A Bond of Three (34 page)

Outside in the street below, Sorran heard cheering and crying as Tanish’s words spread through the city. Those assembled in the palace erupted into excited chatter. The
Seruani
melted into the crowd gathered there—all except one.

Feyar stood, his gaze fixed on Tanish.

Little by little, a hush fell upon the people, until the room was silent. All eyes were focused on their king.

Tanish straightened. “Many of you were here for my wedding a few days ago. I will tell you now that Prince Sorran acted with integrity and honor.” He met Sorran’s gaze and smiled. “He refused to marry me because to have done so would have been a betrayal.” He hesitated, and Sorran felt the waves of panic coursing through him.

By the heavens, he means to….

Sorran began to pray silently and furiously that Tanish’s faith in his subjects was not misplaced.

Chapter 24

T
ANISH
BREATHED
deeply. The reaction of his subjects to his change in the law had been heartening, but apprehension gripped him as he prepared to reveal the truth. One look at Sorran’s sweet face told him his betrothed knew of Tanish’s inner turmoil. Tanish turned to find Feyar regarding him, his expression almost identical to that of Sorran.

They feel it through our bond.

The thought reassured him, and a surge of love for them flowed through him.

Tanish held out his hands to them. The audience chamber fell silent as both Feyar and Sorran walked across to take his hands and stand on either side of him. The connection of their flesh gave Tanish strength. He could feel all eyes upon him as he lifted his chin to gaze at his subjects. King Beron and Queen Vasha stared at the three of them, plainly puzzled.

This is the moment.

Tanish squeezed his lovers’ hands and inhaled deeply.

“Prince Sorran refused to marry me because he could not stand here and vow to be faithful to me, knowing that there would be three people in this marriage, not two.” He glanced at Feyar, whose gaze was fixed on him, eyes sparkling. “I have loved this man for many years, yet because of our laws, I could not declare that love. He has been my rock, my comforter, my lover. And when I learned I was to marry, I refused to give him up.”

Feyar bowed his head, and Tanish caught the gleam of a tear on his cheek. He released Feyar’s hand and wiped away the moisture before kissing him on the cheek.

The air was still, no noise carrying through the chamber. It seemed to Tanish that the whole of Teruna was listening.

He turned to Sorran. “Your capacity for love and your generous nature have endeared you to the people of Teruna. You have won their hearts, as you won mine. And before my people, I thank you for your integrity, for by forcing me to question our laws, you made me seek answers.”

Sorran flushed, a tide of red rising up his chest to his neck and face.

Tanish faced his subjects. “Today I changed the laws because it was the right thing to do. And now I stand before you with the two men I love—the two men I will marry.”

Beside him, Feyar and Sorran drew in their breath sharply. Tanish’s heart soared at the feeling of love that poured out of them, rolling over him in a gentle wave.

Murmurs rippled through the audience chamber, though Tanish could not glean the mood of his people. He held his head high and raised his voice. “Let all Teruna know that their king will rule this land with two consorts. And that henceforth the
Seruan
Feyar shall be Prince Feyar, as befits his status as royal consort.”

Feyar gasped. “No, this is too great an honor. It is enough that you have declared your love for me before all your subjects. I am not of royal blood.”

From behind them, Malin chuckled. “His Majesty is entitled to make any man a prince, Feyar, as he sees fit.”

Tanish gave Malin a look of gratitude and then turned his attention back to his lover. “I will have no arguments,
Prince
Feyar.” He grinned, feeling more confident as laughter echoed around the chamber. Tanish lowered his voice. “Will you marry me, my
terushan
?” Sorran’s hand tightened around his, and Tanish smiled. “Marry us?”

Feyar’s face was alight with joy. “Oh yes, my
corishani
. I will marry you.”

Tanish thought his heart would burst with happiness. He faced the audience. “I ask that you come here tomorrow to witness our marriage. Let it be a day of great celebration, for the bond of three will exist once more in Teruna.”

There was no mistaking the reaction to his words. The room erupted into rapturous applause, with cheers and cries rising into the air. The horns burst into life, filling the chamber with a loud, joyous anthem. Tanish was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response, which continued for several minutes. When the horns fell quiet, the people began talking in groups, no doubt discussing the wedding and Tanish’s pronouncements. The mood was jubilant.

Sorran’s parents came forward to greet Tanish. King Beron gave a bow and then clasped Tanish to him. “You are a brave man, Your Majesty. Your father would be proud of you.”

Tanish’s throat tightened. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I trust you are content to let the marriage continue, now that you are aware of the truth?” He waited, stomach churning.

The king regarded him thoughtfully. “This marriage was conceived as a way to unite our two lands, so that Vancorans and Terunans would stand side by side against a common enemy, should the need arise. I see no reason for that plan to change.” His face softened. “I had hoped that you and Sorran would come to love each other, but now that I see the way he looks at both of you, I am more than content. I have never seen my son look so happy.” He smiled. “May the Maker bless you all.”

Tanish bowed his head, as did Feyar and Sorran.

Queen Vasha held Sorran close, her eyes bright. “All is clear to me now, my son. What you do is right. I feel it.”

Sorran pressed his cheek to hers. “Thank you, Mother.” When he released her, his gaze alighted on Tanish. “I would speak with Your Majesty and
Prince
Feyar.” His eyes gleamed.

Tanish nodded eagerly. It had been far too long since he had spent time with his lovers. He could sense Feyar’s need to reconnect with them. Tanish glanced to where the ruined trellis lay strewn across the floor, light from the windows of the
Seruanal
pouring into the chamber.

“Leave that to me, Your Majesty.” Malin stepped forward. “I will see to it that the guests depart, and I will ensure that preparations are in place for tomorrow. Let your mind be at peace.” He glanced at the three of them. “I am sure there is much to discuss.” His lips twitched.

