Family of Lies: Sebastian (26 page)

“This doesn’t instill confidence, Lord Piadas,” Sebastian said.

“I have been told that you are a wizard of considerable power.”

Sebastian glared. “Frederick or Captain Pembrost has been talkative.”

“The prince’s life is at stake, and silence isn’t helpful. I was also told that you performed a spell over the books,” Lord Piadas said as he pointed to the huge stacks.

“Definitely Frederick,” Sebastian said and sat down on one of the chairs. “What’s the favor?”

“Frederick believes your magic spoke to the books but your spell was interrupted.”

“Did Frederick say what interrupted it?”

Lord Piadas glanced at the locked doors. “He said your father’s magic broke it. It was too faint because your original spell had been used to form the second one, but he believed your father’s influenced it.”

“And that’s why you separated me from him. You’re hoping I do it again?”

“I was unaware of the rumors about you and the prince, but there must be something to them if Lord Orwell has forbidden you to see him,” Lord Piadas said.

“Not to mention I do love getting on my father’s nerves. You were counting on that too, correct?”

“You don’t appear the type of man who likes his life being controlled.” Lord Piadas took a chair and placed it beside Sebastian’s. “All I’m asking is for you to perform the same spell, and Frederick will remove all traces of it so your father won’t find out.”

“If that’s all you’re asking,” Sebastian said. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

Lord Piadas blinked. “You will?”

“Why not? My father is being unreasonable, and you’ve been so kind to me,” Sebastian said, hoping he sounded sincere. It was insulting that Lord Piadas thought he was that gullible, but if it gave Sebastian a chance to find that damned book, then he would take it.

“All right, let’s get started.” Lord Piadas stood and waited for Sebastian to join him. They walked to the stacks, and he hung back. “If you need space, I can stand over here.”

“That’s fine,” Sebastian said. He raised his hands and sent out his magic as he had done that night. The tables were eager to talk to him again, and even the books were excited. Sebastian tamped down their emotions to make them focus on what he needed. He reminded him of the book and they all became agitated. One book filled Sebastian’s mind with anger.

He took my page
, it seethed.
He stole it and ate it!

Sebastian frowned. That had to be the book they were looking for.
What do you mean the page is gone?
he thought to it.

Eaten by an ugly bug. I hope it dies.
The books became excited again, and Sebastian couldn’t get any more from them.

Sebastian lowered his hands and called back his magic.

“Well, which one is it?” Lord Piadas asked.

“None of them,” Sebastian said quietly.

Lord Piadas frowned. “But Frederick was certain your magic would work. Please, try again,” he insisted.

“It’s not here and I’m wasting my time,” Sebastian said. He stalked past the lord, but Lord Piadas grabbed for his cloak. It slipped from his fingers, and Sebastian brushed off the touch in annoyance.

“But, Sir Orwell—”

“I know my power, Lord Piadas. We’re done here.” Sebastian went to the locked doors and forced his power to break the wards and locks. Surprising the two guards outside, Sebastian whisked by them and stopped by a window to control his anger. It would be too suspicious to confront his father right then, so Sebastian had to wait for a better chance.

“Save me from duplicitous men who use their own sons.”
I’ll make him pay for this
. Once calm and collected, Sebastian walked past guards holding amulets and probably getting orders from Captain Pembrost. No one tried to stop him, so Sebastian wasn’t forced to move anyone out of his way. The multiple strategies involving him were grating on his nerves.
All I have to do is focus on what I can control.

As Sebastian turned down a hall, Earl Grenwish stepped out from a doorway with his lackeys. Sebastian rolled his eyes and sighed. “Of course.”

“Sir Orwell,” Earl Grenwish said. “I’m surprised to see you. I heard you were helping Lord Piadas and your father, unless that work is beneath you.”

“Many things are beneath me, including your baseless accusations.” Sebastian moved to the side, but the earl and his friends stepped in Sebastian’s way.

“People are saying that you may be sabotaging efforts to help the prince.”

“I swear, the more you speak, the dumber I become,” Sebastian said.

“And the longer I stay in your presence, the more I sense disloyalty,” Earl Grenwish shot back.

“If you have a problem with Sir Orwell, I suggest you take it up with me,” Prince Turren said from behind the three men.

