33

Cyrus contained a giggle when Jasper caught sight of Greyson spread out on the bed. His cousin's mouth flopped open like a fish as his eyes bulged. Jasper looked between him and Greyson several times as he pointed at them.

Greyson stayed silent for a few moments before he finally said, "Prince Consort Jasper, it's nice to see you again, though it is a surprise."

"I'm a surprise?" Jasper asked, finally finding his voice.

"Yes," Greyson replied.

It took everything he possessed not to break down in a fit of laughter. Cyrus smirked as he peeked at Greyson, who appeared utterly calm. He'd won the elusive mage's love. No one, absolutely no one, thought he'd be able to do it.

"Cyrus, I know you're desperate and a bit crazy in love, but you can't keep Mage Greyson captive. It's illegal and not right. I'm gonna have to let him go," Jasper said in an even tone with his hands extended as if Cyrus had finally snapped.

"He's not captive!"

"I'm really not," Greyson added.

"Oh, well, you can't use love potions either. They have horrible side effects and aren't real, okay? I talked you down from that once already."

Heat rushed to his cheeks as Cyrus waved his hands, trying to stop Jasper from speaking further.

Greyson cackled behind him. "I'm not on a love potion. Did he really try to dose me?"

"Yes. I stopped him," Jasper answered unhelpfully.

"I can't believe you were crazy enough to try and dose me with a love potion," Greyson said, sniggering.

"It was a long time ago." Cyrus" cheeks burned. He'd thought, years ago, if he could get Greyson open to the idea of the two of them, he would continue to care about him after the love potion wore off. Jasper had told him the only thing Cyrus would get was a face full of mage fire.

"So I guess your secret is out," Jasper commented.

"Yes," Cyrus said, "Greyson knows I'm in love with him."

His cousin stared at Greyson, lips pursed. "You are not being held against your will?"

"I didn't say that," Greyson said, smirking. "But the ones holding me are Widow Jones, my hurt knee, and busted ribs."

"Did you hurt him?" Jasper asked Cyrus.

"No! I would never hurt Greyson."

"Lord Darius' soldiers beat me after I saved Cyrus' life."

"You saved Cyrus?" Jasper's eyebrows rose as he pointed at Greyson.

"Yes, he saved me."

Jasper looked between them, mouth open.

"He doesn't understand, love," Greyson said.

If possible, Jasper's eyebrows climbed even higher. "I'm sorry, what?"

Cyrus took Greyson's hand, their fingers interlacing. "Greyson and I are together."

"You and he are together?" Jasper asked, motioning between them.

"Yes."

"I need to sit down," he said, flopping onto a chair next to the table. "I can honestly say, I never saw that coming."

"Well, it surprised me too, but Cyrus is persistent," Greyson remarked, smirking.

Cyrus glared at Greyson, but that smug smirk remained firmly in place. Greyson tugged on his hand, and Cyrus complied with the silent request, sitting next to him. Greyson's head leaned against him as he breathed heavily.

"Are you in pain?" he asked quietly.

Greyson nodded.

"Maybe you should tell me exactly what happened?" Jasper asked, his eyes wide.

Cyrus began with leaving the capital but came to a stop when he reached the part where he arrived at the old battlefield. Greyson seamlessly picked the story up. He concisely related the events, not even leaving out the parts where he abandoned Cyrus to die or planned to poison him, which surprised Cyrus.

What Greyson didn't go into was exactly how they fell in love. Greyson hadn't been too clear on that matter with him either. As Greyson reached the end where Cyrus awoke with no memory of his time in the Griseo Mountains, he picked it back up.

Jasper remained quiet during the whole tale, hand on his chin.

When they finished, the room fell silent with only the occasional cracks and pops of the fire to break it. Jasper studied Greyson with narrowed eyes. Cyrus held Greyson's hand tightly, chin jutting out. He silently dared Jasper to not believe Greyson, but he surprised Cyrus.

"I believe you," Jasper said eventually.

"You do?" Greyson retorted with a disbelieving laugh.

"Did you lie?"

"No, but I'm shocked you believe my story."

