The Honest Knight

Annie Lindwurm

Copyright:

The Honest Knight © 2020 Annie Lindwurm

Stack of Books

Cover Artist: Patty Jansen

Editor: Dahlia Burroughs at Newspeak Press

All Rights Reserved:

This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. This is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events, or locales is coincidental. The Licensed Art Material is being used for illustrative purposes only. All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Warning:

Intended for an 18+ audience only. This book contains material that may be offensive to some and is intended for a mature, adult audience. It contains graphic language, explicit sexual content, and adult situations.

The author uses Australian English spelling and grammar.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue

Blurb:

More than jousting will determine whether love and loyalty win...

Brien is a proud knight of Fenton castle, but his brash nature and say-it-as-it-is attitude push most people away. When his princess Eleanor returns with her wife, the festival preparations are almost ready when they receive news that their foreign in-laws insisted on a gift of more knights - will Brien make new friends or enemies? With a menial job to keep him in line, Brien is brought closer to a man out of his reach.

Devon is the stable master, but his confidence is only with the animals in his care. With the new faces arriving at the castle his anxieties rise when he finds out firsthand their opinions on half-Fae mingling with humans, let alone other knights. While trying to deny his feelings for Brien, will Devon be able to assert his rightful place in the castle?

The two of them work together for the festival’s success but the more time they spend together, Brien and Devon can’t deny their growing attraction. With the new knights proving troublesome, will the festival be a success? Or will the fun and games take a darker turn?

This series is intended for mature readers. It is a Steamy MM Fantasy Romance featuring explicit scenes and adult themes.

Chapter One

Brien maintained eye contact with the Chamberlain for longer than was polite to someone of his status. He glanced to his left, where Felix kept his gaze to the ground as they stood in the Chamberlain’s office.

“As I was saying, Sir Brien and Sir Felix,” the Chamberlain said. “With the princess arriving tomorrow, your behaviour will reflect on the castle guard, so for the love of Guinevere, can you stop gambling?”

While Felix nodded, Brien folded his arms. “Card games don’t always involve gambling, sir, and over drinks, they can be a great game for the new knights to get to know one another.”

The Chamberlain raised an eyebrow. “While I agree with the sentiment, if I hear of any gambling from either of you, I will have you working in the sewers again.”

They both replied, ‘Yes, sir’.

The Chamberlain stood. “Now, we have to introduce the two knights who came ahead of the princess’ entourage.”

Ushered out of the Chamberlain’s office, Brien and Felix waited a moment before following the lanky, older man.

Fenton castle was one of the smaller castles controlled by the royal family. Despite being the youngest of her five siblings, Princess Eleanor had done well to create a castle that stood as the heart of their province. However, this was not accomplished without the alliance of their resident wizard, who helped maintain the castle with his magic.

The doors automatically opened before Brien and, while the air wasn’t stuffy inside the castle, the fresh air of the bailey was welcoming. The main doors opened onto a set of rounded stone stairs. From here he could scan over most of the inner bailey: the knights’ quarters, the stores, and the stables. He could even see some festival decorations beyond that in the outer bailey.

Brien stopped next to Felix, who towered over himself and other castle guards, as the Chamberlain walked to the centre. Many of the castle workers gathered below, while the rest of the castle guard lined the stairs. Two knights stood to the side, dressed in travel gear. It was clear to Brien that they were the newcomers.

“Welcome to Fenton Castle. The festival officially begins tomorrow with the arrival of Princess Eleanor and her consort, Lady Matilda. In celebration of their marriage, the festival will run throughout the week accompanied by various activities you are all welcome to take part in,” the Chamberlain said.

He gestured to the two new knights. “Sir Wallace and Sir Brutus have come ahead of the entourage to give us updated information on the supplies. Any area that needs to change should have received a letter this morning, specifically the granary accommodation and stables.”

Brien glanced over the crowd and noted each of the masters for those areas. He smiled when he noticed that Devon, the stable master, amongst the crowd wearing his usual anxious expression.

“If there are questions, please ask now or see me after this meeting.”

One woman stepped forward. “There will be an accolade at the end of the week as well?”

The Chamberlain nodded. “Yes, any squires are welcome to take part if they can prove they’ve completed their training and are ready for knighthood.”

An elbow nudged him, and Brien looked up to see Felix smiling. Brien’s squire, Aldith, had passed his training with flying colours. Pridefully, Brien rolled back his shoulders.

“The new knights with the princess’ entourage are from Lady Matilda’s court. They come as a gift from her father. Please make them welcome and enjoy the festival.”

With a clap of his hands, the crowd dispersed. The Chamberlain turned to the castle guard and gave orders. As Brien and Felix tried to sneak away, he stopped them mid-step with a glare.

Brien and Felix turned, and a familiar face came towards them. “What trouble have you two gotten into now?”

Brien clapped Sir Atsley on the shoulder and smiled.

Sir Atsley raised one eyebrow at them both and rolled his eyes. “Gambling again. I wonder what the Chamberlain will have in store for you then.”

“We must wait for him to finish with the Masters first.” Felix nodded to where the Chamberlain spoke with the Masters.

Brien’s gaze lingered on Devon, whose glossy black hair framed his face. He waited for Devon to play with his hair, to tuck it behind his ears and give away the pointed tip of his half-fae heritage. Instead, Devon’s expression was anxious, almost jittery, as he spoke with the Chamberlain.

“Sir Brien, come over here please,” the Chamberlain said.

The other Masters left and Devon nodded to Brien. Sir Wallace and Sir Brutus spoke softly amongst themselves.

“Devon said there isn’t enough stable space for the increased number of knights. It was a concern we tried to rectify, but it seems our initial expansion wasn’t enough. Please go with Devon to discuss temporary stable options and further expansion for the influx of new knights.”

The Chamberlain turned to Sir Atsley and Sir Felix. “They will give you two guard duties. Sir Felix, I’m specifically tasking you with the responsibility of escorting Lady Matilda’s nephew around while he adjusts to his new home.”

Felix bowed politely but stifled a laugh once the Chamberlain left.

A cough drew Brien’s attention back to Devon. Even as the two new knights joined them, Brien’s gaze stayed on Devon.

“To the stables then?” Sir Wallace said.

“We can give you the horses’ specifics,” Sir Brutus added.

Devon nodded and, in a small apprehensive voice, said, “That would be great.” He turned and walked towards the stables. Brien followed closely behind and grew uneasy with the two knights who followed them.

Chapter Two

Devon pushed the stable doors open, watching the new knights take in the interior with appraising looks. He worried his lip but stopped as he felt the heat of Sir Brien’s presence near him. Devon organised the stables with a critical eye. They completed the expansion a few days before, and they fitted each new stall out for the influx of horses that would join them. He glanced over to the horses resting in their stalls. Most of the knights were on duty around the castle, and so their horses adjusted to the new sights and smells of their accommodation. As three knights followed him into the stables, Devon took steady breaths to ease his anxiety. The problem was, he hadn’t expected so many horses.

Princess Eleanor and Lady Matilda’s entourage had sent the blankets that now sat in the new stalls. While the Chamberlain had peered at him strangely, Devon knew it had helped settle the two dominant steeds before the actual horses arrived, and he felt a little smug. Now, he worried his lip as his mind rolled over the inventory they had left to work with. Brien moved into his line of sight, and Devon shifted his feet. Of all the knights to work with, it had to be him.

“So, what do you think?” Brien turned to the knights behind them.

The new knights looked over the stables as they wandered up the main walkway. Devon stayed still and resisted the urge to bolt to his office, the door only a short distance away. It was like their eyes raked over him as they judged the state of the stables.

“Pretty well maintained, but it looks like this building rests against the bailey wall. Not much room for expansion beyond what you’ve done.” Sir Brutus gestured to where the newer wood stood out.

It was generous of Lady Matilda’s father to provide the extra resources, but the sudden need for further accommodations was challenging. Devon scratched the back of his neck in thought. They could expand the stables along the left, but it just wasn’t enough to cover half the horses that were coming.

“Is there any way we can expand this building?” Brien addressed Devon, pulling him out of his thoughts.

Devon blushed as Brien tilted his head and he walked to his office with a glance at the other knights.

“It would be a stretch. Because of a lack of resources, we can’t expand up or down. The princess would probably organise it to be completed by next winter, though.” He pulled out a roll of paper.

“A two-storey stable? That would be brilliant.” Sir Wallace said.

“But, unfortunately, not an immediate fix,” Sir Brutus added.

Devon nodded, he held out the map of the castle. Brien’s hand brushed his as he took a corner, and Devon only just covered his jolt of surprise by stepping aside. The two knights peered at the map.

“We don’t have a lot of room left in the bailey. We will have to make temporary stables in the outer bailey but, because of the festival setup, we’d have to make some room up there.” Devon said.

“We can set them up near the field. That’s where the event-preparation tents will be.” Brien pointed to a spot on the map.

They agreed, and the edges of Devon’s lips twitched upward as Brien took the lead and talked to the knights. Brien took them over to show off his stallion, and Devon slipped into his office. He put the map away and grabbed some supplies to get back to work. With his hair tied back, he went to bid the three knights goodbye until he saw Sir Wallace’s and Sir Brutus’s faces drop.

“A half-fae?”

The familiar words spoken so mockingly made Devon freeze. He didn’t look away. He’d done that before, to no avail. Now, he watched their faces contort with humour, and he waited for the next word to drop.

“What’s your problem with half-fae?” Brien moved to Devon’s side.

The knights looked at each other, and Sir Brutus scratched his neck. “They’re not usually Masters in a castle.”

Brien folded his arms, and Devon resisted the urge to step behind him and use him as a shield. Instead, he mimicked Brien’s stance—shoulders back, face forward—and tucked the bangs of his hair tightly behind his ears. Fae ears were pointed at both ends, while half-fae ears were pointed only at the tops, their lobes round. An image, an old memory, flashed before his eyes and Devon’s knees felt weak and shakey.

“Not even two years ago, your country also signed the treaty that allows half-fae to take part in and contribute to society.” Brien tried to speak mildly, but the lilt of his anger was hard to miss. Devon wanted to reach out and calm that anger, but his hands couldn’t move from steadying his legs.

Sir Wallace frowned. “Just because we signed a treaty doesn’t mean we went around promoting them to meet some quota.”

“Devon has earned the title of Master just like anyone else, through skill and merit. And it seems he has more of that than you have as knights.”

The sound of horses fidgeted within the stables overwhelmed Devon as he stood back. Brien’s anger had spurred one knight into action, and the other attempted to strike Brien’s face. Devon frantically glanced around as the horses whined, stables hands appeared because of the commotion. Devon’s breathing was loud as he watched Brien block and strike each blow. The stable workers stayed back, but as one horse neared them, they became frantic. Devon almost fell to his knees when the stable doors flew open.

Devon’s heart rate settled, and the horses calmed as the Wizard appeared, wearing a scowl.

Chapter Three

The Wizard emitted a strong aura of calm throughout the stable, which settled the horses that stirred around them. Brien kept his eyes on the knights who had insulted Devon. Instead of peering through the bangs of his hair, Devon tucked them behind his ears and grinned. Brien’s thought about tracing the outline of Devon’s ears but snapped out of it when the Wizard stormed up to them.

He looked between the three of them. “What is the meaning of this?”

The knights grasped at words as the Wizard stared them down. Brien grinned when they noticed the Wizard’s ears—pointed at both ends, like the fae. The Wizard’s attire, from the design of his cloak to the pendants he wore, denoted his esteemed status in the royal court at large, not just at Fenton Castle. The knights shrunk back,, but the Wizard turned on Brien.

“Uh, sir, these two insulted Master Devon because of his heritage.” Brien glanced back, and Devon held his gaze to the ground.

“Such prejudice will not help either of you feel welcome in this court. Your fellow knights will be reminded of this when they arrive,” the Wizard spoke sternly. “And Brien, may I suggest something? When educating your peers, don’t encourage coming to blows with them.”

Brien kept his mouth shut despite his objections. He placed a hand on his hips to act casually to check his underwear was still intact—no one pisses off the Wizard without embarrassing consequences.

The Wizard strode over to Devon and whispered something that made Devon stand up straighter and nod. Even with the confidence boost the Wizard had given him, Devon deflated once the Wizard turned towards the doors.

“I expect you two should visit the accommodation, it’s not just your horses that should be worried about where they’ll be sleeping tonight.” The Wizard didn’t close the door on his way out.

The knights glanced over to Brien but said nothing as they followed the Wizard out of the stables. The door banging shut caused the tension in the air to dissipate. Brien looked at Devon, who had balled his hands into fists, his gaze once again to the ground.

“Talk to me,” Brien whispered as he unfurled one of Devon’s hands. “Their opinions don’t matter.”

Devon slumped as his hands unwound, but he didn’t look up. “You say that, but it does. If that’s what they think, then that’s what all the other knights will think. What will Lady Matilda think?”

The quiver in his voice made Brien tilt Devon’s chin, so they met eye to eye.

“Princess Eleanor would never marry a bigot. We don’t know what the other knights think, but they don’t have to stay if it’s a problem.” Brien raised his eyebrows as Devon went to object. “You are a valued part of this court, and the princess takes all issues seriously. Even if you think this is a small issue, she will take it seriously.”

Devon nodded and gulped as Brien removed his hand. He glanced away and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. Brien watched every movement. He was waiting for objection that look people had in their eyes when they wouldn’t take him seriously. He watched Devon take a deep breath.

“How did you get so confident?” Devon asked.

Brien didn’t hide his surprise or response. Instead, he watched Devon resist the urge to look at him. Brien smiled at the struggle in Devon’s eyes as he tried to piece together what he would say next.

Devon took a step back and his expression fell. Brien’s smile disappeared as Devon retreated into himself.

“It was a stupid question, sorry,” Devon mumbled.

“No, it wasn’t, I was just waiting for you to elaborate,” Brien said.

Devon sighed. “I don’t know where you get your confidence from.”

“Well, where do you get your confidence with horses from?”

“From the years I spent with them,” Devon frowned. The suspicion in his voice made Brien smile.

“And I’ve spent years dealing with assholes at home and across the province. I’m good with my horse, but I know to turn to a Master when I need to.”

Devon narrowed his eyes. “Are you saying you’re the Master of Assholes?”

Brien barked out a laugh that made Devon recoil. Devon hid behind his hand as a blush reached his neck. Brien moved to catch Devon’s gaze between his fingers, ignoring the tightness growing in his pants.

“There are a few who say that I am the Master of Assholes.” Brien waggled his eyebrows.

Devon pursed his lips to refrain from laughing. He raked a hand through his hair and looked back with a sad expression. Brien said nothing as the tension in Devon’s shoulders strengthened. He suppressed the tight feeling in his gut as wondered what he had done, what words of his had hurt Devon?

“Listen, we have a good idea of how to accommodate the new horses until we know just how many are staying. I can make sure we have that space carved out for the temporary stables.”

“I can go over the supplies needed and arrange some stable hands to work in those areas.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Brien smiled. “And if anyone else hassles you, we step in and let the princess know. Okay?”

Devon nodded; a small blush lingered on his cheeks. Brien stepped back as his erection lingered. He turned on his heels and waved. “I will get Aldith to send word if we have any issues.”

There was no response as Brien reached the door. He glanced back. Devon had walked away. Brien’s attention lingered on Devon’s form, but he pushed down the warm feeling coiling in his gut.  

Chapter Four

Devon watched the last of the makeshift stables—mere tents with wooden pallet fences—get hammered into place. Stable hands had rotated since dawn to complete this and Devon smiled as they clapped one another's shoulders. Despite his irritation over Sir Wallace’s and Sir Brutus’s horses claiming proper stable space, a part of him wondered if they’d dare cause any more issues.

“Final check!” Brien called out from around the tents.

He dressed in light armour and directed his squire, Aldith, on how to check the stables. They had worked since dawn, and Devon admired the unwavering energy Aldith had. He also appreciated the authority Brien emitted after his morning caffeine.

Devon felt a tingle down his spine as his thoughts drifted to their moment yesterday. He hadn’t wanted to let go of Brien’s hand. The moment had dragged on, but Devon remembered one crucial fact. This was Brien, confident, witty, and charm that could get him any guy he wanted. Devon wasn’t his type, and when Brien stepped away so quickly, it reminded him of that fact all the more.

“Sir?” Aldith strode up to Devon.

“Please, call me Devon. What would you like, Aldith?”

“Sir Brien asked me to ask you to look over the stables. Upon your approval, they will be ready for when the entourage arrives.”

Devon nodded and walked over. They were stocked with hay, and places for supplies were set up on the walls. Since they were close to the tiltyard, stable hands were scheduled to make sure the horses will be attended to no matter where their riders were.

“You look displeased?” Brien’s voice made Devon jump.

“No, just… I’m worried about the kinds of knights that will arrive,” Devon mumbled.

“I’ll deal with any who cause an issue to you or anyone else in this castle, that’s a promise.” Brien resolutely folded his arms.

“I trust you will,” Devon said. “On top of worrying about it, I can’t shake a bad feeling I have in my gut.”

“Need water?” Aldith’s voice piped up near them.

“No, thank you, Aldith.”

Devon smiled as the squire nodded and stood at attention next to Brien.

Brien smiled as he rubbed his knuckles on top of Aldith’s head, causing the squire to falter in his stance. Their laughter stopped as the Wizard and Chamberlain walked towards the tiltyard. The Chamberlain ticked off things in his book, the Wizard checked over each of the structures.

A faint light glowed under the Wizard’s fingertips as he touched various locations across the tiltyard, from the seats to the platform where the princesses would sit. As they made their way towards the new stables, the Wizard smiled.

“Thank you for this solution. You should be proud,” the Wizard said.

The Chamberlain merely nodded as he scribbled in his books.

“May I charm these stables, Master Devon?” The Wizard gazed over the stables with a nod.

“Of course, is there anything you need?”

“A few horse hairs from your strongest stallion or kindest mare will do the trick.”

Brien stepped forward. “I can get some from Grey One.”

The Wizard raised a brow but, before the Chamberlain could object, Devon nodded. “He is our strongest stallion so that would be great, thank you, Brien.”

Brien dashed off.

The Chamberlain turned to Devon. “May I see the schedule for these stables?”

Devon handed it over. “I have various stable hands scheduled to see over these stables for their needs while the festival takes place.”

“Excellent work,” the Wizard said. “While the Chamberlain looks over that, could you walk with me, Devon?”

Devon nodded and followed the Wizard further into the field to a field of grass with bonfire spots and seating options. They designed it for the social days and nights of the festival.

“What happened in the stables yesterday?” The Wizard asked.

“They insulted me and Brien retaliated.” Devon looked to the ground.

“No, Devon, what caused the horses to react as they did?”

He took a steadying breath but kept his eyes firmly to the twitching grass at his feet.

“I was anxious. Memories of my past resurfaced, and I got scared. It made the horses scared.”

“Do you need any assistance or was this a onetime thing?” The Wizard’s voice was calm but firm.

“I…” Words failed him. “I don’t know, sir.”

“Let’s walk back, I can see Brien now.” The Wizard turned, and Devon followed. “Please see me if you feel it is a problem. I know your magic doesn’t manifest like that often, but if it keeps up, you will need to train for that level of magic.”

“I understand, sir.” Devon looked up from the ground to where Brien and the Chamberlain were waiting. Aldith brought a pitcher of water and mugs for the stable hands.

Devon clutched the mug and Brien gave the Wizard long, grey horse hairs and stepped back. The Wizard spoke words that brought the hair to life, twisting it without aid into a braided knot, a small amount of light from the Wizard’s hand flew to the charm before he pressed it into the first stable. The grey light flowed from one stable to the other. Everyone looked on in silent awe.

Horns sounded across the castle. Some stable hands peeked outside the stable doors, their excitement as they spoke in chorus.

“The princess is here!”

Chapter Five

The horn call continued across the castle. In the distance, the sound of the first gate rising spurred people into action. Devon sculled his drink before speaking with the stable hands. A part of Brien wanted to wait, but he hurried towards the main road of the castle. Aldith dashed past him to stand with the other squires. The Wizard and Chamberlain stood near the castle stairs where Landon, the Wizard’s apprentice, waited.

Lining up along the road, Brien found Sir Atsley and Sir Felix. They smiled at him, but their eyes turned towards the gate of the inner bailey as it drew up. The sound of incoming hooves drummed excitement into the air.

Felix nudged him. “Moment of truth. Guess we’ll see what rascal I’ll be babysitting for the week.”

“Hopefully only for the week.” Brien peered at his friend, Felix’s humour had disappeared behind his tired eyes.

The princess and her lady arrived, along with the other members of her court who had attended the wedding. They wore travel gear, which had extra embroidery around their colours—a mix of purple and gold, now with a touch of blue for Lady Matilda’s lineage. 

New faces were among the knights and officials from Lady Matilda’s court. They had chosen to join her in her new home. Most of them were knights, but a few stood out with their blue-tinged attired.

The princess and her wife dismounted, and a cheer erupted around the castle. They waved and smiled as the rest of the entourage dismounted.

They led their horses to the stables and servants unloaded the supplies, while Princess Eleanor and Lady Matilda approached the Wizard and Chamberlain.

They greeted her with a bow, but the Wizard stepped forward first. “Welcome home, Princess.”

“Thank you.” She smiled. “This is my wife, Lady Matilda.”

Lady Matilda blushed and curtsied before beckoned a few people forward.

“These are members of my court who have moved here with Princess Eleanor’s blessing.”

Two men and a woman appeared, introduced as her handmaiden, Advisor, and her nephew.

“This is my nephew Gale, he has come to join me in living here permanently.” Lady Matilda smiled as Gale greeted them all politely.

Brien snorted behind his hand when Felix’s face turned to a dumbfounded expression at the sight of Gale. He was their age and had high cheekbones and delicate features. His hair was slicked back with oils and his travelling attire included improperly tight pants. Felix almost seemed to drool as Gale exchanged pleasantries with the Wizard and Chamberlain.

“There are snacks at the mess hall, you know?” Brien nudged Felix out of his stupor.

While he grasped at words, Felix was summoned and Brien chucked as Felix fumbled while shaking hands with Gale. After they exchanged more words, they went into the castle along with the princess and Lady Matilda.

Once the royals were out of sight, the Chamberlain looked over his papers in panic and the Advisor spoke with animated hand gestures. Brien frowned. They hadn’t been dismissed even though the Princess had left. The Wizard tensed and frowned before speaking with the Chamberlain. He then sent his apprentice towards the stables.

Atsley, standing beside Brien, wavered as they watched Landon disappear and return with Devon in tow. Devon’s look of concern grew when he was placed in front of the Chamberlain and new Advisor. They spoke in hushed tones, but the Advisor was still displeased.

“All knights return to your duties,” the Wizard called out before beckoning Brien over. Atsley and Landon lingered to the side as Brien approached the officials and bowed to the Advisor who walked away in dismissal.

“Sir Brien, it has come to my attention that there aren’t enough stable hands to help with the knights participating in the tourney. Could you work with stable master Devon to ensure that a solution is found?” the Chamberlain ordered.

“Is this because the stable hands are covering the new stable area?” Brien glanced between Devon and the Chamberlain.

“That seems to be so. Not all the new knights have brought their squires and there were no members of staff brought either.” The Wizard narrowed his eyes at the Advisor while the Advisor scowled.

“These knights are His Majesty’s gift. They are worth more than any mere stable.”

Brien swallowed his anger as the Wizard stared down the Advisor.

The tension did not break even once Brien spoke. “Only a handful of squires aren’t participating in the accolade, I’ll see when they’re free during the events but some knights may have to make do with other helpers.”

“See to it that our new residents are prioritised.” The Wizard nodded and walked away with a flurry of his cloak. The Chamberlain and Advisor followed suit.

Brien folded his arms and looked at Devon. “You got any ideas?”

“Well, no.” Devon let out a steadying breath. “You’re right, we have limits. We’ll have to draft up a schedule with the squires that can afford to help out.”

They walked to the stables where, over the sound of distressed horses, they heard shouting. A knight Brien didn’t recognise spoke roughly with one of the stable hands as his horse settled into a stall. With a glance to Devon, whose eyes shone with a mix of anger and fear, Brien stepped forward.

Brien raised his voice. “What’s the meaning of this?”

The new knight turned and stormed over. Devon darted behind him to tend to the stable hand.

“Finally! We’ve been having issues with the stable hands you have here. They tell me that there are no larger facilities for our horses,” he gestured around, “look at this, this is too cramped!”

“I understand your concern, Sir…”

“Sir Warren.”

“Sir Warren, I understand your concern. Please, let me assure you that these stables were expanded for your horses. However, extra stable rooms are available near the tiltyard so please decide amongst yourselves who will be going there. The stable hands can direct you.”

Brien nodded to Devon, who had sent the stable hand away with a group of knights who followed suit. Sir Warren leered at Devon in a way that made Brien tense.

“Why weren't the stables made to accommodate all of our horses?” Sir Warren scoffed.

“We weren’t aware there would be so many knights, Sir Warren.” Brien folded his arms and stood his ground. Devon anxiously looked over the new horses.

“Did any of you bring more than one horse?” Devon asked.

“I brought a mare to breed our horses with.” Sir Warren gestured behind him. “But she’s skittish as fuck.”

The only horse that moved about their stall in anxiety was a brown mare. The other horses were being tended to or minding their own business. Devon went over some of the papers that had already been filled out.

“Is there anything else we can do to accommodate you right now?” Brien asked.

Sir Warren relaxed. He looked over the knights that lingered near him. “Could we speak with the Stable Master then?”

Brien frowned. “Devon is the Stable Master.”

Sir Warren turned to Devon, who soothed the mare by patting her neck. “Good to know.”

Before Brien could ask anything more, the stable doors opened, and Sir Wallace and Sir Brutus entered.

“Sorry we’re late, boss, but we can show you where the mess hall is.”

Sir Warren turned to Brien, his hand extended. “Your name was?”

“Sir Brien.” He smiled as he shook Sir Warren’s hand firmly. He knew it wouldn’t be long before Sir Wallace and Sir Brutus informed Sir Warren of Devon’s heritage.

Brien moved to Devon, who brushed his hand through the mare’s hair and whispered to her. He seemed calm, and a small smile lingered on his lips.

“Devon,” Brien said, and his chest tightened as the soft expression Devon held didn’t falter.

“Those knights might be trouble. I’m going to let Sir Atsley and Sir Felix know, but you’ll let me know if anything happens, alright?”

Devon nodded. “I’ll start the roster. Could you ask around for squires who would be willing to help?”

“Of course.” Brien smiled.

Devon scratched the back of his neck. “Thank you.”

Brien left, but his thoughts lingered on Devon’s expression. How on Earth could he put Sir Warren or any of his knights in their place if they harmed Devon?

Chapter Six

Devon watched Brien leave, his gaze lingering on his form. The knot in his stomach wasn’t familiar like the one of anxiety. Brien was someone who picked fights with people, but he was also someone who had a strong sense of what was right and wrong. Honesty was right in Brien’s book, but that often landed him in more trouble than necessary.

“Are you okay, sir?” a small voice said.

“Yes, I’m fine.” Devon turned to the stable hand, who awkwardly held onto a bucket of water.

He gestured to the mare, who had eased in the absence of her master. Devon lingered near the horse until it felt comfortable enough to drink. He entered the stall and murmured to her, and as he stroked her neck, she relaxed. He looked over her coat, which was full of dirt and dust from the travel to Fenton Castle, and washed her down while telling her about the different horses in the stable.

“The grey speckled horse is Grey One, Sir Brien’s stallion. His pride and joy, I’d say.” Devon smiled as he glanced down the stables to where Grey One munched on hay.

His thoughts drifted to images of Brien riding Grey One on missions or jousts. The mare made a noise and Devon frowned. She shuffled in a hasty manner, and realisation dawned on him. He patted her neck and left the stall.

“Could you get some papers, please? Blank ones as well as the report for these new horses,” Devon said over his shoulder and a stable hand nodded.

He apologetically looked back to the mare as she craned her head over the stall, her gaze trained on Grey One. He sighed in relief when the horses in the neighbouring stalls weren’t acting strangely.

Devon took the papers from the stable hand and made notes for the report the Chamberlain was surely going to ask for. He went over the mare’s papers once more and noted down that the name section had been left blank, then walked down the stalls that held the new horses.

Now that the princess was back, everyone bustled about the castle with fever. Food was served in the main hall and the mess hall for the first night of the festival. Devon dodged workers as he made his way to the tiltyard where knights gathered and chatted to each other. Even with a second glance, he couldn’t see Brien or his friends.

Devon kept his head down as he checked each of the horses' papers until he ran into a knight.

“I’m so sorry, sir,” Devon said.

He tried to pass by, but the knight grabbed him by the shoulder. “That’s no issue. You’re Stable Master Devon, right?”

Sir Warren stared down at him, and he nodded as his anxiety kept his feet in place.

“We were just talking about you.” Sir Warren let go of Devon’s shoulder and gestured to the knights nearby. Devon tensed as he saw Sir Wallace and Sir Brutus amongst them.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” Devon cleared his throat.

“Why yes,” Sir Warren said and glanced to the knights. “Since we’re new, we don’t know the new knights or their horses well. Could you tell us about them?”

Devon frowned but checked over his papers. “From the look of your respective horses, you have consistent competition with the horses of the knights of this castle.”

Sir Warren’s demeanour darkened. “We’re knights of this castle now.”

