9. Chapter 9

" W hen we were old enough to start attending school, they were going to separate us, but you wouldn't let them. You stood your ground and told them you wouldn't go unless we could go together. Seeing as how the school you were to attend only served the children of dignitaries, it wasn't an option. So they brought in tutors. You had some of your own lessons, lessons for a prince, but we got to learn the basics of academics together. You were only five, but you already had a strong sense of who you were and what you wanted."

You. You were what I wanted . The thought formed through a heavy fog as though I had been sitting at the bottom of the ocean, and I was starting to make my way to the surface. There was light above me, warmth. I needed to push my way toward it.

"I was in awe of you then. As I am now. The way you moved through the dinner party with such poise and confidence. It was sexy as hell. But even more than that, it gave me a glimpse of the kind of leader you will be. You are the kind of leader who feels approachable and just, who is willing to hear from those he disagrees with to see if you can find common ground, and you have a heart for your people. I'm so proud of who you are, Mal. Beneath it all, I know the little boy who was so full of ideals and passion would be proud of you, too."

I felt one corner of my lip tilt up at hearing him. Warmth radiated through me, filling every cell in my body, making them feel as if they were bursting back to life. I could smell Florian's woodsy citrusy scent and felt his body next to mine. I draped my arm over him, squeezing tight.

"Mmm. That's nice to hear." My voice felt raspy and crackly, dried out as if I'd slept with my mouth wide open.

I heard a sharp inhale, before I was shaken. "Mal? Malachi?"

"Yes?" I blinked hard as harsh light burned my eyes. When they opened fully, I was staring up at Florian, his auburn hair hanging down. My cheek rested on his thigh and my arm was around his middle.

"You're back! Thank the stars!" He bent over me and pressed a hard kiss on my mouth, before peppering kisses all over my face.

"We're still in bed. Did I go somewhere?" The fog may have lifted, but I was feeling out of sorts. My body felt strange, pins and needles rippling through me. I tried to figure out the time, except it was too light out to be night still.

Florian pushed me to my back and covered my body with his own, pressing his cheek to my chest. "You did. You were so, so far away, but you made it back. How are you feeling?"

My arms wrapped around him, as if holding him was the only thing my body could remember how to do at the moment. "Fuzzy, tingly. I'm not really sure." Florian wiggled, hitting my bladder and a strong urge pummeled me. "And like I desperately need to relieve myself."

He popped off of me. "Oh, shit. Sorry. I wasn't sure exactly how to handle that. At least you seemed to be housebroken." He offered me an awkward half-smile.

I didn't know what that meant, but I needed to get to the toilet as quickly as possible. Scooting toward the end of the bed, I swung my legs over the edge. When I went to stand, they gave way, as if I'd forgotten how to walk. Florian was there immediately, letting me lean on him, and he helped guide each careful step to the washroom.

Realizing I wasn't steady enough to stay standing while I peed, I asked Florian to help sit me down. It was strange to have to need help for such a private act, but he did it without hesitance. Once I was secure, he stepped outside and waited, giving me a moment to myself. After peeing like I'd been keeping it in for days, I tried to stand once more, feeling slightly more steady.

I managed to make it to the sink and held the edge of the counter as I fought through the dizziness that came over me. My reflection in the mirror looked disheveled. My eyes seemed sunken in, and my hair was flattened down the center. I filled the glass I'd left on the counter with water and drank it down, calming the sandpaper feeling in my mouth and throat. Running the water in the sink, I leaned down and splashed it onto my face and toweled off. I grabbed my hair pick and fluffed out the center of my hair, bringing the curls back to life.

"Everything okay in there?" Florian called through the door.

I coughed to clear my throat. "Yes. I'll be out in a minute."

The water helped, but my mouth still felt chalky, so I brushed my teeth. The brightness of the peppermint helped clear my mind and wake me more fully. How long had I been sleeping? Or… not sleeping? Florian said I'd gone far away. What did that mean?

I opened the door to find Florian right outside of it, his brows lifted as his green eyes scanned my face. "I ordered some food. I'm sure you're hungry. You haven't eaten much today."

