Alex pulled him against his chest and held him even after he felt William's body relax.
He had noticed the shaken expression on his face and had done the only thing that came to mind: embracing him.
The mage rested a hand on Alex's chest. "Your Highness, I'm fine."
Alex let him go and kissed him on the forehead. He smiled when William blushed, and caressed the beauty mark beneath his eye.
"I'm glad to hear it."
William looked around and sighed when he saw that the room was empty. "You shouldn't act so impulsively. Someone might see us."
"I was more worried about you."
"About me?"
"You looked shaken."
Alex had never been good at understanding the emotions swirling in the depths of the mage's poison-green eyes. He had even believed he never would, that William would remain an enigma to him forever.
He had been wrong.
The mage was far more expressive than he let on, if one dared to truly look at him.
William pressed his lips together and looked away. "I had an unpleasant conversation with Lord Ballard."
"Did he hit you?"
"No. He didn't even shout at me, but… I felt trapped."
Alex brushed his fingers along his chin. "I can intervene if you want. I have every right to."
"I know, but I don't want that." He sighed. "He suggested I ask the king for permission to step down from my post."
"My father will never agree."
"I know, and Lord Ballard knows it too. He wants to put it to a vote; he's convinced he has the majority."
Alex grimaced. "And I suppose he does."
"It's possible."
"You refused, didn't you?"
William looked at him again, his gaze turning sharp. "Of course I did. I have no intention of leaving you. Not to mention that we are bound by the Crown Pact."
Alex's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Is that your way of telling me you like me?"
"Your Highness, please be serious."
"I am serious. Our relationship is my favorite topic of conversation."
"You're digressing. We should focus on Lord Ballard."
"All right, all right. But he can't kick you out if you refuse, right?"
"He doesn't need my permission to put my position to a vote. He offered me a compromise, but he can bring the matter before the Council without my consent. And my behavior in Narea is an excellent pretext."
Alex brushed William's hand, unable to find the right words to comfort him. Still, he knew he had to say something. To let him know that he would stand by his side to the very end, even if it meant standing against the entire world.
"Will, it's not your fault. What happened in Narea wasn't a failure on your part."
"I know, but we can't say what really happened." William lowered his gaze. "I'm selfish, Your Highness, but I don't want any of them to know what kind of man I truly am. Not even if it were the only way for me to stay by your side. I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. I mean it." Alex cupped his face and made William look at him again. "I would never ask you to tell them. Never. Not even for me."
"Thank you."
"In Narea you weren't well, and you did your best. I have nothing to reproach you for, and neither does my father."
William closed his eyes and a sharp breath made his shoulders jerk. "I know. But that doesn't change the fact that we need to think of a strategy."
Alex smiled and kissed his nose. "This is the man who stole my heart. Do you have an idea yet?"
"Nothing definitive."
William stepped away from him, took a few steps around the room as if reclaiming his usual composure, and pressed his fingers to his temples.
"Lord Ballard will wait a few days before making his move. He doesn't expect me to accept his compromise, but it's what he hopes will happen. If I ask the king to let me step down, he comes out clean and no one can accuse him of anything."
"What a slimy snake."
William gave a faint smile. "But he won't wait too long. He wants to exploit what happened in Narea, especially since it's the only leverage he has. Fortunately for us, I've always been impeccable in my duties."
Alex suppressed a laugh. "What is it? A little jab?"
A faint blush spread across the mage's cheeks. "No, I… I would never dare."
"Liar. You'd dare all right."
"I…"
"Will, I'm joking. I'm not offended."
He smiled at him and William pressed his lips together in an indignant expression.
"Your Highness, this is an important matter. You shouldn't take it so lightly."
"I just wanted to cheer you up. You feel better now, right?"
The mage raised his eyebrows and for a moment looked at him with an expression both surprised and vulnerable. Then he lowered his eyes, ran a hand through his hair, and let a small smile bloom on his lips.
"Yes, thank you. You are very kind, Your Highness."
"For my lovely raven, this and more."
Alex stepped closer and lifted him by the hips. William jolted and clutched his shoulders, a light blush coloring his cheeks.
"Y-Your Highness."
The night before he had never been this embarrassed—not even when he put his thumb in his mouth. Alcohol really must loosen his rigid self-control and bring to the surface a side of himself he always kept hidden.
Alex set him down on a table, but did not let go of his hips.
"So, this plan?"
William looked away, his cheeks still red. "As I was saying, I doubt Lord Ballard'll let more than one or two weeks pass. If I do nothing, he'll bring the matter of my incapacity before the Council and put it to a vote."
"And will he win?"
"If we leave things as they are, it's possible. Once the Council has expressed itself, the king is not bound to obey. But considering that Your Majesty's position is not as solid as it once was, I fear he will consent."
