Royals of Ruemri Book I: Betrothal

Chapter 17 - Part 2

"ARE YOU trying to freeze me to death? Because if you are, I want a divorce right here, right now," Soren complained and clutched the winter cloak around his body tighter.

Raffe snickered. "It won't kill you."

"I highly doubt that."

After successfully maneuvering their way from the great hall, Raffe dragged Soren into the hidden passage from the storeroom to the highest room of the castle. It used to be his Uncle Tasla's room but due to his poor constitution, he left Ruemreon and settled with his faie wife and children in the northern part of Ruemri—for recuperation and to escape the stress and endless, unbearable chaos of the High Court. Now the room felt as empty and abandoned as it appeared. But it was Raffe's favorite room now.

In addition to the fact that he can be left alone in there and no one would think that he was in there at all, there was also the wide balcony where his uncle—who was widely known for his enthusiasm in botany—used to plant various kinds of roses and dahlias. There were only twigs and stems now because of the season, but when spring comes no doubt the place will be remarkable.

"Come on," he urged again as he tried to open the balcony door.

"But it's fucking winter and it's cold," Soren protested for the hundredth time.

"Really," Raffe let out a laugh that would certainly give the impression of absolute mockery. "You're not afraid to risk your life for the sake of my army but you're afraid of the cold?" he goaded.

Upon hearing the tone of his voice, Soren jutted his chin out and narrowed his eyes at him. Raffe knew the faie wasn't going to back down a challenge. Those unyielding blue eyes burned brightly with growing persistence. It was daring and utterly captivating. Raffe had to confess he felt a certain weakness in his knees, though for an entirely different reason. Soren huffed loudly and unlocked the door himself. He glowered at Raffe when the man stepped aside and gestured at Soren to precede him.

Raffe allowed a little smirk to escape from his lips. When they were almost on the edge of the balcony, Soren abruptly halted, drawing in a sharp, sudden breath.

"Goddess..." he whispered, his voice carrying an utter awe that Raffe had been anticipating. It made his grin wider. He joined Soren in absorbing the stunning sight below. Rows and rows of buildings and houses from the city to the distance had hung several lamps and torches outside their homes. The orange, red, and yellow flickering lights filled the streets with a kaleidoscopic scenery that was utter perfection. "They look like stars in the ground."

While Soren was gawking at the sight, Raffe bit his inner cheek. "It's a tradition."

"Tradition?"

"Ruemrians do this during a royal wedding. Although ours wasn't a formal one. Well, not yet, anyway."

"This tradition is so weird and beautiful, I love it."

Raffe oofed slightly when he suddenly got an armful of faie.

"Thank you for bringing me here, sari."

"Mhm."

Refusing to be pleased with himself too much, he kissed the fair head in front of him and wrapped his own cloak to Soren. After several minutes, he said, "It's getting colder. Let's go back inside."

"No, wait."

Raffe looked at him, amused. "What?"

Soren squirmed in front of him and Raffe loosened his arms around him a bit so that Soren's back was on his chest. "I want to look at it more."

And he did. Raffe was sure his grin was wider than before.

"You've taken to calling me sari," Raffe commented while Soren's eyes wandered below. His arms felt comfortable around the lean shoulders in front of him. "I noticed you're using it to call me more often," he continued as he rested his chin on the top of Soren's head.