A Bond of Three (7 page)

Sorran expelled a long, shuddering breath and sank to his knees on the grass beneath him. He inhaled deeply several times as he tried to regain his composure.

The breeze caught the entrance of his tent, and the scent of the sweet, aromatic oil wafted out to him, tugging at him with invisible fingers, calling him to sleep.

With a sigh Sorran took one last look at the black velvet night sky, dusted with stars, and then retreated into his tent.

Ready to dream.

Chapter 5

T
ANISH
STOOD
beside his father at the window, awaiting the arrival of the royal visitors. Their carriages had been spotted in the distance from the ramparts atop the palace walls at sunrise. By the time they reached the walled city, every street was lined with people bedecked in their most colorful apparel. Everyone was talking animatedly, eager to get a first glimpse of the royal procession as they made their way through the winding streets to the palace on top of the hill.

The king nodded with approval as he took in the sight of his people. “Teruna shines today like a jewel.” His voice quavered with pride.

Tanish could hear the thunder of horses’ hooves as the procession drew nearer. A huge entourage accompanied the royal guests. He counted at least six or seven carriages, each pulled by eight horses. It was easy to spot which one held the King and Queen of Vancor, for it was the largest by far, surrounded on all sides by guards on horseback, each man carrying a flag.

“Come, my son. We should welcome our guests.” His father moved away from the window, Tanish following, and they descended the stone staircase to the royal audience chamber, with its vaulted roof and tall windows that let in the light in solid shafts. Long swathes of gauze hung from the rafters, their bright colors vivid in the sunlight. King Feolin walked slowly to the dais, his purple robe around his shoulders and clasped at the neck with a gold buckle bearing the emblem of Teruna, a hummingbird in flight. On either side of the chamber stood members of the Great Houses, adorned in all their finery, heads bowed as the king passed. The air was electric. From outside the palace, Tanish could hear the cries of the people as they shouted out greetings to the visitors.

King Feolin sat on his throne, staff clasped in his hand. To one side stood Malin in his traditional black cloak worn over his dark green robe, his long white hair spread over his shoulders in stark contrast to his cloak. Tanish hurried to stand at his father’s other side and adjusted the folds of his finest garment, a long robe the color of the morning sky. The hall buzzed with whispered voices.

Horns rang out, announcing the arrival of the guests. Tanish stared at the ancient, carved wooden doors of the chamber, bursting with curiosity. The wide doors swung open, and Teruna’s most prominent citizens turned to look.

A member of the Vancoran royal guard led the way, followed by the king and queen, resplendent in robes of cream and gold.

Tanish caught his breath at that first glimpse of Vancor’s monarchs.
They are much younger than my father.

King Beron appeared to be in his midforties, smooth-faced, with dark brown hair graying at the temples and a creamy complexion. Upon his head he bore a circlet of gold, beautiful in its simplicity. He held out his right hand to Queen Vasha, whose skin was darker, her eyes almost black. Her long black hair shone in the sunlight, and her crown was a thinner version of King Beron’s. She seemed of a similar age to the king.

The royal couple moved slowly toward the dais where three chairs had been prepared for them. Tanish peered beyond them to catch a glimpse of their daughter, Sorran. To his surprise, a young man followed in their wake, dressed in a long white robe with gold embroidery around the hem and collar. He was olive-skinned, with dark eyes and a smooth jawline. His jet-black hair curled high on his forehead. The young man gazed with frank interest around him.

Before Tanish had time to ponder this, the guard bowed low before King Feolin.

“Your Majesty, may I present Their Majesties, King Beron and Queen Vasha of Vancor, accompanied by their son, His Highness, Prince Sorran.”

Shock rippled through Tanish.
Prince
Sorran? His heart exulted in this news. So much for his father’s intelligence-gathering. But hard on the heels of that thought was another:
Will my father still go through with his plan to have me wed to a Vancoran consort of royal blood?
Surely not. There could be no hope of an heir, after all.

Tanish’s pulse raced at this change in events. His gaze darted to the trellis, but his senses told him Feyar was not there.
Where are you, my
terushan
?
The day stretched out in front of him, an ocean of time before he could once more hold his lover and sleep, their arms entwined around each other.

Tanish gave himself a mental shake. This was not the time. Now was the hour for duty and diplomacy.

Malin stepped forward and bowed to the royal party. “Welcome to Teruna, Your Majesties, Your Highness. I am Malin, chief adviser to His Majesty, King Feolin, your host.” His voice cracked with age, and he gestured for the guests to be seated.

King Feolin remained on his throne but bowed his head in acknowledgment.

Malin continued, extending a hand toward Tanish. “May I present His Highness, Prince Tanish.”

Tanish gave a low bow. As he straightened, he caught sight of Prince Sorran’s face. The young man stared at him, lips parted, eyes widened. Tanish was at a loss to explain such a reaction.

His father rose and walked slowly to King Beron, his arms outstretched. The two monarchs clasped hands. “My thanks for making the long journey.” King Feolin’s voice shook slightly. “We have much to discuss, you and I, but first I would have you shown to your chambers, where you may take your rest. Tonight there will be a ball in your honor, with representatives of our oldest Houses present to bid you welcome.”

King Beron patted his wrinkled hand. “It is I who am honored, Your Majesty. The name of King Feolin of Teruna is renowned throughout the land. The king who vanquished the armies of Kandor.” King Feolin gave a half bow. “And yes, we have much to discuss. But that can wait. A rest before this evening would be greatly appreciated, although I doubt my son will take advantage of such an opportunity.” He chuckled, the sound deep and rich. “The young seem to possess an endless amount of energy, do you not find?”