"Well, some of it was confirmed by Cyrus. He saw the bounty hunters before you, and schemes like theirs are not unheard of."

"Thank you."

Jasper said, "I never thought I'd hear those words out of your mouth."

"More shocking than me saying I'm in love with Cyrus?"

"No," Jasper answered with a slight chuckle, though his eyebrows rose once again and he shifted back in the chair.

Cyrus smiled softly. Greyson was getting along with his family, well, part of it anyway. A small, sputtering flame glowed in his chest. Maybe Greyson and Cyrus' entire family could come to terms with each other. He didn't want to lose anyone or have to make a choice.

"I will have to speak to Lord Darius and listen to his account of the matter, so I can report back to my father-in-law," Jasper continued. "I don't know if these grievances will be enough to arrest Darius or transfer him."

Greyson scoffed. "He's done horrible things to us and his soldiers. He should be at least taken from here."

Cyrus asked, fingers tightening around Greyson's, "What?"

"Lord Darius has abused his position here since he was assigned. He hits his soldiers and abuses his house staff. Why don't you think none of us serve him? Darius has also been stealing from us. He will request an item, clothing, jewelry, or whatever and refuse to pay for it. If we don't give it to him, we're jailed. I, for the most part, have avoided this area because he had it out for me," Greyson said.

"Why didn't you report him?" Cyrus asked.

He snorted. "Report him to who? The emperor doesn't give a shit about us. Exactly who are we supposed to tell?"

Anger coiled in his stomach like a snake. "I will make this right. I swear."

"Because you love me?"

"Yes, and because it is the right thing to do."

"I never doubted you, love." Greyson cupped Cyrus' cheek, then kissed him. Cyrus would see this matter righted.

"Please," Jasper begged as he made fake gagging noises. "I'm not ready to watch this."

Cyrus almost shifted back, but Greyson kept possession of his lips for several more moments.

"Honestly," Greyson started, "you and your wife were just as amorous."

Jasper blinked. "As I recall, I've only met you once before, not long after my marriage."

"Indeed. When Spokesperson Charlotte and I were in the capital at the time, we were, surprisingly, invited to a party. I remember you said something you thought was clever—it wasn't—and she smiled at you with a warm look. Then anytime someone came near her, like the servant with a tray, you'd haul her against your side. Your mutual affection was obvious."

"Well, it would have been news to me," Jasper said, shaking his head.

Chuckling, Cyrus snuggled against Greyson. Jasper and Jade had an arranged marriage. They hadn't realized they liked each other until much later in their relationship.

"I wasn't in a position to tell you," Greyson said.

"I suppose that's true."

"And it worked out, I assume."

Jasper smiled, nodding. "It did indeed work out."

Cyrus tugged Greyson's hand onto his lap, tracing his rugged palm. He hoped they worked out just as well. Jasper and Jade were in love with two children.

"Do you think you could get people to come forward and tell their stories about Lord Darius? I could have my scribe transcribe them to add to the list of our offenses. It might be enough to get Lord Darius removed," Jasper said.

"Do you think the emperor will listen?" Greyson asked, his voice hard.

"I think he might. He has no love for Darius."

"I can ask around. I will only be able to get people from Woodhurst, not any further villages unless you want to stay quite a bit longer."

"No," Jasper said with a quick shake of his head. "I want to get home as soon as possible."

"I'll talk to Widow Jones, then. She should be able to get the word out."

"I will also have to have my scribe write down your story as well. I have to be thorough."

"We understand," Cyrus said before he gently kissed the top of Greyson's head, his soft hair tickling his nose. "Why don't I go ask Widow Jones if she will house Jasper and make you some tea?"

"Okay."

Cyrus scooted off the bed, then hovered nearby, inspecting Greyson to make sure he was alright before he moved toward Jasper, whose eyebrows were high on his forehead.

They stepped outside, and the wind whipped around them as it howled. "I don't know how you've survived here," Jasper said, crossing his arms.

"I like it."

Jasper snorted, rubbing his arms vigorously. "I'm freezing and my clothes are much thicker and nicer than yours."

