A Suitable Replacement (23 page)
"Well, I feared much the same, sir," Max replied, splaying one hand over his chest, just able to feel the thudding of Kelcey's heart. "Given the way we met, the way we married … I always feared the entire matter would end in misery."
"Speaking of ends … what do you plan to do once you are freed of this marriage, Highness?"
"Ugh, stop calling me that." Max shifted to sprawl on his back, making soft, approving noises when Kelcey's hands lazily ran over his skin. "I want to go home, I want to relax and remember what it is like to be
me
. Continue the work I've begun here, give the lectures I have promised to a handful of universities. Spend time with my sister … whom I left downstairs."
Kelcey laughed. "She'll be all right. Gerard is waiting for her at an inn not far from the palace. Even your sister conceded that he perhaps should not visit the palace. We were hesitant to come at all, but Princess Sarah explicitly wrote to tell us we might, as long as we were discreet and understood you could not leave for another two months. I wanted to have done with the matter, however it ended, so we came." Tension replaced the laughter in his voice, the set of his mouth drawing tight as he continued, "Then I saw the profiles …"
"I just wanted you to be happy," Max replied. He reached to touch his fingertips to Kelcey's cheek. "Even if it was killing me to think of you with someone else."
Kelcey turned his head to kiss Max's palm. "I don't want anyone else. If I am expected to make do with a replacement spouse, then I think that it is only fair to offer me a replacement as close to the original as possible."
"Well, sir, I am about as close as you will ever manage." He drew Kelcey down and kissed him softly. "Do I suit?"
"You suit most well, my lord. Most well indeed."
Fin
About the Author
Megan is a long time resident of m/m fiction, and keeps herself busy reading, writing, and publishing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she's not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her cats, or watch movies (especially all things James Bond). She loves to hear from readers, and can be found all around the internet.
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