Saving Liam

By Sasha L. Miller

Leyton lives a quiet, simple life as a prosperous, thriving merchant alongside his twin brother Liam. But that life is shattered when Liam goes missing, and Leyton is told that the only way to save his brother's life is to seduce a king.

The task proves to be even more difficult than he feared, not least of all because he finds himself falling for the sad, lonely king he's been sent to manipulate. But it's not long before he's caught, snarled in a deadly tangle of political intrigue and betrayal.

And once the traitors are caught and his brother rescued, Leyton must return to face his own execution...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sasha L. Miller
• Release date: Oct 12, 2019

Sasha L. Miller

Sasha L. Miller spends most of her time writing, reading, or playing with all things website design. She loves telling stories, especially romance, because there’s nothing better than giving people their happily ever afters. When not writing, she spends time cooking, harassing her roommates, and playing with her cats.

Book preview

Part One

Leyton

Chapter One

My condolences for your loss, your majesty, Leyton murmured. He bowed, not daring to look at the man he was speaking to. He wove a loose enthralling spell as he bowed, hoping he was as subtle as he aimed to be. He had to be imperceptible or someone—possibly even the new king himself—would notice something was wrong.

Thank you, the king said woodenly. Leyton chanced a look up as he straightened from his bow. King Mijah Kundashi was watching him, looking puzzled but nothing more. He'd remember Leyton later; that was all Leyton needed right now.

Bowing again, Leyton turned and let the next of the mourners approach the king. He headed toward the doors at the far end of the receiving hall, keeping his pace slow and sedate. He didn't glance back until he reached the doors. The king was still watching him curiously, but he was distracted when the man before him spoke.

So it was working the way Leyton had planned—the king was drawn to him. Leyton only had to maintain his enthralling spell, get himself into the king's proximity a few more times, and then the man would be hooked until Leyton set him free. It should be simple.

Stepping into the hallway, Leyton continued his slow, careful pace as he headed toward the room he'd been assigned upon his arrival here. Ostensibly, he was a rich merchant from Samaria. It was stupid to use his actual nation of origin and identity, but he wasn't a master of subterfuge. Hiding behind a secret identity would have required him to use far more of his magic than he could without being found out. It didn't matter, in any case; Leyton doubted anyone was going to let him walk away when he was done.

The room he'd been assigned was a long walk from the rooms used for public functions, such as the memorial ceremony Leyton had just left. The lesser guest rooms were on the opposite side of the palace, tucked far away from the royal gardens, all the official meeting rooms, and council offices. Leyton welcomed the walk and the chance to calm his nerves.

He could do it. He had to do it.

Leyton paused when he reached his room, hesitating outside the door. There was someone inside, and Leyton bit his lip because he knew that aura. What was he thinking? He wasn't supposed to make contact with Leyton unless it was an emergency or Leyton was fucking things up, which he wasn't.

Steeling himself, Leyton let himself inside, already frowning at the immaculately dressed man lounging in the chair of the room's little breakfast table. Lord Baron Ormond Grenville, Ambassador to Adina and next in line to the Duchy of Dazhoba, provided he got certain provisions out of the new king of Adina. He was a handsome man, but the coldness in his striking green eyes dulled any attraction. His perfectly coiffed blond hair was fashionably shoulder-length, and he had a chiseled look to his face, as though his features had been carved from the finest marble.

Leyton would have loved dearly to break the bastard's face for him, but he couldn't do that, not yet. You're not supposed to be here, Leyton said flatly. He crossed his arms, ignoring as best he could the smirk Grenville gave him.

Relax, Grenville drawled. No one knows I'm here. Everyone's so busy consoling their poor, grief-stricken new king to pay any mind to what I'm doing. He paused significantly, but when Leyton didn't say anything, prompted, And how did that go for you?

Fine, Leyton said. He didn't elaborate or move, staying close to the door despite the little good it would do him. He wasn't going anywhere, and Grenville knew it.

I see, Grenville said, sitting up from his indolent sprawl. He's hooked?

Yes, Leyton said shortly.

