Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 2

I note the hint of offense at my question, but he can not blame me for being unsure. He's been gone so often lately. As much as I might appear to be busy, I miss him and the lifestyle he brings with him. I slide out of his lap to sit beside him, plucking at the grass like I've been caught doing something I shouldn't. 

"Don't look at me that way, you haven't necessarily been around, you know."

"We're in a war," Verando points out. 

I feel ridiculous for even bringing it up, reminding myself I'm not on the front lines. I'm not a soldier any longer, and I could hardly consider myself anything but a political puppet. Scoffing, I fold my arms over my knees with a heavy exhale. Verando cocks his head, and I note he's staring at me. Pressing my lips together, I toss a few strands of grass at him. 

"I'm painfully aware of the war we are in. Despite attempts to keep it from me, despite my absence on the lines. Gods, is it boring to sit in court all day."

 I'm learning how to rule a kingdom, at the threat of being forced to remain under constant advisement of the church, I was told it was time to declare my position and accept the throne. 

The rightful king had to take his place; that man was me. It had been settled among the courts, unanimously, that the cities of elves and man had united under a front they deemed most worthy to protect them. All of Romania would be held under my rule without removing the royal families of the kingdoms of man or the elves. 

"I figured you might like bossing everyone 'round? You certainly have gotten good at it." Verando muses, making me scowl, and he grins boyishly in response. "Have I mentioned how ravishing you look today?"

"Oh, shut it," I grumble, sliding back to rest on my palms. It felt good to slouch, to relax. I missed the freedom of the army, the pace of being on the road, everything about the castle was predictable. 

What if he didn't find me interesting anymore?

 "What if I don't want to be King?" 

Verando groans, flopping back in the grass and kicking his legs out to lie flat. I admire his shape, the way his clothes cling to his muscular frame. The road had been generous to him, though he had lost weight. I wet my lips, wishing I hadn't been so coy. I could be on my way to a pleasure-filled evening if I weren't so insistent.

 "Touch late for that, don't you think?" The wind carries a chill; the ends of summer were upon us. "I know it's boring, but it is your responsibility. You might have wanted to let the whole place burn if you were going to bow out, Nic."

I can't help but wrinkle my nose at him, annoyed at his stance. A scathing thought crossed my mind, but I stopped myself. "I thought you supported me in my every endeavor?" I prod. 

He folds his hands behind his head, watching me with that fierce look that suggests he's analyzing me. I put my hand over his eyes; I don't need his judgment, "I need you to be my lover, not my advisor, not my general... I'm not asking for your advisement."

"Romania is going to need you when this is all over, as it needs you now. As your lover, I'd hoard you for myself, but as one of your potential subjects-" 

 I lift my hand to peek at him, softening my expression.

"There is nobody else whom I would choose for this job, and your people seem to feel the same." 

Dragging my fingers over his cheek, he kisses my palm, capturing my hand with his own. 

"So maybe we should postpone the wedding...?" I ask with a shy grin. He sits up, his expression a mixture of hurt and frustration. "There's so much going on!" I add quickly. "I just-" How do I explain this without hurting that sensitive ego? "I want to live, Randy. I don't want to be tied down just yet."