William spun around. "Your Highness!"
Alex's gaze fell on his chest, the pale areolas of his nipples and his flat stomach. Then even lower, to the shape of his sex, barely concealed by the fabric.
The mage pulled his vest closed, covering his body. "You should knock before entering someone else's chambers."
The prince flushed with embarrassment. "I… Sorry."
"Do you need something?"
"No, I just came to see if you were ready."
William averted his gaze, flushed to the tips of his ears. "Give me a few minutes."
"All right, I'll… wait outside."
Alex stepped into the corridor and leaned back against the wall, one hand to his chest. His heart was pounding so fast that he feared it might burst from his ribs, and a shiver of excitement ran beneath his skin.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get the paleness of William's skin and the hidden shapes of his body out of his mind. He was beautiful in a way that stole his breath and clouded his thoughts.
"Fuck…"
He had seen him naked before, but every time his eyes lingered on William, desire devoured him alive. Pretending he felt nothing was growing harder by the day. He had fallen in love; it would be stupid to keep denying it.
About ten minutes later, William stepped out of the room dressed in a sober blue jacket with a Vellarian cut and amber buttons. He looked like a diplomat from Xia, with a grace and delicacy in his movements that clashed with his humble origins.
Had he learned to behave like a noble in order to survive at the Royal Academy?
"It suits you."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Alex pretended to straighten his collar and brushed his neck. The gentle beat of William's heart pulsed against his fingertips and put his self-control to the test.
"Let's go to dinner," he said.
They headed down to the lower floors and entered the room where the governor had set the table.
Luka seated them, took his place opposite, and ordered a servant to bring the dishes.
The food was varied and flavorful, with courses of seasonal vegetables, sauces, and all kinds of fish. Unlike what was served in the capital, here in Narea the dishes had taken on foreign influences thanks to trade.
The governor cleared his throat.
"Is the food to your liking, Your Highness?"
"Very much so. I don't often get the chance to enjoy certain flavors at the palace."
"Narea is a port; here people, foods, and cultures tend to mingle." He offered a cordial smile. "We have fruits from the southern kingdoms and delicacies from Xia. Might your mage enjoy a peach blossom dessert typical of his homeland?"
William stiffened. "My homeland is this one, Lord Governor. I am Vellarian."
"Truly? Then I beg your pardon, I was terribly offensive."
"There's no need. I'm used to it."
"Your features misled me. You look entirely Xianese."
"Only my mother is."
Luka raised his goblet toward William. "Then you have certainly inherited your grace from her."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Alex shot William a brief glance, but the mage merely lifted his fork to his lips.
"Your Highness," Luka resumed, "now that we are alone, may I ask the reason for your visit?"
"My father is concerned about your recent requests for money."
A hand tightened around his knee and Alex stiffened. Was William touching him? He cast a quick glance, but the mage feigned indifference.
Luka raised an eyebrow. "As I have already explained in my letters, it is to maintain order."
"I know, I didn't mean to suggest… any wrongdoing." William's hand withdrew from his leg. "I only meant that my father wants a clearer picture of the situation here."
"I understand. Prudent of him."
Alex smiled. Beyond that, I have field experience. I could help you establish guard rotations or patrol routes."
Luka returned the smile. "You honor me, Your Highness. Unfortunately, I am not well versed in military matters; your help will be invaluable."
"I'm sure of it." Alex took a sip of water. "Meanwhile, my mage could review your records to ensure that none of your officials are skimming public funds."
"Is he accustomed to handling numbers?"
"Very much so. And he is extremely loyal to the crown."
Luka lifted one corner of his mouth. "A man of many talents. Your Highness is fortunate to enjoy the services of such a gifted person."
Alex stiffened. Was he insinuating something, or was it just his impression?
"William has worked hard to get where he is. He deserves all my trust."
The hand closed around his leg again, this time a little too close to his groin.
A rush of heat climbed up his neck and Alex cast a quick glance at the mage: William had a faint flush on his cheeks. He hadn't done it on purpose, but he must have realized where his hand was.
But then why was he touching him?
"Your Highness is too kind," the mage murmured.
Luka laughed warmly. "You truly are a humble man, William. Many consider it a valuable quality." He shifted his gaze to Alex. "And what do you think, Your Highness?"
"That everyone should be humble."
"I take it that, for our prince, it's an important quality."
"Isn't it for you?"
Luka smirked and took a long sip of white wine. "If I may be completely honest, I find it useful—but not in a ruler. A ruler should command, not allow himself to be… dominated."
Alex tightened his grip on the knife. That really did sound like a jab. Had he heard the gossip?
"I'm not—"
William gave him a sharp smack to his groin, and the prince had to bite his lip to keep even the faintest sound from escaping. He shot him a glare, but the mage kept his gaze fixed on the governor.
