Page 28 of Sharpen Your Claws

Fae didn’t apologize. They weren’t supposed to, but he would apologize to William for the rest of their lives. It was as honest as he could be, and William knew that.

“I know. You don’t have to apologize.” Then he trapped Nicholas in his arms, holding with an aching ferocity, as if he tried to pour every feeling into this touch alone. “It’s not your fault.”

He returned William’s embrace. He wished they hugged for better reasons, because they missed each other, because William shared his love. Not because he couldn’t control himself and they were both frightened.

The dining-room door swung open. William released him. Robert stepped into the hall, his eyes on the paper, then on them. He froze. Behind him, Matilda gasped. Nicholas raised a hand and smiled. “Good morning. I am not here to start any trouble.”

Which may not have been the best opener.

11

William

MatildatrembledbehindRobert.Acting as a shield, Arthur situated himself between their mother and the doorway. William wished he could say Arthur needn’t be concerned. Unfortunately, Nicholas had shown how upset he could become merely by watching William be around his family. Nicholas didn’t want to hurt anyone. What a peculiar thought about a fae. They thrived on violence, yet when Nicholas yearned to choose otherwise, he couldn’t.

“Lord Darkmoon.” Robert tucked the newspaper under his arm and played the part of the diplomat. He held out his hand.

“Call me Nicholas.” He shook Robert’s hand while sharing his usual charming smile.

“Nicholas, we weren’t expecting a visit. What brings the savior of Terra to our home?”

“I came to visit William,” he answered.

His face grew hot under the curious glances of his mother and brother. Robert still didn’t meet his gaze. Two years and he continued to ache.

“We served in the war together,” Nicholas elaborated, as if that helped. “We went through many trials and tribulations and spoke little at the ball.”

“Ah, yes, we heard he assisted you a great deal in the war effort.”

“More than I’m sure you’ve been told.”

He would have pinched the bastard if he thought he could do so without getting caught.

“It is unfortunate you hadn’t arrived earlier. We could have invited you for breakfast.” Robert had that politician in him, capable of withholding any disdain or distrust.

He didn’t believe Robert would have wanted Nicholas at their table, but he dined with those he disliked before. He could tolerate it.

“Really?” Nicholas’ attention drifted between Matilda and Arthur, like he wanted them to agree. Matilda couldn’t bring herself out from behind her son.

“I am not sure what fae customs are, but a breakfast among mortals might be interesting for you,” Arthur said, being as friendly as their father taught them.

If he weren’t worried, he would have found the awkward conversation more amusing than anything.

Then Nicholas looked at him with such hope that his heart shattered. There, among the violet, a shimmer of pink light, as if hope itself manifested. If he shared his life with Nicholas, would that help him in any way?

William didn’t expect to become a doctor. It happened out of necessity, though he didn’t regret the path. He always found them admirable, a job worthy of being proud of, and he took pride in his work. In a way, Nicholas became a patient, someone who needed help that he could potentially give. Deep down, the darkened voice that had taken root in him during war times said that there was no hope, that Nicholas was doomed. They could never have had more. But then there was the doctor who sought to heal in the face of overwhelming odds, saying maybe they could make life easier. He didn’t know where to begin, though perhaps considering helping at all was the only way to begin.

“Another time then,” Nicholas finally said.

“Aren’t you heading into town?” William asked to spare all of them.

“Yes, I told Amara we would meet her on main street.” Arthur presented his arm to Matilda. She often went with them rather than spend the day at home alone.

“I am about to head to the gentlemen’s club,” Robert said with little enthusiasm.

There had been arguments among the lords of late that irritated Robert more than usual. Alas, he still had a job to do, although Arthur had been slowly taking over. All the brothers sat down multiple times to discuss their father’s retirement. Robert worried about giving too much to his boys all at once. They worried he put too much pressure on himself when he deserved rest.

“If that’s the case, I will,” he swallowed hard, reconsidering, but sensing Nicholas’ unyielding attention, “give Nicholas a tour of the house, if that’s alright. He came all this way, after all.”

---