6. Chapter 6

B y the end of the night, I was feeling a lot more confident about what was to come. Each interaction I'd had throughout the party had been fairly positive. Of course, it didn't hurt that Florian seemed to have enchanted his way through high society. He certainly enchanted me.

I'd felt him use his magic several times, and seeing the change in expression of those he'd touched was fascinating. I had a moment of wariness when it first happened. I wasn't entirely sure how it worked or what he could do, and I wondered if he was trying to manipulate people or influence their opinions. I didn't want that. I wanted to stand on my own accord, and prove that I was worthy of their trust and loyalty. But I was wrong. There was no influence, only healing, and it was a marvel to witness. Florian didn't call attention to it, and they likely didn't know why they felt better, but I could see them all stand a little taller and their eyes brighten.

It also served as a reminder that so many people dealt with struggles you couldn't see. There were many topics people were passionate about that I could discuss with them, but nothing would have touched them as personally as the moment of relief they felt within their bodies. Florian could see what they needed, though.

He'd managed to hold up conversation better than most civilians likely would. As educated as I was, Florian had a sense for what things were like for people during their everyday lives and had managed to insert himself and his ideas a few times. I found myself hanging on to his every word, and I wasn't the only one. Florian was a breath of fresh air in a typically stuffy crowd.

He stayed at my side as our guests left. Most bowed or dipped their heads to me, but with Florian, he had been on the receiving end of handshakes and even a few hugs. It was impressive how he managed to handle himself at such a big ordeal, and incredibly endearing to see him received so well.

While some of the representatives that traveled from other nations would be housed in the guest wing of the palace, they were finally gone from sight. I threw my arms around Florian, picking him up and swinging him around. He let out a beautiful laugh at the sudden twirl.

"You were magnificent, Flor! Absolutely astounding. I couldn't have imagined the night going better." I set him back down on his feet but didn't pull away from him, my hands resting on his lower back.

He stared up at me, alabaster skin flushed pink, and he rested his arms on my shoulders. "As were you, Mal. If anyone had any doubt about your ability to be king, you crushed it tonight. I can tell you that I didn't sense any duplicity from those that offered you their support. It was genuine. You won them over. There is true excitement for the change in power. And you didn't have any weird hiccups either."

I thought about how smoothly it had gone, no animal noises or foreign herbs, no confused looks, or loss of respect. With Florian uncertain about the event, I felt a surge of confidence at the thought of protecting him, of being strong for him, that I didn't even think about what might happen to me. "You're right! I was so in the moment, I completely forgot to be aware of any strange issues."

Florian squinted and tilted his head, as if he was assessing me. "Hmm… Curious."

"What is it? Do you think it's gone?" Was it that easy? Was it over already? The charms that had afflicted me had already left?

He shook his head. "I'm not sure. I don't want to count anything out yet, but perhaps this is a piece of the puzzle, only I can't see the full picture yet."

"Well, even if I had made a fool of myself, it would have been worth it to see the way everyone reacted to you. They don't even know what you did for them." How many people had he touched and eased their pain in some way?

"They don't need to. I didn't do it for attention. Perhaps I enjoy a little intrigue, but I did it because I had the means to do something that could help, if only a little. I don't know why I was given this power, but what good does it do if I keep it to myself? If much is given then much should be shared."

It was the very ideal I had long fought for. To use the power I'd been granted by birthright to make a difference. And here was this person who lived it every day. I was so overcome with admiration of him, of his beauty, not just on the outside but in his heart as well, that I did something I'd thought about for twenty years.

Squeezing my arms tighter around his back, I bent down and kissed him. A soft gasp escaped him before his hands locked behind my neck, holding me in place. Warmth flowed from him, as his soft lips moved against mine. Light poured out of him, making me feel like a lizard soaking up the sun. His mouth on mine was a whiplash through time, past and present colliding together. That before me was the young boy who I once kissed tentatively, our teeth clinking together as we giggled through the awkwardness, and the sexy man who now expertly slid his tongue between my lips, making me groan.

