Page 85 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“Hiding, are we?”

“Would you not, if you were me?”

Dagr chuckled. “Luckily, I’mnotyou,Your Highness.”

“We’re alone, Dag… you have no need to call me that.”

“Simply practicing. I don’t wish to slip tonight while there are guests around to hear my blunder…Your Highness.”

Oz spun to face the man he loved. He sauntered closer and stopped mere inches from the man, lifting his stare to Dagr. “We should sneak away. We can find our own sport for the night in one of the taverns. It would be more fun than this gods-awful gathering.”

Dagr gazed down at him and from the glint of light he caught in the man’s brown eyes, he was sure the thought was tempting. Sadly, he didn’t receive the answer he’d been hoping for.

“Your father would murder me if I let that happen.”

Oz grinned. “Perhaps.Ifhe caught us. By the time he did, the ball would be long over and I could avoid the choice I’m expected to make tonight.”

“He expects you to pick a wifetonight?”

Oz scoffed. “He’d be ecstatic if I did.” He shook his head. “I do think he expects a short list of contenders by the ball’s end. It will be most short, I promise. Zero is quite short.”

“If we did run away, eventually we would have to return… and there would beanotherball… your torment extended. You must find one you can exist alongside.”

Oz sighed, wishing things could be different. He brushed his hands over the elaborately embroidered military jacket Dagr wore. The muscle and flesh below it were more beautiful than anything that could ever cover it. “If only we were back out to sea. Far away from the intrigues of court.”

Dagr’s smile faded some.

They both recognized there was no more stealing moments. By his father’s estimation it was time for Oz to do his familial duty—put an heir on one of the comely genteel ladies below. His thoughts drifted to Llyr and the infinitesimal chance there was already an heir below the sea.

No point in dreaming that will ever happen. Do as Dagr says. Pick one and get it over with.

Which one was the only question now. That night would be time for him to sort through the pack and see if there was one that he could stand talking to for more than a few moments. Perhaps he’d find a half-witted one who wouldn’t notice his lengthy trips to Clyffsyde or the Dagr’s sized bruises on his ass cheeks.

“The ballroom is near capacity,” Dagr said while gazing over Oz’s shoulder. “Yet I see carriages as far as the eye can see.” Dagr tilted his head and captured Oz’s gaze. “You’re a catch, it seems. All the mothers are dragging their daughters out tonight in hopes of hooking themselves the next King of Aelymanua.”

Oz lifted his stare to the heavens. “Perhaps I could wish upon a star… you realize what I’d wish for.” Tears burned the backs of his eyes. This was it. One of their final moments before being torn apart for good. They’d stretched the days out, using the search for Llyr and the truth as a way to prevent the end.

But there was no more stretching.

“Wishes rarely come true. Even for the future king.” Dagr took a step back, his expression going blank in the faint light rising from above. “We should get downstairs,Your Highness. The king was asking for you. We shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

As Dagr spun to leave, Oz reached out and grabbed the man’s arm. “Wait.”

Dagr turned, a question burned into his features.

“Say my name.”

Longing burned in the man’s eyes. “We don’t have time for this.”

“Saymy name.”

Dagr seemed as if he might argue, but instead, he sighed. “Ozzy… we need to go downstairs.”

Oz forced his friend to face him. “You willalwayshave a place in my heart. You are my friend, my lover. My compatriot. Life if not worth living without you in it.”

Dagr’s mouth was a firm line, but Oz sensed there was much his quiet friend wished to say.

“I love you, Dag,” Oz whispered.

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