Luminous

By Marie Brown

"The first indication was a disruption in shipping. One of the trains didn't arrive. And then... then. The next train to Allendale, out on the border, had to stop because there was no more track. The engineer got out and investigated and found... Devastation. Utter, complete devastation. There was nothing left. He backed the train up until he reached the nearest town and sent a messenger to the capitol. We sent out a unit of the Army, but it was far too late. I went myself. I saw the... wreckage, I suppose, is a good word. Looked worse than anything I'd ever seen. Nobody left living. No crops, no trees, nothing. The ground itself was barren, shredded... destroyed. And no sign of what did it. None."
The armies of Un threaten the prosperous land of Amrontil. In desperation, Prince Telion agrees to make an alliance marriage with Prince Farven of Vinge. Normal in Vinge, no Amrontilian had ever even considered marrying man to man. But Telion took the chance, to bring an alliance with powerful mages that just might save his country. Little did he know he had the capacity for magecraft inside himself, along with the capacity to love another man...
Warning: explicit m/m sex.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Brown
• Release date: Aug 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476396453

Marie Brown

"Marie Brown has lived in many locations across the United States, but spends most of her time exploring the realms of imagination. Currently located in Colorado, her brief moments of free time are spent in front of her computer, frequently covered in cats."Blah.Yeah, okay, that's all true. But I'm tired of hiding behind a bland, third-person pseudo-bio, utterly lacking in personality.Hi! I'm Marie Brown, and I write a lot. I self-publish through Smashwords and Amazon because I got tired of getting "well-written, but not our thing" rejection letters. Because, you see, most of my fiction tends to include characters that are either bi or just plain homosexual, and despite increasing acceptance of human sexuality and its many variations across the world, heroes and heroines are still supposed to be straight.Well, mine aren't. So if you're brave, and you don't mind that the main character of a story either isn't interested in sex at all, or is quite likely to hop in bed with someone of the same gender, then give my writings a chance. Come explore my fantasy worlds, or my science fiction worlds, or even spend some time with an occasional random love story set on Earth.And by the way, just this once, I wrote this entire blurb without a cat on my keyboard.

Book preview

Luminous

The Hidden Game, Vol 1

Marie Brown

Smashwords Edition

© 2012

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Ceremony

Chapter 2: Wedding Night

Chapter 3: New World

Chapter 4: Trouble Comes To Roost

Chapter 5: Wanderers

Chapter 6: Barrier

Chapter 7: Blue Heaven

Chapter 8: Aftermath

Chapter 9: Arrival

Chapter 10: Moving Onward

Chapter 11: Journey of Discovery

Chapter 12: Akrabath

Chapter 13: Godrick

Chapter 14: A Dubious Victory

Chapter 15: Concatenation

Chapter 16: An Inconvenient Truth

Chapter 17: Nestra

Chapter 18: Annointed

Chapter 19: Fugitives

*shameless self-promotion*

Ceremony

The hush settled heavily over the hall felt comprised more of apprehension than anticipation. Into this loaded, tense atmosphere, an open hand reached out and held steady, waiting.

After a long, quivering pause, another hand reached out and grasped it. The hall exhaled, not quite a sigh, as the High Priest draped a cord over the two wrists, beginning the ritual binding.

Hand to hand, life to life, this cord does bind, the High Priest said as she wrapped the silken cord securely. In the eyes of God, in the eyes of man, what was once two is now made one.

Light rippled down her subtly embroidered charcoal colored robe as she grasped forearms and raised the bound hands overhead. I call upon the Divine One to bless this union.

For an eternal second, nothing happened. Then a ripple passed through the watchers as the joined hands took on the warm radiance signifying divine blessing.

The High Priest gave the glow a sharp look and stepped back. It is done.

The eyes of the two men before her met and held, one set filled with grim determination, the other laced with fear.

Wedding Night

Click.

The door to the suite closed with a disturbingly final sound. Telion flexed his hand, noting the faint light tracing the path where the cord had lain. Evidently God wanted to leave him with a reminder of the blessing.

