Page 114 of The Fae Kings' Bargain

* * *

A strange feelingtwisted Mehl’s gut, and he had the uncomfortable suspicion that it was jealousy. He wanted dearly to deny it. Tried to ignore it, in fact. But the longer Toren’s and Ria’s mental conversation went on, the deeper the sour feeling bit. Ah, it made no sense. He’d watched the two of them make love that very afternoon and had experienced only desire. Why be jealous now?

But really, he knew.

Mehl had no clue what RRK could be.

There was no doubt Toren was sharing that secret knowledge with Ria. Her eyes had widened with shock at one point, and Toren wore his somber, this-is-important expression. Even more, Mehl could feel their mental conversation because of the link. It was like knowing two people whispered about you behind a column but being unable to hear what they said.

He still hadn’t shaken it by the time the course was nearly over. Would it show during the announcement? He was elated that Ria had agreed to marry them, but even so, this new, dark emotion might mar things. He would have to find some way to purge it—and fast.

Toren nudged him under the guise of reaching for his cup.“Tell me what’s wrong.”

He should have known that Toren would be the one to do the purging.“Fine. I was jealous.”

Mehl caught a flash of Toren’s surprise.“Of Ria and I speaking? A few hours ago, she had my cock in her mouth while you took her from behind, but you’re upset that we spoke mentally?”

“Ah.”Jealousy or no, he went semi-hard at the reminder.“Not exactly. It’s only…I don’t know what RRK is, and we’ve been married for nearly a century. Together for longer. How have I not earned enough trust to hear of it?”

Toren’s sudden laugh earned more than one odd glance.“And you’ve probably spent less time in the royal archives during that time than Ria has in the last couple of days. Had you ever spent hours pouring over law books and stumbled upon that mention, I would have eased your curiosity, too.”

Was it relief or annoyance at himself that flushed hot through his body? Ria had said it was a book, hadn’t she? He should have considered that it was a matter of interest and not trust that had led Toren to share with her first.

“I was being foolish.”

“Yes.”Toren smiled over the lip of his cup.“But I imagine jealousy will happen to all of us from time to time. You know it has happened to me. It’s inevitable. Also, if you must know, RRK stands forThe Rites and Rituals of the Kingdom. Only I can unlock its vault, but I haven’t had cause to bother for a few centuries now. It details the spells behind our laws, and I’m not a mage to have use of such information. I’ll show it to you at the same time as Ria, if you like.”

Mehl shook his head.“I’ll do no better than you with such a book.”

Even though his jealousy had been unreasonable, the information eased the silly emotion all the same. But he supposed Toren was right—such feelings were inevitable. Gods knew he’d felt a similar envy before, though not because of someone they both loved as they did Ria. Whether it was a clingy courtier or merely endless meetings taking Toren’s time, the bite was the same.

“We should both stand for the announcement,”Toren said. Then he hesitated.“If you would like, that is.”

Apparently, embarrassment was inevitable, too.“Of course I would.”

Then together, they told the world of their new happiness.

* * *

By the timehe woke the next morning, Toren loathed the day he’d announced this presentation. Not because of the event itself. It was more that Ria’s anxiety now had him twisted up with worry, not to mention the dregs of Mehl’s insecurity the night before. It was true that misunderstandings would happen, but all the same, he hated that he’d inadvertently hurt his husband. He would have to watch closely to ensure that Mehl felt no lack.

Ria rubbed the tip of her nose against Toren’s chest. “We should get moving. Today is not the day to be late.”

On his other side, Mehl slid his hand across Toren’s waist, earning a groan, as he pulled free of their tangled limbs and sat up. “She’s right. Gods know Feref is probably pacing the dressing room already, and we’ve yet to make it to the bathing room.”

“What?” Ria bolted upright. “Is it that late?”

Mehl laughed. “No. Feref’s that obsessed with a proper presentation. Get ready to have your hair wound around some kind of tiara after last night’s announcement. He’ll have you dressed like a princess.”

“Oh! About that…” Both excitement and nerves danced in her eyes as she nibbled on her lower lip. “I designed us clothes for the presentation, but I was thinking to save them. I know you wanted to commission something new from my father, so I’m not sure if it’s a requirement for this type of event. If not…I’m thinking they may work better for our wedding.”

Warmth filled Toren at the soft words, his sour mood fading at her thoughtfulness. Tenderly, he brushed a hair off her cheek. “It was more a tradition than a requirement. Whatever you and Mehl desire, I’ll be happy to comply.”

He glanced at Mehl—thankfully, his husband’s demeanor was clear of last night’s unhappiness. “I know little about fashion,” Mehl said. “I’ll yield to Ria’s discretion on this.”

“Good,” she said, a smile brightening her face. “I want more time to work on them, anyway. But please tell me we won’t have months of celebrations like you did when you two got married. If we wait too long, I’ll have to keep making alterations for my growing waist.”

Truly, it was a delightful reason not to delay. “One month. Once Ber leaves again, I’ll declare a month of celebration before we wed. Feref may well kill me for the rush, but we’ll see it done.”

---