Page 32 of Martyr

“If he already has a claimed mate when he’s crowned, he’ll have to name that person as his Royal Consort…” Beck stared at him, seeming honestly surprised that Nix hadn’t put two and two together on his own.

But there was a reason for that.

Nix laughed, the sound harsh and strained. “There’s no way. I mean, it makes sense in theory, but no. Lake did this to make a point. He wants me, sure, but not enough to make me his Consort.”

Imperials only got one of those. Ever. If Lake named Nix, he would never be able to give the honor to someone else, even if he changed his mind. The mating bite was different. In the past, it might have meant an eternal bond, but now? In this day and age, it was a gesture, sometimes romantic, sometimes possessive. But that’s all it was.

“He can tell the entire planet he has a claim on me and still have a different Consort,” Nix added, and there must have been something in his tone because Beck’s stare intensified.

“You sound upset about that prospect.”

“Do I?” He shook his head. “I’m not.”

It was hard to tell if Beck believed him, but he changed the subject in the end, either to help Nix save face or becausehe did. “That looks bad. There are blood stains. Why don’t you come with me to my office? I’ll clean it up for you.”

“Oh. No, that’s all right. Thank you.” Nix collected his things, shoving his tablet into his backpack before standing. “I should get going.”

“Do you have another class right after this?”

He shook his head.

“Then come with me,” Beck insisted. “Are you hesitant because I was once a Demon?”

That was right. Up until he’d graduated and become a professor, Beck had also been a Demon of Foxglove Grove. Had he graduated last year? The year before? Nix couldn’t remember. He’d have to find out. Although, either way, he shouldn’t have had access to the King chat since he wouldn’t have been an active student during Branwen’s time here.

Beck couldn’t be the King he was looking for, but maybe he knew something that could help Nix find the person he was after.

Getting involved with another Demon was the last thing he wanted to do, but…Beck was a professor now, and he seemed nice enough…

“My office is in the building,” Beck added, probably able to tell he was close to convincing him. “It’s not far and it won’t take long to apply a new bandage. You wouldn’t want that getting infected, it’ll scar even worse.”

Nix already hated the idea it would scar at all.

“All right.” Why not. His only other plan for the day was to find somewhere secluded to look through Branwen’s King chats. After he was done with Beck, he could head to the library and deal with it there. Then he’d had decide whether or not he was going to flee campus or—

“Nixie,” West called from the hallway a second before he entered the classroom and walked over toward them. He nodded once at the professor. “Beck. What are you doing here?”

“I was checking in on your Fourth,” Beck replied.

“Fourth?” Nix glanced between the two of them, jostled when West suddenly draped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him in tight against his side.

“No need,” West was still staring at Beck as he spoke. “We can take care of our boyfriend without outside help.”

Beck chuckled and took a deliberate step back. “Message received.”

“That’s what I’ve always liked about you, Beck,” West said. “You never overstep.”

“I know my place.”

“Hey, that’s not what I meant,” he legitimately sounded apologetic, and Nix looked at him in mild surprise. “It wasn’t an insult. You’re a good guy. You respect boundaries. Not many people on this planet do, especially not if they’re Essential.”

This time, it was Beck’s turn to glance between Nix and West.

“Relax,” West reassured. “Nixie is safe to talk openly in front of.”

“Because he’s been marked?” Beck shook his head. “I can’t believe you and Yejun allowed him to do that.”

“We didn’t.” West’s mood soured.

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