"I can try to convince him to do otherwise."
"It wouldn't change anything. Your father does not act out of spite toward you."
Alex made a face. "Sometimes I have serious doubts."
"No, listen to me." William took the prince's face between his hands. "He's trying to smooth your path as much as possible, but the situation isn't simple. I know you argued with him when he made me leave the Hall, but it wasn't necessary."
"I don't tolerate injustices, you know that."
"I know, but I…" William hesitated, then sighed. "His decision surprised me, I admit it, and hurt me as well. But I knew he had no choice. Digging in our heels wouldn't have done your situation any good."
"Will…"
"Lord Ballard believes you have no support. He wants to send me away because my presence is making you more aware of your position. He fears you, Your Highness, and knows that once you're crowned he won't be able to control you as he wishes. And I have no intention of making you a pawn in his hands."
Alex smiled and gently took hold of his wrists. "I hate to admit it, but my father was right. You truly are the most suitable person to stand at my side."
The man who made up for his flaws, and the only one to whom he could entrust his life.
He brushed his lips over William's fingers and felt him shiver.
"If Ballard wants to go to a vote, we should stop him. Or… beat him at his own game."
William swallowed. "That's… what I was thinking. If we manage to bring more than half of the advisors to our side, we'll achieve two results with a single move."
"Three results. We'll put him back in line, prevent you from being removed, and strengthen my political power."
Alex caressed his neck and leaned toward his face. William pressed his lips together, but the look he gave him was anything but sharp.
He was embarrassed, grateful, and also a little hungry, as if he wanted to devour the distance between them and brush his lips.
"The banquet…" The mage's voice was hoarse. "It's our opportunity. You must present yourself as reliable, resolute, and aware of your position."
"So, I have to imitate my father."
"If possible."
"What will you do?"
"I'll sing your praises. Lady Lynden will be there, and I'm certain her account of how you saved the castle of Astya will work in our favor."
"So we should act separately."
"That would be best. You must speak with the advisors and the other nobles. Dance with the noblewomen and make yourself seem interested in possible marriages."
"I don't want to get married."
"But that is what they expect of you. If you show interest, they will understand that you have taken your duties seriously."
"Wouldn't that risk making a certain mage jealous?"
William frowned. "Your Highness, I see no reason why I should be jealous."
"So if I kissed someone, you'd have nothing to say?"
"No. But I might decide to turn you into a toad."
"And I imagine you wouldn't give me a kiss to turn me back into a prince."
"You imagine correctly."
Alex laughed. As much as William kept pretending, it was obvious that seeing him with someone else bothered him.
"I'll do my best, I promise you. But afterward… I'd like to dance with you. In private."
"If you disappear in the middle of the banquet, you'll undermine my efforts."
"Just for a little while. Sven will find an excuse."
William hesitated. "Your Highness, I'm not much of a dancer."
"You did well last time." Alex brushed the mage's cheek with his knuckles and tucked a lock of hair behind his ear. "I want to dance with you. Will you grant me that, William?"
"If… you insist."
"Thank you."
He brushed his lips against his neck and the mage let out a trembling sigh that filled Alex's chest with excitement and desire. Every second they spent together made it harder and harder to resist wrapping him in his arms and devouring him with kisses.
But he had to hold back.
He gave him a single kiss near the ear and stepped away. William climbed down from the table, ran trembling hands through his hair, and composed himself with a few gestures that reeked of embarrassment.
"I'll go on ahead, Your Highness."
He left the room, and Alex remained alone for several minutes, his gaze fixed on his own hands wrapped in leather gloves and his heart pounding rapidly in his chest.
"By the spirits, if we keep this up, I think I might die."
He rubbed his cheeks, hoping he didn't look too flustered, and left the room.
They spent the rest of the day apart, each absorbed in preparations for the banquet.
When evening came, Alex let the maids dress him and style his hair with care. He wore the silver circlet that marked his rank as Crown Prince and the family ruby ring.
The mirror reflected the figure of a future king—the one he would have to strive to embody for the rest of the evening.
The one he hoped would fill his parents' hearts with pride.
"You look wonderful, Your Highness!"
"You are very charming."
"I'm sure the court will appreciate it and do nothing but sing your praises."
Alex smiled at the maids' comments, but he doubted anything would really change.
Still, he had to try. If not for himself, then at least for William.
He hid the gift he had bought in Narea in a pocket and left the room, but stopped just beyond the threshold.
"Will…"
William was waiting for him in the corridor, dressed with the same grace and dignity as a Xianese ambassador.
The long robe embroidered with silver thread on sage green fell elegantly over his body; his long legs were wrapped in a pair of dark trousers that made him look even more graceful.
William smiled at him. "Shall we go, Your Highness?"