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  Jaeger looked at Philip, and they nodded, following after Verity. It seemed whatever the Princess had discovered, she was bringing back war.

  Chapter Nine

  Philip

  Makepeace’s tent was quiet, save for the crackling of the fire in the middle. Philip watched the smoke rise up with the embers, through the hole above it. The smoke twirled and twisted as it reached the top, caught by the breeze and blown away out of sight. He and Jaeger had returned, only to be brought to the leader’s tent where they had sat in silence as Makepeace thought quietly.

  Finally, Makepeace looked directly at Philip. “And your wounds?”

  Philip rolled his shoulder. “Healed, they apparently didn’t think silver was worth wasting on us while on a kidnapping mission.”

  Makepeace nodded. “They assumed their ambush would be enough to wipe us out before we could rally any resistance. The magic disguising them would have done just that, were it not for Princess Minerva.”

  Jaeger looked up. “Minerva?”

  “Were it not for her ability to sense them coming at the last moment, they would have caught us off-guard, and we might not have come through the battle as well as we did. I have no doubt my people would have rallied, but the more vulnerable members of the pack would have been out in the open. As it was, we were able to lead them out and arm a few of ourselves before the battle. You, luckily, were away from the heart of the attack and spared the worst of it,” Makepeace answered.

  “I don’t understand, why would she be able to sense them when no one else could?” Philip asked.

  Makepeace raised a brow. “She hasn’t told you? The royal family to the north is well known for their long lineage of sorcery. The Princess is a talented enchantress in her own right but has been unable to use her abilities to their full extent. An enchantment placed upon the Princess at a young age, at the behest of the regents, has stunted the full potential of her abilities. As it is, she has a sense of magic, and can use it to a certain degree, but with the enchantment in place, she would be no match against the likes of Orrin.”

  Jaeger snorted derisively. “They placed a spell on her that’s kept her in check? Her parents had to have been alive when that happened, they allowed it?”

  “As far as I know, the regents, before they came to represent Princess Minerva utterly, persuaded the late King and Queen by stating that the strength the Princess contained would be dangerous. By sealing the greatest of her strength, they would be keeping her safe. It was thought the Princess would be married before she was, and the regents promised the enchantment would fall then, or at least when she was old enough to control her powers,” Makepeace said.

  “Until the King and Queen died, and the regents kept Minerva’s powers bottled up, making her easier to control,” Philip said in disgust.

  “Yes, but it seems her absence from their presence has weakened the seals on her and her powers have begun to grow. Perhaps it requires their physical presence, or they need to renew the sealing on a set schedule and it is past time. Either way, her powers are beginning to grow again, or that is what the Princess claimed in her last message to me,” Makepeace said as he stirred the fire with a long stick.

  Philip shook his head. “I hope that’s the case. She deserves to come into her own, and out from the shadow of the regents. I think we could all benefit from shaking off some of the shackles of the past.”

  Philip could feel Jaeger’s eyes on him as he spoke, but he kept his gaze on Makepeace as the leader spoke. “A fine sentiment and one I hope comes to pass. Despite everything, perhaps this marriage of alliance between you and the Princess will be for the best. With the two nations aligned, my people and this forest, would be safe.”

  Philip looked up, startled. “Pardon?”

  Makepeace raised a brow. “What, did you think we would be safer if this Orrin and these regents were in power? Without strong leadership allied with one another from both lands, my people will never truly be safe. I look out for my people as much as you should look to yours Prince Philip.”

  Philip glanced at Jaeger. “I’m not sure if the marriage will still be an option when all this is said and done. Events have…brought other truths to light.”

  Makepeace looked between them. “And what does the Princess think of this?”

  Philip winced. “The Princess is more than aware of the feelings Jaeger and I share with one another. I would say she’s more than prepared for the idea that I may not wish to marry her after all, especially considering it was forced upon us both.”

