The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(17)

“Toka is my personal courtier. He doesn’t leave my side.”

Pavoni arched an eyebrow at him, most likely surprised by Riley’s curt and swift refusal. He was obviously not expecting Riley to be so protective. “Oh. I see.” He bowed and turned to go, then paused. He met Khalon’s gaze. “You really shouldn’t encourage your prince to get so attached to a servant. Might give some the wrong impression.” He chuckled as he walked away.

Was the man insinuating what Rayner thought he was?

Riley took a step forward, but Khalon quickly drew Riley into his arms. “Come, my Prince. Let’s go to our bedchamber.” He nuzzled the side of Riley’s temple, and Riley relaxed against his mate. His pout was adorable. Riley nodded, then turned his big eyes to Khalon. Rayner held back a smile.

“I’d really like it if Toka stayed in my old room next to yours. Please. I want him to be close.”

Khalon gaped at him. “You want your servant—”

“My courtier,” Riley corrected. “And my friend. I want him close, Khalon.” There was a determined set to Riley’s shoulder and an intensity in his eyes. There was no budging him.

“Of course.” Khalon kissed the top of Riley’s head. “Toka may stay in your old room.”

“Permanently? I mean, he’s a courtier, right? He shouldn’t have to be downstairs.”

“We’ll discuss this later.” Khalon gave him a pointed look, and Riley didn’t argue. Instead he smiled up at Khalon and stood on his toes to kiss his lips.

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” Khalon replied gently. He took Riley’s hand and placed it on the crook of his arm. “Come. It’s been a long day.”

“Tell me about it,” Riley muttered before he waved good night to Adira and Ezra, who were busy chatting with some of the guests, before he turned to Rayner with a big smile. “Good night, Rayner.”

Rayner bowed. “Sweet dreams, my Prince.” He met Toka’s gaze. “Good night.”

“Good night.” Toka’s eyes lingered on Rayner before they were forced to part ways. The guests all bowed as Khalon bid them good night, some of them leaving the banquet now that the king and his prince were departing for the evening. Rayner stood and watched them go. Unable to help himself, he followed Toka with his eyes. Hours. It had been but hours since he’d kissed Toka, since he’d had him in his arms, his body pressed to Rayner’s, his soft skin beneath Rayner’s touch, and yet Rayner yearned for Toka like a starving man hungered for his next meal.

Rayner almost growled when someone stepped in front of him, blocking Toka from his sight. It was Prince Merlo. The bear prince was much smaller than his brother, with big brown eyes and a full mouth. He was rather strapping and quite attractive, with wavy brown hair reaching just below his ears. As an Orso prince, Merlo was tall and muscular, but not to the extreme of his kingdom’s warriors or his king. He was also gentle and quite shy, which was uncommon with the Orsos. It was a shame Merlo did his brother’s bidding without question. He seemed like a good man. Was it possible Merlo was afraid of his own brother? It would certainly explain a lot. Pavoni was known to have quite the temper. Rayner wouldn’t be surprised if the man treated his family as poorly as he did everyone else.

“Rayner, how good to see you again.”

Rayner bowed. “Prince Merlo.”

“I’d been hoping to at least get the chance to talk to you. The evening went so quickly.” Merlo ran a hand over his sleeve, his cheeks somewhat flushed. He looked uncomfortable.

“How are you enjoying the festivities?” Rayner summoned a smile and reminded himself that Merlo was not Pavoni. He deserved the benefit of the doubt.

“I’m not fond of these sorts of things, but my brother insists I attend. He says stuffy books are for weaklings.” Merlo frowned, clearly disagreeing, but again not speaking against his brother.

“My king loves a good book, and he’s hardly a weakling,” Rayner said gently. He might as well be polite. It wasn’t Merlo’s fault he had no backbone or that his brother was who he was.

Merlo’s eyes went wide, and he shook his head. “Oh, I wasn’t implying that, um, forgive me, I—”

“Calm yourself, Your Highness. I was merely implying that perhaps your brother is mistaken in that regard. Khalon is a powerful king, and he finds much joy in a good book. If you would allow me to be so bold,” Rayner prompted, smiling when Merlo nodded. He leaned in and whispered to Merlo, “Keep reading.” He winked at Merlo and made to leave when Merlo caught his arm.

“Would you at least share a drink with me?” Merlo asked, his big brown eyes hopeful.

“My apologies. I was on my way to my quarters for the remainder of the evening. Sleep well.”

“Please, Rayner. Just one drink.” Merlo’s expression was troubled, and Rayner didn’t have the heart to deny him this one request after he had so terribly humiliated the man. It hadn’t been his intent. He doubted Merlo even cared. Pavoni was the one who’d taken it as a personal slight.

“Of course. One drink.” Rayner accompanied Merlo over to one of the tables where he took a seat.

“I’ll have one of my Orso fetch us our drinks. What can I get you?”

“Surprise me,” Rayner said cheerfully. “Thank you. It’s very kind.”