The Red Twins

Excerpt

The Red Twins
Dianne Hartsock © 2024
All Rights Reserved

Chapter One

Natan stood at the prow of the swift schooner and leaned over the rail, excitement coursing through him, with the sea spray stinging his cheeks into glowing life, his chestnut hair streaming as a banner behind him. He wished once again Kavi was with him. Kavi would love this. The morning sun glinted on the clear water and a few tattered clouds gave depth to the blue vault overhead. Natan drew a deep breath and laughed aloud in the pure joy of life.

His pulse sped as they approached Belega’s white shores after having been at sea for over a week. The anchor dragged, slowing the schooner, and men rushed to lower the sails and make ready the small boats to take the passengers to the dock. As they neared the harbor, Natan climbed onto the railing, gripping the rigging as he leaned out over the water, straining to see. His heart gave a bounding lurch when he spotted Kavi on the sand, and he leaped into the air, diving effortlessly into the deep sea.

He swam to the beach with practiced strokes. Kavi waited, flushed and smiling, as Natan climbed from the water and strode purposefully to him. Natan’s wet clothing clung to his lean body, and Kavi’s color deepened when he drew close, stirring Natan’s blood. Even after seventeen years together, Kavi still stole his breath. Engulfing Kavi in his arms, Natan lovingly whispered his name. He found Kavi’s lips and kissed him mercilessly before he pulled away with a self-conscious laugh and touched Kavi’s bruised mouth. “Sorry.”

“I’m not.” Kavi ran his fingers through Natan’s dripping hair. Natan’s chest heaved, and Kavi made an appreciative sound as he pressed against him.

A polite cough separated them. The remaining passengers had been rowed ashore along with Commander Cecil, who watched them with a grin on his face. Kavi gave Cecil a friendly nod, then turned to the young man at Cecil’s side and pulled him into an embrace. “I’m glad you came, Ellis. How was the voyage from Sennia?”

“Too long. It’s good to be on dry land again.”

“He never did gain his sea legs,” Natan divulged with a teasing smile.

“Ha!” Kavi kept Ellis at his side. “I’ll tell you a secret. No one enjoys the ocean like our dear Mage here.”

Natan’s face heated. “Probably true, Kavi.”

Ellis chuckled, warming Natan’s heart. Until recently, