William woke at dawn. The prince's chamber was wrapped in a soft gray light that softened colors and outlines like a veil of silk.
He rolled onto his side and buried his face against the prince's chest. The scent of cologne stung his nostrils and caught in his throat. By the spirits, he had never thought he could want someone this badly.
He stroked the warm skin and firm muscles beneath the prince's collarbone. It was blazing, like a small sun, and that warmth melted his resistance.
A hand grabbed his ass and William jolted. The prince gave him a sleepy smile.
"Are you feeling me up, my lovely raven?"
"No. You are, though."
"I'm just feeling your muscles."
"You're a terrible liar."
"It's still early, isn't it?"
William glanced toward the window. "The sun has just risen. You can sleep a little longer."
"I'm not very sleepy anymore."
"Do you want me to leave?"
"No, I want to stay with you for a while."
The prince pressed his forehead against William's neck. His heart sank in his chest, and a pleasant warmth spread through him.
"You have a clingy side, Your Highness."
"Only with you. It must be the stern way you look at me that makes me want to annoy you."
"You're childish as well."
Alex smirked. "Do you mind?"
"No… it's a side of you I like."
William caressed his cheek, and the prince kissed his fingers and his lips.
"How are you? Are you in pain?"
"I'm fine."
"Did I hurt you?"
"I already healed myself, Your Highness."
The prince's expression darkened. "So I did hurt you."
William sighed and sat up. "It's hard to avoid when you penetrate me. That's a delicate area. Even if you were gentle, it's normal to have a few small injuries."
"If you want, we can switch roles. I don't have to be the one penetrating."
"I'd rather not. It's not the same for me."
"Even if I hurt you?"
"You don't hurt me. You make me feel loved, safe, and worthy of happiness." He brushed his cheekbone. "Your hands make me forget that I was violated. And I want you to keep taking care of me like you did last night. I want you to mark me with your touch."
The prince gave a faint smile.
"Maybe I shouldn't mark you the way I'd like, or the court might start asking awkward questions about the marks on your skin."
William flushed, flattered, and a little embarrassed by all that attention. He wasn't used to being wanted that intensely.
"And how would you mark me?"
"By biting your neck and your ass. And leaving hickeys on your chest and thighs." The prince grew thoughtful. "But given your illness, I'm afraid it's not a good idea."
"It isn't. If you leave me a hickey, it will stay on me for weeks."
"But I can still bite you."
"Why do you want to bite me?"
"Because I want to devour you." The prince laughed. "But I would never hurt you."
"I know. You don't need to say it."
The prince pulled him into his arms and pressed his lips to his. William slipped his tongue into his mouth, caressing and exploring him as if it were their first time, and letting himself be lulled by his touch and by the hands roaming over his back.
Then he pulled away.
"I think it's better if I go back to my room, before someone discovers us."
"Can't you stay and have breakfast with me?"
"I'm afraid not. Unless you have a place to hide me from your servants."
The prince raised an eyebrow and looked around thoughtfully, then his gaze landed on the wardrobe.
William pressed his lips together. "No. Forget it."
"Just for a few minutes, long enough for them to prepare the bath and leave."
"Your Highness, that's risky."
And yet he wanted it too. To stay a little longer, basking in the warmth of his body.
A soft knock made them both jump. The chamber door opened, and the prince pushed William back onto the bed.
"Be quiet," he whispered, before covering him with the blankets.
This was a terrible idea. They would be discovered, without a doubt. And it hadn't even been a day since they had decided to give a name to their strange relationship.
William knew he should have left as soon as he woke up, slipping away like a thief before the prince notice. It was the safest thing to do, because he knew he wouldn't be able to resist that man.
Not after the night they had spent together. Not after—
The blanket was pulled from his head, and William's heart dropped into his stomach.
"So my brother was telling the truth after all!" Falko was staring at him with a goofy grin.
William pressed his lips together. "What are you doing here?"
The soldier nodded toward the prince, who was eyeing the breakfast tray hungrily. "I brought you food. Sven's orders. He told me to keep the maids out."
The prince waved dismissively and grabbed a pastry. "Sven's covering for us. You can relax for this morning."
William let out a sigh. "Thank the spirits."
"Falko, have the bath prepared."
"At once, Your Highness."
The soldier trotted out of the bedroom, and the prince closed the doors behind him. He sat on the mattress, his dressing gown open at the chest, showing his warm skin and defined muscles.
William swallowed and pretended he wasn't too distracted by it.
They ate in comfortable silence, side by side, enjoying each other's warmth and the calm that filled the room. From beyond the doors came the rustling of servants.