The glow remains, Farven sain in an uncanny echo of his thoughts. The blessing must be exceptionally strong.

Yes.

An awkward silence settled between the two. Telion looked around the suite, avoiding the doorway to the bedroom, and nearly tripped on his own feet when he decided to move. He flushed and sorted himself out, moving towards the lounger with nearly as much coordination as a two hour old foal. He sat, feeling the knot of apprehension in his midsection grow.

Nervous? Farven smiled and found a seat for himself on a chair near the lounger.

Telion tried to think of a way to mask it, then shrugged. What was the point? Rumor had it Vingians could read minds, anyway. Yes. This is a situation I never expected to find myself in.

Nor I, Farven said, eyes troubled. Although I have the advantage of you, as my culture practices the marriage of man to man on a near daily basis. I merely expected any man I might wed to be willing.

I— Telion choked to a halt. He closed his eyes for a moment, rubbed at them. In the trembling darkness behind his eyelids, he saw again the devastation reaching deep into the borders of his country, as the army of Un advanced. I am willing. I am just. . . uncertain. This is all unknown to me.

And to think, this could have been avoided, had you folk heeded our warning, Farven said, with a half smile. A light danced in his eyes that might have been either playful or mocking. But no, Amrontil as a whole rejected our words as mad ravings and sent our ambassador home.

That was my father, Telion muttered, feeling a burning shame. I—for fair, I thought the story your envoy brought sounded utterly implausible, but I was willing to believe. Really, what country would wish to make itself look a fool by sending envoys to other courts with blatant lies? But I had then, and still have now, nothing to say about policy.

Rest easy, spouse. It is long done. And what we did today heals the breach between our countries.

Yes. Telion fidgeted with his hands. That word. Spouse. Is that what we are to each other? We have no such word here. We use husband or wife, because always a marriage is of man and woman.

Whereas in my country marriage is a far more flexible institution. Yes, spouse is the term for male partners in marriage, or mate. Also sometimes we say partner, but that is usually for unmarried groups. There is always the more traditional husband, as well. And of course, some men prefer to be addressed as wife. He chuckled a little at that.

Groups, Telion repeated, shaking his head. Is it true, then?

Is what true? That we form collective marriages as well as couples? Yes.

I know so little of your folk, Telion said, finally looking at. . . his spouse. The man looked back at him, calm. His dark eyes were unreadable in his smooth, light-complected face, and his long dark hair drank in the lamplight. Telion noted the high cheekbones, the slightly too prominent nose, the strong chin that spoke of stubbornness, and wondered if the man found him attractive. Did he find Farven attractive? Rumor only, and of that not much.

Whereas I know much of your folk. From our side of the Barrier, we watch everyone and everything.

Tell me about yourself? We may have gone through a wedding ceremony today, but I know almost nothing of you.

Farven smiled. Thank you for asking. He considered for a moment, then shrugged. I really don't know what to say. I. . . well, I came from a medium sized family, and I have had little responsibility, as I am pretty far down the line of succession, so I've had the chance to live for myself. I enjoy the arts, and horses, and working with the hunting cats. And, of course, I am a mage of some ability.

That is more than I knew yesterday, but still leaves me with no clear picture of you as a person, Telion said. Art, horses, cats, and magic. At least we share common ground with the art and the horses. I've never even seen one of the Vingian hunting cats. In fact, there are those among us in this country that consider the cats nothing but myth, along with collective marriages and magic. Especially magic.

Not a myth, Farven assured him. Come. I know what is supposed to occur once the wedded couple retires to their suite, but I think I'd like to show you something instead.

He rose, graceful as a cat himself. He held out a still-glowing hand and Telion took it with only a slight hesitation. There is only one place I know well in this palace of yours. It is the part of the stable assigned to one of my best cats. I think you'll like her.