Earl Grenwish and his friends quickly turned around and bowed. “Your Highness, I didn’t mean to offend you, but I believe Lord Orwell’s son is clouding your judgment.”

“If I want you to concern yourself with my problems, I am still capable of asking you even though you think differently,” Turren said, his tone cold.

“The stability of our kingdom—”

“Will never be your responsibility,” Turren said.

Sebastian’s eyebrow rose under his hood.

Earl Grenwish’s jaw stiffened, but he bowed and said good day to them.

“Your statement applies to me too,” Sebastian said when they were alone. “I’ll ask for your help if I desire it.”

“I respect your wishes, but that was an insult to me too,” Turren said. “I have no tolerance for that kind of stupidity. And usually neither do you. Why did you allow him to upset you?”

“I’m in a bad mood,” Sebastian said.

“And a talkative one. Captain Pembrost had a few choice words for me.”

“I’m sorry,” Sebastian said. “I did tell him more than I should have.”

“You still haven’t answered my question,” Turren said.

“Can we speak privately?”

“During the day while your father’s restriction still stands?”

“He can go fuck himself.”

Turren reached for Sebastian’s hand. Squeezing it, he smiled. “We can talk in one of the studies. I’ll show you the way.”

Sebastian stared straight ahead while they walked, but he didn’t let go of Turren’s hand. It helped settle his anger, and it was easy for him to ignore the stares of guards and servants. If he held it tightly, it was only to keep up with the prince’s pace. Turren led him to a plain door and pressed his thumb on it. The door creaked open, revealing a bright room filled with a wide view of the sky through large windows.

Turren shut the door behind Sebastian. “It’s keyed to my magic, and no one will come inside unless they believe my life is in danger. Pembrost hopes it will dissuade me from wandering off when I’m upset.”

“And yet you showed up at Harold’s,” Sebastian said. He pulled Turren close, capturing Turren’s mouth in a hard kiss. At first, Turren shared Sebastian’s intensity, but then he stepped back.

“That was a sweeter greeting than I expected after you snuck out of bed this morning. Why are you eager now?”

“I had a reason to keep up appearances,” Sebastian said.

“You can do that and say good-bye.” Turren nuzzled his nose against Sebastian’s hood. “Or good morning.”

“If you’re complaining, I can get rid of my frustration the old-fashioned way and walk it off,” Sebastian said as he dragged a nail down Turren’s chin.

Turren shook his head. “I won’t be distracted.” He turned his head and gently nibbled on Sebastian’s finger. “No more… running… off… without… warning.” He punctuated his last word with a bite.

“You’re becoming a little full of yourself, Your Highness. Ow!” Turren bit him harder.

“I’m making one request next to your many.”

“I don’t—” Sebastian was cut off by Turren sucking the finger into his mouth. It slipped out covered in saliva, and bright sapphire eyes stared at him.

“If you’re considerate to me, I’ll be very considerate to you.”

Sebastian licked his lips. “I can be a little nice.”

“That’s all I ask for.” Turren smiled. He placed his hands on Sebastian’s hips and pushed him toward a wall. “And for you to undo your pants.”

“Your pants come off first.”

Turren’s eyebrow rose. “I think my experience should let me dictate how this will play out.”

“I’m not saying you don’t get to do what you want,” Sebastian said. “But as the inexperienced one, I want to see you play with that pretty cock of yours while you’re sucking me off.”

Turren leaned in close enough for their breaths to mingle but without their lips touching. “Don’t be surprised if I come to your room tonight with a gag.”

Sebastian pressed his thumb into Turren’s ribs where a pressure point lay, but didn’t use his full strength. “I’d like to see you try.”

Turren lunged for his lips, and Sebastian’s mouth was taken by tongue and teeth. In a sudden frenzy to feel each other, they peeled off each other’s clothes until Sebastian stood with his clothes and cloak dangling off half his body. Turren tugged harder on the cloth and forced the items lower, exposing Sebastian’s cock. Turren was in the same disarray, his shirt wide open and pants piled at his ankles. Turren moved closer and joined their hands just as their cocks touched. He moaned and crushed his body against Sebastian’s. Turren rubbed himself against Sebastian and breathed heavily into his ear. Moving faster, he tongued Sebastian’s neck. “Fucking you last night was the best thing I’ve ever felt. I didn’t think anything could feel that good. You were so warm, and fuck!” he cried out as their cocks slid together. Turren reached between them and held both their shafts, providing more traction.

