Page 120 of Tell No Tales
After stopping at his trunk in the hold for the stack of books and letters he'd saved for Hugo, he headed to the true hold. Hugo was already stretched out on the divan Stan had fashioned from some old planking and pillows. He lay on his side with his nose tucked in one of Klaus's pirate romance books.
Vadim cleared his throat, and Hugo snapped the book shut and rested his elbow on it. "I didn't hear you."
"Good book?"
"Yes." Hugo sat up and tucked the book under his thigh as though hiding it from Vadim. "Klaus said it was his favorite romance, but so far, the two characters hate each other."
If they hated each other, why was Hugo trying so desperately to hide the book?
It was of no concern to Vadim. He handed Hugo Hesse's journal and the letter his mother had sent before her death.
"Feel your grief and find your sorrow. Then, you'll be ready to experience joy." He glanced at Stan, who was just out of sight behind one of the sails. "Stan and Tovey are in charge of answering your questions. Stan's one of the most joyous people I know. He's an earth weaver, so he's grounded, too. Tovey's an angry fuck, but that's because air is his primary element. He'll know how to deal with your rage when you cannot. They'll be here for you."
"And you?" Hugo braced his fists on his hips.
"I can tell you about my own sorrows and joys, but I'll be working on our strategy to handle the navy when they attack, which they will." Vadim didn't want Hugo to worry about that, not yet. "The best thing you can do for Embertide right now is find your magic."
"I wish I could find it with you."
Vadim bowed his head.
"I told you so,"Klaus chided through their bond.
"I couldn't do that to your father's memory," Vadim said aloud. "Not seven months ago when I left Hearthstone, and definitely not now that I've met Klaus."
A burst of warmth and love through their bond almost knocked him over. It was as though Klaus had tried to give him a psychic hug.
"You love him?" Hugo asked.
"I do." He couldn't keep the smile from his face. "I didn't even think it would be possible to replace your father or find someone I trusted as much as I trust Efren, but Klaus is everything to me. Someone I can love who loves me back. Someone I can trust with my life, and who can trust me to be there when he needs me."
"I wish I had someone like that." Hugo glanced down at the book, crestfallen.
"You have an entire empire like that, Your Majesty." Vadim bowed his head. "But I know what you mean. Your father was never content with one lover."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hugo's scowl returned. "Are you saying he was unfaithful?"
"I'm saying he was a god among men, and everyone worshiped him, your mother and me included."
"What if I don't want to be worshiped?" Hugo looked lost, and it took every bit of Vadim's willpower not to go to him and wrap him in a hug. "What if I want to be loved instead?"
"You're finally free to explore what that means to you. I'm glad I was able to give you that much, at least."
Hugo attempted to school his expression, but it crumpled into anguish. "Yes. Thank you." His tone softened, and the words sounded sincere. "I'm glad to be alive, Vadim. Thank you for freeing me from the palace."
"You are welcome, Your Majesty."
"Stop with the titles. It's Hugo." His gaze shifted to the doorway behind Vadim. "Or Hugh. You were the only one who ever shortened my name when I was a kid."
No wonder Vadim had been his first crush. He'd been the only one willing to treat him like a real person. He'd done the same for Hesse.
"All right, Hugh. It's time for you to get some rest. When you're ready, read the journals. I'll send Frost to meet with you tomorrow morning with your first lessons in ice."
He nodded. "And when will I know more about fire?"
Vadim glanced back at Stan, who Hugo had not stopped staring at since he'd come to stand in the doorway behind Vadim.
Vadim grinned. "I think you'll be ready for joy soon enough."