Devon bowed his head and nodded, his gaze drifting to his feet. “Yes, sir.”

“How polite! No wonder Sir Brien likes him so much.” Sir Warren laughed, and the other knights followed suit.

A surge of fear-wrapped anger came up Devon’s throat. “All the knights of this castle are polite to me,” he said. “I help look after all the horses.”

Sir Warren nodded. “Why yes, you are the stable master so of course you do your job.” He folded his arms. “Tell me about Sir Brien’s horse, the grey stallion.”

“Grey One?” Devon frowned in confusion and the knights laughed again.

“What a disrespectful name for a horse.” Sir Warren rolled his eyes and chuckled.

Devon held the papers closer to his chest. “A knight can call his horse whatever he likes. Sir Brien has had his horse since he was a page and he didn’t change its name.”

Once the words left his mouth, Devon regretted them. Something darkened Sir Warren’s brow.

“Is that so?” Sir Warren looked to his knights. “Well, we better let you get back to work.”

Devon mumbled thanks as he turned on his heels to the other set of stables. His heart raced, and his breathing sharpened. He didn’t stop at the stables full of unfamiliar horses, his feet moved him towards Grey One’s stall. Devon’s breathing hadn’t eased, and his chest felt tight. The fear that he would cause the horses' anguish crept upon him. He wanted to run. 

Warmth brushed against his cheek. Devon’s eyes came into focus as Grey One leaned down and brushed his shoulder. Devon shifted his feet and brushed his hands over either side of Grey One’s neck. Ease filled him as he skimmed over the tight braids of Grey One’s hair. His chest unwound, and his breathing steadied. None of the horses had been affected by his state but worries still lingered in his gut. Grey One nipped his shoulder, and Devon giggled.

“You look after them too, don’t you?” Devon whispered.

Chapter Seven

Sir Brien left the mess hall filled with unease. He looked over the roster; it was well thought out and organised and he only needed to speak with three squires about their schedule. He even noted where he could fill the gaps with his own time.

With the arrival of the new knights, people moved in groups and spoke with others in their station to get familiar with their new home. The new knights had been sent on a tour to show them the tourney grounds. Sir Warren had an air of superiority that rubbed Brien the wrong way. Instead of walking to the tiltyard, he moved towards the training area.

He spoke with two squires before finding Sir Atsley’s, Sannor—a lean boy who took after Atsley’s quiet demeanour. Brien had had enough training sessions with the boy to know that hardly anything phased him in battle.

“Sannor!” he beckoned the boy from the edge of a training ring.

“Yes, Sir Brien?” Sannor said.

“I’ve got an important job for you.” Brien explained the situation and then talked about Sir Warren, before pointing out the knight as the tour passed.

“Sir Atsley will hate him on sight,” Sannor noted.

Brien nodded. Atsley hated that type of person even more than he did. “Oh, yeah.”

“I can be Sir Warren’s help for the week,” Sannor added.

Brien raised his brows.

The younger boy leaned in and kept his voice hushed but clear. “Sir Atsley has been shifted to guard duty for the princess as per the Wizard’s request.”

“Is there danger?” Sir Brien glanced around.

“Not confirmed. The Wizard wants to take precautions. I don’t know any more but with Sir Atsley free, I can attend and, well, keep an eye on Sir Warren.”

Brien nodded and clapped Sannor on the shoulder. “Smart man.”

Sannor smiled and Brien thought of how, when responding to praise, Aldith would puff his chest out. They were nervous for the accolade, but nothing he or the other knights could say would ease that. Brien hoped the lessons of knighthood would overshadow their internal fears.

Brien left Sannor with a nod and smile before making his way through the grounds. The melee arena was set up and some knights lingered.

“Oi, Sir Brien!” A voice called him.

Brien saw some new knights were mingling with some of his fellows.

He sauntered over, a lazy smile plastered on his face. “Aren’t you meant to be on duty?”

The knights who had known him for some time laughed and thought nothing of it, but the air around the new knights became sour. 

“Ha, we are! We were showing the newcomers around for the tourney and talking about the melee. Saying who we should bet on.”

“Oh.” Brien placed a hand over his heart. “I’m so honoured that you would consider me.”

An assortment of snickers and grumbles divided the knights. Brien watched Sir Warren glare from the corner of his eye.

“Cocky bastard. Bets will be placed at the melee tomorrow, but tonight I think we should break the ice with some games and ale.”

Brien’s face lit up. “Excellent!” He looked over the new knights. “Would love to see if any of you could beat me at cards. I’ll warn you, I can keep my mouth shut.”

Laughter erupted and one knight added, “It’s the only time he does!”

The new knights also laughed and seemed to ease into his presence, but Sir Warren wasn’t having it.

Sir Warren crossed his arms. “What things do you bet for?”

“Usually coin. Why? What do you have in mind?” Brien rolled his shoulders.

The air between Sir Warren and Brien was tense. Sir Warren shrugged and turned to walk away.

Brien decided to challenge him. “Cards tonight then?”

Sir Warren nodded and left, with a trail of followers, to the mess hall.

Brien glanced between the other knights. They were already mumbling about who they would bet on winning, Sir Brien or Sir Warren. Brien rolled his eyes and walked away. Trying to get the upper hand on Sir Warren was like trying to conquer a mountain with a training sword. One twig out of place and suddenly you weren’t dealing with a mountain but a volcano.

He wandered the bailey as people were winding down for the day. The last of the preparations were finished and dinner fast approached. His feet brought him back to the stables, and he lingered to the side, watching as Devon spoke with the stable hands and went about his work. Devon was tall and lean with muscles from the years he had spent working with horses and labouring. Snapping him out of his trance, Brien waved over a stable boy who approached the stable.

“Give this to Devon.” He handed over the roster and turned away without another word. Not wanting to disrupt Devon’s peace.

Chapter Eight

Devon cheered along with the crowd of people after the princess’s speech. Lady Matilda had spoken, albeit softly, and was warmly welcomed by her wife’s people. With a final word from the Wizard, everyone moved over to the bonfires to chat and eat. Devon shooed the stable hands and told them to go and have fun. There was a small amount of food, most being saved for the great feast at the end of the week, but plenty of ale to make up for it.

Many of the knights were in their circles and mingled with their new brothers in arms, but the majority were boisterously yelling over a game of cards. Devon spotted Brien, who smirked as he played cards with the other knights, and knew he wasn’t giving away any information.

A mug of ale was pushed into Devon’s hands and he got caught in the crowd that parted for Sir Warren. Devon drank to hide his frown as he watched Sir Warren sit down at the table across from Brien, who reshuffled the cards.

“So, what did you want to bet with?” Brien asked.

“We’ll start with coin for now and have a few rounds, then I’ll see if you’re worth upping the ante for,” Sir Warren said.

“By which, you mean, if you think you can beat me,” Brien said.

Sir Warren glared but smiled. “Exactly.”

Devon caught Brien’s gaze, which burned from the firelight. Unsure how to react, he nodded and Brien looked away with a smile as he dealt the cards.

“Five rounds and then you can call it,” Brien said.

Many people gathered around to watch. Devon moved next to Sir Atsley, who kept a watchful eye on those involved to make sure no one shared information with either of the players. Rather than engaging in the playful banter that Brien would normally engage in with the other knights, Brien and Warren only spoke when raising bets and revealing cards. The tension was tight in the air as they reached the fifth round with two wins each. Devon tried to blend into the crowd while staying next to Atsley, but that led to him coming closer to the table and, subsequently, closer to Sir Warren.

“Seems like my horse settled down. Thank you, Stable Master,” Sir Warren spoke politely.

Devon felt uncomfortable as he mumbled a thank you.

“What was that? Speak up,” Sir Warren said.

“Thank you, sir,” Devon said, but his shoulders tensed as some knights snickered.

“Timid as a horse yourself, it seems, probably just as easy to tame as well,” Sir Warren chuckled.

Devon blushed and clenched his fist around the mug while he thought of the skittish behaviour the horses had displayed.

“Well, Sir Warren, what’s your call?” Brien bit out as he revealed his winning hand.

Sir Warren looked over the cards and then revealed them, losing to Brien. He relaxed into his seat and took another mug of ale as he mused for a moment. Devon flicked his gaze between Sir Warren and Brien. They smiled, challenge in their eyes.

“The lads and I went to check our horses, and it was nice to see they were being well looked after. But you know the thing with horses is that they tend to notice who’s the boss.” Sir Warren spoke around a swig of ale and leaned in. “So, why don’t we do three more rounds? If I win, I get that grey stallion of yours.”

Devon bit his lip, but Brien merely raised a brow and stroked his chin in thought. He held his breath as Brien picked up the cards and shuffled before handing them to Atsley to be shuffled.

“How about this,” Brien finally said. “Since it’s the festival and we both need a horse, if either of us wins, we give up our best horse and the loser gets to choose another horse to take instead.”

Sir Warren frowned. “A mare and nothing more.”

“Done.” Brien rolled his shoulders.

Atsley dealt the cards.

Devon inhaled sharply. “Sir Brien, may I speak with you before your game?”

Brien’s eyes shot up as Devon walked away from the table, but he followed him.

“What on Earth are you thinking?” Devon seethed.

Brien was shocked at the tone Devon used, but he shrugged—a lazy expression that made Devon fume.

“All of those horses are in my care.” He held up a finger as Brien opened his mouth. “They are not to be used as bartering for silly games between knights who think so highly of themselves.”

Brien frowned but rested a hand on Devon’s shoulder, silencing him. “I don’t think highly of myself.” He scoffed. “Sure, if Sir Warren loses, Atsley has a horse he can give him and if he wins—”

“If he wins, he’ll get Grey One. He knows that’s your horse.” Devon shook his head. “Typical, he wants the biggest horse to fit his ego.”

Brien maintained his frown, but his eyes softened. “Do you think that of me too?”

“No!” Devon rubbed his temples. “No, I don’t think that. This man just infuriates me, and I don’t want him to have any horse.”

Devon closed his eyes but he could feel Brien looking at him, the hand on his shoulder felt hot.

“Look, can you just trust me? I have a plan, even if he gets Grey One, I’m not letting anyone takes my horse away for good.” Brien said.

With a deep breath, Devon opened his eyes and blinked. Brien smiled, but his eyes showed something sad behind them.

“I don’t know if I trust you yet but, seen as though I’ll be helping you no matter what horse you have, I’ll take a leap of faith.” Devon glanced around. The other knights were merry, but Sir Warren kept his gaze on the two of them.

“Weren’t you filling in where people couldn’t?” Brien asked.

“The chamberlain came before the speech and finalised the roster and placed me with you, so, go and win, otherwise you’re going to have to put up with me being annoyed at you.” Devon crossed his arms.

“If I lose, you can bother me however you want.” Brien winked at him and walked back over to the table.

Devon sucked in a deep breath and tried to will away the blush that plagued his face. His mind played Brien’s words over and over. He walked away from the crowd of people and made his way to the stables, the cool night air reminding him how hot his cheeks were. He knew that whatever the outcome was, there was going to be an exchange of horses, so he sat at the small desk in the corner of the stables and drew up the necessary contract, copying the words of the law carefully. He couldn’t go home yet—home was a small building near the stables attached to the other residential hall.

As he created the contract, he noticed a key sentence: the items being traded can be rescinded in the price for any fuel, combat, joust, or other competition. Devon breathed a small laugh. Of course, Brien would know this. Brien competed in duels and other competitions so often that he knew the laws to follow and abide by while using them to his advantage. Devon’s thoughts broke off as the stable doors opened and a small group of knights entered. He looked to Brien, who gave a small shake of his head—he’d lost. Sir Atsley and Sir Felix flanked Brien on either side as Sir Warren walked up to Grey One’s stall and boasted his victory.

“Now this is a stallion I can win with. It should be easy to get placed here in the castle rather than out in the country with this!” Sir Warren spoke and his cronies mumbled agreements.

Brien walked up to Devon, who unfolded the papers he had written up.

“Are the laws properly written out?” Brien asked.

The look in his eyes confirmed Devon’s suspicions, and he nodded.

“Right. Let’s get this paperwork signed,” Brien called over his shoulder.

Sir Warren walked over as Devon wrote out Grey One’s name on the contract.

“What horse will you be taking?” Devon asked.

Brien glared at Warren before pointing to a stall. “That mare.”

Chapter Nine

Devon’s eyes widened and his hand froze where he was writing. His anger at Brien had simmered down but now he was confused.

Sir Warren laughed. “That skittish bitch? Sure.”

Devon ignored him as he wrote down the description of the mare. She would now receive a name and he was relieved that the mare would be in good hands. 

“Right, both of you sign here, please.” Devon moved aside as the knights signed the contract.

Devon sealed the papers and rolled them up. “Sir Atsley, could you please take these to the Chamberlain?” Devon held them out as the knight went to take them.

A few of Sir Warren’s men stepped forward. Among them, Sir Wallace glared at Devon. “Do it yourself, no biased parties should handle them.”

Sir Warren nodded, and the tightly wound anger in Devon snapped.

“Sir Atsley is an oath-sworn knight of Princess Eleanor. He is regarded as a neutral party in your petty games, so he takes the papers to the Chamberlain. These are official. Any objections and I rip them apart.”

Devon felt the chill of fear up his spine once he stopped speaking and his eyes returned to the ground. The room was silent as Sir Atsley took the papers and left the stable.

“Huh. So the timid man hides the strength of a stallion within.” Sir Warren stepped closer, and Devon’s heartbeat rose in panic. “You know the night is young—”

“That’s enough, Sir Warren,” Brien said firmly. “We should retire for tomorrow’s early morning melee.”

Devon didn’t look up as Sir Warren stepped away.

“If he wants to share a bed with the likes of you, it’s his loss,” Sir Warren said.

“He’s my friend and I don’t appreciate my friends receiving unwanted attention from the likes of you.” Brien stood his ground, and Devon wondered if his knees would give in, as some of the horses woke with a snort.

Sir Felix coughed. “Let’s leave.”

The sound of footsteps slowly disappeared out the stable doors and Devon let his legs give out, but instead of meeting with the ground, he was caught.

“Hey, Devon, what’s going on?” Brien’s voice was panicked as he moved Devon onto a nearby stool.

Devon had kept his breath steady, but his voice still felt raw. “I don’t raise my voice often and I don’t like to, and that sort of behaviour makes me uncomfortable.”

“Well, of course. Sir Warren is creepy and cocky, not worth sharing your time with, let alone your bed with,” Brien said.

Devon snorted, and his hands trembled. “If you’ve stayed behind, they probably all think you share my bed.”

“I don’t mind that,” Brien quickly added. “But I’m sorry if that assumption bothers you.”

“It doesn’t.” Devon’s eyes widened as he realised what the words that fell out of his mouth meant. His heart rate increased and his hands trembled until Brien’s hands covered them. They were calloused but warm, and adrenaline-fuelled Devon as he held Brien’s hands.

