Page 39 of Gilded Crown

“I’m still something to use. If I walked away, I’d hate myself, and you know that. That’s why I don’t like you that much either.”

“You shouldn’t hate yourself. Besides, it’s not just me you're protecting. You’re helping the people. The other common men like you. Do you want them to be under Zylem?”

“No,” said Jari. The idea of King Zylem wasn’t a comforting one. Someone like that might start a war to absorb Wockston back into Nova. People like him wanted everything they could get their greedy hands on, and if people suffered, too bad. He’d already proven that with what he’d done with the crown. He wouldn’t be surprised if harsher laws and punishments were slapped down.

Those three servants and the courtier meant nothing. It was like they hadn’t been living beings to Zylem. They’d been tools to torment and possibly kill Aurelius. Citizens that Zylem never laid eyes on would mean even less.

If he found out he could gild…

“That’s why you’re staying with me.” Aurelius flopped back on the hay with the air of someone who knew the other wouldn’t disobey. Of course, he was entirely right since he did deserve to have someone on his side for a damn change.

“Of course. Whatever, you say, Master.” Aurelius let out a faint purr noise that was strangely alluring even though it made anger flair in Jari’s chest. “Do you have to treat me like a dog?”

“If you see it that way, that’s your problem, not mine.”

“You might not be greedy for gold and stupid shit, but you’re a fucking asshole.”

“You’re not perfect either. You’re stubborn, but that can be a good quality in this case.”

Jari was about to say that getting to Wockston and speaking with the King might not happen no matter what sly words Aurelius used. They were wanted men now, and they hadn’t committed some petty crime.

“The thing is, even if you leave me, I’ll still go to Wockston,” Aurelius said as if he’d read Jari’s mind. “I’ll do whatever I need to save the people of Nova and end this curse. I can’t erase greed from the realm, but I can ensure nobody suffers thanks to Mammon again. He’s not going to have a steady supply of Midas’s to cling to and Kings to inhabit like a foul sickness while he bleeds the others around him dry. I need an army behind me, and I’ll get what I want. I suggest you get some rest, Jari, and I’ll take the first watch.”

“Fine.” Further bitching wasn’t going to get them anywhere, and Jari would stick with him until everything was done. That’s what Eurig wanted in the end. For Aurelius to lead the pack and somehow fight Mammon.

Jari was almost too tired to finish his lentil cake, but he forced it in before he lay back in the hay. Aurelius moved to sit on the edge of the loft and put out the lantern.

Jari stared at the dark and heard one of the horses huff. Galahad was probably telling the others how his owner had ridden him like a maniac.

Some might look at Aurelius as though the sun shone out of his ass for his statement about doing whatever was needed to save the Novans. Getting them out from under Zylem’s thumb and erasing Mammon’s faint but damaging presence sounded like something a hero would do.

It was the part about him doing whatever was needed that worried Jari. Terrible things could be done in the name of the greater and long-lasting good. Horrible acts today, a grand future for the days ahead.

“You better not turn into a monster,” whispered Jari.

The hay rustled, the scent of sunflowers reached him, and he felt a faint puff on his cheek.

“That’s another reason why I need you, and I’ll do my best to keep you safe too,” whispered Aurelius.

He had to be close enough to kiss, and his hand on Jari’s chest sent an odd spike of lust right to his cock.

“I need someone who’s not so bitter and twisted like me and can do the right thing.”

Jari had the feeling there was something under those words. Something he couldn’t quite grasp, like Aurelius was asking him to do more than simply protect him and help him save the Kingdom.

“I need someone to keep me on the right path too.” Aurelius paused. “I’m sorry that I took out my anger on you and had you whipped. You didn’t truly mean for any of that to happen back then, and I shouldn’t have laid so much blame on you just because you were someone I could get my hands on. You’re not your Father.”

Jari was too floored to speak for a moment. An actual apology? From him? “Uh, I forgive you.”

The Prince’s hand was gone, and hay rustled as he returned to his spot to watch over Jari for a change. The apology seemed entirely genuine. Jari hadn’t bothered to hope for one since Aurelius didn’t seem like the sort to say sorry for much, even though some heart had to exist under that cold shell.

Then again, a snake can also seem harmless and innocent. Just a hug. A simple hug to comfort while the coils further tightened.

***

He woke on his own and sat bolt upright although he didn’t know why. Had he been dreaming? If so, it was already gone, and he couldn’t remember a thing. The barn was quiet.

“Are you up?” murmured Aurelius.

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