"I don't understand. What happened? What time is it? And why aren't I wearing a shirt?" I usually did when I was in my room, in case I was needed for something, aside from sleeping naked beside Florian.

His cheeks turned pink, and he hurriedly picked up my white tee off the ground. "Ah, well, you were having some trouble with your shirt, so it was easier to leave it off."

My brows pinched when he handed me the shirt. It looked like it had been stretched and pulled and…bitten? "What kind of trouble, exactly?"

"It's hard to explain. I will, I promise. I'll tell you everything. I just want to give you a minute to feel sorted again."

I trusted him, more than anyone else. I felt safe and loved in his presence. Something within me was connected deeply to him. I knew if he was withholding anything from me, it wasn't out of cruelty or spite. It was kindness, because he was kind. And good. And mine. I knew the possession I felt wasn't ideal, but it was real all the same. "Okay."

"Oh, and it's about five-thirty in the evening." Florian brushed my bare arm, sending a shiver through me that had nothing to do with the pins and needles of waking flesh.

"Five-thirty? Really?"

His lips pressed together into a thin line. "Yes. In fact, I need to go speak with Oscar. He's been worried about you."

"Was it another charm?"

"Yes."

"It was a bad one, then?"

"I'll tell you soon, Mal. I'll be right back." He stretched up on his toes and kissed my cheek.

After he left, I deposited my worn shirt into my hamper, and my eyes caught the state of my room. Books covered my desk and my bed. I didn't remember those being there before. I picked up one and realized it was about magic. They must have been Florian's as I'd never seen them in the palace library. As much as I liked the idea of him bringing his things here and seeing them fill my space, it didn't look like light, casual reading. It looked like he'd been frantically searching for something.

The thought of him working hard to find an answer to whatever happened made me feel loved that he would go through all of that for me, but it also pained me to have caused him such worry. I thumbed through the one in my hand, but it was all quite complex. A quick skim wouldn't tell me anything I would understand. Which was a shame. I was educated in all subjects, but magic had never been available to learn, or even talk about.

Was that why Florian had left as a kid? Was he afraid of people finding out? I would have been there for him and helped him, had I known. Perhaps then I would have been able to study these books of his and glean something from them, too.

A light tap on my door sounded and it opened, not waiting for me to give permission. I was on guard for a moment, before I saw his long hair swish around the door as he came in. Florian carried a tray with a silver cloche covering it. When he lifted the lid, the scent of food wafted toward me, making my stomach growl.

"I hope you don't mind, but I asked for a burger and fries. I know you used to like them, and I figured you wouldn't want something you would have to cut into. Mine's a portobello mushroom sandwich."

"Crowns! That smells amazing. Thank you."

He brought it over to the small table I had in my room. There was one chair at the table, so I grabbed my desk chair and brought it over. We sat down across from each other as if this was our tradition, and we always sat and ate together in the privacy of my room. I thought of the king's suite and how much more roomy it was. We could have a fully set table in there and enjoy our dinners together every night.

Suddenly, the suite held some appeal. My room might have been big enough for us when we were boys, but we weren't small anymore. And Florian had books and clothes, so he would need more space than my room could offer. The idea of him staying and living with me…maybe it was too soon to be planning for such things, but I could picture him here, at my side, as my partner.

Florian waited for me to take a bite of my burger, and I was already shoving a second bite in before I'd even finished the first. The meat was so juicy, it ran down my chin, but I didn't care. I was ravenous, and I'd never tasted anything so good in my life. In my years of learning to eat properly, I'd never scarfed down a burger like I did then. Florian was right. I wouldn't have wanted to have to wait through cutting up food.

He chuckled a little before taking a bite of his sandwich, letting out a soft moan of delight. "Fuck, that's good. I forgot how much I missed the food here."

My burger was gone in minutes, staving off that desperate hunger I felt. I'd skipped a meal or two before on long days, especially when doing PR events. There wasn't always time for a break. I'd never felt this hungry before though. Now that I could think properly, I slowed down to a more dignified rate of consumption.

"I thought you might have worked up an appetite," Florian said with a slight smirk.

"Doing what?"

"Well, there's no real easy way to tell you this, but before I do, I can swear that I was the only one with you. Nobody else saw you today, so I don't want you to worry about that." Florian picked up a fry and popped it into his mouth.