Tanish bit back a laugh. His adviser knew him well. Tanish took his leave of Sorran’s parents and walked out of the chamber, Feyar and Sorran at his side. All bowed as the three passed by, and cheers and shouts accompanied their exit.

Tanish went swiftly to his bedchamber. Once inside, he held his arms wide. “My loves.”

Sorran and Feyar lost no time in pressing themselves to him, their kisses urgent.

“To be without you was torture,” Feyar gasped out as he cupped Tanish’s head and pulled him close, kissing him with such passion that Tanish could hardly draw a breath. Sorran kissed his neck and clung to him, hands hot even through the layers of fabric. The depth of emotion flowing out of them sent Tanish’s spirit soaring.

“I felt your presence though we were parted,” Tanish told them when Feyar broke the kiss, “but to have you once more in my arms is truly heaven.” He drank in Feyar’s earthy aroma, and beneath that, Sorran’s spicy scent, both so familiar to him.

It was not long before clothing was abandoned, giving way to bare skin as they kissed and caressed each other, a fusion of lips, fingers, and tongues. The air was full of soft moans and low cries as Feyar curled around Sorran on the bed, hips bucking as he rocked into him and then back onto Tanish’s cock, the three of them joined as one.

And when they released, it was with heartfelt sighs.

For the first time in three days, Tanish knew peace.

T
HE
PALACE
was alive with noise with preparations for the wedding, and outside the city buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Sorran stood on the balcony, gazing out at the colorful robes.

“It was thus the day we arrived,” he told his father. He could not keep still. The wedding was to take place in an hour, and Sorran was tingling. He had awoken early to the sound of birdsong, a room filled with sunlight, and his lovers wrapped around him. His body ached deliciously from their lovemaking, which had lasted long into the night and through into the early hours. His resolve to get up early and meditate had vanished when faced with Tanish’s eager mouth on his cock. And it had taken every ounce of his strength of purpose when Feyar had awoken and wanted to join in.

“I would speak of Aroman once more.” His father’s deep voice broke through Sorran’s musings.

Sorran let out a sigh. “We have spoken of this.” He had no wish to see Aroman executed as his father desired. “Have you spoken with him?”

His father scowled. “No. It is enough that I know what he did.”

Sorran faced him. “Then perhaps you and I should go and speak with him.” When his father’s eyes blazed, Sorran held up his hand. “I was the one he abducted. He did not harm me, and his reasons for such behavior do not have their basis in treason. Of that I am sure. So I would ask that you respect my wishes.”

His father fell silent. Sorran waited, his heart heavy.

The king sighed. “Very well. We shall speak with him, although I doubt he will say aught that will change my opinion.”

Sorran led the way to the barracks of the royal guards where Aroman was confined. He recognized Deron, who bowed first to him, then to his father.

“We would see Aroman,” his father said at once.

Deron nodded and bade them follow him to a room at the far end of the barracks. He unlocked the heavy door and pushed it open. Sorran entered first, followed by his father.

Aroman sat on the stone floor, his back to the wall. A thick chain lay between his ankles, secured with bands of metal, and a long chain extended from a ring set into the wall to a loop on his ankle band. His face lit up when he saw Sorran, but it lost all color when he caught sight of the king. Aroman dropped his chin to his chest. “Your Majesty.” The words were barely a whisper.

Sorran turned to his father. “Let me speak with him first.”

His father frowned but then nodded, taking a step backward.

Sorran crossed the small room and stood before Aroman. “On your feet, soldier.” He kept his voice firm.

Aroman rose slowly and stood with his hands hanging by his sides.

Sorran glanced around his cell. There was water within easy reach, and a plate with crumbs told him Aroman had been fed. He stared at the warrior, unsure of how to begin.

“I would never have hurt you, Sorran,” Aroman said quietly.

His father made a growling noise in his throat, but Sorran shook his head. He looked Aroman in the eye. “You took money from the King of Kandor. How did this come about?”

Aroman flushed. “I took no money from him. The agreement was that I should abduct you, take you to Kandor, and then I would receive payment. I never intended such a thing.” He sighed. “My uncle lives in Kandor. I had not spoken with him for many years, not since he left Vancor with my aunt and cousins. I received a message from my cousin, asking me to meet with him. He said he had news that my uncle was gravely ill. When I arrived at the appointed meeting place, I learned that he had lied. My uncle was quite well, but my cousin had been sent by the king to ask if I would perform a task for him.” He snorted. “As if I would take you to Kandor.”

Sorran tilted his head. “But you
did
abduct me.”

Aroman’s face fell. “At first I refused, but then I began to think. I had wanted you for so long, Sorran. I felt that if I could get you away from Vancor and Teruna, far away where I could build a home for the two of us, you would grow to love me. I had no wish to destroy the alliance between Teruna and Vancor. All I could see was the chance to be with you.” He met Sorran’s gaze. “It occupied my thoughts until I thought I would go mad. And that night when you informed me that you wished to go riding the following morning, I saw my opportunity and seized it.” He fell silent.

“You see, Father?” Sorran gave the king a knowing look. “This was not treason. It was foolish, misguided, yes, but not treason. And Aroman would not have harmed me.”

He saw the light return to Aroman’s eyes. “You… you speak for me?” He swallowed. “That is more than I deserve.” He dropped to his knees, head bowed, trembling. “Forgive me, Your Highness.”

His contrition was so genuine that Sorran’s heart was touched. “I forgive you,” he whispered. Aroman jerked his head up, eyes widened, and Sorran smiled sadly. “But you are not my warrior. You serve my father, and as such, it is he who will decide your fate.”