In theory, Crown Prince Alarik can have anything—and anyone—he desires.
In practice, Felix is ten feet away, perched on Cassius' lap. Felix laughs, dark eyes glittering, and when he tosses his head back, shadows pool in the hollow of his throat. Alarik swallows his remaining wine. Eloise, his wife, follows his gaze and sighs.
Felix reaches for his own goblet but Cassius gets there first, pours red wine between his lover's lips. Felix bats his eyes and returns Cassius' kiss with enthusiasm. Eloise tops up Alarik's goblet. She's a good woman—he loves her—but Felix is bright like a flame and Alarik wants to burn.
He would act on it officially but for the fact that the king is sick and getting sicker. But for the fact that Alarik loves Cassius even as Cassius loves Felix and Felix loves them both.
But for the fact that their enemies wait for weakness and Alarik snatching away his brother's consort would divide their kingdom.
Felix meets Alarik's eyes; colour dusts his cheeks. Alarik stands. Eloise's fingers are soft on his wrist.
"Be careful."
He nods. They should stop. If Felix does not follow, Alarik will not push.
Felix follows. He always does.
YOU ARE READING
Trials of Love
RomanceA collection of prompt-based short stories for the Trials of Love Romance Collaboration. See the first chapter for more detailed summaries of each story to follow.