"I guess that's good? Except now, I am worried. What happened today?"

"Well, the short version is that you were enchanted to act like a dog."

A cough sputtered from me. "A dog?""It was more like you became a dog. It wasn't an act. You looked like yourself, you didn't change physically, but you couldn't speak or think like you. I knew you were there still… somewhere . I could feel you deep within."

I braced my head in my hands, trying to take in the information. "I didn't do anything embarrassing, did I?"

Florian quirked his lips to the side. "Well…you loved belly rubs."

I glanced up at him and saw him trying to hide his amusement as he stared down at my now-shirted-chest. What would that have looked like? Not that I minded the idea of Florian's hands on my stomach, they'd been there the night before, but I wished I could remember it. The thought made me go still.

"We didn't do anything… anything , did we?"

"No." He bit out firmly. "Absolutely not. I would never have taken advantage of you while you were not of sound mind or able to consent. The most I did was pet you and kissed the top of your head."

"You pet me?"

His cheeks pinked slightly. "Well, yes. You were very affectionate, and physical touch seemed to soothe you. I liked the connection, too.It helped remind me that you were still there inside. I must say, though, you were actually a pretty adorable pup."

"Crowns!" I shook my head and slumped in my seat. "Nobody else saw me?"

"Not a soul, I swear. I mean, I had to leave for a short time to collect some of my books, so I could figure out what was going on, but Oscar was stationed at the end of the hall, and I made him promise not to let anyone in. So, if you trust him to do his job, then I'm the only one who saw you."

"I trust him." That was a small relief at least. Though I wasn't sure how to feel about Florian taking care of me as a dog. What a way to impress the man I hoped would stay forever. Although, he didn't seem to look at me with disdain or pity.

I sucked in a deep breath and blew it out slowly, still trying to process everything. "This is too far. Who could have possibly done such a thing to me?"

Florian dabbed at his mouth with his napkin before setting it down. "Well, I have good news on that front."

"I like the sound of good news. What did you find out?"

"I don't think you have an enemy trying to sabotage you."

"What? Surely, there must be someone." How could that be? The timing of it all happening before my coronation had to mean something. I tried to think of who would stand to benefit from me being deemed unsuitable for duty. The next in line for the throne was a cousin who was still a teenager. Though with the prank feel of the charms, I supposed a teenager wasn't out of the question, but the last time I'd seen Laurence, he was more interested in video games than running a country.

Florian reached across the table, and I placed my hand in his. He met my gaze with a serious expression. "Well, here's the not-so-good news. The saboteur is not a person but a spirit. A trickster spirit. They seek out those who have left themselves open to attack."

"Open how?"

"Doubt and anxiety that leave you vulnerable. They swoop in and latch on, feeding from the turmoil both within and without."

It took a moment for it to sink in. I rubbed the scar on my wrist. Doubt and anxiety. I'd been feeling both so much lately. "So I did this?"

Florian came around the table and sat on my leg. He held my face in his hands, capturing my full attention. "It's not your fault, Mal. Anyone would feel such things when facing a major change like you are, that's only natural. It was just unfortunate that a trickster seemed to find you at the worst time."

"You were able to help me. You brought me back."

"All I did was remind you of who you are. The rest was up to you." Florian brushed his thumb over my cheek.

"So how do I fix this? What do I do?"

"How did you make it through the dinner party?"

I did make it through the party without any calamities or turning into a dog. I shuddered at the thought of that happening in public, grateful I'd been alone with Florian when it did. At the dinner, though, I felt the need to protect Florian, to be strong for him, knowing I was putting him in a situation he wasn't comfortable with. That need helped bolster my own confidence. With him at my side, I knew without any doubt the kind of king I wanted to be…for him.

"You." I answered simply.

He shook his head. "No, Mal. I didn't do it. You did. You were magnificent. You had a commanding presence that made people stop and listen, but you did it in a way that made them feel seen and heard, too. You were you , Malachi. That was all you needed to be."

"Yes, I was me, but having someone so courageous, so unapologetically himself, gave me strength, too."

