Dorian." I breathed, pushing him against the wall. His hands fell to my pants, scrambling to get them undone. In that time, I focused on running my hands along his chest.
Deciding to toy with him, I cupped him.
He moaned, lolling his head against the wall. My other hand was running along his back, the plane of his back underneath my hand enticing. He removed my hand in one swift motion, and dropped to his knees.
Oh, god. Please.

Knocking then rapped at Dorian's door.

Dorian's POV
I stilled. Why? Why couldn't we just have this moment? I leaned my head against Maven, my hair touching his navel. I sighed and he shivered. Looking up at him as tears now pricked my eyes, he looked down at me as he stroked my cheek. Kissing his palm, I stood.

"Dorian!" My head jerked to the door. My father? Why does my father need me, and now of all times? Angrily grabbing appropriate clothes-anything would be appropriate at this point, I tugged them on. Maven stood by my bed, slowly buttoning his buttons he unbuttoned for me.

For me, and only me.

"Go in the bathing room." He didn't object, striding over to the door and closing it behind him. Looking over the room briefly, I pulled open the door.
"Father it is late. Please, I wish to go to sleep." Yes, this isn't how a prince should act. I should be putting my country first. Above all. But my duty has disrupted my life a little too much recently.
And I am, for the first time in my life, fed up.
He ignored my statement."Come, and bring the Calore boy with you." Okay, that is unexpected. How had he known Maven is with me? Unless, he knew.
Deciding it best to just obey him for the time being,"We shall be there soon, father."
"Yes, you will." Saying nothing else, my father turned and walked away. Not once apologizing for interrupting.

I leant my back against the now closed door, not wishing to go speak to my father about God knows what. Opening my eyes, I met Maven's. He offered me a sad smile. He walked up to me, holding my cheek as he kissed me. I leant into it immediately, but he broke away, so I kissed hungrily along his jaw. He is laughing, I can feel it. Before I could wrap my arms around him and attempt to drag him away from the door, preferably toward my bed, he spoke."We must go speak with him, Dorian."
"Must we?" I asked in desperation. I've never been one to so easily want to disobey my father. But with Maven, I found myself behaving in completely different ways.
It is, what I consider, a good change.
"Yes, we must." He answered. I turned and opened the door.
He knew. He had to know of us. Why else would we summon us in the dead of night? It was certain that he knew, certain that'd he'd try in every way to tear us apart. That simply cannot happen. I won't allow it. Not again. No one is taking Maven from me.

Without an ounce of hesitation, I grasped his hand, entwining our fingers. He looked to our hands. Then into my eyes.
We both smiled.
We continued, hand in hand, our stride strong. We will go down fighting. Together. Side by side.

And we couldn't get these damn smiles off our faces.
As we willingly led the path that could be the end of my fire, and Maven's ice.

A/N- Hopefully you guys got what I meant by that. I'm hoping you did. Love you, my special readers!