"I agree with you, Lord Luka," William said. "A ruler should have ambition, pragmatism, and even a touch of arrogance. Those are all qualities people appreciate in strong individuals."
Luka smiled pleasantly. "You truly are a sharp man, William. That's exactly what I meant."
"And do you possess these qualities?"
"Me?" The governor laughed and cut a small piece of fish. "I don't think so at all. Besides, I'm merely a minor governor."
"And yet Narea is among the most important ports in Vellara. Goods from all over the world arrive here. If something were to happen to the city, the entire kingdom would be in trouble."
"And that is why I requested the help of Your Majesty." Luka smiled, but his eyes remained serious. "And that is why you are here, am I correct?"
William smiled faintly. "Yes, that is correct."
"Then I consider myself a fortunate man to have both you and Your Highness here."
Alex shot William a glare, but the mage merely gave a slight shake of his head and went back to nibbling at the food.
The prince did not understand what William was trying to tell him or why he kept resting a hand on his leg, but he hoped the mage would stop before he ended up with an erection.
The governor wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Your Highness, may I ask you an indiscreet question?"
Alex looked at him with a hint of suspicion, but nodded.
"How long have you known Master William?"
"A few months or so."
"You seem very close."
"Circumstances have forced us to rely on each other."
"It seems like a fine relationship." Luka took a sip of wine. "Very… intimate."
Alex frowned and ignored William's hand tightening on his thigh. "Are you implying something, Governor?"
"Only that it appears to be a very solid friendship." His gaze turned amused. "Did you take it to mean something else? If so, I apologize—such was not my intention."
The prince doubted it. Unlike the previous remarks, that jab had been anything but subtle and left little room for interpretation.
The governor must have figured something out and decided to test them, and Alex had fallen right into the trap like an idiot. Was that what William had tried to warn him about? He certainly could have avoided touching his thigh like that…
After dinner, the governor took his leave with a bow. Alex and William wished him good night and headed toward the wing assigned to them.
At the top of the staircase, however, the mage grabbed his hand, glanced around, and turned into a corridor leading in the opposite direction.
"Will, what—"
William covered his mouth. "Be quiet."
He quickly led Alex into the northern wing, then slowed down.
"What are we doing?" the prince whispered.
"We're looking for the records."
"Now?"
"I don't trust the governor. Tomorrow he could provide me with tampered copies."
The reasoning made sense, but Alex doubted they would find them.
"They could be anywhere."
"I know, but we can at least try."
"And where?"
"In the archives."
Alex twisted his mouth. "If I were him, I'd hide them in my bedchambers. Maybe in a secret drawer."
William stopped and looked at him, clearly surprised. "I hadn't thought of that."
"That's because you're a bookworm. But let's try anyway. You might be right."
They reached the archives, and the mage placed a hand against the door. A faint shiver ran over Alex's skin as a small magical circle materialized between William's fingers.
"What are you doing?"
"Taking precautions." He withdrew his hand and entered the archives.
Alex followed him and closed the door behind them. The mage lit a couple of candles.
The archives was not a large, and the presence of tall, ceiling-high bookcases made it feel even more stifling. The furniture was made of dark wood, interspersed with oil lamps, and at the center stood a writing desk cluttered with candle stubs. Brass plaques helped visitors navigate that sea of paper and ink.
"Do we split up?"
William nodded and gestured toward one side of the room. "You search there. I'll take the opposite side."
Alex took one of the candles and approached the shelves. He read the plaques, then his attention was drawn to a recess between the bookcase and the wall, wide enough to hold a person.
But perfect for hiding and eavesdropping.
"The bookcase here has been pulled away from the wall."
William joined him and took a look. "Someone must have moved it."
Alex crouched down and illuminated the wooden floor. "The planks are scratched. It was moved recently and without emptying it first. As if whoever did it didn't want anyone to notice."
The mage rubbed his chin, then handed him the candle and slipped into the space between the wall and the bookcase.
"Can you see me?"
Alex moved to the other side, but the books blocked his view. "No."
"That makes it an excellent spot for spying on whoever might be inside."
"Was it a servant?"
"I don't know. Certainly not someone of a larger build. There isn't much room."
Alex leaned in. "Do you think I'd fit?"
"Do you want to stay here until morning?"
"Only if you keep me company."
"I doubt we'd both fit."
Alex assessed the space. Maybe if they were hugging—but that would be very intimate and erotic. A tangle of bodies, hands, and warm breaths against skin, darkness wrapping around them.
He flushed at the thought of squeezing in there with William and looked away. "Let's find these records before someone catches us."
They divided the shelves and began to search.