King Feolin smiled. “Indeed.” He glanced at Prince Sorran. “Your son is how old?”

“Nearly twenty, Your Majesty, though at times he seems younger.”

King Feolin addressed the young prince. “Your Highness, while you stay here, my son, Tanish, will keep you company.”

Prince Sorran bowed. “I thank Your Majesty, for providing me with such a distinguished companion.” His voice was almost musical, lilting and soft. His gaze came to rest on Tanish, and something flashed in those dark eyes, something Tanish was unable to fathom. Then it was gone.

“The palace servants are at your disposal,” King Feolin told them. “If there is anything you require, do not hesitate to ask it of them.” Suddenly his face spasmed, and Tanish’s heart raced. His father breathed deeply before speaking again. “But now I will take my leave of you. I am sure you wish to rest after your long journey.” Grasping his staff tightly, he gave them a short bow and then made his way through the chamber, Malin walking behind him.

Tanish watched him go, his stomach churning. His father had grown pale. He was so lost in his concerns, he almost failed to notice the visitors were about to leave the chamber. Tanish flushed guiltily and gave them his full attention. In his father’s absence, it was his task to act as host.

“Forgive my manners,” he said smoothly. “The servants will show you to your chambers. I look forward to spending time with you this evening at the ball.” He bowed once more and then gestured to the servants, who hovered at the doorway.

King Beron and Queen Vasha bowed to him and turned to make their way out of the chamber. As they passed, the citizens of Teruna bowed to them in silence.

Prince Sorran had not moved. He gazed at Tanish, cheeks flushed.

“Sorran?”

At his father’s call, Prince Sorran’s flush deepened. He bowed to Tanish. “Your Highness.” He turned on his heel and followed his parents at a swift pace. At the doorway he looked back over his shoulder at Tanish before disappearing through the heavy doors that swung shut after him.

Voices babbled in excitement as those present discussed the royal guests. Their chatter washed over Tanish, barely causing a ripple. His mind was on the young prince.

What does my father mean to do now?

His stomach knotted. The discovery of Sorran’s gender had thrown his intentions into disarray. He had no idea what the future held, but something told him it had suddenly grown more complicated.

S
ORRAN
HARDLY
registered the discreet departure of the servants who brought his clothing and belongings to his bedchamber. His mind was still reeling from that first glimpse of Prince Tanish. His initial reaction had been one of shock.

Oh stars above, what can this mean?

When Tanish had come into view, it had taken all Sorran’s strength not to fall to his knees when he saw the colors surrounding the young Prince. It was as though flames danced upon his skin, unlike anything Sorran had ever witnessed.

Sorran’s body reacted. His birthmark burned once more, heat radiating through his robe. His skin tingled all over. More disturbing, his cock filled, becoming so hard as to be painful.

He’d fought to regain his composure, breathing deeply, allowing calm to spread throughout his body. When he could look upon the prince once more, his mind lucid, realization had finally dawned.

Oh, praise the Maker.

It was him. Sorran had come face to face with his destiny. He felt it in his very soul.

His father’s voice had rumbled, accompanied by the deeper timbre of King Feolin, but Sorran had barely caught a word of it. His thoughts were consumed by his newly acquired knowledge.

Prince Tanish is the one.

When he learned he was to spend his time in the company of the prince, Sorran’s heart had soared up to the heavens. He stared at Tanish, silently willing him to show as strong a reaction, but there had been nothing but cool politeness etched across the prince’s features. When this did not change, Sorran had a moment of panic.

Do I misinterpret the signs? Is he not the one for me?

He assessed his physical status. Beneath his robe, his shaft ached, and Sorran kept his hands clasped in front of him, lest those present should witness his all-too-apparent state of arousal. His testicles tingled, sending miniature jolts of electricity up and down his spine.

Nothing had changed from that first heart-stopping moment when Time had stood still.

Sorran found it difficult to breathe.

He darted across the chamber to the wide window and flung it open, taking in the fresh morning air in great gulps, allowing the cool breeze to play over his skin. A stone balcony lay beyond, and Sorran stepped out onto it, closing his eyes, focusing on finding an oasis of calm within.

“Are you all right, Your Highness?”

Sorran jumped at the sound of Tanish’s voice from within the bedchamber. He turned so swiftly that he caught his foot in the hem of his robe and would have stumbled, face-first, onto the stone surface, but for Tanish springing forward and catching him in strong, capable arms.

Blood pounded in his ears, and his heart hammered so loudly Sorran feared Tanish would hear it.
I must seem such an oaf.
His cheeks burned with embarrassment. “Thank you,” he murmured when he caught his breath.

Tanish lifted him to his feet and held him steady, his hands around Sorran’s upper arms. “It would not do to injure yourself the day of your arrival, Your Highness,” Tanish commented dryly. “Especially as it is my task to take care of you.”

Sorran looked him in the eye, his heartbeat resuming its normal rhythm. “Then I must thank you for not failing in your appointed task.” Being in such close proximity to Tanish did little to cool his body’s reactions. Tanish’s nostrils flared, and for one brief moment, panic surged through Sorran.

Can he sense my arousal? Is it carried on the air?
Sorran could only pray this was not the case.

“My apologies for intruding, but I knocked upon your door and there was no answer,” Tanish said, releasing his arms and taking a step back.

Sorran felt the loss immediately. Some innate sense told him if Tanish were to touch him again, the burning of his skin would cool. The colors surrounding Tanish had lessened but were still visible.

“It is no intrusion,” Sorran replied. “This is your home.” For some reason King Feolin came to the forefront of his mind. “How fares your father?” Sorran had watched the king’s color change from a deep blue to black shortly before he had taken his leave of his guests.