Page 32 of Awariye

Today I was so raw I felt like I was always on the verge of tears. "Thank you, Ulbrecht."

"You're family now—call me Uli," he said gently. "And though you Helveticans have no obligation to consider me your king, make this your home. Come under my protection."

That was too much. The tears escaped and I started shaking. Wren held me close, cupping my head against his neck.

"Thank you, Uli," said Wren, his voice choked with tears also.

"You don't need to thank me,Schatz," the king replied.

The tears cycled through, and I calmed, so grateful but also tired from the exertion. I scrubbed my eyes and tried to think, this conversation too important to end early. "There are some things I think would be wise for me to listen for on my travels, while I think of ways to present your story. The people are unclear about why you don't have a High Queen. I've heard them talk, and it seems they know that Evelyn was given to Sören instead, but I sense an anxiety for their lonely king and what he will do."

"Evelyn mentioned this to me," said Ulbrecht with a nod. "Let the truth speak for itself, and be keen to not let rumors get out of hand. I did not give my best friend my fiancé because she cheated or betrayed me. I stepped aside because my two most beloved people fell in love with each other."

What a kind man. It was so noble when phrased that way.

"Nor do I plan to ever take a queen now," he continued. "Evelyn's skills at statecraft are all we need, and her children are my heirs. There is my sweet Wren, but I don't want a target on his back up at the mountain shrine. Our priority is giving the gods what they ask, a place in nature. "

My best friend nodded against me, still in my arms.

"Furthermore, Wren holds no political position, and never will."

"That is our duty, in the vows we took as monks," I supplied, and Ulbrecht nodded agreement. "A gay king is unconventional, but I've never heard anyone imply that it makes you weak. That, at least, is one thing the people are clear on: your strength."

"Good."

Wren untangled from me but squeezed my shoulders, his brows furrowed in concern. "Ingeborg's a mage, but what if people start saying the king's giving an ear to a dark sorceress? That could go in all kinds of terrible directions."

"If things transform from petty gossip into something more potent, I'll keep an eye out," I promised. Those who studied blessing magic diligently and quietly had to always keep in mind that the general populace could brand them as evil witches to find a scapegoat.

Ulbrecht clapped his hands and nodded. "Evelyn will handle your salary, Awariye, and I look forward to listening to you in the future. I know the kids have been gunning for a story, and the dark winter months are the perfect time for it."

Wren beamed at me, and I bowed to the king. "Thank you. It is an honor."

* * *

I'd just rounded the corner from the great hall to find Igor leaning up against the wall, arms and legs crossed, head bowed like he was sleeping standing up. He jumped when I touched his elbow, perking up immediately with a question in his eyes.

I nodded, confirming Ulbrecht's patronage, and Igor scooped me into his arms, hugging me tight.

"This is how you can stay with me," said Igor, his voice filled with emotion. "We can stay together. You can have your dreams, and I can come home to you, whenever you're in town."

I ached to think that he meant coming home from battle, not just from a day job. But we would have to face that when it came. He was on his path, and I was on mine. We would find our way forward together.

"I want that," I answered, my heart so full of love it hurt. "I want to stay with you."

CHAPTERNINETEEN

AWARIYE

One month later

Imelted onto Igor's back, my soft cock slipping out of him, my body completely and totally sated. "You're so good, Igor. Fucking you is the best."

My lover's back vibrated with his chuckling. Then as had become our beloved custom, Igor grabbed my arm and slid me down to the bed, hovering over me. Usually now he either let me blow him or jerked off above me, but this time he grabbed the dampened rag and wiped off his hands.

I reached for him, squeezing his forearm, fighting the urge to pass out. I always came so hard when I topped him, and I topped him a lot. "Let me blow you."

He huffed a laugh. "I came, Awariye."

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