Florian smiled at me sweetly. "You're going to be an amazing king. There's no one more fit for the job. You have a good heart, a strong heart. You can do this, Mal."

"There are days I know I can. I was brought up for this. I have studied and trained my entire life. I have a passion for our people, to do what is right for them. But then there are days it's harder to see. I could be king. But I don't know if I could do it alone."

Florian stood up, re-situating himself so that he straddled my lap, and he draped his arms over my shoulders. I loved the ease in which he touched me. He didn't ask, seeming to know I was his, that he could do pretty much anything to me and I would be happy for it. I'd never had anyone else that I let my guard down with, never had anyone I felt so comfortable with. Touching, closeness, intimacy…it all felt so natural with him.

"So, you keep being your amazing self, and I'll be there to remind you who you are when it's harder for you to see. If you want me there, that is."

I squeezed my arms around his middle, pulling his chest tight against mine. "Yes. A million times, yes. I want you, Flor. I want you with me. I can't imagine anyone else at my side."

"Then you have me, Mal. In sickness, in health, as human or pup."

I couldn't stop the wide grin that stretched across my face. "Crowns! I love you. I always have, Flor. Even before I knew what it was, I loved you. Even more now, now that you have grown into this incredible man whose beauty matches that of his heart. I would be honored to have you at my side. Always."

He returned my smile with one just as wide. We both sat there grinning like fools. "I love you, too, Mal. I tried to fight it for a long time. It was hard to see your face everywhere, thinking I could never have you, but you're here. You're right here."

"We're here, together. As it was always meant to be." Unable to resist any longer, I pressed my lips to his. What started as a kiss full of promise, full of past and present, and longings and comfort, soon turned into a kiss of passion and need. With fervor, our tongues tangled together, Florian pushing in deeply, claiming every part of me.

My hands slid down his back, rounding over that perfect bubble butt of his, loving the way his cheeks felt in my hands. I gripped him and pulled him close, and he ground over my dick, making us both moan.

"I need you, Flor," I breathed out. I'd never felt such a desperate ache for someone like I did him. I'd had sex a few times, but it was never something that every cell in my body screamed and demanded for. I needed him like I'd needed that burger. Ravenous. That was how he made me feel.

"Have me, Malachi. I'm yours."

I kissed him hard and slid my hands under his ass, holding him tight as I stood, lifting him with me. His legs wrapped around me, and I felt his hardness press into my belly. Crowns, he was so sexy.

Just as I was about to place him on my bed, he leaned back slightly and gave me a mischievous look. "I have an idea."

"As long as it ends with both of us naked, I'm listening."

"Take me to the king's suite. You said it feels too big and too empty in there, but it's going to be yours, Mal. Ours. What better way to feel like a king than to fuck your future husband there?"

I felt my eyes widen, and heat burst through my skin at the thought. I could picture him…naked, in that large, ornate bed. It was a sight I never could have imagined, but now that he put the idea out there, it was a sight I needed as much as I needed him.

"Yeah, okay."

I turned toward the door, still holding him, as he let out a laugh. I was about to fling the door wide open when he cleared his throat.

"Um, Mal, princey, are you sure you want to carry me the whole way there? People will see us." Florian snickered.

I stood there for a moment, processing. A part of me wanted to say to hell with them, because I didn't want to let go of Florian. I loved feeling his weight on me as his ass bounced against my hardened length. But he was right. Even if this wing of the palace was reserved for the royal family, I should still have some decorum.

I sighed heavily before gently setting him down. "I suppose you're right." Looking down at myself, there was no concealing how ready I was for him in my gray sweats. "But you have to walk in front of me."

Florian wore jeans that hid his erection at least a little better. He tilted his head back and laughed. He grabbed my hand and led me into the hallway. I stayed close behind him as we hurried our way through the corridor.

Anticipation made my dick ache even more. The way we tried to stay quiet, but failing to do so, both of us laughing at random times, made it feel as it had when we were kids. Slinking around the house, trying not to get caught. We'd done this before, sneaking into the king's suite. It was different now, but the nostalgia and desire met together in an explosion of anticipation and giddiness that had my need for Flor overflowing.

