Page 18 of Awakening

“Prince, as in the regent prince and future king?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Your Grace. My apologies. I was not prepared for your arrival.”

“It’s all right, Father. He’s here to protect me. Emrys sent us. Marc is… my cymara.”

“Soul bound mate?”

“Yes.”

“The prophecy,” Noah whispered. “He was right after all.”

“You know of the prophecy?” Marc asked.

“I know only what Emrys has told me.”

“Father, something unusual happened today after Marc kissed me. Emrys did not have time to explain. He only instructed us to come here and said he would arrive in two days’ time.”

“Then we shall wait for him.”

“Will you tell us what you know?” Marc asked.

“In the morning, Your Grace.” Pause. “You will keep my son safe, won’t you?”

“I would give my life for him.”

“Good, because, one day, you may need to.”

***

“I hate not knowing,” Trystan said, peering into the darkness outside through the crack in the shutters. He turned to lean against the wall. The small fire in the hearth lit the room in a warm, orange glow as Marc’s shadow danced across the bed and wall behind him.

“I, as well.”

“I just don’t understand how my life is suddenly in danger.”

“Nor do I, Trystan, but until we understand the risks, I am willing to wait. I am here, and I will protect you. I don’t want to lose you again.”

Trystan sat on the edge of the bed, letting out a deep breath. “I know this bond between us draws us to each other, but nevertheless there is something I must tell you.”

“Your voice holds doubt.” Marc crawled up behind Trystan and kissed his shoulder through the thin cloth. He opened his legs and slid them along either side of Trystan, scooting in close and pressing his chest to Trystan’s back. He cupped Trystan’s upper arms and slowly slid his hands downward. “We are meant to be for a reason, Trystan. I dare not question fate in this instance.”

“‘Tis in my nature to question things.” Trystan let his head fall forward and stretched his neck.

Marc wrapped his arms around Trystan from behind. His lips lingered close to Trystan’s ear. “What is it you must tell me?”

“I am traws-kyn.” Trystan expected hesitation or even for Marc to pull away. Society in general accepted gender-varied people without issue, and laws put in place by King Arthur still held that all souls were equal and willed by nature and the Gods, but finding a loving partner was an entirely different endeavor. Most men still preferred women, and those few men who fancied men desired the full male package. Not a man lacking in nature’s physical gifts.

“Noted.” Marc caressed his arm and shoulder, pushing the collar away from Trystan’s neck to reveal a bit of flesh.

“It does not bother you?”

“That you are a man in mind and spirit born with opposing anatomy?” Marc pressed his lips to the tender spot of skin between Trystan’s neck and shoulder. “Thatiswhat you are telling me?”

A tingle zipped down Trystan’s spine, forcing a hitch in his breathing. “In essence, yes.”

“It does not bother me, though I am surprised. By your demeanor and appearance, I would not have guessed.”