Devon waited for Brien to pull him into a kiss. He didn’t know if the thought terrified or excited him, but that moment didn’t come as they sat there until Devon’s breathing eased. Brien held Devon’s hands long after the trembling stopped. As his mind settled, Devon licked his lips.

“I’d rather share my bed with someone who meets my standards. Sir Warren is rock bottom in comparison,” Devon said.

Brien chuckled. “He would be. It’s good to know you have good standards. I doubt that I would meet them, though.”

Brien tried to move his hands away, but Devon held them tighter. “Is that something you want?”

The fear that lingered in his body stopped him from looking at Brien’s face. Instead, he trained his sights on their hands.

“Meet your standards? Yes. Not just because I have entertained the thought of sharing your bed, but because I do respect you and what you do for—”

Devon pulled him in, released his hands, and cupped Brien’s face as their lips met. Devon froze as Brien snaked his arms around him and leaned into the kiss. Devon’s hands trailed down to Brien’s shoulders and heat rose within him as Brien shuddered under his light touch. They broke apart for air and Devon looked at Brien.

“It’s a thought I’ve also entertained before,” Devon admitted.

Brien gulped and caressed Devon’s cheek. “You know me. You can be honest about these things.”

“To be honest—” Devon smirked. “I didn’t know if admitting such things would result in this or getting my ass handed to me in a fight.”

Brien’s eyebrow twitched.

Devon hit his chest. “You know what I mean.”

They shared a light kiss before Devon pushed himself away. “We have work tomorrow.”

Brien nodded. “Together, in fact.”

Devon stopped in his tracks. “Will that be a hindrance?”

“Not at all, I’ll behave in public. But we should probably decide if we want this to be a thing or not.” Brien followed Devon to the stable doors.

“Of course.” Devon avoided Brien’s gaze as he walked off to the residential building. “Good night, Sir Brien.”

Devon’s quarters consisted of a small double-storey house and doubled as a place to keep stable administration clean. He climbed the ladder to his bedroom and quickly washed with a cloth to cool the heat under his skin.

Chapter Ten

Brien had slept well. He was relaxed as he suited up in armour for the melee that morning. Aldith had heard about last night’s bet and became wide-eyed as he explained the plan to get his horse back.

“Before the joust, surely?” Aldith asked.

Brien smiled to reassure his squire. “We’ll see. I have a feeling I should be right with the mare either way.”

Aldith handed Brien his gloves. “You’ll win no matter which horse you’re on, sir.”

“I’ve got a good team with me.”

Devon and the mare approached, and Brien couldn’t miss the blush creeping up Devon’s neck.

“This the horse? She’s beautiful.” Aldith moved to pat her, but the mare made an uncomfortable noise.

Devon stroked the mare’s neck and settled her.

Aldith wavered. “Sorry, sir. Stable Master, sir.”

“Just Devon is fine.” Devon smiled. “Try now.”

Brien watched Aldith pat the mare’s neck rather than the muzzle.

“I moved her to a different stall, so her neighbours are some of our calmer horses. Seems to have helped, but being around you will help her settle in too,” Devon said.

Brien finished putting his gloves on. “Which is why I asked you to bring her over.”

Devon and Aldith looked quizzically at Brien as he grabbed his helmet.

“While I’m at the melee, you are to listen to Devon and help this horse settle into a saddle so that I can ride her later. Understood?” Brien said.

Aldith enthusiastically nodded.

“I also expect you to come up with a name for her.” Brien looked to Devon, whose blush had slightly abated. “I’ll leave them in your capable hands.”

Devon chuckled as he watched Aldith pat the mare. “I don’t know. They seem to have become fast friends.”

“Since you were capable of handling me, I’m sure they’ll seem like angels.” Brien put on his helmet and walked away with a grin as Devon spluttered.

Brien resisted the urge to turn around and catch Devon’s blush. His skin tingled at the memory of holding him close and feeling his soft lips but shooed away the thoughts as he reached the ground. Other knights, dressed in armour, had gathered to take turns approaching the stand where the princess and her consort sat to greet them.

The Wizard and Chamberlain sat to Princess Eleanor’s side, while the Lady Matilda’s handmaiden and Advisor sat to the Lady’s side. When Sir Warren had finished speaking with the Princess, he moved to the side to have a word with the Advisor. The Advisor’s perpetual frown deepened as he nodded along to Sir Warren’s words.

Sir Warren glanced around and noticed Brien. As the Advisor turned his gaze towards Brien, they continued to speak. Brien resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Seemed like they were close. That wouldn’t help.

“Sir Brien, it’s lovely to see you, may I introduce my wife, Matilda.” Princess Eleanor gestured to her consort, who inclined her head in greeting.

“Of course, it’s an honour to meet you, my lady.” Brien bowed. “And, please, don’t stress about remembering all these names and faces right away.”

Lady Matilda covered her mouth to laugh. “Thank you, Sir Brien. I will do my best to remember everyone, even those placed across the province.”

“Your efforts are commendable, but only the Chamberlain and your Advisor should have such an inventory as second nature.” Brien nodded to the Chamberlain, who huffed a small laugh and flicked his gaze to the Advisor. The Advisor’s expression was as stony as ever.

“May you have good fortune during the tourney, Sir Brien.” Princess Eleanor inclined her head.

She had heard it too, then? Brien bowed once more and pointedly walked past Sir Warren, who continued to linger to the side. He didn’t have time for boasting. Sir Atsley and Sir Felix were waiting to the side of the grounds and, when he reached them, they regarded him with curiosity.

“That bad, huh?” Sir Atsley said.

Sir Felix shook his head. “Wish I had seen those games, to be honest.”

“It’s fine, I have a plan that will put Sir Warren in his place. And, really? Babysitting that bad, huh?”

Felix cleared his throat and adjusted his helmet.

“Not so bad after all, he was saying,” Sir Atsley added.

“Could it be? A noble who doesn’t walk around with a polearm up his ass?” Brien feigned a shocked gasp.

Felix slapped him on the back and his armour rang as servants opened up the grounds to the knights. They filed in and spaced themselves around the grounds, while Brien and his friends moved into the centre. Many new knights and arrivals from across the province lingered along the edges, not wishing to be an easy target for someone behind them. Brien tilted his chin when Sir Warren and his cronies wandered into the middle.

Silence spread through the bailey as one of the servants stood, raised the horn to his lips and waited a moment before blowing to signal the start of the melee.

Brien spun and punched an oncoming knight square in the jaw. He held his fists up and kicked and swept faltering knights to the ground. One by one, knights removed their helmets and left the grounds to be patched up.

“Your right!” Felix yelled.

Brien turned as three of Sir Warren’s men moved towards him. He ducked and pushed one over his shoulder, but then held his guard up as he was punched on both sides.

Brien broke free from the two men and looked around. Sir Warren charged at Atsley and they paired off while the other knights surrounded Brien and Felix. Brien breathed deeply.

“Well, it’s been a while since we’ve had a challenge, eh?” Brien called out.

Felix groaned.

The other knights charged. Brien and Felix broke out of their stances and were surrounded. A loud slam almost rocked the earth below Brian. His friend flipped knight after knight to the ground. Brien kept his guard up and fended off his attackers. He felt the punches reverberate through his armour and he kept light on his toes to avoid getting tripped. One of the knights he was fighting was reefed back, and Felix helped peel the last of the fighters away. Brien frowned; he couldn’t see Sir Warren.

A fist slammed against the side of Felix’s helmet. Brien growled as Felix fell to his knees. He darted between them and blocked Sir Warren next strike. The clatter of Felix’s helmet falling to the side meant that he was out.

Brien stepped away from his friend and kept his eyes trained on Sir Warren.

“You got an issue, sir?” Brien bit out.

“I’m not the only one who would like to take you down. I hear you’ve been a bully to some other knights.” Sir Warren rolled his shoulders back and resumed a fighter’s stance.

Brien laughed. “If people want to challenge me, I won’t say no. So, really, who’s the actual bully?”

Sir Warren growled and stalked towards him. Brien had a splitting headache, but he circled Sir Warren. In the crowd, he spotted two familiar faces, faces he hoped wouldn’t have appeared: Aldith and Devon.

Brien and Sir Warren were the last two in the melee. They traded blows and Brien kept on the defensive, ignoring the snide taunts thrown his way. The crowd was in a commotion, but Brien didn’t break his focus as he blocked blows. The horn sounded once more, and he stepped back in relief, only to have Sir Warren punch him in the face. Brien fell onto his back as pain spread over his face.

He tried to sit up and attempted to discern the surrounding voices. Someone helped him the rest of the way and took off his helmet. He glanced over to Sir Warren. He was not wearing his helmet, and someone held him back.

Brien rubbed his forehead as the Wizard knelt to inspect his nose.

“Not broken,” he said. “Go to the healers’ tent. The Princess will speak to you, Sir Warren.”

Brien’s lips twitched, but he didn’t smile. While he didn’t move his head, it felt like it was being hit with a battering ram. Feet appeared next to him, and he let Aldith help him up and lead him to the healers’ tent. The healers moved between various knights and provided a salve for bruises and cuts. One approached Brien and checked his nose again before giving him something for the bruising.

“Let’s move somewhere quieter,” he mumbled to Aldith as he rubbed his temples.

They moved away from the grounds, but Brien didn’t relax until he sat underneath a tree near the residential building.

“May I ask something, sir?” Aldith whispered.

Brien nodded but kept his eyes closed. “No need to whisper.”

“Okay.” Aldith cleared his throat. “Do you think Sir Warren wants to boot you off so he can be a province knight?”

“Probably.” Brien breathed deeply, glad the scent of copper was gone. “He seems to grow his ego by trying to take me off my high horse.”

“He did, kind of, sir,” Aldith said.

Brien laughed. “He did, didn’t he? Not for long, though. For now, I’ll rest, but I will deal with him again.”

Aldith laughed as Brien rolled his eyes. Even with them closed, the exaggerated expression was obvious. Aldith darted off but returned before Brien could nap.

Aldith sat down next to him. “Sir Felix is alright, sir. Sir Atsley told me that he went to a separate tent since the healers were worried the cut on the side of his head was deeper than it seemed. He’s alright, but needs rest. Won’t be able to participate in any more events.”

“Why did the horn blow a second time?” Brien asked.

“As soon as the Princess was told what happened to Sir Felix, she ordered it. Sir Warren may be off tourney events as well.”

Brien chuckled. “Oh dear, he’ll want to take that out on me later.”

“We’ll protect you, sir,” Aldith said.

The soft sound of hooves nearby made Brien open his eyes. Devon approached with the mare in tow. Aldith stood up to pet and talk to the mare as Devon sat beside Brien. With a glance over him, Devon’s worried expression softened.

“You going to be alright?” Devon asked.

“Of course. After a bit of rest, I’ll be able to try riding this horse.” He sat up and leaned forward. “Did you come up with a name for her?”

“Hazel!” Aldith beamed.

Chapter Eleven

Devon kept his eyes on Hazel as Aldith saddled her up. He was pleased with how well she eased into their company. His eyes glanced between Brien, who rested, and the people who passed them. The crowd’s tone had shifted after Sir Warren took Felix down and moved to strike him again—that was against the rules. The lunch break was extended as the melee grounds were taken down. Knight approached and asked Brien about the melee, but he just smiled. The smallest movements left him wincing.

The knights left and Brien stood.

“You sure you’re fine to ride her?” Devon said.

He stretched and tension popped from his shoulders. Brien smiled, which melted Devon’s insides before he moved again and cringed in pain. Devon put a hand on Brien’s arm.

Brien waved his hand dismissively. “The salve has helped. The bruises will heal fine. I’ve ridden horses with worse.”

“Yes, but this is a timid horse, not Grey One,” Devon said.

Brien nodded as he moved his body to test the boundaries. “I think I’ve gotten more bruises from him than I ever will riding with her.”

Devon couldn’t counter that. Brien walked up to the horse and, before his mind caught up to him, he mumbled softly to her. He maintained eye contact as he patted her neck. His gestures were as even as his tone. He tested the saddle, then continued to reassure her.

Something within Devon clicked into place. Brien’s actions were similar to Devon’s when working with the horses. Some would call it pedantic and Devon never pushed the method on the stable hands, who each had their ways of interacting, but this was different. The similarity was uncanny.

Brien climbed onto the horse but resumed stroking her neck when she made a sound of annoyance. He waited until she settled, and then walked her around the small space. Devon locked his eyes on the horse, but occasionally his gaze flicked up to Brien, who softly smiled. Hazel became comfortable, and he walked her back over to Devon.

Aldith moved towards the stable supply.

“Don’t give her too many apples!” Devon cautioned.

They laughed, and Aldith returned. Brien continued to speak calmly, even after Devon permitted for Hazel to go into a trot.

Devon lingered and watched. The mare had become comfortable with her new rider and his personality. Devon’s skin heated as his mind wandered while watching Brien.

“Sir—I mean, Devon, is something wrong?” Aldith asked, not particularly concerned.

Devon shook his head and wavered on his feet, hoping his tunic could hide his groin.

He tried to stand casually but felt awkward. “Nothing’s wrong, just got a lot on my mind.”

Aldith nudged him. “If Sir Brien’s on your mind, just talk to him. After all, he’ll always be honest.”

Aldith moved aside as Brien jumped off Hazel and walked her back to them. Devon knew Brien would be honest, but what if Devon said something he didn’t want to hear?

“Sir Brien!” A voice boomed across the yard, and drew Devon’s attention back to reality.

Sir Warren stormed towards them, which made Devon tense and, in turn, disturbed the horse. Brien moved to meet the man with his hands raised in warning. Devon told Aldith to stay back as he grabbed the mare’s reins. He soothed her with his voice, mumbling under his breath as an unsettling feeling crawled along the back of his neck. Hazel’s neck twitched as he smoothed a hand along it. Brien and Sir Warren’s voice cut through his concentration, and Devon held tightly onto the reins as Hazel tried to escape. Devon moved in tandem and tried to usher her towards the stables.

“What is your actual problem, Sir Warren?” Brien raised his voice.

Devon cringed as Sir Warren swung his fist towards Brien.

Hazel whinnied and pulled away from Devon. He held onto the reins, but she was too frantic. He took in a deep breath and let them go, stepping backwards but keeping his eyes on the horse. She didn’t bolt, but she pranced about, looking for a safe place—the unfamiliar ground and new scents made her dizzy.

Aldith moved to Brien’s side, but he paid him no mind as he continued to argue with Sir Warren. He clenched his jaw and felt resistance become tension inside his throat.

Devon walked closer to them and whispered, “Silence.”

Devon would have none of Sir Warren’s egotistically perceived domination. He approached them with the courage he would try to tame an unbroken horse. But they were human and didn’t have an excuse. His resolve hardened. He grabbed Brien’s shoulder and nudged him aside.

