Page 29 of Celestial Bodies

Dacias put his finger to his lips in a shushing gesture. “It’s very lowkey. Klorin is very private about these things. Ferrean once stole one of his lovers, so we don’t discuss these matters much. I don’t know for certain, but I know him well enough to know that he is seeingsomeonein Cupidor.”

Julen giggled. “Look at us. We’re on our way to a four-way wedding.”

Julen felt like an idiot the minute he said it.I’m so dumb.

Dacias’s eyes widened, and then he smiled. “Come on. I’ll take you home. We need a horse to get to the festival.”

The boughs of the trees hung like a canopy above the road, and Dacias threaded his fingers with Julen’s.

The cobblestone roads ended at the city center, and the dirt pathway leading to Dacias’s home had a strong musty smell. Julen couldn’t believe how rustic it felt only a short distance from the city.

They rounded a corner, and the most precious house Julen had ever seen appeared. It was built with blue stones, with white trimming and a giant porch wrapping around the entire home. The house was on a massive patch of land covered in flowers.

“Home sweet home,” Dacias said.

Julen gasped. “Dacias. This is your home? It’s lovely!”

Dacias looked at Julen, his face beaming. “Thank you.”

They strolled along the path to the home when Dacias said, “We’ll just snag a horse from the stables out back and be on our way—”

“Not until I meet the man of the hour,” a voice called from the house.

A tall man with a closely cut beard, tan skin, and ruby-red hair exited the home. “Well, well, well. This must be the famous Arlo. Otherwise known as Klorin Validar, at least for this evening.”

Dacias wrapped his arm around Julen. “Arlo, this is my brother Klorin.”

The anxiety of meeting Dacias’s brother had Julen reeling. “Thank you so much for the UIN. Rugiria is so beautiful. I am beyond envious.”

Klorin smiled and held his hand outto Julen. “Not so pretty in Lapistra?”

Julen laughed and shook his head. “Not even close.”

“Well, thank you for the warm compliments. Maybe other Lapistreans will visit and convince that asshole of a king to lift the embargos—”

Dacias held up a finger, wagging it at Klorin. “Uh uh. What did I say? No politics tonight.” Dacias turned to Julen. “Forgive my brother. He provides sage advice yet lacks social grace. It’s an interesting conundrum for him.”

Klorin huffed. “Hey! He’s usingMYUIN. Be nice to me.”

Julen couldn’t help but ask, “Are you coming to the festival?”

Klorin shook his head. “No. It’s safer if I hide out here. You’re the only Klorin Validar as far as Rugirean guardians are concerned. I shall stay here and read by my lonesome.”

Dacias rolled his eyes. “So dramatic.”

Klorin laughed. “You boys have fun. Don’t get into too much trouble.”

Julen swallowed loudly. Dacias must have noticed because he said, “There will beno trouble.” Then he turned to Julen. “I promise, Arlo. I won’t let anything happen.”

Julen took a deep breath and smiled. They said their goodbyes to Klorin and made their way to the stables.

???

Julen could barely hide his arousal as he latched onto Dacias during the ride to the festival. The galloping horse bounded along winding paths, but Dacias’s body held firm as he anchored the two of them. The sturdy muscles along his back pressed into Julen, releasing a warmth that made him hot all over.

The festival lay deep in the Rugirean forest. It took longer than Julen expected to get there. He knew he should be concerned about going deeper into a forest in enemy territory, but he just didn’t care anymore. It all felt so wonderful. For once, he didn’t let his racing mind get the best of him. Whether foolish or not, Julen knew so few moments of pure, unadulterated bliss, and he decided to ignore his better judgment and just lean into Dacias. He’d already followed him here; he had to endure whatever lay ahead.Something in his gut told him not to worry.

When they reached their destination, Dacias leaped off, tied up the horse, and helped Julen down. Julen could already hear the commotion of the festival as they made their way down the dark path, which soon opened up, revealing a massive clearing bordered by trees with hundreds of people.

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