Florian rose on his toes, deepening the kiss until it consumed me. The collision had become a black hole where time and space ceased to exist, and the entire universe revolved around the two of us as we melded together. I'd kissed a few men since him, but nothing had ever felt like this. Maybe it was his magic, or our past, or the years I'd spent longing for him, or maybe all of it all at once. Whatever it was, I didn't want it to end. I wanted to live there with the taste of sunbeams dancing on my tongue as it tangled with his.

A cough sounded behind me, making me still as reality crashed back in. We weren't, in fact, floating through the universe, completely untethered from the earth. We were very much in a public area of the palace that only moments ago had been filled with guests. It was an oversight that never would have happened before. I was always careful to keep displays of affection to private areas. But I couldn't help myself, not with Florian. Not with how completely enraptured I was by him and the fact that he was very much not a young boy anymore. I was half hard already from his kiss alone. If it had lasted any longer, I wouldn't have been able to hide my reaction. Thankfully, my tuxedo jacket helped provide a little cover when I pulled away from him.

It was the head steward who had found us. He had his head lowered, as he said, "My apologies, Your Highness, but I believe you may wish to find a more private location to continue your… discussion ."

Florian snorted beside me, making the man lift his gaze, and his eyes rounded with surprise when he took in the man beside me. "Young Florian? Is that you?"

"Not so young anymore."

The old man's mouth quirked, trying to contain a smile. He might have gotten flustered regularly by our antics when we were young, but he always seemed to have a soft spot for my friend. "No, I suppose not. It is good to have you back, sir."

"It's good to see you, Reggie. And please, no sirs, I'm still just me."

His eyes slid between us."Maybe not for long, though, sir ."

Was it so obvious how smitten I was? Was there any type of future between me and Florian? I wanted there to be. One day with him and I wanted ten thousand more. Reginald's eyes might be aged and slightly cloudy, but he still managed to see more than most. I didn't know how to respond without giving away how deeply the thought affected me.

"So, Reggie, do you still have bunnies around here?"

He pointed a crooked finger at Florian. "Yes, outside, where they belong. Don't you dare bring them in. You might be all grown up, but I have no qualms about putting you in the corner and telling the kitchen that you are not allowed any dessert."

"That's just cruel, old man. As an adult, I have the right to dessert any time I want it." Florian crossed his arms over his chest, and let out a huff, looking ridiculously cute.

He'd spent a lot of time in the corner as a kid, nose to the wall. I had a few times, but more often than not Florian had covered for me and taken my punishment, defiantly proud, and I loved him for it.

"Not in this house, you don't." Reginald's tone was serious, though I could see a twinkle in the man's cloudy eyes. The banter between them made me smile. It felt so familiar and made it feel like Florian had come home.

Florian threw an arm over my shoulder and pecked a quick kiss on my cheek. He leaned his head on my shoulder and faced Reginald. "See, the thing is, Reggie, I happen to know the future king, and I don't think he would deny me dessert."

I wouldn't. I wouldn't deny him anything. Whatever he asked for, I would happily give him. I was completely, hopelessly, and willingly under his spell. I simply shrugged. "Sorry, Reginald."

The steward coughed to cover a laugh. "You two are going to be trouble, I just know it. And I look forward to it, young Florian."

He dipped his head before leaving us alone in the ballroom. As much as I wanted to immediately dive back into kissing the beautiful witch at my side, Reginald had been right. This wasn't the best place for it. I wasn't ready for him to leave though.

"Would you want to stay the night?"

Florian's brow lifted, and he smirked. "Oh? Are you propositioning me, Your Highness ?"

Crowns! He was tempting, and I very nearly said yes. But as much as I wanted him physically, I wanted to treasure the fact that he was actually here. "No. Not like that. I would like to spend more time with you. It's been kind of a wild day, and we haven't gotten to talk much."

That playful smirk stretched into a sweet smile. "I'd really like that, Mal."

Hearing the old nickname made my heart flutter every time. I was never Mal to anyone else, only him. I loved that he had grown more comfortable with me throughout the day, and he had dropped the formalities.

Holding my arm out to him, Florian placed his in mine, and I led him back to my suite. The guards we passed simply nodded and wished us goodnight, as if having him with me was something that happened all the time.

