It was as if the fluids in Rupert’s stomach turned to ice. He hated that his father had been so public with his health issues, always feeling as though it was another form of pressure his father exerted on him and his life. Rupert knew he’d have to step up and take responsibility at some point –I’m just not ready for it right now.
“I just wanted my life to continue as it always has,” he murmured, almost forgetting Winter was in the room. But when he looked up, his husband was watching him intently. “I fear you will think me blindly selfish, and perhaps I am. But the thought of change terrifies me. I need things to remain the same. I need my life to progress the way it always has. With what Tristan’s done…suggested…even if he’d simply hinted at his interest, Iknow I can’t trust him anymore, but he was the one who used to advise me.”
“Thank you.” Winter nodded. “I realize none of that would’ve been easy to admit to anyone, and I’m honored that you told me.”
Rupert felt his cheeks heat up. “Your discussion about King Serron and his spouses led me to believe that you considered honesty and communication important elements of a marriage.”
A strange look flashed across Winter’s face, although it disappeared quickly. “I do, yes. Although, as I’m sure you would agree, all aspects of trust in any form of relationship takes time to develop between people – even married ones. I’m not sure I can assist with your friendship with Lord Middlethorp. I do not know the man at all. But what can I assist you with? I’m sure you cut your trip short for a reason.”
Swallowing down the sudden lump in his throat, because Rupert knew he didn’t deserve the kindness, he said, “I’d be very grateful if you attended the Middlethorp ball with me tomorrow evening. I have many friends who have expressed an interest in meeting you. If we appear together publicly, perhaps that will stop the rumor that I’ve locked you in a cupboard somewhere.”
“I’m sure the rumors haven’t reached that point just yet, but I agree that it is a sensible idea.” Winter’s grin had Rupert wondering if his husband was teasing or not. “Our first date. I think that will be a very pleasant way to spend an evening.”
He hesitated a moment and then added, “Would you be offended if I ask if we travel in a carriage to our destination, rather than on horseback? I’d prefer not to be smelling of horse and leather when I meet your friends for the first time. A carriage would also ensure you weren’t forced to accept hospitality from the Middlethorps if your situation with their son has not improved.”
“That’s very sound thinking.” Rupert got up and sketched a quick bow. “I’ll…er… I’ll leave you to attend to your afternoon. Will I see you at dinner?”
“That will be lovely. Thank you, Rupert dear. I’ll look forward to seeing you then.”
Rupert left, finding he quite liked being called “Rupert dear” –Maybe I’m going soft in the head.But the weight on his shoulders felt lighter than it had for some time. For Rupert, that was a welcome feeling.I should go and visit Father,he decided.I know he’ll be pleased that I’m home as well.
Chapter Twelve
“Sir, as your adviser, I have to strongly protest your attendance at the Middlethorp ball.” Sigmund tightened the binding around Winter’s wound. It was the afternoon of the following day, and while Winter expected his claw mark would be healed…that wasn’t the case. Some form of local vegetation on the gryphon’s claws had been injected into the hole the claw left in Winter’s belly, and it was hampering Sigmund’s skilled healing efforts.
“I’m feeling a lot better.” Winter smiled at his friend, adviser, and current valet. They couldn’t take a risk of any castle staff member mentioning the wound in his husband’s hearing. “Your skills in healing have improved greatly over the years. At least I can stand, walk, and if necessary, one would hope I can dance without looking or feeling as if I have nails in my shoe or a knife in my gut.”
“I would be a lot happier if I didn’t have to perform these skills at all. That would indicate that my prince and master… I beg your pardon, my crown prince consort and master had stopped getting himself into dangerous situations.”
Winter’s smile blossomed into a chuckle. “’Tis the nature of the Martingale royal family. This is what we do. I’m sure you’d have guessed that by now, having been with me since I was barely bigger than my sword.”
“I was younger then, too, and likely a lot more foolhardy.” Sigmund sniffed. “The less said about that, the better.” He patted the fastening he’d attached to Winter’s bandage. “That is as secure as it’s likely to get. However, should your husband prove frisky, explaining that bandage could be problematic.”
“My dear Sigmund, if my husband ever gets to the point where he’s likely to see me shirtless, then he’ll also have my trust enough for me to tell him the truth of what happened. I doubtthat will happen in one evening.” Winter reached for his robe. He’d opted for the white and gold outfit for the evening’s festivities. The one he’d originally planned for his wedding.
“You do appreciate his good looks, though, don’t you, sir?” Sigmund took the robe from him and eased it up Winter’s arms and over his shoulders.
Winter started fastening his buttons. “I’ve appreciated the looks of many a man over the years who shares Rupert’s stature and commanding nature. However, Rupert has yet to prove to me he’s worthy of my attention.”
“Is that all there is to that attraction, sir?”
Sighing, Winter shook his head. He and his family lived by a code, and part of that code demanded honesty in all things when it came to dealing with their teams. To do anything less could be dangerous.
“I am attracted to him, yes. And there have been times, especially when I’m supposed to be resting, when I find myself thinking about him overly much. If our situation had been different, then we’d have wed and shared a bed from day one. But I believe in this matter I have to be patient…and yes, I’m aware that’s not something I’m known for.”
“I appreciate you admitting it.” Sigmund handed over Winter’s pants and then took them back. “I’ll bend so you don’t have to, but I still don’t think you should be going.” He bent over, holding Winter’s pants so he could step into them.
“Thank you.” Winter grabbed the waist of the pants quickly and pulled them up under his robe, doing them up cautiously over his bandage. “First, this is the only time Rupert has personally asked me to do something with him, and I’d be setting a bad precedent by saying no. Second, and more important in my eyes, he is inviting me into his inner circle. I am not assuming thiswill be a regular occurrence, which is yet another reason why I should go when I’m asked. I want to witness him in his natural environment.”
“He’s not one of the creatures you chase and capture.” Sigmund shook his head. “You’re not going to be expected to write a report about him for the World Council at the end of the night.”
“Technically, I’ve already caught him.” Winter chuckled softly. The pain in his gut wasn’t as bad as it had been the day before. “The question now is, do I keep him, let him go, or send him into the World Council for further study.”
“I’m sure we’ll all wait with bated breath for you to decide, sir.” Sigmund tilted his head, hearing a tap on the outer door. “That will be your husband, for you. We’ve arranged for Pippin to be driving the carriage, so you will have support if you need to make a speedy getaway.”
“Is August with the king?” Winter flicked back his hair and put himself into social mode.
“I believe they are playing cards, sir.”
