Read Cross Purposes (Chronicles of Ylandre, Book 5) Online
Authors: Eresse
Keosqe smothered a laugh when Veare’s jaw dropped in shock at Tristen’s blunt summation of his failings. And he cherished the message of love inherent in his lover’s defense of their relationship.
Veare raised his hands before him as if to ward off actual blows. “I’m not taking Keosqe to task, Tris. Nor am I resentful of you. But I will own myself regretful that he and I couldn’t be more than good friends.” He glanced at Keosqe, a small smile curving his mouth. “You are after all utterly comely and a wonderful lover. Had you not been a Herun’s heir, I would have accepted your proposal then. That’s what your question was all about, wasn’t it?”
“It was,” Keosqe confirmed. “And more than ever I’m grateful for the accident of birth that prevented you from returning my love.”
To his surprise, Veare said, “Did I ever say I didn’t?”
Tristen thrust himself between his brother and Keosqe. Scowling fiercely, he snapped, “You’d better not be hinting that you
do
return his feelings. I won’t pull my punches if anyone tries to take him from me. Nay, not even you, brother!”
Broadly smiling, Keosqe wondered if it was possible to be too happy. He pulled Tristen back into his arms and kissed his forehead. Still holding Tristen to his side, he said, “As you can see, I am owned by a very feisty and possessive Deir whom I happen to adore.” He reached out his hand and Veare uncertainly returned the gesture. “I’ll always care deeply for you, Ver. But my heart is Tristen’s and will be forevermore. So do wish us every happiness. As your gift to an old friend.”
Veare stared back searchingly. At length, he nodded and murmured, “As a gift to both of you.” He leaned forward to lightly kiss Keosqe’s cheek and then turned to draw Tristen into a tight embrace. “Be happy, little brother,” he whispered.
He let go of Tristen and, flashing them both a rather watery smile, sauntered over to his mate’s side. Tristen watched him for a while and then exhaled in relief.
“That went well enough,” he murmured.
Keosqe agreed. He gestured to Tristen to take off his earring with its milkstone center and replace it with Rohyr’s gift. Likewise, he removed his own emerald adorned piece and put on the matching betrothal earring. He then swept the youth into his arms for a scorching kiss in full sight of many guests. Predictably, most applauded them with gusto, particularly his Essendri kin.
Just as predictably, Tristen sputtered in protest at this much too scarlet display in public. To which, Keosqe only laughed and said, “I won’t hide how much I love you, Tris. I’m done with secrecy and the like.”
Tristen stopped protesting and stared at him, realization of Keosqe’s need for repeated confirmation of their love after so long spent in the dark dawning in his eyes. Though he turned his burning face away from the appreciative crowd, he beamed at Keosqe and tenderly kissed him.
“By the way,” he whispered against Keosqe’s lips. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”
“Just yestereve, but I don’t mind hearing you say it every day.”
“Granted. My gift to you,
ariad
, each and every day for the rest of our lives.”
Keosqe deemed it the best begetting day gift he’d ever received.
The End
Publisher’s Note
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About Eressë
Since college, Eressë has enjoyed writing historical fantasy. Most stories turned into M/M romances because the male leads had more chemistry with each other than the females. This penchant later became the wellspring of her series
Chronicles of Ylandre
. Eressë lives in Southeast Asia with her husband, three sons and one dog. She also likes to cook and bake and is a professed chocoholic. But her first love is and always will be writing stories. Find out more about Eressë at eresse21.weebly.com.
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