Good, Grenville said, looking far too pleased. But keeping Grenville happy was good, even if Leyton hated every moment of it. Wait a day or two before approaching him again. Keep it discreet. I don't want him to realize anything is amiss.

I know how to do my part of it, Leyton snapped, unable to keep his mouth shut. Stay away until I do.

Grenville laughed, his eyes flashing dangerously as he stood. He was a good hand-span taller than Leyton, but nearly everyone was. "Watch your tongue, little hakarin. You'd do well to remember who's in control here. One word from me would put your brother in a lot of misery."

Leyton flinched at the Weisin slur for incubi. How did Grenville know it and say it so well? He didn't reply—there was nothing to say; Grenville was right, after all—and Grenville laughed, that insufferable smirk curving his lips again. Leyton really, really wanted to hit him. Curling his fingers into the sleeves of his jacket, he merely set his jaw and kept quiet. He wouldn't get Liam hurt, not for something as stupid as hitting his handler.

I'll be in touch, Grenville said, his tone pleasant and mild. Do let me know if you need anything.

Of course, Leyton said, the words falling flat. He wasn't good at pretending everything was all right. Thankfully, the spells he cast would do most of his work for him. Grenville gave him one last smirk before walking out of the room.

Leyton didn't relax until the door clicked shut behind Grenville. He sighed, sagging where he stood. Leyton stayed there a moment, before reaching up to pull free the ribbon that held back his hair. Then he loosed the buttons on his jacket, shrugged it off and dropped it across the back of the chair Grenville had so recently been sitting in. He removed his boots, but eschewed removing the rest of his clothes in favor of sitting down on the edge of the bed and falling back against the soft covers with another sigh.

It wasn't fair, of course. Leyton stared dully at the ceiling above him. It should've been Liam here instead of him. Liam was better at making horrible circumstances turn around and work for them instead. Leyton was good at drudgery and following plans. He didn't know what to do besides go along with what Grenville's orders.

He could put the blame on Liam; it was Liam who had bedded the man who'd gotten them embroiled in this mess. Politics and incubi did not mix. If anyone figured out what Leyton was and what he was up to, he'd be put to death. But if he didn't do it—if he didn't seduce and influence a king—Liam would die. So Leyton had to do it, and he had to do it right, because even though it wasn't fair, if Leyton fucked up, then both he and Liam would suffer for it.

*~*~*

Leyton frowned pensively at the flowering bush, not really seeing the blossoms in front of him. The new king was proving to be hard to track down. He was reclusive, which wasn't really surprising considering he'd just lost his father and brother and had the crown unexpectedly foisted upon him.

It was unsurprising, but it wasn't making Leyton's job any easier. There had been no broadly public events for him to sneak into and catch the king's eye. There was no way of knowing his schedule, short of asking to see him, and that was too risky. Leyton the wine merchant had no reason to be talking to a king.

Leyton bit his lip and tried in vain to think of some way to get close to the king without drawing anyone's suspicions. He wasn't a servant; he wasn't high enough in stature that he could ask for an audience with the king; and he was sure he wasn't allowed to wander aimlessly through the parts of the palace where the king lived. He had to do something though. Grenville had to be getting impatient for him to make a move, even if Leyton hadn't gotten another visit from him since his first and only encounter with the king.

Turning away from the flowering bush, Leyton slumped, rubbing a hand over his face. He was going to fail without having gotten close to saving Liam.

You look about as happy as I feel, a rueful voice said from behind him. Leyton froze, his eyes widening.

I— Leyton began, but cut the sentence off, flustered and unsure what to say to the object of his thoughts. Am I—I can go somewhere else. I didn't mean to disturb you, your majesty.

You're not disturbing me, Kundashi said quietly, reassuringly. He gave Leyton a smile, tinged with sadness but still a smile. Leyton flushed—what had he been thinking, offering to go away when the very man he needed to ensnare was standing before him? Would you mind walking with me a ways?

Of course not, Leyton said. He stood, unable to keep from fussing with his jacket before he stepped around the bench to join Kundashi. Should he go ahead with the plan? He'd be skipping several steps—he wasn't supposed to meet with Kundashi yet, only tempt him from afar.

