Page 20 of King's Warrior

Rufe returned his attention to the game. His novice mistake showed his distraction. He quietly murmured, “I hope someone looks at me that way one day.”

Niam did, too. Such maudlin thoughts for what could never be. He took advantage of Rufe’s distraction with his next move. “I believe I have you at a disadvantage.”

Rufe reared back, eyes wide. “You haven’t left me with many openings. Are you sure you taught me all the rules?”

“Yes. Your goddess must reach the vineyard to bestow her blessings.”

“You’ve put a storm in her way.”

“How can you counteract a storm?” How indeed, for Niam sensed one brewing on the horizon. He spotted two advantageous moves.

“A-ha!” Rufe exchanged the piece representing the storm for one representing the sun and then moved his goddess to her vineyard.

“Nicely played.” Niam gathered the pieces to place into the cloth bag he used to store the game. He really must be going. Motherwouldn’t believe his excuse that he still needed more time to interrogate Rufe, but Niam enjoyed his company.

In time, would Rufe trust Niam enough to confide how he earned the traitor’s tattoo or who his parents were? A niggling voice reminded Niam he’d yet to tell Rufe of his own parentage. So far, Draylon didn’t appear to have let the truth slip.

“Must you go, Ned?”

The name brought Niam up short. For all he’d learned about Rufe, Niam hadn’t shared much about his true self except for his love of riding and games—two things his position deprived him of on most occasions. “I’m afraid I must.”

“Will you come back tomorrow?”

“If I can.” That was as much of a promise as Niam could make.

Rufe stood when Niam did, escorting him toward the door. Rufe placed a hand against the door, angling his body close enough to Niam’s to make the invitation clear, but not close enough to make Niam feel trapped. “I enjoy our time together.”

“As do I.”

Rufe leaned in, but Niam ducked. As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t indulge in a kiss. Not here. Not now. And certainly not while Rufe believed him to be someone else.

Mother exited Yarif’s room, joining Niam in the hallway, a mischievous smile playing over her lips. “Your cousin reminds me ofa younger you,” she said, meeting Niam’s gaze. She studied him, starting with his face and working her way lower to the game set in his hands. Her eyebrows lifted. “I see you’ve been spending more time with our captain.” She managed a lot of innuendo in her words, but asked no direct questions.

“I enjoy his company,” was all Niam allowed.

“Have you even told him who you are?”

The guilt had to have shown on his face. He’d never hidden his expressions well from his mother. “He believes I’m a servant named Ned and will treat me differently if I tell him who I am.” Would Rufe be so quick to smile or joke if Niam revealed his true identity? Would he be so open and friendly? Besides, Niam didn’t change his personality much as Ned, giving Rufe an opportunity to know the man without the burden of royal protocol.

“The longer you lie to him, the less he’ll trust you,” Mother scolded. “Eventually, he’ll put together that King Niam is Ned.”

Niam hung his head. “I know.” Guilt twisted his insides.

Mother placed two fingertips under Niam’s chin and lifted until they made eye contact once more. “While you might never see him again, he’s a friend of Yarif’s and Draylon’s. If you sign treaties with the empire, you’ll see them regularly. You don’t want to alienate anyone in their circle.”

“I know, Mother, but no one has ever seen me for me without my title.” Yet, he couldn’t continue to be selfish.

“He’s healing, as are Yarif and Draylon. As much as you’d like to, you can’t keep them. Eventually, they’ll have to return to Renvalle.”

Niam didn’t reply, the words striking home. His position didn’t allow many friendships. For a little while, he’d fantasized about having ready confidants, people he could be himself with.

Mother kissed Niam’s cheek. “I just don’t want him to take your heart with him when he leaves, son.”

“I’ll tell him. Soon.” Niam retreated to his room with a heavy heart.

In his dreams, Rufe hovered over Niam, scarred body on full display. Niam woke to find spend cooling on his belly.I’ll tell him today.

Despite his resolve, “Ned” visited Rufe again, and again—swearing each time would be the last.

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