I pulled him to a stop and pressed him against the wall, pushing my knee between his, and kissed him hard. He groaned softly and thrust his cock against mine, swallowing the rumble that rolled up from my throat. Of the two of us, Florian was the one who seemed to remember where we were, because I was lost in him, completely. He put a hand on my chest and pushed me back.

"We're almost there, Your Majesty . I will not have the king take me in the hall like some common mistress. You will fuck me in a bed all proper like. And after that, you can fuck me anywhere you want."

I snorted. "Alright. Lead the way, Florian of the Purlieu."

I stepped back to give him room to move. He adjusted himself before grabbing my hand once more and leading me forward. When we came to the very end of the corridor, a single door was all that stood between us and our future. Our future. Because it belonged to both of us.

"Are you sure about this?" It was a multifaceted question. Not only about sex, or sex in the suite, but about us, about what it would mean. A life with me wouldn't be an easy one. He couldn't simply disappear into the background if he needed to. Not that he could ever disappear, he was too enchanting for that.

Florian met my gaze, and in complete seriousness, he said, "I've never been more sure about anything."

I bent down and kissed him softly, showing him how much it meant to me. How much he meant to me. Florian reached behind his back and opened the door, welcoming our future.

When we stepped inside of the apartment, I stood in silence, taking it in. I'd been in here a few times since my coronation, trying to wrap my head around it. It seemed impossible before, but now, with Florian in view, the room faded away behind him. It was no longer impossible, no longer hard to see, not when he filled my vision.

He pushed up and pecked a quick kiss on my cheek. "I'm going to freshen up, and you can take a moment and let it sink in. And when I get back, we are going to fill this room with cries of pleasure until we are woven into every inch of this apartment."

I grinned at the idea but didn't answer. I simply nodded. He disappeared into the washroom, and I stood there with my hands on my hips. Surveying the large space, it no longer felt hollow. A little daunting still, but it was going to be mine. A symbol of what I would be taking on. This would one day be my refuge where I would escape from my duties. Where it felt isolating to think about before, now I could picture it.

Lounging together on the couch, watching a movie with Florian. Sitting at the dining table, enjoying breakfast before a busy day. Making love, leaving the perfectly-pressed bedding rumpled. Discussing current events or issues with a partner who wasn't afraid to speak his mind. A partner . Someone to share this lonely burden with. It was the piece that had been missing all along.

The door opened, and Florian strode out confidently and beautifully naked. I looked him over, admiring his smooth, fair skin, the way his long, auburn hair rested over his shoulder. My eyes lowered to his perfect cock that seemed to thicken under my attention.

"I hope you don't mind. I figured we've waited long enough, and this is one less step to worry about." Florian waved a hand over his bare body.

"I don't mind in the least. Seeing you naked is like a dream. Crowns, you are beautiful, Flor."

He smiled sweetly and walked toward me, with one hand behind his back. As he stepped closer, he said with a tease, "And I found this."

Florian pulled a fancy, crystal bottle from behind his back. It looked to be filled with oil. Hunger returned at the sight of it. That ravenous urge that had been temporarily set aside to dream. The dream would come, but right now, I needed him fiercely. I took it from him and snaked an arm around him, drawing him against me. I kissed him hard and walked him back toward the excessively large bed.

When the back of his legs hit the edge of the bed, I pushed him down gently. He fell back with a flop, his dick fully hard again, waving at me. Florian crawled backward on the bed and pushed the duvet out of the way. I walked around and set the bottle down on the bedside table, before removing my shirt.

I could feel the heat of his gaze as he watched me roll my sweatpants down, my cock springing free. Florian licked his lips as he took me in.

"Fuck, Mal. Your body is so sexy. I have to admit, I rather enjoyed giving you belly rubs."

I snorted. "Maybe you can demonstrate for me later." I climbed in on top of him. Florian spread his legs, giving me room to settle between them. I lowered myself until our dicks rubbed against each other, making us both moan. A moan I swallowed when I kissed him deeply and rolled my hips over his.

Florian clung to me as I rocked against his body, teasing us both. It was as he said, though. We'd already waited long enough. I couldn't keep teasing us, or I wouldn't make it until I was inside of him, and that was where I needed to be.

