A Bond of Three (25 page)

Sorran thought about Feyar watching his little family from a distance, unable to speak with them, share with them. The image pained him. “Do they know about you? Or do they know only that he resides in the palace?”

A look of such melancholy crossed Tanish’s face that Sorran’s heart went out to him.

“None beyond the palace know that Feyar is my
Seruan
. And certainly no one would speak of it, for such things are unseemly.” His lips pressed together. “So I must think that his mother and sister know nothing of his life here.”

Sorran reflected on the joy he’d witnessed when he had spoken with Erinor’s mother. They had not shared many words, but to know her son still thought about her had been enough to bring tears to her eyes.

And then it struck him.

If I can bring knowledge of Erinor to his family, why, then, should I not do the same for Feyar?

The more he thought about it, the more determined Sorran grew.

Tomorrow
, he decided.
I shall watch where Feyar goes. And when I learn where his family lives, I will go there and let them know that a day does not go by when Feyar does not think of them.

The only problem would be getting out of the palace.

Chapter 18

S
ORRAN
REGARDED
Tanish with concern. He had tossed and turned throughout the night. Sorran had tried to comfort him, and once or twice he had succeeded, but not for long. Finally Feyar had changed positions in the bed so Tanish lay between them, and he and Sorran had put their arms around Tanish, both trying to reassure him of their presence. They had remained that way all through the night, waking with their arms entwined around him.

Tanish was pale, the dark circles below his eyes very noticeable. Sorran said nothing, but let him eat quietly, although he seemed to have little appetite. Feyar had taken his leave of them, and Sorran was anxious not to miss his exit from the palace.

“I think I will spend the morning with my father,” Tanish announced at last, his gaze fixed on the plate of bread and fruit he had left uneaten.

Sorran regarded him for a moment. “You should spend time with him while you can,” he said gently.

Tanish jerked up his head, his eyes shining. “Yes.” He sighed and then swallowed. “Seeing him in so much pain hurts me
here
.” He placed his hand over his heart. “Although I do not think that he knows I am there sometimes.”

Sorran reached to clasp his hand. “I am sure he feels your presence.” In that moment he would have done anything to take away Tanish’s pain. The last few days had brought him a fresh realization. It was one thing to know Tanish was his destiny; it was another to find himself growing to love him. And each time that the three of them joined—although, to Sorran, it felt more like making love each time—his feelings for Tanish deepened.

Tanish gave him a grateful smile. “What will you do this morning?”

Sorran pretended to consider. “I shall go for a ride.” When Tanish arched his eyebrows, he smiled. “Worry not. Aroman shall accompany me.” The thought of the tall warrior made his stomach churn. He had taken to avoiding Aroman at all costs, and spending so much time with Tanish had meant there had been little opportunity to meet up with him.

Tanish grimaced. “I think you do not bear your bodyguard any love.” When Sorran stared at him, Tanish laughed, a welcome sound. “Oh, I see how you look at him, but more than this, I see how he regards
you
. If it were not for the fact that he is your father’s chief soldier, I would have chastised him before now for the expressions of disdain that he sends in my direction.” He tilted his head. “I am tempted to say that he appears jealous.”

Sorran laughed. “Then you see much.” He shared with Tanish what had passed between himself and Aroman.

Tanish leaned back in his chair with a sigh. “So I have a rival? It is good to know this.” His eyes twinkled with good humor.

Sorran was glad for it. Tanish’s mood had been so heavy that any lightening of it was welcome. He leaned forward and kissed Tanish on the mouth, letting his lips linger. Tanish sighed into his mouth, his hands cupping Sorran’s face to draw him closer. Sorran deepened the kiss, drinking in his lover’s scent, rich and warm. When he broke the kiss, he sat back and smiled. “There is no one to rival you, my husband-to-be.”

Tanish’s smile was a joy to witness. “I am glad to hear it.” He breathed deeply and rose from the table. “And now I shall go to my father’s chamber with your kiss on my lips.” He bent down and kissed the top of Sorran’s head. “Peace be with you. I will join you at midday and we shall eat together. And if you are not too tired from your ride, perhaps we shall take Forena and Nerita out into the countryside. It will be a beautiful day.”

Sorran nodded. “I shall look forward to that.”

Tanish gave him one more smile and then left the table. Sorran waited until he was sure of being alone, and then he went swiftly to his bedchamber. He chose a long, dark, hooded cloak and covered himself with it before descending to the corridor that led to the
Seruanal
. There were no guards in sight, so he hid behind a stone pillar and watched the doorway, praying silently that Feyar had not already departed on his morning pilgrimage.

After a while the ornate door opened and Feyar emerged, dressed in his
cashor
. Sorran pressed himself against the cool wall, his face hidden by the hood. To his relief, Feyar went in the other direction.

Sorran waited a moment or two and then went quickly to the courtyard behind the palace where the stables were located. Timur was brushing down a black stallion. He raised his hand when he caught sight of Sorran and opened his mouth as if to speak. Sorran shook his head violently and placed a finger upon his lips. Fortunately Timur was quick-witted. He gave a brief nod and went back to his task. Sorran glanced around to make sure no soldiers were in view before exiting the palace gate.

Now to find where Feyar has gone.

Sorran was thrilled but nervous to be out in the city alone for the first time. With his face hidden by the hood, he knew it would be unlikely that anyone would recognize him. There were hundreds of people around him, the cobbled streets alive with noise and chatter as everyone went about their daily business. He scanned the people who thronged outside the palace, but there was no sign of Feyar’s distinctive red cloak. In desperation, he darted through the streets, pushing through the milling crowds, but the tall
Seruan
had vanished.