You're new to the palace, aren't you? I'm afraid I don't recognize you, Kundashi said, sounding as though he truly regretted that. Where are you from?

Samaria, Leyton said. He let Kundashi set the pace of their walk, falling into step beside him. I—my name is Leyton, Leyton Bennett, your highness—I mean, your majesty, sorry.

It's all right, Kundashi said, smiling. He stared down the path, looking at the far end of the garden. I keep thinking people are talking to my father when they say that.

I—I am sorry for your loss, Leyton said softly, wishing he could take Kundashi's pain away. But that was a stupid thought, especially since if things went right for Leyton, he'd be making Kundashi's pain that much worse. His stomach flipped uneasily, but he steeled his resolve. Liam's life depended on him. I wouldn't know how to deal with it, if my brother— Leyton stopped because that was the exact opposite of sympathetic.

I don't really think I am, yet, Kundashi said, shrugging inelegantly. Leyton blinked, surprised by the motion—weren't kings supposed to be elegant and grand and full of grace and charm? Why are you in Adina, Master Bennett?

I was visiting, Leyton said. He needed to focus, not be distracted by Kundashi's grief. Collecting himself, Leyton weaved his attraction spell tighter. Not by much, but now that Kundashi knew who he was, he would seek Leyton out again in a few days. "I am visiting, I mean. My father was Adinan; he moved to Samaria after he married my mother."

I see, Kundashi said. Do you travel with your brother? I don't recall seeing anyone as striking as you the other day.

Um, no, Leyton said, deciding against tweaking the spell further. The king was complimenting him; that was enough for now. He was ill, back home, but he made me go without him rather than putting off the trip again.

Is that why you looked so sad? Kundashi asked. Leyton flushed, discomfited. How long had Kundashi been watching him?

I worry, Leyton said. He wished fervently that he were closer to Liam so he could be certain that Liam was all right. Um, I miss him. He's… always been there, and I don't know what to do without him here.

I know the feeling, Kundashi said. His face fell, his expression turning miserable for a brief moment before he collected himself. Leyton looked away guiltily. He shouldn't be doing this. It was going to make everything worse—but he had to. He had to.

Tell me about your travels? Or your hometown, perhaps? Kundashi asked, gesturing to a bench tucked close by. The arms and the top rail of it were wrapped with ivy that bloomed with small pink blossoms. Leyton nodded, waiting until Kundashi took a seat before sitting down next to him.

I've only just begun my travels, sire, Leyton said, casting about for a story suitable for a king. I grew up in a small city in Samaria, a few miles over the border. My mother inherited a lucrative wine business. Um. I have been to Adina once before, though it wasn't well-planned, and Liam and I stayed an hour before our mother dragged us back home.

Oh? Kundashi asked, a smile curving his lips. He was a handsome man, though not in the strikingly handsome way of Grenville. It was subtler, and Leyton appreciated it a great deal more than he did Grenville's looks, though that probably had more to do with Grenville being a snake and Kundashi being pleasant. Please, continue.

He did so, smiling shyly at Kundashi before telling the story of how he and Liam had squirreled away in the back of one of the shipping caravans to sneak across the border into Adina. We were ten at the time, Leyton concluded. I remember we were terribly disappointed to find out that Adina looked exactly like Samaria.

Kundashi shook his head, smiling. You're close to your brother.

Leyton nodded, not voicing the obvious question of whether Kundashi had been close to his brother. He looks out for me, I guess? He always has.

Kundashi didn't say anything, only continued to look sad and wistful as he stared into the garden. Leyton felt another pang of guilt, but he ignored it. Liam needed him; he wasn't going to mess it up because he felt sorry for the man he was seducing.

Shall I leave you in peace, your majesty? Leyton asked when Kundashi stayed quiet. Kundashi glanced at him—he had lovely hazel eyes, Leyton noticed—but shook his head.

No, I am enjoying the distraction, he said, leaning back against the bench and regarding the sky solemnly. Do you have friends here, Master Bennett?

Ah, no, your majesty, Leyton said, startled by the question. I was passing through, and I lingered when I heard. It seemed the right thing to do, to pay respects.

Even though you're not from the kingdom? Kundashi asked, not moving. You owe Adina no loyalty.