He led the way through the palace halls. Telion wondered at the glow still clinging to their joined hands. His people held that God only honored marriages between one man and one woman. All else was unclean, unnatural. And yet, the hidden people of Vinge practiced different forms of marriage, with the clear blessing of God. Their Church, recognizably the same as his, worshipped the same God, and yet split on this one fundamental practice that set their societies completely at odds with each other. And now, Telion himself was part of a marriage that only weeks ago would be condemned as blackest heresy. How could something be heretical when blessed by God? Perhaps there was something to the argument that Man made the law about marriage, not God.

The warm scent of horse greeted their entry into the vast stone stables, a familiar and comforting place to Telion. As a Prince of the realm, although not the heir, societal norms encouraged him in pursuit of manly activities like riding and hunting. Although he'd kept the true extent of his activities secret from the courtiers, of course. He rather doubted they would understand why he'd asked his first riding instructor to teach him how to groom the horses. He found something infinitely soothing about brushing the big creatures. Soothing, and utterly scandalous. No proper young man of his station ever dirtied his hands with manual labor, of course.

He recognized the stall Farven led him to before they reached it.

My stud horse was born here, he said, as they approached the big loose box. When I was nine. It was the first time I saw a horse born. It was disgusting and beautiful all at once.

Really? I've never seen it. But cats, on the other hand. . . I've attended many births. And here she is, Miss Lola.

He made a chirpy sound and opened both halves of the closed stall door. Inside, a beautiful creature made a sound much like a normal housecat's purr and stood, stretching. She was recognizable as a cat, but easily the size of a shepherd dog. Her yellowish coat bore dark markings like nothing he'd ever seen on a cat before. Spots, not stripes, and very regular. Her legs were long and lean, her body pure wiry muscle. She broke into a hearty, rumbling purr and came out of her stretch to rub against Farven's legs.

Lola is my favorite hunting cat, Farven said, rubbing behind her ears. She isn't the greatest huntress, mind, but she is indeed the friendliest cat I've bred. I keep her around for companionship more than anything.

The cat finished greeting Farven and moved on to sniff Telion's hand. He felt a little nervous because of her size, but she acted enough like one of the palace cats that he felt comfortable rubbing her ears.

They talked, then, of hunting, and horses, and the cats. Telion found himself liking this foreign Prince, now his spouse. That came as a relief. As a Prince, he'd always known his duty to the throne might someday include a state marriage, one that might bind him to someone he didn't necessarily like. History illustrated many such alliances. The Palace even boasted seperate suites for royal marriage partners that didn't much like each other.

I'm getting hungry, Telion said, after the conversation ran down. Lola sprawled across both their outstretched legs as they leaned against the wall of the stall, side by side. Perhaps we should return to the suite and summon dinner.

Farven startled at the word summon. Then he laughed. I can see I have a lot to learn about this place of yours.

How so? I mean, obviously, neither of us knows much of the other's land. But what about the word 'summon' startled you so?

Where I come from, people summon entities to do their bidding, Farven replied, sounding very matter-of-fact. Not dinner.

Telion cocked his head, considering. Perhaps one day you will show me something of this magic of yours. I find the notion fascinating.

Farven shivered. Of course. Our mages will be arriving shortly, to help with your Un problem. But I do not summon anything. It is an unpleasant and dangerous practice, one I will have nothing to do with. But I am hungry as well, so let us leave Lola and return.

The cat made attractive pleading noises as the two men exited the stall, locking her securely within. Farven looked sad at leaving her, and Telion wondered if the cat could live in the Palace. Surely it was house trained?

Do they live in stables at your home? he asked awkwardly.

No. They live in a cattery, except for a select few. Those come in to the houses of their handlers.

We'll see about getting her moved in with us, Telion promised. The staff may have conniptions, but she is beautiful, and obviously the two of you are not happy with the seperation.

That would be wonderful. I'd like to say she won't be any trouble, but I'm afraid I have to warn you instead. Lola is a cat. She is a very big cat. Do you get my meaning?

Telion laughed, suddenly painfully aware that he hadn't laughed since accepting the alliance terms put forward by the King of Vinge. Are you saying she'll be like the Palace cats? Sleep on pillows, attack shoes, and such?

Yes, quite. Only. . . more. She's big.

Telion laughed again.

