The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(4)
Speaking of his prince, Toka smiled when he saw Riley in the garden, beneath a tree, reading a book. Toka had quickly fallen for Riley in the short time since his arrival. Not in the same way Toka had fallen for Rayner, but much like Rayner, Riley brought out a fierce loyalty and sense of protection in Toka that few others had. Toka cared deeply for his prince, and next to Rayner, he was the only one Toka showed affection toward.
Having been raised human, Riley had some peculiarities, but they only made him all the more endearing. Riley knew what Toka felt for Rayner. He also believed the Soldati law concerning Soldati and servants was antiquated, and he never failed to let his husband, Khalon, know as much. Although the relationship between servants and nobility in the Soldati Realm was not as rigid as it was in some other kingdoms, each knew their place. Dalliances with the servants was highly frowned upon by the king, but provided a servant consented and the tryst was kept quiet, the king was willing to turn a blind eye. He had far more important matters to deal with and expected everyone to behave with honor and dignity, or they would answer to him. No one dared try the man’s patience. Except for Rayner. He seemed the exception to every rule. Yet not even Rayner could challenge Soldati law.
Toka shifted and pounced through the grass as he made his way over to Riley. His prince smiled from behind his book, undoubtedly catching Toka’s scent. With cheerful barks, Toka approached Riley. When he reached his prince, he perked his ears and rose on his hind legs in play. Riley laughed, his golden eyes sparkling as he playfully shoved Toka over. Toka rolled onto his back, and Riley scratched his belly. With joyous panting, Toka knocked his brush against the grass in happiness.
“You’re too adorable. Change back so we can talk.”
Toka did as asked, shifting swiftly and then sitting up. “Isn’t it a most beautiful day, Your Highness?”
Riley smiled knowingly. “I wonder if it has anything to do with a certain suave and sexy individual who emerged from the same part of the forest you just came from.”
Heat rose in Toka’s cheeks, and he bit down on his bottom lip, averting his gaze.
“I knew it!” Riley cackled as he dropped onto his side. He looked up at Toka, who dared peek at him. Riley waggled his eyebrows, and Toka couldn’t stop his giggle. “You two are so stinking adorable.” Riley sat up, his golden-amber eyes intense and his expression determined. “I’m not giving up, you know. That law is ancient, and it needs to be changed. Why shouldn’t you and Rayner be allowed to be together? It’s ridiculous.”
Toka let out a sigh. “It’s how it’s always been.”
“Doesn’t mean that’s how it should stay. Believe me. I know a thing or two about shitty laws.” Riley slumped back against the tree. “Khalon’s just so damn stubborn when it comes to tradition. I might not understand all the rules and laws of the Soldati Realm just yet, but I know this whole ‘can’t mate with someone below your rank’ nonsense is bullshit. If two consenting adults fall in love and want to be together, why the hell shouldn’t they be?”
Toka stifled a laugh. Riley wasn’t one to mince words. Toka admired that about him. Because Riley had been raised in the human world—his true nature only being revealed a little over a year ago when Khalon found him, and only after his death—he had a certain way about him that differed from anyone else in the realm. He said what he felt, refusing to hold his tongue, propriety be damned. Especially when it concerned something he felt passionately about. Like the fact he believed Toka and Rayner should be together.
“Even if the law was to change,” Toka said, his heart aching at the thought, “who’s to say Rayner wishes to keep me?”
Riley blinked at him, as if the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. “Why wouldn’t he keep you? I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Rayner might joke around, but when it comes to you, he’s different. Believe me. The first time I even said your name, I thought he was going to skewer me.”
Toka was surprised by that. “Really?”
Riley nodded, his eyes wide. “Yeah, the dude can be scary. I was commenting on how quick Tura, his tailor, was, and Rayner said something about foxlings being captivating creatures. I thought I might get a little out of him, so I said, ‘Like Toka?’ And you should have seen his eyes. They were almost black. I don’t know if he thought I was interested, but when I said you were very sweet and I felt calm around you, his expression changed. He was… soft again. He agreed. Said you had a way about you.”
Toka’s heart skipped a beat, and he couldn’t stop from smiling like a loon. Was it possible Rayner cared more for him than he’d originally believed? One thing was for certain. He couldn’t wait to find out.
Chapter Two
“YOU LOOK ridiculous.”
Rayner blinked at Adira as she joined him in the corridor on the way to Khalon’s study for their usual afternoon council meeting. He smiled sweetly. “And a good afternoon to you. Why am I ridiculous this time?”
“You’re smiling like an idiot,” she groused.
Rayner chuckled. “It’s good for the soul. Perhaps you should try it sometime.”
Adira released the most indelicate, unladylike snort. “The moment I start smiling like that, I’ll hang up my sword. You and Khalon are worse than fledgling Soldati. One smile from those pretty boys and you’re stumbling over yourselves.”