My father was from here, Leyton said, though he knew he'd said that before. He lived in the palace before he moved to Samaria to be with my mother. I don't—I know very little about him. He died when I was young, but my mother always spoke well of Adina. Leyton paused. I admit, I didn't think it through—my thought was to pay my respects and move on; I didn't mean to linger.

So why are you? Kundashi asked. On the surface, it seemed like simple curiosity, but Leyton sensed something else behind the question. He shouldn't have the king ensnared enough for anything other than a small draw… still, better safe than dead. Leyton eased up again on the enchanting spell, loosening its hold and making it harder to detect.

I— Leyton ducked his head, studying his lap. I wanted to see more of the palace? It's very beautiful.

Kundashi scoffed, disbelieving. He didn't call Leyton on the lie, however, only smiled before the expression slipped away. I was not my father's favorite son.

Leyton shifted in his seat, uncertain what to say to that. I'm sorry?

Kundashi chuckled, sitting up and pinning Leyton with a bright, intent stare. I wasn't his least favorite son either.

You… have another brother? Leyton said, flushing. He didn't know anything about the royal family of Adina, and Grenville hadn't exactly cared to tell him more than that Kundashi was his target and the former king and crown prince were dead. I'm sorry, I should know that. Politics were never much of an interest for me.

I have a half-brother, Kundashi said, smiling mischievously. It was a much better look for him than the sad expression he had been wearing, and Leyton smiled back, unable not to respond to that look. "Older, actually. He was my father's least favorite."

A, um, a bastard son? Leyton asked. The spell had to be working very well, since he doubted Kundashi would normally have said such things to perfect strangers from another country.

No, Kundashi said, his smile widening, and he really was enjoying this, for whatever reason. He's from my father's first marriage. Unfortunately, he was born with magic.

Oh, Leyton said, startled. One of the strictest laws in the Three Kingdoms—Samaria, Adina, and Riethin—was that no magic user could control the throne. That was the rule that made this little power-play so risky, and one of the reasons why, if Leyton was caught controlling the king, he'd be put to death. That's—so he couldn't be the Crown Prince.

Or the King, Kundashi said flatly, looking pensive and sad again. Leyton glanced away, tucking that tidbit away; Kundashi didn't want to be king. He was unhappy about it, and he was unhappy about the deaths of his father and his brother, which only made it easier for Leyton. The spells he wove seated themselves much better in people who were unhappy.

Are you close to your half-brother? Leyton asked, trying to steer the subject back to something that would make Kundashi happier. Solely because it would help Kundashi associate good things with him, and not because he wanted to see Kundashi happier—Leyton barely knew him. He couldn't get attached; he couldn't keep Kundashi once he got what he was after. Rather, once he got what Grenville and his backers were after.

Very, Kundashi said. He flashed Leyton a grin. He looks out for me and keeps me in line.

Leyton flushed. Was Kundashi mocking him? That's good, Leyton said. The half-brother wasn't here, he couldn't be—there was no way in hell he'd let Leyton anywhere near Kundashi, and any mage worth his salt could spot an incubus or any other magic user from a mile away. The only reason Leyton was getting away with so much in the Adinan palace was because Kundashi's late father had run most magic users out of the palace during his reign.

I think so, Kundashi said. He never really got on with Ghalib, either. We spent a lot of time playing tricks on him when we were younger. We always got away with it, too.

Magic probably helped? Leyton hazarded, smiling as he recalled some of the tricks he and Liam had gotten away with when they were younger. They'd been charming little brats though—a side effect of the incubus magic—so they'd gotten away with most everything.

Oh, definitely, except when it was apparent that magic was involved. Then all the blame got pinned on Temel, Kundashi said cheerfully. He paused, his good cheer fading as quickly as it had come. I miss him.

He didn't come for the funeral? Leyton asked, curious about that. If Kundashi was as close to his brother as he said he was, then Temel should have been there. Perhaps he wasn't as close to Kundashi as Kundashi felt he was to Temel?

He couldn't immediately, Kundashi said, his smile turning sad. He's needed more in Riethin to keep the treaties and alliance intact there. He'll be along in a few weeks, I believe.