Sir Warren’s focus shifted, and he now glared at Devon.

“What do you want, Stable Master?” he spat.

Devon levelled his voice. “Either, you both shut up or you take this elsewhere. I need to settle a horse and you, Sir Warren, are the problem.”

Sir Warren stood back. He was alone but still glanced to either side. He hunched, clearly cornered, and let out a growl as he opened his mouth to respond.

“If you want to participate in the tourney, Sir Warren, I’d advise you to keep your mouth shut,” Brien added.

Devon’s hand was still on Brien’s shoulder and he let it stay there as Sir Warren glared and retreated. Before they could speak, Devon moved towards Hazel. She was still twitching but weary as Devon approached on light feet.

He spoke softly and ignored the world around them as he led the mare to the stables. Once he closed her stall, he realised Brien and Aldith had followed him. They glanced between him and Hazel with worry.

“Would you like to keep an eye on her until your joust this afternoon?” Devon asked.

Aldith nodded. “Thank you, Devon.”

“Get some hay and a brush. She’s settled now, but reaffirming the good presence you guys have on her will help her heal.”

Aldith went to find a stable hand.

Devon watched her leave and turned back to Brien, who tilted his head towards the stable doors. They walked into the in silence and the adrenaline in Devon’s body dropped as he sat.

Devon put his head in his hands, his elbows resting on his thighs. “I’m sorry for doing that. I just… I had to keep that horse from bolting.”

Brien remained standing. “I’m surprised she didn’t bolt when you left. That was risky.”

“It was, but I had to try.” Devon took a breath. “Gods that man is infuriating, I hope he gets placed elsewhere if he won’t go back to his home.”

Brien hummed and sat. “I imagine that the Princess and Lady Matilda will handle it. I may see if Atsley knows anything. He’s been in the Castle the most. He would know about where the new knights will be stationed. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sir Warren felt that even this place was beneath him, let alone a village.”

Devon nodded but didn’t look up from the ground as he tried to settle his breath. They sat together in silence as people in the yard passed them. A cool breeze tussled Devon’s bangs.

“How do you do it?” he asked.

“What?”

“Be so confident in what you say and do?”

Brien chuckled. “The thing is, I’m not.”

“What?” Devon turned to him.

Brien looked at the sky. “The truth is, I don’t think people like me and, well, if people don’t like me, then that’s on them. I continue to be brutally honest to the world, then I’ll know who’s worth my time.”

Devon tilted his head. “Do you not think Sir Felix and Sir Atsley like you?”

Brien barked a laugh. “They find me annoying as hell, but no, they are friends. I’m only confident about that because they’ve told me so, even after everything we’ve been through.”

“You were squires and knighted at the same time?”

Brien nodded. “We then travelled, battled, and worked together.”

“But you probably weren’t confident early on?”

“Definitely not. I was always worried, and that’s where I gained my reputation for speaking my mind and duelling over petty things.”

“Never chivalric combat?” Devon pried.

“Nope. Never did something that required the court’s involvement. Only ever a feat of arms to settle disputes.” Brien shrugged. “Some people are touchy over the tiniest things.”

Devon mused to himself. “Are we friends?”

“I’d like to think so,” Brien said.

“Well, that’s good, because I also like you a bit more than friends should like one another.”

“Is that so?”

Devon nodded as his mind caught up with the words he just said, and he pulled his knees into his chest. He tried to think of something confident to say, but felt dizzy from the heat across his face. Brien threaded a hand through Devon’s hair and Devon looked up, only to be met with a kiss.

Brien pulled away, but Devon chased his lips for another kiss, which made Brien chuckle.

Brien stood up. “I’ll need to oversee those two at their joust, so I’ll see you later.”

Devon looked over his shoulder to see a grinning Aldith. Devon pulled his knees back up as he wished he could shrink into a blade of grass. Although, a blade of grass couldn’t kiss Brien. He watched Brien walk away.

Chapter Twelve

Aldith completed his joust with flying colours and Brien puffed his chest out with pride at how well his squire fared even after getting spooked earlier. He needed to deal with the Sir Warren problem.

He found Sir Atsley lingering near the healers’ tent with Landon, the Wizard’s apprentice. It wasn’t hard to miss Atsley’s furrowed brows.

“Got a moment?” Brien asked.

Atsley nodded. “He’s just here to give the healers more supplies from the Wizard. What’s going on?”

“Sir Warren approached me again.”

Atsley rolled his eyes and leaned in. “He’s been told if he causes any more issues, he’ll be kicked off the tourney. Though, I have heard discussions about him being sent back to Lady Matilda’s father’s court.”

Brien shook his head. “No wonder he’s got such a bloated ego. I just don’t understand why he’s so fixated on me.”

Atsley laughed. “Could be that he’s attracted to you.”

“Anyone who shows that kind of affection without consent is even more of a problem,” Brien said. “I don’t think it’s that. If it was, he would be even more angry towards Devon.”

Atsley raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Brien blushed and scratched the back of his neck. “Well, I have liked him for some time and it seems like he likes me too so…”

“He has liked you for some time,” Atsley said. “You’ve just been oblivious.”

Brien opened his mouth to object but thought better. Instead, he peered back at the joust as another squire sped down the track.

“How is Sannor holding up?” Brien said.

“He’s handling Sir Warren wonderfully. He’s calm, collected, and passing on anything out of line that Warren’s so-called friends say straight to the Chamberlain.” Atsley turned as Landon appeared from the tent.

“Sir Brien, I require Sir Atsley’s help again. Sorry to intrude,” Landon said.

“He’s not sorry,” Atsley added as Landon handed him a large crate.

Before leaving, Atsley raised his eyebrows at Brien and said, “Tell Devon how you feel. Properly. You’ve most likely said something that’s just overly flirtatious.”

Brien spluttered, and a low growl was emitted from his throat. Atsley was right, though.

~ ~ ~

Before the grand feast, the meals served over the week were light. That didn’t stop people being merry with ale every night as bonfires were lit. Brien was once again ushered into some games of cards. Atsley had found another knight to be the mediator, but Felix—who was joined to his hip—and he still lingered nearby.

“Got another horse to bet, Sir Brien?” A knight sniggered.

Brien rolled his eyes. “No more horses. I’m only betting with coins tonight.”

The knights bickered, and coins were placed in the middle of the table as the rounds began. Brien was not afraid to up the bet with each passing round. He nestled his ale and focused while the other knights downed their drinks. He could easily get a read off them.

A few rounds in, Brien was toe-to-toe with two knights when he noticed Devon in the crowd. He made his way towards Atsley and Felix before some knights stopped him. Brien’s attention broke. He didn’t up the bet, and after revealing his cards, took his cut. He looked up from the table to Devon, whose shoulders had tensed. He narrowed his eyes. Sir Warren’s cohorts had stopped Devon.

“Sorry, friends. Here’s some for the pot. I’m stopping.” Brien halved his cut and put one portion into the pot so he was met with little resistance as he stepped away from the table.

Devon’s expression eased when he saw Brien approaching.

Brien folded his arms. “Is there a problem here?”

One of the knights turned to him. “None of your business, Brien.”

“That’s Sir Brien to you. Now, run along and bother someone else.”

The knight rolled his eyes and left, the others following suit. Devon moved away but jolted at the slap on his behind from the passing knight. He slapped the knight, shielding his body.

Brien glared and went to pull off his gloves.

Devon grabbed his hands. “Don’t, Brien. He’s not worth it.”

“He touched you!”

“Yes, and I slapped him. It hardly made a dent, but he’s just trying to rile you up since Sir Warren isn’t here,” Devon said.

Brien tore his glare from the knight and softened as he looked at Devon.

“I don’t want someone to dishonour you because of me,” Brien said.

Devon smiled.

Brien’s tension melted away.

Devon nodded towards Atsley and Felix. “Come on, let’s see what they’re up to.”

Brien followed Devon, his hand locked around his own. They approached his friends, and Brien reintroduced Devon.

Felix gestured to the man next to him. “This is Gale.”

Gale shook Devon’s hand. “Pleasure. The work you do is spectacular.”

“Uh, um,” Devon became flustered.

Brien wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “He accepts the compliment. He’s just a bit shy is all.”

Gale nodded. The group talked for some time before Felix and Gale left.

“Wanna bet they’re kissing by the end of the week?” Atsley nudged Brien.

Brien rolled his eyes. “I’m not going to bet against that.”

Atsley and Devon laughed. They dismissed the offers of more ale, and Atsley moved closer to the two of them.

“It seems like Lady Matilda’s Advisor is trying to support Sir Warren’s case,” Atsley said.

Brien frowned. “I did see them talking privately before the melee. Why would the Advisor support him?”

“From the information I gathered from Landon and the Wizard, the people from Lady Matilda’s court, not including the handmaiden, were chosen by her father,” Atsley said.

“That probably explains why Lady Matilda was so embarrassed,” Devon added.

Brien and Atsley nodded.

“Warren will be at the joust tomorrow, but we should keep an eye on his cohorts as well. All suspicious behaviour or bullying should be reported.”

Devon slumped forward with a glum expression.

Brien gave him a stern look.

“One of them slapped my ass before but I think they were trying to rile Brien up.”

Atsley nodded. “Most likely yes, but I’ll note that down just in case.” He then raised an eyebrow at Brien. “Surprised you didn’t call a duel there.”

“Devon stopped me,” Brien grumbled.

Atsley nodded to Devon. “Good, he needs some positive influence.”

Brien scoffed. “You and Felix aren’t?”

“No, you haven’t realised this?”

Devon laughed.

Brien’s mood brightened at the sound, and his tension dissipated. Atsley told them how he was helping Landon with his duties and trying not to walk in on the Wizard and the Master Healer.

“Wait, they...” Devon glanced between the knights.

“Since Yule last year. The Princess finds it hilarious whenever someone becomes flabbergasted,” Brien explained.

Atsley nodded. “They had to make room for the Advisor. He insisted on having space in the Wizard’s laboratory and that was, of course, off the table but he just keeps pushing.”

Brien shrugged. “I don’t think the Wizard understands the concept of space.”

Atsley laughed. “Well, yes, but no.”

“Are you able to keep an eye on the Advisor?” Devon said.

Atsley yawned. “Maybe. He tends to stay close to Lady Matilda. But when he isn’t there or bothering us, I don’t know where he slinks off to.”

Atsley waved the thought away and bid them a good night.

Brien sat on a free seat by the bonfire. As the evening drew later, more people turned in for the night. Brien opened his mouth to speak but took a moment.

Devon gave him a side-eyed glance. “Did you just think before speaking, Brien?”

Brien snorted. “Maybe. I wanted to ask you about the question you asked me earlier today?”

The firelight did little to hide Devon’s blush. “Which one?”

“The one about confidence.” Brien tilted his head. “Is that something you struggle with?”

Devon nodded and kept his eyes on the fire. “Although I’ve gotten better. Like, when it comes to a friend or horses. But being assertive scares me.”

“Who made you afraid of that?” Brien asked.

“I grew up in Millston, the little village in the southeast, and I was picked on a lot. I don’t know, I guess it just grated on me as the bullying persisted year after year.”

“No one stopped it?”

“I tried, but I got beat up. My parents couldn’t do a thing because they were of a lower status than the kids’ parents. The physical abuse stopped as I grew older. I also saw them less when I became a stable hand. Though one of them became a squire and his mentor would frequent the stable, I worked at. He got caught making snide remarks at me, and his mentor threatened him. Said he’d be demoted if he kept it up. I apprenticed for the Stable Master there, so that eased things.” Devon took a deep breath. “Then, one day, he cornered me. I was alone, and he beat me up. When I had a moment, I just asked him, ‘Why?’ Why was he doing that? I remember the look on his face when he said, ‘Because I can’.”

Brien frowned. “That’s not how a knight should behave.”

“No, it isn’t, but the knight’s code differs from province to province. The mentor found out and suspended him, but he just found a new mentor elsewhere. So, when I see knights like Sir Warren, I just think knighthood needs a better system.”

Brien nodded and kept his gaze on Devon even though the gesture was not returned. “I agree. I have seen some things, ranging from petty to downright criminal. If I can deal with it, then I will.”

“Thank you,” Devon muttered. “I don’t have the confidence to ask for things, but I’m proud that I could do something for Hazel.”

“It’s a start. You should try it, though. C’mon, what's the one thing you want right now?”

Devon tensed as he turned to Brien, but his gaze stayed on his lips.

“Um, I know I need to—”

Brien leaned in. “Not need, want.”

“Oh, um, okay.” Devon took a breath. “May I have a kiss?”

Brien’s answer was simple: a kiss. Although he wanted to deepen the kiss, he let Devon lead. Devon obliged, leaning in and nipping at Brien’s lower lip.

Brien broke for breath. “Wasn’t that hard, was it?”

Devon curled into himself. “Yes, it was.”

Brien pulled him into an embrace.

They watched the fire, and Brien wondered if Devon was worrying about the few people still by the bonfire when he sat up again.

Brien stood as Devon did. “Think of it this way, there’s nothing wrong with asking for something even if you know they may say no.”

Devon bit his lip but didn’t look away. “But, that’s the thing, what if I don’t want to hear them say no?”

Brien tilted his head as Devon’s eyes darted from his lips to his eyes to the bonfire. “Depends on what it is.”

Devon mumbled something and walked off.

Brien blinked and hesitated to follow. He looked around at the few people left. Most chatted amongst themselves or had left for their quarters.

Brien followed Devon towards the stables and slipped through the doors. Devon didn’t turn back. He walked past stall after stall before stopping. The horse was awake and pleasantly huffed to Devon. Brien hung back as Devon patted the horse. His stress seemed to melt away.

“Um,” Devon began before getting nudged by the horse. He giggled.

Brien walked over and grabbed Devon’s hand, rubbing his thumb over it. “Yes?”

Devon quickly let out a breath and a tangle of words. “Would you like to spend the night with me?”

“Is that what you were worried about? You thought I would say no to that?”

Brien quirked an eyebrow as Devon groaned and rested his head on Brien’s chest.

“I was scared to ask,” he muttered.

Brien hummed and threaded his hand through Devon’s hair. He tugged Devon’s head back and kissed him once more. “I’d love to.”

Chapter Thirteen

Brien smiled. He was calm as Devon walked over to him. But instead of pulling him away, Devon pushed Brien back until he reached a stool. He sat, and Devon straddled him. Devon’s hands threaded through Brien’s hair, and he leaned in to kiss him. His lips were soft, but tension still tightened Devon’s body.

Brien moved his hands over Devon’s hips and massaged the flesh.

A shudder crept up along Devon’s spine as he moaned and deepened the kiss.

Brien let Devon lead, but when he broke the kiss with shallow breaths, Devon chewed his lip and his shining eyes questioned whether what they were doing was okay.