Florian nudged me slightly. "You know I don't actually want to use you for your position or what you can do for me, right?"

"I never thought that. Not for one second."

"Except for maybe kitchen privileges."

I chuckled. "You always did have a sweet tooth, nice to see that hasn't changed. If it makes you happy, then I'd like nothing more than to provide you with every dessert you could imagine."

"Right now, I could go for some whipped cream," he said with a tease, making heat rush through me at the idea of him using it on anything but a dish.

"Crowns!" He was going to make keeping my hands to myself a big challenge.

Florian laughed. "You used to say that all the time as a kid. I find it very cute that you still do."

"I was taught to control my language and not to say anything untoward in public. Habits are hard to change, so it was easier not to."

I opened my door and led him into my suite, locking it behind us. No one would dare enter my room without permission, and I wasn't planning on anything wild happening, but I still hated the idea of someone surprising us. Especially with Florian here. It felt scandalous having him in my room now. Now that I was about to be king, and we were two grown men, and I was extremely attracted to him.

"You are always so polite, aren't you?" Florian teased as he ran a finger down my cheek.

"I try to be."

"I wonder what it's like with the men you hook up with. I can just imagine… ‘Would you be so kind as to kneel before me and suck my prick?'" He said it in an exaggerated accent that made me laugh and roll my eyes.

I gave him a playful shove. "Shut up."

"Oh! Not so polite then? Maybe it's more commanding. Do you give orders and expect to be obeyed?"

My cheeks burned at the thought. No, I wasn't much for making demands. It was hard enough to know if the people I dated wanted me or the power they associated with me. I certainly wouldn't want them to feel like they didn't have a choice in the bedroom. "That's not really the kind of conversation I was hoping to have."

Florian let out a laugh, "Fine. I guess I'll just have to wait and find out for myself."

"I…uh, what?" Words tumbled out of me as I thought of Florian's bold suggestion. One that made me want to forget about the talking thing all together. Did he really want me like that? I had never wanted anyone more than I did him, but I wasn't ready to take it there.

He wrapped his arms around my neck until our faces were mere inches apart. "You were always so fun to fluster, Mal. But somehow it's even better now, when I saw how perfectly poised and confident you were downstairs at the party, and here you can hardly complete a sentence."

"Sorry, you just…surprise me, is all."

"Oh, don't be sorry. I rather like it. It's sweet and makes me feel powerful. That I, a mere witch of the Purlieu, could so easily throw a prince off balance. It makes me wonder just what I could get you to do." He pushed up on his toes and gave me a quick lick over my lips, pulling away and leaving me frozen in place, wishing for so much more from him.

Florian walked to the credenza and braced a hand on it to undo the laces of his heeled boots. I watched in wonder as he kicked them off as if he were as comfortable in this room as he once had been.

I was enthralled by every little thing that he did. A word slipped out on a breath as he undid the braid, unwinding the gold chain that had been woven into it. "Anything."

He looked over his shoulder at me, auburn hair hanging down. "What's that?"

I would do anything he wanted me to. It might have been a frightening thought if he were someone else, but I trusted him completely. It might seem fast to feel such an intense connection after having just reunited, but it was there, and it was real. "Oh, it was nothing. I'm just going to change and use the toilet. I'll be out in a minute."

I quickly grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a tee and hurried to make my escape. But before I could reach the door to my en suite, Florian stopped me. "Mal? Would you care to lend me a hand? Ambrosia laced me up pretty good, and I can't seem to untie the corset."

"Yes. Of course." Unthinking, I simply dropped my clothes on the floor before reaching him. Florian snickered at my urgency to touch him. His bare shoulders had been teasing me all night. I never would have thought shoulders could be so sexy, but it was a peek that made me want to see the rest of his body.

I found the bow in the center of his back, loosened it, and began uncinching the back. Florian let out a sigh as it expanded. "I love the shape and the posture it gives me, but it always feels nice to take a corset off. It doesn't hurt having a handsome man do the job either."