You look like quite the different person when you laugh, Farven said, with a shy smile. It's good to see you smile.

I shall try to do so for you more often, then, Telion said, extending his hand. Farven took it, squeezing gently.

They returned to the suite and Telion summoned—that word again—a servant. Then he showed Farven how the velvet bellpulls worked.

Fascinating, Farven said. I had no idea how to call for staff here. So red for kitchen, blue for housekeeping, and white for a doctor?

Indeed.

The meal arrived faster than normal, breaking into a long moment when Telion felt trapped in Farven's eyes. He abruptly decided that he liked the unusual dark hazel shade and that he did indeed find Farven attractive. Then a servant hurried in bearing a covered tray.

Farven, my spouse, do the servants where you come from have miserably bad timing?

Farven laughed heartily. They do indeed. I think it is a part of their training when they are young. But whatever that is smells delicious, so let's eat and afterwards see if anything comes of privacy.

The servant's eyes bulged. The liveried man arranged a selection of plates on the dining table and hustled out of the room.

Telion watched him go, a faint smile tugging at his lips. What you just said will be all over the palace within an hour.

Does that disturb you? Farven sat at the table, watching his spouse closely.

Not nearly as much as it should, Telion said. Farven's face blossomed into a smile, bringing sparkle to his dark hazel eyes. I truly couldn't care less what the rumor-mongers are saying tonight. I know they will imagine the most exotic, decadent perversions their minds can generate, as all of them contemplate what two men will do on their wedding night.

And what of yourself? What are you imagining?

Myself? Do you really want to know? Telion arched an eyebrow, curious.

I think I do, Farven nodded slowly, holding Telion's gaze. Forgive me, but I've noticed you seem much. . . calmer now than you were earlier, and it makes me wonder what exactly is going on in your head.

Telion's face heated and he ducked his head, reaching for some food. Er. Well, if you must know, I know less than nothing of what to expect of you in any way. We have spent no time together before today. I was—am—quite nervous. Because, frankly, even if you were a woman, I would—well. Not really be comfortable. As it is, the situation is so far beyond my knowledge or experience that I'm at an utter loss.

Farven helped himself to some of the succulent roast fowl, eyes wide. You mean. . . It seems, um. . . Have you no, well, sexual experience?

Telion blushed at hearing it out in the open like that, but nodded. That is how it is done here, after all. Sex is something that happens only when people are married, and only to try to make babies.

How. . . foreign. Farven nibbled at his food, smiled in surprise. This roast bird is amazing! But, in my country, we are taught about how to give and receive pleasure in school, right along with how to read and the history of our kingdom. We regard sex as something that is a wonderful gift from God, not like some kind of chore. We are taught the ways of pleasing our partners and ourselves and given free reign to do such things, once we are old enough to understand the responsibilities that go with sexual activity. Naturally, we are encouraged to keep such joys for truly special relationships, but it is an accepted part of life that people enjoy sex and will have it no matter what.

Telion's blush deepened. I think. . . I think I may prefer your people's attitude to that of my own.

I hope you do, Farven smiled. But for now, let us leave such a touchy subject alone, until after we finish this most excellent meal.

Telion smiled, despite his flaming face. As you wish.

The meal was truly excellent, Telion agreed, which made perfect sense. After all, surely the kitchens would outdo themselves, preparing food for such a momentous occasion. It was hardly every day that a Prince of the realm entered into an alliance marriage with the unknown country from behind the Barrier. It was even more unusual that said marriage brought new ideas, new concepts, new ways of thought. . . Although, of course, some of the oldest sticks in the mud muttered and grumbled about the alliance bringing change that was as deadly to the ways of the realm as the armies of Un. Telion disagreed with them heartily, even more by the minute as he learned that Vingians were people too.

You know, he said, nibbling on a fresh roll, getting to know you is definitely proving the stodgy old farts wrong.

How so?

Well, after talking to you for a while, I can see that you're no demon, that you don't devour babies for breakfast, and clearly you don't have the desire to demolish all life as we know it.

Farven laughed heartily. "Hooray for diplomacy! I shall have to inform my father he