I slid a hand down his waist until I reached his cock. I gripped it and stroked it once, loving the way his soft skin moved around the steel beneath. Remembering him licking my hand before I jerked him got me hot thinking about it and gave me an idea.

I sat back on my heels and pushed Florian's legs up and out. I ran one hand down the back of his thighs, and the other reached up to his mouth. I held a finger in front of his lips.

"Suck." It was all I could manage to say, because the view before me held my full focus.

His eyes gleamed, and he grinned. "Yes, Your Majesty." He opened his mouth wide and sucked my finger in, bobbing on it and moaning as if it were my cock he was enjoying. Crowns! His mouth was wicked, and I was going to lose it if he kept doing that.

"Okay, okay. Stop. I…whew, I need you to stop."

Florian let out a laugh as he opened to release my finger, now covered in saliva. He watched as I lowered my hand back down, and he arched his hips up to give me access. I teased his entrance with the wet finger, causing him to moan once more.

"Mmm…yes, Mal. Keep going."

I pushed inside, watching my digit disappear into his body. I carefully rolled my finger around, before pushing another in and working him open. There he was, my beautiful witch, looking so delicious and enticing. I pumped my fingers in and out of him, loving the sight of them in his hole and the sounds he was making. As beautiful and hot as this was, I couldn't wait much longer.

"Are you ready, Flor?"

"Fuck, yes! I need you inside me, Mal. I want you to fuck me like a king."

Crowns! I wanted him, ached for him. I carefully pulled my finger out before grabbing the bottle of oil. Florian watched as I coated my dick. It felt so good when I stroked myself, but I had to grip the base, to hold back.

"Now, Mal. Please!"

"Whatever you want, Florian. Anything you ask of me, I will gladly give you." I bent down to kiss him as I lined my cock and pressed the head against his hole. He drew in a breath and I could feel him bear down, inviting me in.

Pushing past the outer ring was almost too much, I had to breathe deep to keep from coming right there. Florian's hands roamed over my back before sliding over my ass, pulling me closer. I sunk deeper into him, deeper and deeper, until I bottomed out, making us both groan loudly.

"You feel amazing, Flor. So warm. Open yourself to me, I want to feel your magic, too."

He let out a pleased hum, and I could feel the tendrils of his magic spread out, reaching around me and drawing me even deeper. Perhaps not physically, but emotionally and spiritually. It twined around us like vines wrapping us together, as if there were no way for us to ever be separated again, and I was happy to sink into it, to give myself over to it, to him.

I felt it prod at me, as if seeking my permission, and whatever it wanted, I did, too. "Mmm. Yes, Flor. Yes!"

I began to move, pumping into him, all while his magic flowed between us. It was an incredible sensation. I'd never felt anything like it. Like the very depths of Florian were drawing me into him. And the warmth. He was so warm, inside and out. I felt his sunlight bloom from within, warming my cock with each glide into him.

I started moving more quickly, and Florian held his legs in place as I drove into him. The slap of our bodies together, the grunts and moans that tumbled from us both, were a musical wonder. We didn't bother to keep quiet, we were claiming this space. It was ours. Our scents, our sounds, our cries, filling the room, just as Florian said we would.

"Tell me who's going to be king." Florian said between panting breaths.

I stared down at him, his long hair spilled out over the pillow, his cheeks flushed red, his green eyes dark with lust.

"I'm going to be king," I responded.

"No, Mal. Tell me who's going to be the fucking king!"

His piercing gaze reached deep into me, making the tension coil tight, ready to be expelled.

"I'm. Going. To. Be. The. Fucking . King!" I growled out as I lunged into him and exploded. My vision went blurry, and my toes tingled as my release pumped into him.

Florian's head was tilted back, his throat exposed, and I couldn't help but sink my teeth into his long, smooth throat. When I bit him, he shouted, and I felt him burst between us, warm spurts coating our bellies.

I collapsed on top of him, and we both panted, trying to catch our breaths. Florian slowly lowered his legs, and my softening dick slid out of him, but I couldn't move. He felt too…perfect. I let out a long, contented sigh.

"Crowns."

