Two Soldiers: Marrying Men, #4

By Hollis Shiloh

Two soldiers marry in haste the night before a battle, each for reasons of his own.

On the eve of battle, Henry has a premonition of death. He decides to marry his impoverished friend so if he dies, at least his awful cousin won't profit off it, and instead Isaac will be able to pay off his debts. But Isaac has been concealing his feelings for some time now, and it's a bit awkward, being married to the man he really does have feelings for...

~8,000 words

A "Marrying Men" story. These pseudo-historical tales feature men marrying one another in various worlds and ways. Happy ending are to be expected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spare Words Press
• Release date: Aug 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393201045

Book preview

Two Soldiers

by Hollis Shiloh

ISAAC, SAID HENRY, do you have a moment?

Since they were normally on much freer terms, the necessities of battle keeping them from formal behaviour, Isaac was immediately on the alert. 

Yes.  Is something wrong?  He followed Henry into his tent.  Henry was a beautiful man, although far from eligible.  He was quite rich, for one thing.  For another, his heart and soul belonged to women—nearly any woman he met would be preferable to the quiet, dark-haired Isaac.  It would never have occurred to Henry that he sometimes caused his friend agonies by going about shirtless.

Do you ever have a premonition?  Henry spoke with apparent casualness, but he studied his fingernails as he spoke. 

No, not really, said Isaac cautiously.

Because I have.  That I'm going to die.  He let out a huge breath.  There, that wasn't so hard.  He met Isaac's gaze with a laughing reluctance.  Never thought I'd give in to that sort of thing, but there you have it!  I'm convinced I'm going to die.  This next battle, or the one after, for certain.  He shrugged.  It's not a pleasant feeling, but what have you?

Henry... began Isaac, putting a hand on his friend's arm.  Henry was hopelessly straight and unfairly gorgeous with that mop of golden curls and his brash, laughing confidence.  Underneath it all, he was terribly kind.  He should never have to face something like this alone, or feel that he was being silly for being afraid. 

It's all right, old chap.  I'll get through it somehow.  I must.  Won't turn tail, you know.  Thing is, I'd like to see things set for you before I go.  We ought to get married.  Then you can inherit if I do die.

What?  You don't want to marry me!  Isaac drew back, stunned, feeling a bit as if he was being mocked.  Was this an elaborate joke?  Had Henry guessed how he felt and turned out to be far less kind than Isaac had supposed?

No, no of course I don't.  Wouldn't see myself leg-shackled to you for the world.  Thing is, if I'm to die, I wouldn't be, would I?  You'd be a widower, and you'd have my blunt.  We're friends, Isaac.  You've got debts, and I have plenty of money.  I'd rather see it go to you, if I'm at the end, than to my dreadful cousin.  He shook his head briskly.  "And if

Reviews for Two Soldiers

[L'eau · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's a cute story, but it needs some more editing.