"Your Highness," a soft voice called, "the bath is ready."
"Good. You may leave. I'll dress myself this morning."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
William waited a few minutes, then looked at the prince. "Won't it seem suspicious?"
"No, I do this from time to time. You worry too much, Will."
"I don't want to be discovered."
"Neither do I. So trust me." The prince brushed a lock of William's hair behind his ear and pressed a light kiss to his cheekbone. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
"I trust you." William cleared his throat. "This morning you'll need to go to the Council, but it will be a short session. After that, you'll remain in your study until lunchtime. We'll probably eat there."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "I have a study?"
"Starting today, yes. Your Majesty will be assigning you a few duties, mostly regarding the management of the army."
"Ah."
"I will, of course, have a desk next to yours. Among my duties is serving as your assistant."
The prince's face lit up. "So we'll be together?"
"For most of the time, yes. And I almost forgot: this afternoon the ministers will request an audience with you. Mostly to explain their responsibilities."
"We have ministers?"
William shot him a sharp look. "Your Highness, you really are incorrigible. I'm beginning to understand why the Council doesn't have much faith in you."
The prince looked embarrassed. "I've never paid much attention in my lessons."
"And yet you should know how your kingdom works."
"Right." His expression darkened. "I really am a terrible prince."
A pang of guilt dug into William's chest. He didn't want to hurt him or make him sad.
"You're not." He cupped the prince's cheek and made him meet his gaze. "It's true, you ignore things you should know, but that doesn't matter, because I'm here with you. You're not alone, and you're not a failure as a prince."
"Do you really think that?"
"Yes," William replied. "I promised I would help you become the king you're meant to be, and that's exactly what I'll do. After the meeting, we'll go over how Vellara's administration works, so you'll be prepared when the ministers arrive."
The prince gave a shy smile and lowered his gaze. "In my defense, I was supposed to build a career in the army."
"I'm sure you would have made an excellent general."
"Maybe. But this morning I'm happy to be the future king and to have you by my side. I feel like a lucky man. And even if the road ahead will be difficult and full of obstacles, I'm sure I can become a king worthy of the title if you guide me."
William's heart quickened, and an unwelcome warmth flooded his cheeks. Those words sounded almost like a confession—maybe they were. The prince had always been open about his feelings.
"Your Highness, I—" His voice caught in his throat as the prince suddenly lifted him into his arms. "What are you doing?"
"You'll see soon."
The prince smirked and walked across his chambers to a white-and-gold door.
He set William down and stepped inside.
A bathing chamber as large as William's room was filled in warm steam. The layout was circular, with slender columns rising toward the painted ceiling, and at the center stood a sunken tub of pink marble large enough for three or four people.
The water was covered with petals, and bars of soap and towels had been neatly arranged on a small bench.
"It's… enormous," William murmured. "I could almost envy you."
"It's big enough for both of us."
The prince let his dressing gown fall and stepped into the tub. The water lapped at his abdomen, and despite the many petals floating on top, it was clear enough to reveal his naked body beneath the surface.
William flushed. By the spirits, that… thing had been inside him last night? He already knew how well-endowed the prince was, but remembering what had happened…
"What are you staring at, Will?" the prince chuckled. "Something interesting?"
"No, I… it's just…"
What could he possibly say? That he couldn't help looking between his legs whenever he could?
Alex leaned on one elbow. "Well? Are you coming?"
William swallowed, stepped into the tub, and sat across from him. The water was hot and soothing, easing the tension from his shoulders and washing away the sweat left from the night before.
The prince rested his head against the edge and closed his eyes. "Feels good, doesn't it?"
"Very."
He wished every morning could be like this. Waking in the prince's arms, having breakfast together, working side by side. Like a real couple.
Like something they would never truly become. The prince could never marry him.
"Will?"
William blinked. "What is it?"
"You're getting gloomy."
"That's not true, I was just—"
The prince grabbed his ankle, and pulled him underwater. William resurfaced at once, pushing his wet hair out of his eyes, but His Highness leaned over him, coming closer.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing."
The prince tilted his head, studying him. "You know, I think I'm starting to recognize when you're lying."
William flushed again. "I'm not lying. I wasn't thinking about anything in particular."
"Will…" He lifted his chin and kissed him softly. "Don't hide your thoughts from me. You can tell me anything that troubles you."
"It's nothing, really."
He smiled, and the prince smiled back.
There was no reason to make him worry. Whatever the future held, they could only live one day at a time, side by side, until duty and obligation pulled them apart.
And even if it was only for a few months, William would entrust his heart to the prince.