A Royal Craving by Elaine White Read Free Book Online Page B

accepting me,” he said. “I feared I would spend my life alone, without love; a burden, in a world that despised me. You have shown me that dreams can be reality.” He spoke with a tenderness that made Prosper want to weep.
    He brushed the hair from the young man's face. “I imagined that same future for myself. As King, I would have been forced to take a companion. A vampire who thought me unworthy of my title; a man who could not bear my touch. I would have led a bleak existence without you,” Prosper promised that they had saved each other.
    Spencer had been courageous to leave the life he knew, to venture into a world of darkness. He had been brave to see the path fate had lain at their feet. Prosper need only accept him, as he said.
    “You were strong, abandoning your family to offer yourself to me,” Prosper said, acknowledging that bravery. “I will never let you regret that decision. I will always ensure your happiness,” he swore. Even if making him happy required letting Spencer go, Prosper would not force him to spend an eternity with someone he no longer cared for.
    “I do not regret it,” Spencer promised, in return. “My family could not afford two children, but would not give me up. I was made to feel unworthy of marriage.” Sadness filled his eyes for a moment, before being replaced with a look of joy. “I knew the moment our eyes met; we were made for each other. Fate or destiny…we are two halves of the same soul. I believe we could never have been happy apart,” he asserted, with a certainty that made him dizzy.
    Prosper did not resist kissing him. Spencer and his words were perfect and he understood the feeling he spoke of; being complete.
    Spencer opened his mouth beneath his.
    Kissing him deeply, Prosper expressed the thoughts of love and devotion that he could not find the words to say.
    Finally, the persistent knocking ended.
    Prosper broke their kiss, before the door opened.
    “Brother, I am bored. We should…oh,” Parry stalled when he saw Prosper, hovering over Spencer.
    His human kissed his neck, unmindful of his scars and their visitor. Prosper could not decide what to do first; send Parry away or engulf his human in flames of passion. He chose the prior, looking over his shoulder to where his insolent brother stood frozen, raising a questioning eyebrow at him.
    Prosper sent Parry a warning glare until he left. His brother had the audacity to laugh, as he closed the door. There was nothing humorous about the heat licking at his insides.
    When he looked at Spencer, the innocent soul kissed him. Prosper wanted to ignore Parry and continue adoring his young man, but had to stop. “I am sorry, little one. There is someone at the door,” he apologised.
    He did not want to, but he pulled away. He knew he could have lain claim to Spencer this night, if his brother had not interrupted, but this was important. Spencer had proven loyal and true; they were not limited for time together.
    “My brother may have need of me or carry a message of importance,” Prosper confessed, kissing his forehead. He rose from the bed and mentally clothed himself in silk pyjamas.
    “Then you must go. I never wish you to push aside responsibility, for my sake,” Spencer insisted, his gaze never leaving him.
    “I am grateful.” Prosper gave his beautiful body one last look of longing, before resigning to leaving. “Though I never wish to cast you aside, I am responsible for ten thousand souls. I cannot always be selfish with my time,” he confessed, wishing he could be selfish, now he had someone to share his life with.
    He turned and left the room, hoping Parry had a better excuse for his interruption than boredom. He loved his brother, but he was not his keeper.
    Prosper found Parry leaning against the wall outside his suite, with his hands in his pockets. He looked relaxed, but Prosper saw some new worry in his twin’s eyes. If Parry had not interrupted his time with Spencer, he might have cared