Cyrus evaluated Jasper's clothes. They were dark blue, thick, and all lined with fur. His own were not as thick or nice. But as he brushed his fur-lined vest, Cyrus smiled. He liked these clothes better because Greyson had them made for him.

Winding around the house, Cyrus knocked on the front door. A little girl of eight or so with long black hair and owlish gray eyes opened the door, then gaped at him.

"Prince Cyrus, why are you here?"

"Hello, I don't believe I know your name."

"Lily," she said quietly, gripping her brown dress.

"Is Widow Jones home?" Cyrus asked.

She peeked through her lashes at Jasper. "Is grandma in trouble?"

"No," Cyrus said, crouching. "She"s not in trouble, I promise. I need to ask her for a favor, and Greyson wants tea. He says I make horrible tea."

She giggled. "Come on in."

Warmth enveloped them, making Cyrus groan in relief. He liked living here in the Griseo Mountains with Greyson, but winter was a bit difficult to endure.

The house was long with a kitchen to the left, a table and chairs, and to the right was a living room with a wide fireplace as well as chairs and a couch with several pillows. A blue woven rug covered the wood floor, and several paintings graced the walls. There were two doors on the back wall along with a staircase.

Lily directed them to a table, then stepped out of the room and returned with Widow Jones a moment later.

"Greyson wants tea?" She chuckled. "He is particular."

"It's willow bark tea, so I feel like it's all the same," Cyrus remarked. He didn't understand how he made it so bad that Greyson couldn't even drink it. "I also need a favor."

Widow Jones hung a kettle over the flames. "Lily, why don't you go play?"

She glanced at Jasper and Cyrus, then left the room.

"So," Widow Jones began, "what favor do you need?"

"Where are my manners?" Cyrus asked. "This is Prince Consort Jasper, my cousin. Jasper, this is Widow Jones."

"Pleasure to meet you," she said with a deep bow.

"The pleasure is all mine," Jasper replied, inclining his head.

"Besides providing tea for my picky boyfriend, I was hoping you would be willing to host Jasper while he's here. Of course, you can bill the lord's estate for any expense he incurs," Cyrus said.

Widow Jones made a noise in the back of her throat. "You won't cause any trouble?"

"I swear," Jasper said, hand over his chest.

She studied Jasper with her deep brown eyes before looking at him. Cyrus smiled. Nodding, she said, "He can stay."

"Thank you."

"Hmm." Widow Jones pulled a painted tin out of the cupboard.

He glanced at Jasper, unsure. Greyson was supposed to speak to her, but Cyrus wanted to get a move on. "We are planning on bringing our grievances against Lord Darius to the emperor. I was going to have Greyson speak with you, as he mentioned the offenses against people here."

"Many."

"I brought my scribe," Jasper offered. "If people can tell me what exactly Lord Darius has done, my scribe can transcribe them for the emperor."

"Do you think it would matter?" Widow Jones asked, staring directly at him.

"Potentially. I'm hoping to have Lord Darius removed, so he can never hurt any of you again," Cyrus said.

Widow Jones said, "I will spread the word."

The kettle whistled, and she added some of the tin's contents to it. The tea simmered for about ten minutes while they sat in amiable silence before she poured it into the teapot. "Here. Bring this to Greyson, but let it steep for thirty minutes and strain it well."

"Thank you," Cyrus replied, standing.

"I'm gonna go with him, but I'll be back," Jasper told her as he followed Cyrus outside.

After he closed the door, Cyrus said, "You're not coming up and bothering Greyson. He needs to rest."

Jasper stopped him with a touch on his arm. "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you."

"Have you two talked about what's going to happen?"

"What do you mean?" Cyrus asked, shivering in the winter air.

"You know the emperor is going to make you come home, and Greyson can't come with you."

"I already asked Uncle to lift the banishment order and bounty."

"He won't do that. I mean once the empress and Jade find out Greyson loves you, they'll fight for you, as will I, but the emperor is not going to let Greyson leave the Griseo Mountains. He's too powerful and dangerous."

Cyrus swallowed, brow furrowing. "I won't leave Greyson."

"You won't have a choice."