That's something, Leyton said. He hoped his panic didn't show on his face, but thankfully Kundashi's expression didn't change. Leyton had a few weeks—that could mean anywhere from ten days to almost a month. That was half the time he'd allotted to get Kundashi snared and the concessions Grenville wanted signed into effect.

It is, Kundashi said, while his tone said that he'd much prefer it was something more. I do wish…

Things will work out, Leyton said, reaching out and covering one of Kundashi's hands with his own. It will get better.

You seem awfully sure of that, Kundashi said, glancing down at Leyton's hand with some amusement. Do you know something I don't?

Leyton flushed, pulling his hand back. My mother passed a few years ago. It was awful, but it… it got better with time. I mean, that's silly and not reassuring right now, but it does get easier. Having your brother here will help.

Probably, Kundashi said wryly. And it does help. I wasn't close to my father or Ghalib, not like I am with Temel, but I do miss them.

Leyton nodded, then nearly startled off the bench as a teen dressed in the bright blue uniforms of the royal pages stumbled out from behind a bush. He nearly toppled into the dirt of the garden path, but regained his balance at the last.

Your majesty, the page said, dropping into a hasty bow. Councilor Marklin says he needs to see you, and that it's urgent.

Where? Kundashi asked wearily. Leyton bit his lip, resisting the urge to weave the spell tighter. Kundashi would already keep thinking of him after he left; hopefully that would be enough to get Leyton another chance to talk to him. If he could see the king again, he could start to weave suggestions into the spell to get him closer.

His office? He's meeting with the High Priest, sire, the page said, still out of breath from his run.

Tell him I'll be right there, Kundashi said. The page nodded and dropped another hasty bow before bolting back the way he had come. I'm sorry, it seems I have to go now.

I understand, Leyton said, standing up with Kundashi. He offered a smile, pleased when Kundashi smiled back.

Would it be too presumptuous of me to ask you to dinner? Or are you planning to leave soon? Kundashi asked, brushing off the front of his already-immaculate jacket.

I—I did plan to stay a few more days, Leyton said shyly, startled that Kundashi was already asking him to dinner. Still, that didn't mean he was going to let the opportunity slip by. You are allowed to be presumptuous; you're the king.

Well then, have dinner with me, Kundashi said, reaching toward him and brushing his fingers lightly against Leyton's cheek. Tomorrow night?

Leyton nodded, smiling. Um—

I'll send a page to escort you, Kundashi said, glancing back toward the palace. You're welcome to go anywhere you like within the palace; the east wing holds a number of interesting rooms and works of art.

I'll make a point of visiting there first, Leyton promised, resisting the urge to reach up and touch his cheek where Kundashi's fingers had lingered.

Good. I'll see you tomorrow night, Kundashi said, giving him a last smile before turning and heading back to the palace to deal with the emergency.

Leyton watched him go, lingering in the garden a few minutes before starting toward the palace himself. He'd go spend some time in the east wing of the palace; that would give him something to talk about when he had dinner with Kundashi, and it would hopefully keep him occupied enough that he wouldn't think too much on how little time he had left to save Liam.

*~*~*

Leyton shut the door to his little room behind him, leaning against it before forcing himself into motion again. The room was thankfully empty; he wasn't sure he could deal with Grenville right now, not after he'd completely worked himself into a panic.

There was no way he could pull this off in three weeks—and that estimate was generous—so a week. He was going to screw up and get caught and not manage anything and Liam would suffer and he would die and Kundashi would get hurt and—

Leyton paced across the room, stripping off his jacket and tossing it aside. He pulled the ribbon free from his hair and glanced around the room, desperate for a distraction. The room was the same as it had ever been: a small bed, a small window, a tiny bureau that doubled as a vanity table, a washbasin stand, and the small table-and-chair set by the wall.

There was nothing in the room to distract him; Leyton had stared at the four walls of the room for hours over the last few days. Not that distraction was working. He'd spent hours exploring the east wing, and that hadn't really helped to keep his mind off things. He wanted Liam here.