Sorran could not believe his misfortune. Surely a tall, bearded man in a long red cloak could not be so difficult to pick out from a crowd. But there it was—the crowd had swallowed him up, and Sorran would have no recourse but to return to the palace, unable to accomplish his mission.

A flash of red went by him, and his heart skipped a beat.
At last.
He followed the owner of the red cloak until he realized this person was much shorter in stature than Feyar.

It is not him.

The realization made his heart sink. Of
course
there would be
Seruani
out in the city. The plan had sounded so simple the previous day, and here he was, defeated at the first obstacle.

“Your Highness?” The words were a whisper.

Sorran turned swiftly, to be confronted by a familiar figure in a
cashor
. He beamed. “Erinor!”

The young
Seruan
gave a shy smile. “It is good to see you, Your Highness.” He glanced around. “Are you alone?”

Sorran nodded and grinned. “I have escaped from the palace.”

Erinor covered his mouth as he laughed, his eyes bright. “What are you doing here, Your Highness?”

Sorran sighed. “I thought we had moved past this, Erinor. I am Sorran, remember?”

Erinor’s cheeks flushed bright red. “Forgive me. I find it difficult to use your name.”

Sorran patted his arm. “You are forgiven. As to what I am doing here, I was trying to follow someone to see where he went.” He sighed. “And I fared poorly.” He pointed to Erinor’s cloak. “When I saw this, I thought I had found him.”

Erinor’s eyes widened. “You seek a
Seruan
?”

“A particular
Seruan
,” Sorran admitted, “but I have lost him.”

“Perhaps I may be of assistance.”

Sorran gazed at him thoughtfully. “Perhaps you may.”

Erinor glanced around and then smiled. “Come with me to my home. I can offer you something to drink, and then we shall see if I can be of use to you.”

The suggestion was a pleasant one. “Thank you. That would be wonderful.”

Erinor’s face shone. “Then come with me.” He led the way through streets that twisted and turned, Sorran following close behind. It made him sad to see the expressions of the passersby who observed Erinor. Some looked away pointedly while others made faces of disgust. Erinor seemed not to notice them, or else he was able to ignore them.

Finally they arrived at a familiar small house. Erinor stepped to one side to allow Sorran entrance into the cool interior. The room was as Sorran remembered it, tidy and clean. He sank down onto the pile of cushions and pillows while Erinor went into the kitchen. He reappeared with a bottle of green glass, half-full of a dark liquid.

“May I offer you a glass of wine?”

Sorran beamed. “That would be delightful.”

Erinor smiled and brought the bottle to him before reaching up to a shelf to take down two glasses. He poured out the ruby liquid and handed Sorran the glass.

The first taste of it made Sorran sigh with pleasure. “This reminds me of a wine from my home.” He took another sip and smiled. “Thank you, Erinor.”

Erinor poured out another glass and joined him on the cushioned floor. “So who is this
Seruan
that you seek?”

“It is not him that I seek, but rather where he goes.” Erinor lifted his eyebrows and Sorran elaborated. “I wanted to find out where his family dwells so that I could tell them how their son fares.”

Erinor studied him for a moment. “You are a kind soul, Sorran.” He took a drink from his glass and then regarded him with clear eyes. “What is his name? Perhaps I know him.”

“His name is Feyar.”

Erinor’s face lit up. “I do know him. When I dwelt in the palace
Seruanal
throughout my training, Feyar befriended me. He was a good friend.” Suddenly he stared at Sorran. “You seek the house of his mother and sister.”

Sorran nodded. “Feyar has had no contact with them since he was taken from them ten years ago. But I know he goes there.”

Erinor smiled. “I know of this. I have seen him standing in the shadows, his eyes haunted as he watches them. It makes my heart sore to see it.” He put down his glass and clasped Sorran’s hand in his. “You have shown me so much kindness, firstly by tending to me when I was injured and then by taking messages to my parents. I would repay such kindness, so I will take you to the house you seek.”

Sorran let go of Erinor’s hand and threw his arms about him. “Thank you,” he whispered. When he released Erinor, the young man blushed.

“Stay here awhile longer. Feyar will be there now, as is his habit. After a while, I will take you there.” He studied Sorran for a moment. “Is there anything I can do for you? Anything to bring you pleasure?” The color in his cheeks heightened.

For the first time, Sorran became aware of the color flickering around Erinor. He knew the meaning of the rich red that surrounded him—there were flashes of it around Aroman whenever he was near Sorran, and seeing it around Feyar and Tanish was always the precursor to a long night of passion.

Ohhhhh.

Sorran sighed. “You honor me, Erinor. You are an attractive young man and I am grateful for the offer, but—”

The tips of Erinor’s ears glowed. “But you have no need of my services.” He did not seem offended by Sorran’s gentle refusal. “I should not have offered, but you are so beautiful and….” He bit his lip.

Sorran hastened to reassure him. “You meant no harm, and I am truly flattered. But I am promised to Prince Tanish, and there will be no one but him for me.” He longed to speak of Feyar, but his good sense kept him from revealing the true nature of their relationship. “Let us change the subject.”

Erinor seemed relieved. “I would welcome that.”

They talked for an hour or so. Erinor spoke of growing up in Teruna, of his life with his family. He told Sorran some of Teruna’s history, which was fascinating, and Sorran told him about growing up in the palace of Vancor.

At last it was time to go, and Erinor led Sorran back through the streets to another part of the city. He pointed to a shadowy corner. “That is where Feyar stands.” Sorran saw no sign of him. Erinor then indicated the house across the street. “That is the place you seek. And now I will take my leave of you.” He made as if to bow, but Sorran stopped him and embraced him.

“Thank you, Erinor.”

Erinor smiled. “It was a pleasure. I am proud to have you as my friend.” After one last embrace, the young man wrapped his
cashor
around him and left Sorran in front of the house.