Page 24 of Noble Charms

“Well, he's an odd duck. I've always thought he cared too much for his status. He’s technically a prince, you know.”

Aria laughed before he could stop himself, and when Ellor narrowed his eyes, he took hold of Ellor's hand. “He didn't seem that way to me, when I met him. He refused to allow me to call him by his title.”

“Did he?” Ellor blinked a few times. “I've always called him Lord Yves, or Future-Earl.” Aria made certain to contain his reaction.

“I suppose he is different from most, as you say,” Aria said, looking back over the train. Noble had already boarded, and Aria didn't see him on either the upper or lower deck of the double-decker car. It was a luxurious machine, this train—painted dark green, with gleaming gold accents, and the black interiors looked plush and inviting from the open door. The specific car Aria meant to board was meant for higher-paying patrons. Ellor had booked it, and spared no expense. As usual.

The train horn let out a boarding call—five minutes left.

“Hey,” Ellor said, reaching out. He pulled Aria closer, and squeezed a hand upon his waist. “I wanted to say something before you go.”

Aria’s stomach bottomed out. He took in Ellor's serious, considering stare. “Now? Before I board?” Did Ellor mean to ruin his trip? “I'll be back in just a few days. Can’t we talk then?” He had been hired to perform with several other bards on a houseboat anchored in Sallansa Bay, crafting song magic to alleviate seasickness and continually bless their wine. It was the first real bardic gig he’d gotten, and he needed to focus, and he thought Ellor supported him—happy to allow him reprieve from his official-unofficial adame duties. “I don't think I can do bad news right now, El.”

Ellor gazed at him with those emotionless eyes, and a smirk grew across his face. “Aria, my love.” He leaned in, and Aria accepted a chaste kiss. “You're always scared of what I may do. When will you accept that I want what's best for you?”

Aria mumbled, brushing their noses together, “Out with it, Ellor.”

“I spoke with the Bardic Post. You're in. When you get back—the night you return—will be your first meeting with all the guild members.” He stepped back, stretched out his hands, and said, “Congratulations.”

Aria stood stunned. He said, in awe, “Truly?”

“Yes.”

The shock turned to glee. He said, too loudly, “Truly!” Ellor laughed, and Aria threw himself forward, into his arms, and kissed his face. Then his mouth. And said, “Ellor. Thank you. Thank you.”

“You deserve it,” Ellor said, laughing as he was kissed again. “You're too talented to play for me and me alone.”

Being Ellor’s adame had been a relief over the last several months. Consistent income was something Aria had never had in his time in New Hieroph, and it wasn’t like the adame roles Aria feared. Really, he and Ellor were lovers, and Ellor’s estate paid Aria a small wage for the magic he did around Ellor’s home. Their home. Adame as a title was a technicality.

Aria knew what he and Ellor had was special. More than adame-patron.

So close, said his soul.

But that thought gave him pause. What had Ellor done to get him this job? He tried to keep any inflection from his voice as he asked, “This is because of my gifts, right? You didn't just demand it, did you? Because you're the highest-paying patron the guild works for.”

Ellor said, “The other bards have heard your work. They were excited when I proposed you as a new member of their talented crew.” He tickled fingers against Aria's waist and said, “And anyway, would it be so bad if I did this for you? Demanded it as one of the guildmasters?”

Aria stifled a giggle, squirming against Ellor's touch. “I want to be able to stand on my own. If I cared to simply have a patron throw his weight around, I’d have asked.”

“I'm here for you. Not as your patron, but as your lover. See?”

Ellor stopped teasing, and he and Aria stood on firm ground again, watching one another. Aria whispered, “Ellor?”

“Hm?”

“I love you.”

It was the first time either one said it, though Ellor loved the diminutive love, which came close. But Aria had thought about saying it a great many times—including earlier that morning, when they made love inside the train station bathroom, voices muffled behind their hands. All Aria had wanted was for Ellor to finish inside of him, and silently mourned when he finished against Aria's face instead. Was that love? Did he love Ellor?

He must have. He'd never been so light, so happy, in all his life. He could have danced on air at this moment. The magical veil that wrapped around Aria flowed, sparkling with magic, crafting a breeze ruffling Aria’s hair.

Ellor paused, leaned in, and kissed him deeply again. Aria's heart sang. They were in love.

The train horn gave a final warning, and one of the attendants shouted, “One minute!"

Ellor backed away, licking his swollen lips, and said, “Go. I'll see you next week.” He gave Aria a little push towards the train door. “Congratulations again.”

Aria laughed, giddy, and grabbed up his suitcase from near their feet. “Okay. Alright. Goodbye, My Lord.”