"Mmhmm. I second that motion." Florian said and kissed the top of my head. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a king." I kissed his chest, loving the way it rumbled beneath me when Florian chuckled.

Not wanting to dry sticky, I got up to head toward the washroom to get something to clean us up. Instead, Florian followed me and turned on the shower. As spent as I was after that intense love-making, I couldn't resist seeing him wet.

We showered together, carefully cleaning each other's bodies. I washed Florian's hair, loving the way it felt to run my fingers through the long, silky locks. It was far more tender and loving than the fiery passion we'd enjoyed in the bedroom, but I loved every moment of it. Kissing Florian under the stream of water was as wonderful as feeling his magic twine around me.

Brushing his hair behind his ear, I kissed him softly. "Your magic felt incredible, Flor."

"Mmm. It did. I've always had to be careful to hold it in during intimacy, out of fear of alarming my partner. Letting it out was so freeing, but even more than that, it needed you, too. I've always felt a pull to you. Both in my heart, but also with my magic. I think it knew you were mine before I did, and it claimed you, too. We're bound, you and I. There's no getting rid of me now."

"I would never. You've always owned my heart, Florian. It was meant to be yours."

We kissed lazily, enjoying our naked bodies pressed together. Both of our dicks had perked back up, but I didn't want this tender moment to be sexual, I simply wanted to treasure it with him. Each of us ignored our cocks and finished cleaning each other up.

When we got out and were toweling off, Florian tilted his head in the mirror, noting the bruise I'd left on his throat. I winced at the sight of it.

"Sorry about that. I don't know what came over me. I had this strong urge to claim you."

Florian met my gaze in the reflection and offered me a playful smile. "I don't mind. I'll proudly wear it like a badge of honor. Though, I must say, you were much more gentle as a pup."

"That's good, I suppose."

He turned to face me and planted a hand on my chest. "It is. I prefer it that way. Sweet pups and bitey humans."

I snorted a laugh, before kissing him again. I couldn't get enough of him.

Florian covered his mouth as he yawned. "Take me to bed, Mal. It's been a long day."

"Should we go back to my room?"

"This is your room. Or, it will be soon enough. Besides, I don't want to get dressed again, so unless you want to prance me around the palace naked, let's stay here."

"Nope, that's not happening, and I don't want to get dressed either. So, here it is."

He kissed my cheek, before leading me back to the bed that looked thoroughly rumpled. I grinned at the sight of it. The disturbance in the middle of the pristine room made it feel alive, no longer hollow.

"Feeling proud of yourself?" Florian asked over his shoulder.

"Maybe a little." I grinned.

My eyes followed that perfect ass of his as he climbed into bed. He patted the spot beside him, and said, "Mal, come."

A laugh popped out of me. "Are you giving me commands, now?"

"Yes. I'm trying to see if you obey as well as your pup did."

I climbed into bed beside him and scooted down until my head rested on his stomach. "Do I get belly rubs now?" I snickered.

"If you're a good boy." I cuddled in closer to Florian, loving feeling him beside me. I was happy. Ridiculously happy. I had my best friend back. My best friend, turned lover and future husband. When we married, he would be a king, too. And I couldn't imagine a better person for the role.

We didn't sleep right away, simply stayed snuggled close, being present with each other. At one point, Florian ran his hand down my stomach, stopping before he reached my dick. He did it again, it was a soft but firm pet, and though it made my dick harden with excitement at nearly being touched, it was incredibly soothing.

I sighed and closed my eyes, imagining Florian spending hours doing this, caring for me when I couldn't. I wished I could have seen him, could have known what happened, but it was comforting to know that he stayed at my side even then.

"I don't hate it," I whispered.

"Yeah? You like belly rubs, Malachi?"

"Well…yes. It's calming, but it's also kind of nice thinking of how you took care of me. Being king, well it's going to take a toll sometimes, but knowing I can let my guard down, trusting you to care for me when I do, it's rather appealing."

Florian shifted so he was face to face with me. "Whatever you need, Mal, I'll be there for you. Whether you need a partner to support you and stand behind you, or if you need to let go for a while—in any capacity you need—and let me take charge, I will."

I held him close and nuzzled my cheek against his. "I love you, Flor."

"I love you, too."