  “I know you both have strong feelings toward one another, but is that worth throwing away the alliance you’ve formed, especially when it’s so fragile and new?” Makepeace asked.

  Philip shook his head. “I don’t see it as throwing anything away. The marriage was one of convenience, forced on us by those we trusted, and are now betrayed by. I don’t think Princess Minerva will want to force me into the marriage, any more than she wanted to be forced into it. I’m sure she and I can come to some sort of agreement, without costing us, or you, anything in the process.”

  “Well, I certainly hope that is the case,” Makepeace said.

  Philip straightened. “Pack Leader Makepeace, I assure you, I have every intention of not only saving my people, but preserving yours as well. The people of Arden have been allies of ours for generations. I will do what it takes to get the throne back into rightful hands and to keep the peace with the north. Only through cooperation, as we have done so far, can we hope to achieve that goal and I will do what I must to fulfill it.”

  Makepeace stared at him for a moment, smiling as he shifted the stirring stick aside. Philip wasn’t quite sure what the smile was supposed to mean, but there was something knowing in it. When he looked to Jaeger to see if he saw it as well, he was surprised to find Jaeger gazing at him with unabashed affection.

  “What?” Philip asked, feeling suddenly self-conscious.

  “There’s the king I always knew was hiding in there somewhere,” Jaeger said with a grin.

  Makepeace chuckled. “It seems you have managed to find your way a little more than before. Is this newfound determination to be with Jaeger born from our little talk then?”

  Philip winced. “A little, but a lot from Jaeger as well. You both made excellent points and I would have been a fool to ignore the reason in them. I see now I’ve been following Orrin’s path for me too willingly, it’s time to break away from it and forge my own. I’m going to do it with Jaeger at my side and we’re going to bring Orrin and his scheming friends down. After that, I’m going to try to free my father from Orrin’s spell and see if we can’t get this land back to rights again.”

  “Keep that attitude and you might just succeed. There is a fine line between insanity and greatness. I wonder onto which side of the dividing line you’ll fall,” Makepeace said.

  Jaeger snorted. “He’s nuts, but he’s going to do it.”

  Makepeace smiled, gazing up through the smoke hole. “I hope so. The Princess is on her way back and should be here within a day, perhaps two depending on how swiftly this army of hers moves. In the meantime, we still have a celebration to attend to, and you are both more than welcome.”

  Philip glanced at Jaeger. “Would you mind if I spoke to Makepeace alone for a moment?”

  Jaeger’s brow quirked, but he nodded. “I suppose I should go see if they need any help patrolling the sentry lines tonight.”

  Makepeace waited until Jaeger was gone, then spoke a moment later. “Something on your mind Prince Philip?”

  “Is it important that he’s on patrol with the sentries tonight?” Philip asked.

  Makepeace shook his head. “I’ve shifted the patrols around and brought a few closer to this place. I doubt they’ll try the same tactic again, but I won’t be taking any chances. I imagine they’ll wait a little longer before they make a second attempt. Jaeger has been helpful, and has taught my sentries a few tricks they didn’t know, but he’s not necessary,
why?”

  Philip grinned. “Because I need your help with something.”

  Far enough away from the main celebrations of the pack, Philip eyed his handiwork. Makepeace had given him everything he’d needed, but Philip had insisted on doing the decorating himself.

  There had been enough candles in some of the tents and Philip had hung them safely in the trees. Coupled with the small fire at the center of the clearing he’d chosen, the lighting was soft and warm. A tent had been constructed near the fire, with soft cots placed inside, with more than enough room for two large people to lay comfortably together.

  Makepeace had offered boughs of mistletoe to hang with the holly, but Philip had decided against it. Thankfully, Makepeace hadn’t inquired as to why. It seemed he didn’t know the specifics of the prophecy, and Philip hadn’t enlightened him. Considering what he was planning, he thought it best that there was the least amount of mistletoe possible.