My hands hesitated on his bare back above the edge of the corset. His skin was so creamy and smooth, I wanted to taste him. When I didn't move away, Florian grabbed my hands and placed them on his waist.

"You can touch me, Mal, I don't mind. In fact, I encourage it. I like being touched."

I let out a heavy breath, trying to maintain some restraint, even if he openly offered. Pressing a kiss to the top of his head, I said, "I'm going to change. Help yourself to anything you need."

Scooping up my clothes from the floor, I went to the washroom. After removing my tux and hanging it in the wardrobe inside, I stood in front of the mirror and stared at my reflection. What was I doing ? I should not have a man in my room. But Florian wasn't just any man, and we had slept together numerous times. Though never when we were both adults, and with a very palpable attraction between us. Unless it was all a show on Florian's end. No. He was sincere, if not a little…lascivious. I might not be used to hearing someone talk so bluntly about desires, but I had to admit I liked it. I just didn't know what to do with it or how to respond.

Splashing water on my face, I tried to cool the heat that was blooming beneath my skin and got into my basic gray sweats and white t-shirt. It didn't occur to me to announce myself before returning to my room. But the coolness of the water evaporated immediately when I opened the door to find Florian standing there completely nude except for a tight jockstrap that did nothing to hide his bulge or his luscious thighs, where I could see the hint of the straps on the side that curved down to hug his ass.

"Crowns!" I breathed out. I stared longer than I should have at his beautiful body on display before finally slapping a hand over my eyes. "Sorry. I thought you would be changed already."

"It's fine. I am. As much as I loved the outfit I was wearing, it feels good to have air on my skin again."

I peeked between my fingers. "Oh. You're going to stay like that?"

I could see him smirk as he sauntered toward me. "Unless you want me to put more clothes on."

"No!" I blurted out, unable to hide the desperation in my voice. I had no desire to cover up all of his skin that was wonderfully on display. "Sorry, not what I meant to say. Whatever makes you comfortable. Or I could lend you something."

Florian jumped on the bed, his bubbly ass bouncing, calling to me like a siren trying to lure me to the cliffs, as he flashed me a grin before getting under the covers. "Nope. I'm good."

I shook my head. "You're ridiculous."

"Maybe. Now get your ass in this bed, or I'm going to start rolling all over it to feel the silky sheets on my body."

"That's not much of a threat." I murmured to myself, but he must have heard me, because he let out a snort. Still, I wanted to be near him more than I wanted to watch him mess around. I walked to the other side of the bed and laid down on top of the covers, not trusting myself to be next to him with so much skin available to touch and explore.

Florian wiggled around a bit until he was sitting up against the headboard, the blanket draped over his waist. My eyes lingered over him, taking in the lean torso on display, showing his smooth skin without a hint of chest hair. He had small, rosy nipples that seemed to perk up under my attention, but I forced my gaze away, staring at the ridges in the textured ceiling. I'd counted and memorized them in the years I'd spent looking up while trying to sleep.

We lay there in silence for a moment. It was slightly awkward but not uncomfortable. Not to me, at least. His presence beside me was calming in a way, the warmth of him radiating beside me.

"Can I feel it again?" I asked quietly.

"Feel what?"

"Your magic."

"Sure." Florian held his hand out, and I put mine in it, entwining our fingers.

Immediately, I could feel that surge of warmth that flowed from him to me, and I exhaled softly, as the corners of my mouth tipped up "Mmm."

Florian's thumb rubbed over mine in gentle circles. "You can really feel it?"

"Yes." I felt my eyes close as the sunshine sensation spread beneath my skin.

"And it doesn't bother you?"

"No, it feels really nice. Is that unusual? Does it normally bother people?"

Florian pressed his lips as he stared at our joined hands. "Not that I know of. I've never had anyone seem to notice while I did it. I usually mix up balms or potpourri or some concoction while I do it. People tend to believe in tangible things more than what they can't see, so they believe I imbue the ingredients with power, rather than reaching right into them with my magic."

"Incredible. So you don't even need to touch someone to make it work?" I squeezed his hand, loving the feel of it mine and not willing to let go.