Well, there was something he could do, Leyton conceded. It was risky, especially if any magic users were monitoring the palace, but the whole damn plan was risky, particularly with Kundashi's half-brother coming back soon. Leyton shed a few more layers of clothing, letting them fall where they would, before sprawling across the bed.

Shutting his eyes, Leyton relaxed as much as he could. The palace was huge; he wouldn't have any trouble finding a source of energy here. Indeed, it didn't take him long before he found a couple going at it quite enthusiastically a few rooms above him. He was careful about siphoning off their lust, making sure that neither noticed a thing as he collected the excess energy they were producing.

Incubus magic was a special brand of magic, different from the far more prevalent mage magic. The energy an incubus needed to cast spells was almost exclusively drawn from lust. It was more potent if the incubus was creating that lust, but any source of it did in a pinch. The energy was also specific in that it could only be used in certain types of spells, namely enchanting and enthralling spells that manipulated people into following the caster's commands without any of their normal objections.

Leyton collected from three more couples and one young man getting quite ardent on his own, storing it all away before searching out his bond with Liam. The bond was unique; he'd never met another incubus with the same bond that he and Liam shared. It was muted, extremely so, because of the distance between them, but Leyton could still tell that Liam was alive, and that was some reassurance.

Feeding a bit of the energy into the bond to strengthen it, Leyton quickly felt out how Liam was doing before he could block out the things he didn't want Leyton to know. His sense of Liam was faint, but Liam was low on energy so he couldn't boost it from his end. Liam sent a pulse of frustration and worry at him, and Leyton did his best to reassure him wordlessly, plying his excess energy down the bond discreetly so that Liam wouldn't notice it until it was too late to refuse it.

Liam seemed to be all right, at least. His captors were keeping their word and not hurting him any further, though his original injuries were still causing him pain. Leyton relaxed, simply enjoying the reassurance of the bond until Liam noticed Leyton was feeding him energy and sent a furious burst of annoyance. Leyton grinned, pushing back and following it up with a large chunk of energy.

A sharp knock broke his concentration and his hold on the bond. Liam's presence faded into the background again and panic surged through Leyton. Scrambling off the bed, he tugged on a dressing robe to hide his half-clothed state. Then he crossed the room quickly, his heart racing. Using his magic had been a stupid move, no matter how homesick or worried he was. It wasn't worth the risk that he be found out before he completely ensnared the king.

Opening the door, Leyton frowned, stumbling back when Grenville stormed forward. Shoving his loose hair out of his face, Leyton shut the door, his anxiety in no way abated that it was Grenville and not a troop of the king's guardsmen.

Grenville grabbed the front of his dressing robe and shoved him back against the wall. What? Leyton asked, unable to keep from wincing on impact.

You're playing dangerous games, Grenville snapped, slamming his back against the wall again. Leyton gasped out a half-hearted protest, but Grenville wasn't paying him any attention. He let Leyton go, stalking away with a sneer of disgust. The only spells you should be casting are ones to snare the king. You're going to get your brother killed if you keep playing fast and loose with the terms of our agreement.

I did nothing wrong, Leyton said furiously, his hands shaking as he straightened his clothes. I only verified that Liam was all right!

Grenville regarded him coolly, unmoved. Don't. It's a waste of your energy—

There are a huge number of people in this place, Leyton said, cutting Grenville off. He knew it was useless to protest, to argue, but he couldn't let it go. I can replenish easily and safely without anyone noticing anything.

I doubt it, Grenville said, sneering derisively. You're not as polished as your brother is, Leyton. Take only what you need to spellcast on the king and nothing more.

No, Leyton said flatly, unwilling to give up checking on Liam as well. "I'm not going to stop checking on him. I do not trust you and yours to keep him safe."

Oh, don't worry your pretty little head about that, Grenville said, stalking toward him again. Leyton stood his ground, even when Grenville crowded into his space. You do your part, and he'll be fine. Screw up, and we'll make sure his death is painful.

"I know, Leyton said. He couldn't handle Grenville's proximity, stepping back and away from Grenville. I'm well aware what's at stake here; you don't have to keep rubbing it in my face."

I think I do, Grenville said. His eyes narrowed at Leyton dangerously. I don't trust you to not try anything if you think our resolve to do your brother harm is weakening.