Brien leaned and trailed kisses down his neck. Brien sighed along with Devon’s small sounds and imagined him biting his lip to quieten himself. Brien resisted the urge to roll his hips as Devon’s thigh pressed against his erection.

Devon grabbed Brien’s chin and pulled him up for another kiss. He squirmed to stand, but Brien dug his fingers into Devon’s hips before sliding them around his arse. They stumbled to standing, and Brien walked Devon to the desk. A shiver ran through him as Devon opened his legs. He pressed against him once more. They kissed, and the small amount of friction between their groins had them moaning between kisses. Devon hooked one of his legs around Brien to bring them closer. Brien moved out of their kiss and a moment of panic rose in Devon before he saw the heat in Brien’s eyes.

“Would you like to move this somewhere else?” Brien whispered.

The heat over Devon’s cheeks deepened. He glanced around the stalls, and the horses seemed content. Devon eased his breathing and nodded. He grabbed Brien’s shirt and pulled him out of the stables.

They rushed to Devon’s small, residential space nearby and discarded their shoes to climb the ladder to the top floor. Devon turned to push Brien onto his bed, but Brien stopped him. He caressed Devon’s cheek and maintained eye contact as he unlaced the belt around Devon’s tunic. Devon returned the favour, and they threw off their tunics before pressing close once more. Devon’s hands traced Brien’s muscles, and he smiled as Brien shuddered.

Brien untucked the belt from Devon’s breeches and let them fall. The cold prickled through his skin, but Devon kept close to the warmth of Brien, and Brien did the same. Without barriers between them, Brien pulled Devon close and deeply kissed. Their groins brushed together, and a bolt of heat shot through them. Devon led Brien to bed.

Under the blankets, their warmth melted the cold. Facing one another, they kissed and roamed the ridges of each other’s bodies. Brien’s traced a finger along the curve of Devon’s hip and down towards his groin.

“May I?” Brien asked.

Devon nodded. “Take the lead. I just want to feel you right now.”

Brien surged forward and kissed Devon as he thumbed the bead of pre-cum along his shaft with languid strokes. Devon dug his nails into Brien’s back as Brien grasped their erections and stroked. Devon let out a moan and held onto Brien’s shoulders. Brien paused to adjust their angle, and Devon used that moment to find a bottle of oil. Before he could ask, Brien rolled them over.

Devon poured oil onto his hands and lathered his fingers. He stroked along the underneath of Brien until he brushed against his hole. Easing his fingers in, Devon curled them and took his time drawing out Brien’s moans. Brien shuddered a sigh as Devon pushed deeper before leaving him empty. Brien angled his legs as Devon lined up his cock and thrust into him. Devon moved slowly, and Brien quirked an eyebrow before meeting Devon’s thrusts. Soon, they were matched in vigour.

Brien fisted his cock and watched Devon watch where their bodies met. When his pleasure reached boiling point, Brien grabbed Devon’s chin so he could watch his expression while he continued to stroke himself. Devon gasped as he came inside Brien, but closed his eyes against Brien’s heated gaze. Brien moaned as his seed spilled out across his stomach. Brien slowed his movements and rode out his pleasure before Devon collapsed beside him.

The cool night air was harsh against their heated cheeks. Devon pulled the blankets over them and watched Brien curl onto his side, his eyes heavy and his face relaxed—satiated. Devon cleaned them before facing Brien.

“I wondered if you would be the kind to stay or go,” Devon said.

The corner of Brien’s mouth turned up with smugness. “This will be the first time I stay.”

Devon’s blush grew deeper, but he did not hesitate as he leaned forward and gave Brien a chaste kiss before sleep overcame them.

~ ~ ~

Devon woke to a cool and wet sensation running down his arm. He blinked. Brien had snuggled close to him and drooled in his sleep. He bit back a chuckle as he moved his arm away, and Brien rolled onto his back.

The red and gold of the early morning sun filtered through the wooden shutters of the window. Part of the world still slept. Instead of getting ready for the day, Devon slid under the covers and trailed his fingers from Brien’s hips to his thighs, skirting the edges of his groin. Brien stirred and mumbled something in his sleep. Devon moved in and licked Brien’s length to the tip before engulfing him. Above, Brien cursed as Devon moved in rhythm, avoiding his teeth as much as he could.

A rush of cold made Devon glance up, and he saw Brien had removed the blanket and rested on his elbow.

“If you keep that up, you’re next,” Brien breathed.

Devon quirked an eyebrow and continued to work Brien. He shuffled to angle himself, and with his free hand, he stroked himself.

Brien found the bottle of oil under the sheets and threaded his hand through Devon’s hair. He tugged his hair but couldn’t control his movements. When Brien’s moans changed, Devon quickly sat up and urged Brien to sit up too.

“You keep teasing me.”

Brien pulled Devon closer and licked his cheek as he dipped his fingers into the oil. Devon moaned as Brien plunged his fingers inside and stretched him with impatience. Devon rolled his eyes and grabbed Brien’s arms. A look of concern crossed Brien’s face until Devon moved closer and eased himself onto Brien’s cock, eliciting a moan from them both.

When their breathing settled, Devon moved while holding onto Brien’s shoulders. He paced himself, but Brien kissed him with fervour, biting a trail down to his shoulder. Devon dug his nails into Brien’s shoulders and nipped at his ear.

“If you want more—” Devon spoke before moaning as Brien thrust hard and fast.

Brien grabbed Devon’s hips and held him in place as he took the lead. Devon felt boneless as he rested against Brien and bit into his neck. He shuddered with a sigh. Brien moved and pumped Devon’s cock, but as he felt his release coming, Brien clamped his hand down hard and the pressure suspended Devon at the moment as Brien came inside him.

Devon tried to form words as he was laid back. Brien smirked before grazing his teeth along the curve of Devon’s neck. Moving lower, Brien licked and sucked at Devon until his release came. The two of them breathed heavily and sighed into one another's arms.

“I’m not complaining, but what was that for?” Devon asked.

Brien shrugged. “For teasing me.”

“Ah,” Devon said. “I’ll keep that in mind. At least I don’t have a joust today.”

“Maybe a different ride later,” Brien chuckled.

Chapter Fourteen

Brien felt relaxed as he and Devon dressed for the day. While Devon helped buckle some of his armour, he stole kisses to try and distract him. They left for breakfast, and Devon sat with Felix and Atsley as well. Brien noted how more relaxed he seemed around the other knights.

Atsley leaned in after looking around the mess hall. “So, apparently the Advisor is trying to meddle. He keeps questioning the Wizard.”

The three of them stared at Atsley with dumbfounded horror.

“I wouldn’t want to get on the Wizard’s bad side, and I don’t even work in the castle itself,” Devon mumbled.

Felix raised an eyebrow. “Landon is probably stressed then.”

Atsley merely nodded instead of providing an exasperated response.

“We found that Sir Warren has been escorting the Advisor around the castle so he becomes more familiar with the place but I don’t like either of them.” Atsley pushed his plate aside and stood. “I’ll head back and let you know if shit hits the wall.”

Atsley left, and Devon turned to Brien. “I thought that only happened in the stables?”

Felix laughed, and Brien almost lost his mouthful of water. “It’s a figure of speech.”

“Oh.”

Brien leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Devon twitched a bit, and his face turned red but smiled back.

“I’ll see you after the joust.” Brien stood with his plates as Devon bid him goodbye, and Felix followed him.

“I think there was a message this morning. They’ve put up the pairings for the joust already,” Felix said as they left the mess hall.

Brien nodded to the servants, who took their dishes to the kitchens. “Well, let’s go see them, then I’ll come back and get Hazel for the joust.”

“You sure she’s going to be alright?”

Brien shrugged. “If Sir Warren does anything he’ll get in trouble and I’ll have a sore back.”

Felix peered at him with a sceptical eyebrow raised.

They walked down to the tiltyard which was getting tidied for the event. Knights were gathered around a large, wooden board that had the pairings for the first round written on it. With each round, the winners will be paired off for the next round and so on, until the last pair revealed the winner of the joust. Atsley wandered over and nudged Brien’s arm.

“Sannor said he overheard the Princess speaking with Sir Warren,” Atsley said. “Apparently, under no circumstances, will you two verse each other in this joust.”

Brien frowned. “Unless we were the last pair, surely?”

Atsley raised an eyebrow. “You’re that confident?”

Brien folded his arms. “I only have two people to worry about and they’re in front of me.”

Felix huffed a laugh and Atsley shook his head, but still smirked. They moved closer to the crowd as the Princess and Chamberlain walked up onto the stage. Brien noted how Sir Warren and his cohorts joined the knights as well.

“It brings me great joy that so many of you wish to participate in the joust. We will start before noon and continue while the sun is out. The Chamberlain has provided a great suggestion, though.” She gestured to him.

“If need be, we can shuffle the schedule of the festival and spread the joust over today and tomorrow. It will switch the squire melee with the sword duelling but is doable. We do this, of course, to be considerate of all participants.”

Brien snorted but rubbed his nose to hide from the glare the Chamberlain gave. They cast a vote and most knights were in favour of getting most of the joust done that day and only moving over to the next if it was necessary.

“Please prepare for the joust. These are the first riders,” the Princess said as the Chamberlain looked over his notes and rearranged the names of the knights into pairings.

Atsley was in the first round, so he bid them goodbye as he trudged off to his horse. Felix and Brien got out of the way as a flurry of knights readied themselves for their joust.

“Where’s your horse?” Brien asked.

Felix craned his neck around. “Uh, by Atsley’s.”

Brien followed Felix’s gaze to the stage. “Looking for someone?”

Seats were arranged for the Princess and her court. Brien smirked as a chair was placed nearby for Gale to sit with his aunt. Brien firmly clapped a hand on Felix’s shoulder, who almost squeaked.

“I’ll get Hazel,” Brien said.

Felix grunted in response or may have said something, but Brien was already striding towards the stables. Before he got far, a few figures approached him. He turned and Sir Warren waved him over. With reluctance, Brien walked over, noting that Sir Warren was alone.

He nodded. “Sir Brien.”

Brien raised an eyebrow. “Oh, polite, now are we?”

Sir Warren ground his teeth before huffing. “I have it on good authority that we’re not to duel throughout the joust.”

“Really now? I wonder why that is.”

Brien kept his face blank, but inwardly smirked at Sir Warren’s narrowed eyes.

“That is, unless, we were the last two,” Sir Warren bit out.

“I appreciate your confidence in my abilities.” Brien couldn’t help but smile as the other knight glared. “However, I wouldn’t be surprised if that even happened.”

Sir Warren stayed quiet but didn’t break eye contact.

Brien shrugged. “How about this: this evening we’ll have our little joust. Will that sate your urge to duel me?”

The look of satisfaction crossed Sir Warren’s face even as he rolled his eyes. “Really, I thought what could get it out of your system, but very well, challenge accepted.”

“Now, I imagine you’re thinking that this should settle our obvious dislike for one another,” Brien added as Sir Warren turned to walk away.

Sir Warren stopped and glared.

Brien continued to speak. “However, if the inner court finds out about this they’re going to be mad at both of us, so may I make a suggestion? This duel—a joust between the two of us—is a bet.”

Sir Warren’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you want to wager?”

“Well, I’d like to get my horse back.”

“I’m not taking that skittish mare back. You can keep her.”

“Good, I like her.” Brien narrowed his eyes.

Sir Warren crossed his arms. “Then what on Earth can you offer me?”

Brien kept his composure as the words fell out, “My place amongst the castle guard.”

Sir Warren’s eyes widened, and he didn’t even try to hide his smile. “Deal.”

Brien turned on his heels and walked straight to the stables.

Chapter Fifteen

After breakfast, Devon scurried back to the stables. Where Brien had kissed him was molten. He set about his work in the stables but was so distracted that he didn’t even hear people speaking to him.

Devon shook his head and turned to the stable hand talking to him. “Sorry, I was thinking.”

The edges of her lips quirked up. “We all know you’re sleeping with the knight, sir, so there’s no need to be shy about it.”

Devon opened his mouth to object but quickly shut it. “That obvious?”

“I mean, sometimes we have a dalliance with a knight.” She shrugged. “They tend to go for higher status types, anyway. Like the knight sweating over the Lady’s nephew.” She laughed.

Devon grimaced. Sir Felix was probably shyer than he was.

“Anyway, knights are getting their horses for the joust, and I wanted to ask if we need to bring in extra supplies.”

“Yes, some medical supplies. Especially with the increased number of horses,” Devon said. “In fact, get a group together to take some down to the joust and keep an eye out for immediate emergencies before getting more supplied.”

She registered what he was implying and smiled. “Thanks, sir.”

She dashed off. With the festival in full swing, most of the stable hands were kept busy during the day.

One of the horses whinnied in anxiety, and Devon frowned. He left his desk to peer out into the stables. Two knights, he vaguely recognised, stood by Grey One’s stall.

“He said he needed proof,” one of them sneered.

“Seeing them together should be enough to get him into trouble.”

Devon leaned against the wall to listen in on them. His heart beat in his chest as who they were talking about dawned on him. Were there more people talking about him and Brien? The knights themselves?

“With a bargaining chip like his horse, nothing should discourage him from a duel.”

“Headstrong idiot.”

The stable doors at the other end opened, and the knights silenced. Devon took a deep breath, his hands sweaty, and left his office. The knights busied themselves with Grey One’s saddle and paid Devon no mind as he passed by to check over the stalls.

“You two are awfully late. Sir Warren is in the first lot of jousts.”

Brien’s voice broke Devon out of his focus.

The knights mumbled something as they finished up. Out of the corner of his eye, Devon watched Brien approach and his shoulders tensed as familiar hands rested on them. Devon moved and double-checked a latch, taking a moment to note that the knights were looking their way.

“You’re not in the first lot of jousts?” Devon asked, his voice wavering.

Brien nodded. “No, Atsley is, though. I imagine Felix and I are in the next lot.”

Devon kept a step ahead of Brien and kept his attention on the knights as they urged Grey One out of the stables.

“Seems people have noticed Felix’s crush on the noble,” Devon mumbled.

“Everyone, except those two, seems to see the obvious.” Brien chuckled.

The tension in Devon’s shoulders tightened. When the stable doors closed behind the knights, he sighed.

Brien faced Devon. “Is something wrong? Did those knights say something?”

Devon grimaced. “I think I overheard them talking about us?”

Brien’s eye roll made him freeze.

Brien raised his voice. “Fuck what they say. It doesn’t matter.”

Devon winced, and Brien took in a sharp breath.

Devon didn’t meet Brien’s eyes. “No, you don’t get it. I think they want to catch us doing something to use it against you or, I don’t know… I didn't hear the whole conversation.”

Brien huffed. “Again, who cares what they say? And, if they do that, I’ll fight them.”

“That’s the thing though, I think they want to catch you doing something stupid and I just… I don’t know.”

