Sky and Storm ( Warriors of Vis #1)(23)

Storm squeezed Sky’s shoulder and without another word, followed his father and his council to the king’s office.

Sky sighed and dragged his feet down the stairs. It couldn’t be good. While it was quite far from Vis, Mitas was one of the best reinforced strongholds within Vis territory. It meant the enemy, whoever they were, had gone through other borderline strongholds. They were beyond bold, challenging the Dragon like this, in his motherland.

He’ll leave again. Storm will go to war and I will be left behind. Alone. Lonely. Sky shook his head and resumed his walk. It wasn’t the same anymore. Before this reconciliation, Sky’s only comfort were the few nights he’d sleep in Storm’s arms. That was it. No love to speak of, no long nights of pushing their bodies well beyond their limits. No deep-rooted belief that what he had with Storm was true love, unrelenting, eternal.

Storm would leave because he had to. He wouldn’t be running away from a disappointing husband. He wouldn’t be running into a lover’s embrace. Sky knew all that now. There was no need for him to fear rumors.

Despite the long hours he spent walking on the castle grounds, Storm was still locked in the council room when Sky returned to their bedchamber. Sky sighed deeply and sat on the large chair next to the window, looking out into the dark reds and violets the setting sun cast. It was beautiful, albeit melancholic, another departure Sky had to live through.

He’d convinced himself he’d be fine without Storm. Sky would miss his husband to the point of madness, but he’d do his best to get ready for his husband’s return. He’d show Storm how happy he was now that they’d sorted out their relationship.

“I have to gather my things and men and leave right away,” Storm said as he burst through the door.

Sky pushed himself off the chair and gave his husband a weak smile. “That only means you’ll return faster.”

The Dragon pulled Sky into his arms. Sky went willingly, reveling in the feel of his husband’s embrace. He wondered how long he’d have to wait to enjoy this closeness again.

***

Loneliness hit Sky like a wild bull the moment he was awake. He hadn’t patted Storm’s side of the bed, but the lack of heat radiating from his husband had jolted Sky awake. Sky sighed and pulled the covers over his head. He could stay in bed for today. What was the point of getting up?

Sky felt the pull of his familiar habits. Stay in bed, don’t let the sunlight in! Keep them all away. Let me be! The dark thoughts resurfaced fast.

“No, I can’t do this.” He jumped out of bed too fast and had to steady himself which was harder than he expected with his heart beating wildly and the rush of blood burning his ears. “I can’t do this to myself or Storm,” he whispered, dragging his feet to the side table and sitting on the edge of the chair.

The sadness that had consumed Sky whenever Storm was gone was a thing of the past. At least that was what he’d told himself. The longing, the dread of not seeing Storm again, they were supposed to lessen now that Sky knew how his husband felt. Or were they? Didn’t Sky have more to lose now? He wondered why he’d thought it would be easier this time.

Sky paced the room, thinking, trying to find a solution to keep himself sane. Why did Storm have to leave so soon? But would it have mattered if it were longer? Yes, it would, he decided. It would have made it even worse.

“You’re awake, my lord,” Sera said as she entered the room, her eyebrows knitted together and her eyes roaming over Sky.

“Yes, I am. Prepare my clothes, Sera.”

The old woman nodded, her lips twitching. “As you wish.”

“Wait, Sera. I’ll get my own clothes ready.”

Sky stormed to the armoire in the far end of the bed chamber which stored most of his clothes. He dug through his belongings until he found what he was looking for.

“What do you need those for?” Sera asked, shock seeping in her tone. She looked, wide-eyed, at the light leathers and tight shirt Sky had chosen. He’d only worn them once, for a festive hunt organized before his and Storm’s wedding.

“Do you know if Eagle is feeling better?”

Sera’s frown returned and she tightened her bony fists. “What do you need him for, my lord?”

Sky sighed and waved his hand impatiently. “Come on, Sera, just tell me.”

Sera nodded, her left eyebrow arched so high, it almost touched her hairline. “Much better, my lord. He’s wandering the castle, running from his healer.”

“Why is he running from his healer?” Sky asked, almost tripping as he tried to pull his right boot.

Sera shrugged. “Boredom, I reckon. He’s not allowed to train just yet, and he keeps trying to sneak out and join whatever soldiers are left.”

“Bored, you say…” Sky buttoned up his shirt. “Well, then, this might just work.”

“What will work, my lord?”

Sky waved her off. “Don’t worry, I’ll go see him and keep him company.”

Sky rushed out of his bed chamber and closed the door on Sera’s inquiries. He didn’t have time to explain, he just needed to talk to Eagle, get his plan in motion. It was his only way to Storm, to having him near, always.

“What are you doing?” Sky asked as he pushed open Eagle’s door. In his haste, he hadn’t knocked, and he’d caught the young warrior with a leg out the window, a long string of sheets pooling on the floor under him.