"It's not necessary, no. However, physical connection helps me focus and direct its path, especially if it's loud or there are too many stimuli, like being in the capitol, or if something is particularly stubborn, like your frog. Sometimes, though, it's just nice to touch or be touched, like now."

I slid a glance over to him, and we shared a smile. "I understand. It's something I miss, too. Even the act of holding someone's hand is a rare occurrence for me. This is nice."

"It is," Florian said with a soft sigh.

"How come I never knew about your magic? When did it start?"

I felt him tense beside me and a part of me wanted to take it back, but there were too many unknowns about my past—our past—and I was long overdue for some answers.

Florian was quiet for a moment, but when he spoke it was with a sullen tone, though he held onto my hand. "I didn't know about my magic, either. I had no known heritage or anyone who knew about me. I showed up as an infant and was taken in by a household, raised by many, looked after by the king and queen who wanted their son to have a playmate. But no one knew where I came from. I was thirteen when my magic made itself known. Suddenly, I could sense more than others seemed to. It wasn't only pain or illness I could feel things in people: intent, wills, sensing the good or bad in them. It was all so confusing and everything grew louder, making it hard to focus on anything. I holed myself up in my room, trying to filter through all the noise."

I sat up and turned toward him. "I remember that. I thought you were sick. Crowns , I sat outside your door for days, I was so worried. Wait, can you even get sick?"

"I can. My magic only works when directed outward, not inward. It doesn't work on me, believe me, I've tried. But I wasn't sick then, just inundated. It was all too much to process."

An ache grew in my chest at the thought of him suffering by himself. "You should have come to me. I would have helped you. I don't know how, but you shouldn't have had to deal with that alone."

"I didn't know if what was happening to me would harm you somehow." His voice sounded young, like he'd been transported back twenty years and was reliving the ordeal all over again.

I sat up and turned toward him, not letting go of his hand. "I would have risked it."

He shook his head. "No, Mal. I couldn't let you. I knew from day one that your life meant more than mine. You needed to be kept safe because it was your destiny to lead someday."

"That's bull-loney." I managed to hold back the curse that had nearly come out. "My life doesn't matter more than yours, Flor."

Florian offered me a sad smile. "It does, but that's okay. That's just how the world works. We need leaders, and they must be protected."

I wasn't naive enough to know there wasn't truth to what he was saying, but I'd never hated my position more than I did at that moment. Hearing that my friend felt he had to suffer alone for my sake made me feel both angry and hurt.

I couldn't keep the pain out of my voice when I spoke again. "And then what? You just left so I couldn't see you?"

Florian turned toward me, the blanket falling and his bare thigh revealed, not that I could focus on his body or his nakedness right now. I wished I could. "I didn't just leave . I never wanted to leave in the first place."

"So what happened? My father told me you left in the middle of the night, and you didn't want to be followed. I tried to escape several times, but the palace was tightened down, and I couldn't."

He looked at me with misty eyes before throwing his arms around me and planting his mouth on mine in a hard kiss. Surprised by the action, it took me a moment to respond, but his lips felt so warm and sweet, I couldn't resist it. Florian slid a leg over my lap until he was straddling me, as his tongue dove into my mouth.

A loud moan rumbled in the back of my throat at the weight of his body on mine. My arms folded around his back, holding him to me. It was frenzied and desperate, as if we could make up for twenty years of lost time in this one moment together. That the pain and loss we both had experienced was being mended by our mouths working together.

I'd forgotten he was only wearing a jock strap until my hands slid down and found the waistband that led to the curves of his ass beneath. In spite of his hardness I could feel between our bodies, I quickly moved my hands away, not wanting to take things too far.

Florian pushed back and caught his breath. He wiped the corner of his eye. "I don't want to think about the past any more. Can we just be here, in the present, together?"

There was so much I wanted to know, but with the beautiful man in my lap, and the way it felt with him sitting on my throbbing erection, I would be happy to stay in the present with him. I ran my hand over his thigh, my thumb barely brushing the outline of his strained jock, wishing I could touch all of him.

I gave a nod and looked into those forest green eyes of his. "I'm here with you, Flor."