Brien took a step back, hurt and confusion in his eyes. The beats of silence made Devon’s gut twist in anxiety.

“I don’t know what to do right now.” Devon rubbed his hands over his face. “I need some space to think.”

Devon looked back up to Brien. His eyes were ablaze with anger. Devon opened his mouth, but Brien turned to Hazel’s stall. Devon covered his eyes as they threatened to leak.

Devon trembled. Brien’s presence was like being close to a quiet inferno. The silence stretched out between them as Brien took Hazel out of her stall. Devon listened to their footsteps retreat out of the stable. Only then did he let his feet move to his office to let the flood of tears out.

Chapter Sixteen

Brien left the stables and sucked down a breath. Devon knew he could talk to him, so why was he clamming up so much? Brien shook his head as he climbed onto Hazel and rode her away from the stables.

The tiltyard was set up and the knights for the day's tournament were gathering near the healers’ tent. Brien rode over to Atsley, who was speaking with Sannor. Atsley seemed more bothered than usual as he listened to his squire, but waved him off when Brien approached.

“Why are you on your horse, Sir Brien?” Sannor asked.

Brien shrugged. “She seemed a bit uneasy, so I thought a ride would help her for the joust.”

Atsley cocked an eyebrow. “Did you really?”

“Of course.”

Brien got off the horse and held the reins. Sannor patted her before he walked over to Sir Warren.

Brien got off Hazel and rolled his eyes. If Atsley spotted this to confirm his lie, he said nothing.

A cheer erupted throughout the crowd. Knights laughed and the participants of the last joust congratulated one another. As the tiltyard cleared, the Princess stepped forward from her makeshift throne. The presence of the Princess silenced the crowd. She announced the winners of the first round and called for the next round to begin.

Brien walked Hazel over to the tent and his squire appeared, lance in hand.

“Something wrong, sir?” Aldith asked.

“Nothing.”

Brien knew she wouldn’t buy it, but she said nothing. She helped him suit up in the armour for the joust. The sound of thundering hooves outside drowned out his thoughts. The crack of lances and buzz of voices left an eery silence in Brien’s mind until Aldith moved in front of him.

“Sir, you’re up next.”

He gave her a curt nod and mounted Hazel. He took a breath as Aldith handed him the lance. The crowd outside hushed as the Princess called his name along with another knight’s. He didn’t care who it was as he road out and circled Hazel around into a trot, his other hand raised towards the crowd as they cheered.

He went to his side and flicked down his helmet. The lance was heavy and wavered a bit as they waited for the Princess’ call.

“Go!”

With the flick of the reins and the squeeze of his thighs, Hazel thundered forward. His heat beat in his ears as their lances clashed, and the crowd cheered. Brien couldn’t bask in the applause like he normally would.

He rounded Hazel back towards his opponent and waited for the signal. Hazel shook her head, and Brien flicked the reins more harshly. As he managed to his opponent, he drowned in the adrenaline.

Hazel tried to step away, and Brien growled. She stilled, and a chill ran through Brien. Was that what Sir Warren would do? The image of Devon’s hurt face crossed his mind. He felt like the only thing keeping him together was the steel armour as they sped down to their opponent once more.

His mind was numb with yet another break of a lance, but this time he was the one hit. He deserved it. His legs failed to wake up for him as he was pushed to the ground. Pain spread over his shoulder, and across his back. He tasted iron. Brien tried to cry out, but it hurt too much to make a sound. Good, he thought, he didn’t know when to shut up at the best of times, let alone when it mattered.

Hands roughly turned him over as blood poured from his mouth and he coughed. A warm hand pressed against his neck, but the pressure made the pain tear through him.

“I need more healers!” the Wizard’s voice called out.

There were voices above him, but Brien’s head was light and sharp sensations pulsed through his neck. Out of the corner of his eye, Brien saw how a source of light from the Wizard’s hand flickered in the rhythm of the pulsing pain.

Aldith peered into his eyes as he tried to keep them open. Her concern eased as the pain dulled and breathing became easier for Brien. The hands on him slowly brought him upright, and he found himself leaning on Aldith. His gaze focused on the Wizard.

The Wizard eyed him. “Sir Brien, I want you to try speaking, please.”

Brien slowly nodded and opened his mouth, but blood dripped from the corners of his mouth as he formed the words, “Like this?” He coughed, his throat dry, and his voice hoarse and broken.

The Wizard nodded and gestured to the squires, and they helped Brien stand.

“Sir Brien, we are taking you to the Healer Rooms. You’ll be alright but don’t try to speak, please.”

Brien groaned as he stood. He scanned the crowd, and many faces—with various shades of concern and curiosity—looked back at him, but he could not make out a few expressions. They moved through the crowd and Brien let the voices around him fade out. He cast his eyes to the ground, which shifted from grass and dirt to stone stairs.

“Brien!” Devon’s voice was clear.

The sharp pain in Brien’s throat kept him silent as he shook his head. He tensed as Aldith looked behind them.

“We’re taking him to the healers, we’ll let you know how it goes,” she said as Brien continued moving.

“Please do,” Devon’s voice was shaky. “Please be alright, Brien.”

Brien’s face heated as he pushed forward. They made their way through the castle to the Healer Rooms, where a bed had been prepared for him.

The heaviness in his body eased once he was laid down. The Wizard continued to work on his neck, once the armour was removed, and Brien let them move his arm about as needed and hissed. It became the only communication he could muster. Once the Wizard was finished, he shooed everyone away. Without all the eyes on him, Brien let himself weep through the pain.

Chapter Seventeen

Devon waited by the stairs to the castle until the sounds of the final joust rang through the bailey. He didn’t want to leave, but his feet pulled him away to the stables as the knights returned the horses for the evening. The commotion of the knights talking eagerly about the joust and nightly wind-down was enough to distract him.

“Surely he’ll be able to compete tomorrow?” one of them said.

Devon glanced at the familiar knights. The figures of Sir Wallace and Sir Brutus made him still.

“Depends. I’ve heard he won’t be able to talk anymore.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” another knight added.

They locked Grey One away. Devon looked back to the horse he was tending and washed away the dirt and grime. He angled his head to listen in as they lingered.

“The dolt challenged Sir Warren to a duel. He should have known better than to do something that could get him in trouble.”

Devon frowned and stole a glance over his shoulder as the knights shrugged and rolled their eyes.

“They’ve been ordered not to quarrel by the Princess.” Sir Wallace raised his eyebrows before chuckling.

“And what would the Princess say to proof of them disobeying her orders?”

Underneath the tsks and snorts of the knights who were familiar with the castle, a beat of silence settled. Devon played those words over in his mind and groaned. He slumped his head forward and accidentally smudged dirt over his forehead; irrevocable proof he was an idiot. The voices quietened when the stable doors opened and Aldith entered with Hazel in tow, her face unreadable.

Devon handed his cloth to another stable hand and walked over. Aldith glanced at Devon and gave him a small smile.

“Giving the healers hell as usual then?” Devon asked.

“Yeah, they gave him something so he would actually rest.”

Aldith unbuckled Hazel’s saddle and Devon grabbed another cloth and a bucket of water. While some knights had left, others—those in cahoots with Sir Warren—took their sweet time with Grey One.

Devon scrubbed at the splatter of drying blood on Hazel’s fur. With a glance in Aldith’s direction, Devon leaned in.

“Is it true that he’s duelling Sir Warren again?” he whispered.

Aldith’s eyes widened, and she nodded. Devon inclined his head to the knights. Aldith’s eyes followed his and narrowed.

“Well, he’s going to miss it now,” Aldith muttered.

Devon got most of the blood off but gestured for a stable hand to continue. “Not necessarily.”

He walked to his desk. “Follow me.”

“I’ll write up that paperwork for Sir Brien then?” Devon said to Aldith over his shoulder as they passed the knights.

Devon checked his office door was firmly shut.

Aldith gave him a raised eyebrow. “I meant he won’t be able to duel this evening. The Wizard is good, but not that good.”

“He would need to rest for the evening I imagine, but…” Devon went through his papers and found one to write on. “He may only have to rest his voice, and his squire could speak on his behalf. In writing, of course.”

Aldith watched Devon write a new contract.

“They were trading horses again?”

“No,” Aldith said. “If Brien wins, he keeps Grey One and Hazel. But if he loses, he’s giving up his position on the castle guard.”

Devon’s eyes shot up. He searched Aldith’s eyes for a hint of jest, but her face was set in seriousness. With a curse under his breath, he wrote the conditions down.

Devon inched opened his office door to check the knights were no longer by Grey One’s stall. They walked towards the stable doors and took their time to admire each stall as they passed. Devon rolled his eyes.

“Why are you writing this up anyway?” Aldith asked.

Devon rolled up the paper and handed it to Aldith. “Because I’m an idiot who loves Brien and wants Sir Warren’s ego deflated. Bring Brien’s armour and an extra set of underclothes here as fast as you can without being seen. Don’t forget the helmet.”

“What on Earth?” Aldith scrunched her nose. “You’re going to do the joust in his stead?”

Devon nodded.

“You’re both idiots.”

“Yes, and I want my idiot to keep his position and get his horse back.”

Aldith rolled her eyes and pushed the door open. The knights ahead glanced back at them before pretending to be interested in something else.

“If that’ll be all, Stable Master, I’ll let him know. We’ll be back here to get Hazel.”

With a nod, he waved her off and went back to Hazel. The stable hand had washed her well. Devon readjusted the saddle while the knights retraced their steps and took Grey One out of his stall.

“Are they allowed to do that, Stable Master?” one stable hand asked.

Devon looked up and met Sir Warren’s eyes. “Yes, Grey One needs to burn off energy. I discussed that with Sir Warren earlier.”

Sir Warren nodded and he, along with his knights, left the stable. Devon took a deep breath and rested his forehead against Hazel’s neck.

“Please trust me,” he muttered before climbing onto her saddle.

He used the short time he had to get her used to his voice for commands. She responded well to his whispers.

When Aldith returned, he got off and rushed to his office. “Did anyone see you?”

“I went the back way so I don’t think anyone will piece it together,” Aldith replied.

“Alright, keep an eye out.”

Devon closed the door and started dressing in the armour before he realised his mistake and opened the door.

“You know how to do this right?”

“That’s part of my job.”

Aldith rolled her eyes as she walked in and helped Devon suit up.

Chapter Eighteen

By the time Brien opened his eyes, his headache had dissipated. The Healers’ Rooms were lit with various candles and the windows were drawn and covered for the night. Nighttime. Brien sat up and felt the strain on his neck down the muscles of his back.

“Not so quickly, Sir Brien,” a soft voice said.

Brien looked up to see the head physician, Brandon, seated at a nearby desk. He put his quill down and walked over. Instead of laying Brien back down, Brandon helped him sit up with the comfort of some pillows. Brandon inspected the wounds before taking his place back at the desk. Among the trinkets that he kept, there was a large sphere of fluorite - a beautiful swirl of purple, blue, and green. The wizard gave it to him on one of their anniversaries. If Brien or his friends caused trouble, Brandon could sneak a single tap on that crystal and the Wizard would be down to berate them. They seemed like opposites, day to night.

“Why are you so nice?” Brien muttered.

“Compared to?” Brandon didn’t look up from his papers.

“Well.” Brien shifted. “The Wizard is a bit, well, gruff at times don’t you think?”

The physician chuckled. “Yes, yes, he is, but I’m sure you know all how rough exteriors keep people from getting close?”

Brien could have been deceived by the smile but shrunk a little at his words. He shrugged his other shoulder, his thoughts leading back to Devon.

“To answer your next question,” Brandon mused. “I stuck by him through the tough times. Those sorts of situations tend to weed out the ones you keep, whether they’re family, friends, or partners.”

Brandon smiled but couldn’t stop sadness from creeping in. The door at the end of the room opened, and Atsley and the Wizard entered. The Wizard lifted a displeased eyebrow when he saw Brien sitting up.

“He’s behaved himself, Audric,” Brandon said.

He was half right. Brien glanced at the windows, which permitted nothing from the outside to seep in.

Atsley crossed his arms. “It’s past sunset, no sneaky duels for you,” Atsley said smoothly.

Brien flinched.

“The Princess specifically ordered you not to duel Sir Warren!” The Wizard raised his voice and gestured wildly. “Did you purposely get injured?”

“No!” Brien said. “No, I didn’t, I was just… distracted during the joust.”

“You didn’t get off your horse once between rounds,” Atsley said.

The court physician leaned forward and caught Brien’s gaze. “You know that’s unhealthy.”

“And now I’ve learnt that the hard way.” Brien crossed his arms. “Listen, we didn’t even draw up a duel contract or anything so it’s not like it’ll go through.”

The Wizard put his hands on his hips. “What on Earth were you duelling him for?”

Brien shrunk back into the pillows, but Atsley looked up at the Wizard. “His horse or his castle guard position.”

“Unbelievable!” the Wizard shouted.

He glanced at Atsley. “Sannor told you?”

“Yeah, right after the joust. If it’s such a big deal, we can take it to the Princess and have her resolve it.”

Brien shrugged. “Look, at this point, I don’t care about my horse or my guard position. I fucked up with Devon.”

“Ah,” the Wizard said. “Lessons of hubris oftentimes come with the fall of love.”

Although his eye twitched, Brien didn’t give him the satisfaction of a scowl. The Wizard was right. Brien was prideful, and it ended up hurting someone he cared about.

The Wizard sighed, sat at the end of Brien’s bed, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Sir Atsley, could you get Landon for me, please?”

Atsley left without a word of complaint.

Brien finally looked into the Wizard’s eyes and saw no frustration, only concern.

“Brien, do you know why Sir Warren has been such a problem?”

Brien huffed. “Because I also have an inflated ego and can’t help but duel anyone who wrongs me in any way?”

The Wizard ignored Brien’s balk. “Well, that’s a fact, but it’s not why Sir Warren has an issue.”

“You’re one of the Princess’s guards and, as such, your duty, above all else, is to protect the Princess and, now, her Lady. I believe someone is trying to tamper with the, well… power structure.”

Brien frowned. “The inner court is strong, who would want to disrupt that?”

“I’ve butt heads with the Advisor. He is another reason why Sir Warren has a problem. The Advisor favours him and his friends, so if you continued your duel with him, he could have used that as leverage if they had proof.”

Brien’s eyes widened. He slapped his forehead and tried to subdue a groan before muttering, “Devon said that he overheard Sir Warren’s friends saying something along those lines. I didn’t believe him.”

The Wizard’s brows rose. “So, while I try to figure out the Advisor is doing, stay away from Sir Warren, okay?”

Brien nodded and took a deep breath. His mind whirred with how to apologise when the door burst open.

“See, I told you!” Atsley roared.

Landon, his face rent in confusion, walked towards Brien. “What in the world are you doing here?”