  He’d taken some food from the pack, with some of the pack members helping him pick the best items. A haunch of deer was cooking on the fire which crackled away with wood chosen for its taste and appetizing smell. Philip had also been given a couple of the earthenware mugs and a large jug of the cider they’d drunk the first night.

  After making sure everything was just right, Philip had gone to the river. There he’d bathed himself carefully, making sure every part of him was clean. With some quiet help from the pack, they were able to trim his hair and beard, making him more presentable. While he’d bathed and been groomed, someone from the pack had been kind enough to wash his clothes. He’d been relieved to find the freshly laundered travel clothes he’d taken when he left the castle. Despite the gravity of the moment he was preparing for, he didn’t think an exquisitely crafted doublet and pants were the way to go. The casual folds of the shirt and loose pants suited better.

  Resisting the urge to drink from the jug, he waited. The moon began to creep up into the sky, its silver light peeking through the branches above him. Jaeger appeared at the edge of the clearing, seeming to form from the shadows with a lithe motion. Philip had seen it before, but he’d never appreciated how beautiful the man’s deadly grace really was. There was something artistic in the way Jaeger moved, even if it meant Philip’s death if that had been Jaeger’s intention.

  Philip smiled when he caught the look of surprise on Jaeger’s face as he stopped walking. His dark eyes shifted over the clearing, finally settling on Philip with a frown. Philip had made sure Makepeace had only told Jaeger where he needed to go and when. Apparently, the leader had gone a step further and had also taken care of Jaeger’s appearance. His friend—his mate—was dressed in clean clothes much like his own, and the shadow of beard on his face had been shaved.

  “Philip…what’s going on?” Jaeger asked slowly, looking up into the trees where the candles had been carefully hung.

  Philip smiled. “It was nice of them to invite us to their celebration, but I think once was enough for us. Their celebration was a great experience and I’ll always be thankful that after everything, they were here, ready to accept us immediately. If it hadn’t been for their kindness, and how comfortable they made us feel, I might never have worked up the courage to drag you out to this clearing and kiss you.”

  Jaeger looked around again. “Is it the same one?”

  Philip laughed. “I have no idea, but we can pretend it is and say I was being extra romantic.”

  Jaeger gave a laugh of his own. “Fair enough. So, this is your celebration then?”

  Philip patted the pillow across from him. “Minerva is on her way, and when she gets here, things are going to really get started. I don’t want to celebrate what might be the last peaceful night we have with everyone else. The pack is wonderful, but you’re who I want to be with tonight, and only you.”

  Jaeger slowly crossed the distance between them and sat down on the cushion. There was still some tension in his shoulders, but Philip chose to ignore it as he handed him a filled mug of cider and a plate of deer.

  “We’ve had a lot of time together, but we’ve never spent time together like we’ve wanted to,” Philip said.

  Jaeger snorted softly, nibbling on the deer. “That’s one way of putting it. It’s been…hard, being so close to you but knowing it’s as close as I’m going to get.”

  “You’ve always been better at this sort of thing, hiding everything you’re thinking and feeling behind a believable mask. Orrin always kept a closer eye on me than he did you. You should have been prince, not me,” Philip said.

  Jaeger shook his head. “No, I can’t lead. I can teach, I can help, and I can protect, but I will never be a leader of men. And for the record, I know I can fool everyone but you. You’ve always known what I’m thinking and feeling, I could never hide anything from you if I tried.”

  “I think everyone can keep a secret. Like, I know how hard it’s been for you. Growing up beside the Prince and future king, knowing you’ll always be seen as an outsider, who’s only where he’s at because he’s close to the Prince. It’s never been true and it never will be, but I know the rumors as well as you do. Worse, you have to play eternal protector to a man you can’t even have the way you wish you could,” Philip continued.

  Jaeger set the plate aside, staring down at the mug in his hand. “If keeping you safe is what I must do to be at your side, that’s what I’ll do.”