I won't, Leyton said, frustrated. He crossed his arms protectively in front of himself, frowning at Grenville. I'm not going to risk any harm coming to him, and you well know it. If you keep rubbing it in my face, I'm going to mess up accidentally from nerves.

If you mess up for any reason, he'll suffer for it, Grenville threatened, glowering at Leyton as if he wanted to throw him into a wall again. He scowled at Leyton for before visibly calming himself. Use your magic for any reason other than ensnaring the king, and I'll let his captors know to make his stay with them as miserable as possible.

Fine, Leyton conceded miserably.

Good, Grenville said. He smiled, all traces of his anger disappearing from his face. Have you made any progress?

I met with him again, Leyton said, scrubbing his hair back from his face again. He invited me to dinner tomorrow evening.

Isn't that fast? Grenville asked. We don't want anyone getting suspicious.

He found me in the garden, Leyton said. Then he asked me out of the blue—it wasn't any suggestion I planted. I think he's lonely. But we don't have a lot of time, anyway. The king has a half-brother who's a mage; he's on his way home, and he'll be here at some point in the next few weeks.

Grenville cursed, glowering at Leyton as if it was his fault. Go to dinner and get him completely hooked. I'll step up our side of it.

Leyton nodded, but otherwise didn't reply. This was going to end disastrously, he knew it.

"Don't screw this up, hakarin, Grenville said, furious again. I'll work on ways to stall the mage prince's arrival, but you snare him fully as soon as you can. I'll give you more instructions in a few days."

Leyton simply nodded again, not trusting himself to speak. Grenville stared at him for a long moment before he was satisfied with whatever he was seeing. Stalking from the room, he shut the door firmly behind him. Leyton clenched his hands into fists. There was no way Grenville's plan would work. Speeding it up only increased the chances that something would go wrong—and the chances had been pretty high already.

Trudging across his room, Leyton shucked the dressing robe and climbed into bed. He was going to screw this up, Liam would die, and Leyton wouldn't get a chance to say he was sorry for it without getting Liam hurt again.

Chapter Two

Leyton sat gingerly on a thick cushion, trying not to fidget or squirm. The room spoke of Kundashi's rank, richly appointed with gold-embroidered drapes and cushions, intricate, colorful tapestries, and brightly polished mahogany floors. Leyton was almost afraid to breathe, let alone move, for fear he'd knock over one of the delicate crystal glasses set before him.

He was seated in a cozy little nook meant for two people. The table was small; the seat was a single, curved bench that could only seat two comfortably. Kundashi's intentions when it came to Leyton were obvious based on the room alone. That should have been a good thing, but Leyton couldn't bring himself to be anything less than miserable.

Kundashi had sent a message saying he'd be late, but asking Leyton to wait for him. Leyton was waiting; he didn't have the option to leave and try again later. Grenville would probably corner him again the next day, and Leyton couldn't tell him that he hadn't seen the king because he'd left before Kundashi arrived.

Leyton shifted, tucking himself closer to the back of his seat. He wanted Kundashi to arrive so he could get the evening over with. He hadn't slept well the previous night, worried for Liam and what Grenville might do to him now that he was keeping Leyton from checking on him. Then he'd spent all day fretting over dinner and how to snare Kundashi. He still wasn't sure how much more he should tighten the enchantment; Kundashi was proving to be very susceptible to the spells Leyton cast.

Leyton glanced at the door, wishing for the hundredth time that Kundashi would appear. He drummed his fingers against the seat cushion. Who else in the palace knew the king was dining privately with a citizen from Samaria? Leyton didn't have any standing—it had to be suspect that he'd drawn the king's attention.

Forcing his fingers into stillness, Leyton focused on his plan. It wasn't much of one—mostly it consisted of his distracting Kundashi from his grief, weaving the spell tighter, and maybe talking about the things he'd seen in the east wing, since the king had recommended Leyton tour that area.

He wasn't sure how long he waited—long enough that he feared he'd scared Kundashi off and no one had bothered to tell him the king wasn't coming—before the door to the little dining nook opened and Kundashi stepped inside.