“Injured and feeling stupid, why?”

“I saw a knight on your horse with your squire heading out to the outer bailey is why.” Landon folded his arms. “I saw them sneaking off with some of your armour and followed them. They left the stables a while ago.”

“Devon.”

Brien’s eyes felt like they were going to fall out of his skull. He scrambled out of bed as the pieces came together.

Chapter Nineteen

Devon cursed. He told himself that it would be a good idea to ride Hazel down, but the armour was uncomfortable. Aldith held the scroll under her arm and the lance in her hand. It was dark, but enough lights were scattered so they could make their way down to the outer bailey’s field. Sir Warren and his friends were already there, and Devon adjusted his helmet, hoping it would stay on.

Sir Warren chuckled. “Sir Brien! We are surprised you still want to duel.”

Aldith stepped forward. “Sir Brien is unable to speak but, as per this contract, I will be speaking for him.”

Sir Warren walked forward with a frown. He read over the contract with a nod and signed off. “This will do. I assume you’re fine to do a good old-fashioned joust then?”

Devon glanced at the field. A lack of diving fence meant there was a higher chance the horses could get hurt. He curtly nodded.

Sir Warren deviously smiled. “In position then. We go until one of us is pushed off his horse or the horse falls.”

Devon paled. Was that how he planned to win either way? Get the position or makes Brien’s horse lame? Devon took a deep breath as anger rose inside him. He had to make sure he won for Brien.

Devon walked Hazel into the middle of the field. Aldith followed and gave him the lance once they chose a spot. Sir Warren rode over on Grey One and took his lance from Sannor. The squires stepped away. Even though they were almost directly opposite one another, Devon felt uneasy with the lack of a fence.

“Start!” one of the knights called and Sir Warren broke into a gallop.

Devon followed suit and kept his lance steady but his eyes firmly on Grey One. They passed and missed each other twice. Devon frowned as they broke into a gallop a third time.

Sir Warren pulled at the reins and made Grey One’s head pull back to expose his neck. Devon lifted his lance, breaking on impact with Sir Warren’s. He was pushed back but tensed his legs so as not to fall.

“That was a dirty trick!” Aldith shouted.

“Nothing in the contract states I cannot do that,” Sir Warren snapped.

Aldith crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Sir Warren. “The Knight’s Code does.”

“I’m pretty sure duelling outside the Princess’s authority breaks your Knight’s Code.”

Devon glanced to the squires, only to notice Sannor had disappeared. He cursed. If Sir Warren tried that again, he may not move in time. What would Brien do? Devon took in a deep breath and moved his hands over Hazel’s neck. He summoned some courage as the beast beneath him steadily breathed.

“Trust me, please,” Devon whispered as scenarios ran through his imagination. He pulled his feet out of the stirrups.

“Again!” the knight called out.

Devon snapped his eyes open. Once again, they broke into a gallop.

Devon’s heartbeat was in his ears. As they met in the middle, Devon pulled on Hazel’s reins roughly, launching her out of the way. He dropped his lance. Sir Warren’s thrust into his side, but Devon lunged forward.

Hazel whined as the lance grazed her. With his feet unlatched, Devon jumped onto Sir Warren. Still turning from Devon’s tight pull, Hazel dashed away.

Devon grabbed hold of Sir Warren, swung his leg, and barely straddled Grey One. A pulse of power in the air rippled out. The air became dense, like in the calm before a storm. Grey One kicked into the air, and Devon leaned back, taking Sir Warren with him. With a hard thud to the ground, the air rushed from Devon’s lungs even. Though energy still pulsed through his veins.

He got to his feet and Sir Warren grabbed at his legs. He settled his breathing as Sir Warren stood. The heat in his veins wasn’t from anger, but rage. He ducked one of Sir Warren’s strikes and punched his side. He may not be a trained knight, but he knew how to punch. He punched and blocked as much as he could. He went to kick, but Sir Warren swept him to the ground. Sir Warren held him down and pulled off his helmet.

“You,” Sir Warren growled as he tossed the helmet aside. He drew a small dagger from his belt.

Devon held his arms up to cover his tightly closed eyes.

Chapter Twenty

The small thud of the dagger hitting the ground made Devon peek out from behind his arms. Sir Warren stumbled backwards, his arms behind him.

“Stop this at once!” The Wizard’s clear voice boomed across the field.

The Wizard, flanked by guards, stormed towards them. Sir Atsley and Sir Brien followed. Brien’s eyes were wide with worry. Devon got to his feet. Sir Warren’s cronies also had their hands forced behind their backs.

“What the fuck?” Sir Warren seethed.

“Contract says nothing about dirty tricks,” Devon panted.

The Wizard frowned. “You wrote a contract?”

Aldith approached and handed the contract to the Wizard. He read over it and looked to Sir Warren, who unwillingly approached.

“Considering you hit the ground first, Sir Warren, Devon, riding in Brien’s place, wins the duel.”

“The contract doesn’t stipulate that someone could ride in Brien’s place!” Sir Warren yelled.

The Wizard turned the paper over. “It says here that due to Brien’s injury, someone else can stand in for him.”

Aldith stood her ground as Sir Warren glared. “If you didn’t read it properly, that’s not my fault.”

Devon expected Brien to wallop Sir Warren. However, Brien and Sir Atsley were busy holding Grey One back from Hazel. The guards shackled Sir Warren and the knights and came over to help.

Sir Atsley approached while Brien lingered behind. Devon smiled, which made Brien beam.

“You’re all summoned to the main hall for an audience with Princess Eleanor,” Sir Atsley called out.

The guards escorted the arrested knights.

With a growl, Sir Warren followed and Atsley left with them. Aldith lingered, and Brien rubbed the top of her head until her hair was a mess. The Wizard looked at Devon with a raised eyebrow.

The Wizard smiled as Hazel appeared next to Devon and nuzzled him. “So, shall I expect to see you in training sometime?”

“Yes, sir. I think that would be best for the wellbeing of the stables too.”

The Wizard nodded and made his way towards the castle. “Come, Aldith. Give them some privacy.”

Devon shifted on his feet as Brien approached.

“Since when do you know how to joust?” Brien asked.

“I practised holding the lance on the way down,” Devon said, shyly.

Brien laughed, and Devon stilled.

Brien caressed his cheek. “I’m sorry for not listening to you.”

Devon leaned in and kissed Brien. “I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

The only thing that broke them apart was the need to breathe.

“How much trouble am I in?” Devon murmured.

Brien smiled as he took Devon’s hand and they walked towards the castle. “With me or the Princess?”

“Why am I in trouble with you?” Devon raised an eyebrow.

Brien pouted. “Kinda hoped I’d wake up with you beside me. But that was selfish.”

Devon squeezed his hand. “At the time, yes. Maybe tomorrow morning, then.”

Aldith lingered at the top of the hill and smiled as they walked hand in hand.

Chapter Twenty-One

The Princess and Lady Matilda had been roused out of bed and were rightfully annoyed, but the Princess’s gaze became cold as Sir Warren walked in. Brien appeared last, hand in hand with Devon. They approached the Princess, ready to be subjected to her wrath. Sir Warren lingered in front of them.

“I told you not to duel and what do you do? Organise a duel.” The Princess tapped the arm of her chair. “Let’s see the damn contract.”

The Wizard handed it over. She read it and sighed. “Stable Master, come forward and explain what happened.”

Devon moved forward and Brien followed, the two of them not breaking their hold as Devon explained what he had heard. He explained his plan and the details of the joust. The Princess and Lady Matilda became angrier when they heard Sir Warren’s plan to mistreat the horses.

The Princess rubbed her temples. “Right, all knights associated with this will be sent to do labour while they await passage back to your homeland.” She held up her hand to silence Sir Warren and his knights. “I do not give warnings when it comes to convictions like this.”

Lady Matilda folded her arms, silencing the few murmurs left in protest. “I’m incredibly disappointed in all of you. I was promised knights who would follow me for the betterment of this court. You’ve dishonoured me, yourselves, and your homeland. Be grateful for Princess Eleanor’s kindness. She could have stripped you of your knighthoods.”

The knights lined up to be organised for work and transport. They would be gone by the end of the festival. Sir Warren glared at Brien and Devon. Brien tried to leave but the Princess cleared her throat.

“Now, Brien, you will be given new chores as your punishment,” the Princess said. “You were only cleaning the latrines two weeks ago so, this time, you’ll be in charge of cleaning up after the horses. Stable Master, don’t show favouritism. He is to clean up all the horse shit.”

Brien and Devon were smart enough to silently nod. A slight murmur spread across the room as the front doors opened. Sir Felix stood next to Brien and Devon and Atsley spoke with the Princess. Sir Felix leaned in to whisper to Brien as Sir Atsley did the same to the Princess.

“Lady Matilda has summoned the Advisor, but he hasn’t arrived and we haven’t been able to find him.”

Brien panicked as he scanned the room. He was right, the Advisor wasn’t there.

Lady Matilda held her head in her hands and Sir Atsley stood back as the Princess comforted her wife. Brien squeezed Devon’s hand.

Brien frowned. “I assume we’ll talk more about this later?”

Felix nodded. “Meet at the Wizard’s office tomorrow morning.”

~ ~ ~

Brien stilled as Devon groaned at the smashed glass across the floor.

Devon glanced over his shoulder. “I needed to get more anyway but really, Brien, really?”

Brien frowned as he looked at how little oil he had on his hand. “Look, I’m sorry but, by nature, oil is very slippery. This isn’t enough, unfortunately.”

Devon sat up. “I have an idea. Lay down.”

Brien did as he was told and quirked an eyebrow. Devon straddled his face and took Brien’s cock into his mouth, licking and sucking along the edges before swallowing him. Brien chuckled as he moved Devon. With room to breathe, he followed suit.

As they felt the pleasurable sensation creep up, they seemed to have the same idea: make the other one come first.

Brien reached around and slid his fingers across Devon’s ass. The small amount of oil he had was enough to tease the edge of Devon’s hole. Devon moaned around his cock as he came in Brien’s mouth. Brien dug his fingers into Devon’s sides and pushed him upwards as he managed to swallow Devon’s seed rather than breathing it in.

Devon howled with laughter. “I’m so sorry.”

Brien squeezed Devon before he crawled over to kiss him. “You’re not.”

Devon licked his lips. “Is that… alright to do?”

Brien shrugged. “If it wasn’t, the Wizard would know.”

Devon hit Brien in the shoulder. “What? They surely would have.”

“I don’t want to think about them right now.”

“About as awkward as parents—” Brien silenced as Devon hit his face with a pillow. He then kept him silent as he moved to Brien’s crotch and continued what he had started earlier.

Epilogue

Felix wavered as he stood guard for the Wizard’s laboratory. Atsley and Brien were already inside. Now he waited for the Princess. Two knights followed her, holding a large crate.

“Thank you both. I will pass on my gratitude to my wife as well.” The princess smiled upon seeing Felix. “Can you take this to the Wizard? A gift from Matilda.”

He nodded and took the crate in. Many joked that his ancestry contained giant heritage, and they weren’t wrong, but he didn’t have the courage to back that up. He felt too cowardly.

The Princess bid the knights farewell, and Atsley locked the door behind them. The Wizard and Landon appeared from one of the many rooms.

With a gentle movement of the Wizard’s hand, bright symbols appeared over the box. Once the light faded, the box rattled before opening and revealed Lady Matilda.

The Princess kissed Matilda’s hand. “Sorry for sneaking you in, darling.”

“That was interesting, to say the least.” Matilda turned to the Wizard. “Did it work?”

The Wizard nodded. “The spell worked well, and we have time before the Advisor notices.”

Lady Matilda sighed. “I am just annoyed at myself for being so blind.”

“You have a kind heart, my Lady, do not fault yourself for that,” the Wizard said. “Before now, have you ever seen these?”

The Wizard produced a box and opened it to reveal two amulets. They seemed like simple stone necklaces with engravings on them, but by the Wizard’s face, they weren’t used for good. One of the stones was broken.

“We found these among Sir Warren’s belongings,” the Wizard explained. “They may be small, but they can be used to nullify magic for a short time. Once used, they crack into pieces. Devon’s magic managed to break one of them during the duel. That’s how he could save Grey One.”

Felix shuffled nervously at the events that had happened the day before. Atsley had shared them with him. Sir Warren was willing to leave Grey One lame to get Brien’s position on the castle guard.

“So, what does this mean?” the Princess asked.

“I don’t think whoever is behind this is targeting you, Princess. I think they might be targeting me.” The Wizard folded his arms. “Magic is not the only strength of this castle, but it is a pillar.”

“Do we have proof that it’s the Advisor?” Lady Matilda asked.

The Wizard shook his head. “The apprehended knights made up only a handful of those that came with you. We have started vetting the others as we speak.”

Lady Matilda shook her head. “I doubt that they would be disloyal.”

“We need proof.” The Wizard looked to Felix and his friends. “I will need you three to keep an eye on the Advisor. More importantly, Sir Felix, I want you to keep an eye on Gale.”

Felix glanced at Lady Matilda, whose eyes widened.

“My nephew would never do something like this,” Lady Matilda raised her voice, and the Princess stroked her arm. “He just wants a fresh start.”

The Wizard nodded. “If we want to eliminate the possibility of this being the Advisor’s doing, we must investigate the others.”

Landon stepped forward. “Truth serums aren’t possible, Your Grace. We need to vet everyone, including any of our knights who have become close with Sir Warren and his group.”

Lady Matilda relaxed and leaned into the Princess’s embrace. Felix looked around the room. The world outside brightened. The sun was yet to rise above the horizon, but the cold of the early morning seeped away.

The Princess addressed everyone. “We shall speak again later. I trust you that this doesn’t leave this room.”

Brien and Atsley stood aside as Felix opened the door for the royal couple to leave. Lady Matilda stopped by Felix’s side.

“Please, do what you can to prove he is innocent. If he’s not, then that’s the way it is, but I truly hope that’s not the case.”

Felix nodded. “I hope so too, Your Grace.”

Brien watched the softness in his friend’s eyes turn to sadness, but did not comment until they were alone in the hallway.

Atsley beat him to the question. “You going to be able to objectively keep an eye on Gale?”

Felix scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah, of course. Why not?”

“Because anyone who isn’t blind or Gale can tell you want to bed him.” Brien snorted as Felix’s face turned red.

With a grumble, Felix waved them off. “Get off your high horses.”

“No thanks, I’m quite happy there.” Brien chuckled as Atsley rolled his eyes.

Felix smiled, but he felt more anxious with every step.

~ ~ ~

Thank you for reading!

Felix and Gale’s story will be coming June 2020 with the release of The Foolish Knight. Pre-order now!

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About the Author

Annie Lindwurm is an Australian based author of LGBT Fantasy Romances who's passionate about snarky wizards, knights in tarnished armor, and all things Fae. 