They spent a few hours on the trails. Rainier enjoyed it too even though unicorns weren’t new to him, but he couldn’t shake off his tiredness. Barely any food and so much exertion were certainly taking its toll, and he hoped he’d lost some weight.

Even if he didn’t, it was worth being tired and starving to see Felix talking to Snow who occasionally whickered or snorted.

When they returned, they were allowed to sit in the grass by the Mother unicorn’s paddock since they’d promised not to try to touch her child. The Mother looked content since they were a suitable distance away, and Felix could barely tear his eyes off of the baby who kept coming up to the fence to peer at them.

Rainier slowly forced himself to eat some of the cold chicken, and he took his time while the other two ate at a normal pace. The innkeeper had roasted it to perfection and rubbed spices on the outside.

When Felix was done, he stood to approach the fence although he stayed a foot away and kept his hands to himself even when the baby ran up in excitement. The Mother lifted her head to watch them both.

“How long until the Mother isn’t so protective?” asked Felix.

Rainier squinted. “I think it’s usually at about five or six months that she might allow someone to touch the baby. It depends.”

“Well, even if she doesn’t allow it, I still want to bring Mother and Grandma here to see it and the rest. Grandma is getting up there, and I think it’s about time she saw a unicorn if she’ll agree to go in a carriage. She could never ride a horse all this way.”

A carriage from Yorn would cost quite a bit, but Felix obviously wanted them to have the experience, and Grandmas don’t live forever. That gave Rainier another idea for a gift, but it could wait for a bit.

But not too long because they didn’t have much time left together.

Chapter Sixteen

Besides seeing and riding a unicorn, which was something Felix would never forget even if he lived to be a hundred, Rainier finally fucked him that night while he was gagged.

Even better, not once did he feel uneasy or unsafe. Rainier had left his hands free of the paws, but Felix was sure he didn’t even need that again. Still, it made the Prince feel comfortable to take it slow, and he was grateful to have a lover who took such good care of him.

He still worried about the Prince.

Rainier never ate more than half of his meals on the way back, and Felix told himself he’d stop nagging. The Prince knew himself, and his Mum didn’t seem concerned, so if he kept asking, it would get particularly annoying.

But he was positive that even if the Prince had a poor appetite, that couldn’t be good for him over time. What if he got sick? Healers couldn’t make everything go away in a few seconds, and there wasn’t much to him.

He even looked tired although he didn’t act like he was.

He figured they’d go to bed early when they returned, and they arrived after dinner. They’d barely had time to do a thing when a servant came in.

“Your Majesty, Her Highness said I’m supposed to tell you that you’re to go see her as soon as you get back.”

Rainier pressed his lips together. “Is she hurt?”

“Not that I’m aware of, Your Majesty, but she was quite insistent that it’s important.”

Rainier let out a faint sigh. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“I’ll get a bath going for us, okay?”

Felix didn’t pay attention to the parchment packets on the side table once Rainier left. He took off his boots and cloak and spent a couple of minutes hugging and loving on Inky who had come in.

“Rainier will be back in just a bit,” Felix told the purring cat.

He wondered if maybe Mother had written again by now, so he decided to have a quick look. He could get the bath going afterward. The top packet had Rainier’s name and title, and he lifted it to look at the one underneath. She had written. He tore open the packet, pulled out the letter, and unfolded it.

Rainier found him sobbing on the couch. Felix had completely forgotten about getting a bath started, and Inky by his feet wasn’t helping him feel better.

“What’s wrong?” Rainier hurried over.

“Grandma’s sick,” said Felix. “She’s got a fever, and Mother was warning me it’s not looking good, and I should come. She could already be dead now! I was busy looking at unicorns while she was sick!”

Rainier wrapped him in his arms. “I’m sorry, Felix. You didn’t know. Maybe she’ll get better. If you want, you can take one of our carriages.” Felix sniffled as he drew back. “I know Yorn’s three days away if you only ride during the day. If two drivers go, they can take turns to go without stopping, and you’ll get there much faster.”