  Philip reached across, taking Jaeger’s free hand. “But it’s not what you have to do. You said it yourself, we’ve both been following the rules of a man who doesn’t care anything about us, or even our people. We’ve always known, deep down, that he was wrong to keep us separated. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to find the courage to cast it off and take my rightful place at your side.”

  Jaeger’s smile was fragile. “Shouldn’t it be me at your side?”

  “Does it really matter, since we’re both side by side in this metaphor?” Philip asked.

  Jaeger looked down again. “I’m not going to pretend it was easy, but…”

  Philip shook his head, tightening his grip on Jaeger’s hand. “None of that. I’m sorry I failed you for so long. Maybe if I’d stood against Orrin’s proclamation sooner, we wouldn’t be in this situation. Maybe, by standing up to him, I might have forced his hand and made him reveal who he really was. I’ve put you through so much, and all for my benefit. You’ve done everything you could to remain at my side and I’ve just…existed.”

  “Philip,” Jaeger began.

  Philip cut him off. “No, listen to me. I’m not going to stand around and simply be there anymore. I’m going to shape the future of our kingdom, our home, and I want you right there, having a say in the entire thing.”

  Jaeger put his mug gently on the ground beside him, placing the hand on Philip’s. “You’re really sure about this aren’t you?”

  Philip took a deep breath, glad he’d had time to steady himself for hours before Jaeger showed up. “I’m more than sure, I’m determined. I want you there through all of it, as my friend, my partner, my mate and my husband.”

  Jaeger straightened, eyes widening. “Your…”

  Philip nodded. “Husband, yes. You would take your place at my side, and I at yours, just like it should have always been.”

  “I know what you said about the prophecy and all, but shouldn’t you at least, talk to Minerva before you start making these decisions?” Jaeger asked nervously.

  “Jaeger, I know what I want, at least with you. I want you to be my husband. In truth, I’ve always thought of you as my mate. I don’t think anything bad could ever come out of anything as good as what we share, and I mean that, truly. If the kingdom should fall, then so be it, but I, with all of my being, believe that won’t be the case. You and I are meant for one another, and I’m going to show the world that, by marrying you…if you want to,” Philip added, knowing he couldn’t charge ahead without Jaeger’s permission.

  Jaeger’s mouth opened and closed for a moment before he realiz
ed he wasn’t saying anything. “Philip, it’s everything I’ve always wanted. Hell, it’s everything I wouldn’t dare to even dream of, but doesn’t…”

  Philip scooted closer, so that their knees pressed against one another as they sat. “Look, you love me, and I love you. We want to be together and we want to build a life together. You’ve done everything you could to make sure you’re with me throughout our whole lives. We have the chance, to finally be with one another, like we’ve always wanted.”

  Jaeger looked down at their joined hands, a faint trembling in his fingers. “I know, and it’s everything I want. I wanted you to take charge and to chart your own path, I wanted you to be mine and me to be yours. I want to marry you, I want to spend my life with you as your mate and husband.”

  “Then why do you look like you’re going to say no?” Philip asked, his throat tightening.

  Jaeger looked up, startled. “I’m not going to say no! I’m just having a really hard time understanding how the hell I suddenly got so lucky. Everything I’ve ever wanted has just come true and I don’t know how to process it. I feel like my mind is going to melt out of my ears and puddle onto the ground.”

  Philip reached up, cupping Jaeger’s face and smiled. “Well, why don’t you keep your mind in your head, and we can focus on enjoying this night together.”

  Jaeger looked up, eyes shining with hope and firelight. “I want to be your husband. Whatever happens, I want to be with you through the entire thing.”

  Philip drew him in closer, pressing their lips together and letting out a contented sigh. Heat, which had nothing to do with the nearby fire, flushed through his body in a powerful wave. His speech hadn’t been the one he’d planned, but it was everything he’d wanted it to be. Jaeger knew exactly how he felt and where he stood on the two of them. They both agreed where they wanted to go, and he could sleep easy tonight, knowing he would have Jaeger’s support.