“You perverted bastard!” Sebastian cried out, but he desperately moved his hips.

“That’s right, so fucking good,” Turren whispered. “So fucking good.” Seed from his cock spewed over his hand, and then Sebastian’s covered it too. Latching on to Sebastian’s gasping lips, Turren thrust against him as the last of his seed dripped down Sebastian’s cock. Stray strands of golden hair brushed Turren’s face. “I have you,” Turren whispered.

Sebastian blinked back to his senses and cleared his throat. “You do like getting me messy, don’t you?”

“Pembrost is right. I need to stop overplaying my hand.”

“What?”

Turren shrugged. “Life advice I always ignore. There are towels and a sink in here. I can heat up the water and clean you up.”

Sebastian looked below his waist and wondered where that virgin had gone. “I can clean myself.”

“You can, but you have to let me do it to make up for this morning,” Turren said while he stepped out of his pants.

“Fine, but only because I’ll make a bigger mess walking around like this.”

“I’ll be right back,” Turren said and walked around expensive vases and a mahogany desk to reach an ornate sink with crystal faucets. The prince ran the taps and looked back at Sebastian, his eyes roaming over Sebastian’s messy state.

The prince finally got a look at my face and all he seems interested in is my cock
. Sebastian shook his head.
That is a very strange man.
Turren licked his lips again, and Sebastian looked down to see his cock responding to the attention. Sebastian yawned. “I don’t know why you’re getting your hopes up. It might be a stupid appendage with no sense of exhaustion, but I am tired.”

Turren smiled and soaked one of the towels. He walked back to Sebastian and scrubbed off their cum with wide strokes. “Remember what I said about being considerate? You won’t have to do a thing. Just stand against that wall, and I’ll take good care of you.” Turren bent down and licked the end of Sebastian’s newly cleaned cock. “Relax and close your eyes,” he said as he took Sebastian into his mouth.

T
URREN
TIED
Sebastian’s cloak closed and steadied him when he swayed again. “Remember, I get a hello and a good-bye tonight.”

Sebastian nodded even though he didn’t accept orders from the prince. Turren kissed him again and lifted the hood in place.

“You look undirtied and fresh as rain.”

“You’re too good at that,” Sebastian muttered.

“You needed to take your mind off things for a while, and I serve my subjects to the best of my ability.” Turren bowed at the waist.

Sebastian smiled. “Your subject is most satisfied.”

“No.” Turren shook his head adamantly. “You will be most satisfied tonight if I have to relax you with a whole bottle of oil.”

Sebastian buried his head in his palm. “Gods, don’t say things like that!”

“I mean it. No matter what I have to try, you will cum while I’m inside you,” Turren promised.

“I don’t know if I should be eager or afraid.” Standing on steadier feet, Sebastian walked to the door and turned around when his hand touched the knob. “Thank you for being sweet during times I might not necessarily deserve it.” He opened the door and squeezed out of the room before Turren could respond.

P
ASTRY
CRUMBS
sat on a flower-trimmed plate, and shrimp shells were torn apart on another one. Lord Orwell lay on the bed with his arm dangling off the side. Sebastian crept closer to the bed. He stretched his hand out, and his magic called out to the wood holding Lord Orwell’s weight. He asked it to spread branches, and limbs grew out of the frame. They wrapped around his father and Sebastian smiled.
That should hold him.

“Fa—” the sound died on Sebastian’s tongue, and he frowned, wondering when he had fallen into a trap.

“Why can’t you ever pay attention to your surroundings?” Lord Orwell said, moving his head to face Sebastian.

Sebastian didn’t try to speak again and glared at him.

“I have a hunch that whatever you’re thinking of saying probably won’t be respectful. I’ll give you a few moments to compose yourself, and I suggest you remove these pesky branches.” Lord Orwell sat up. “You don’t want to end up unable to speak for a day… or more.”

Sebastian took a deep breath and crossed his arms.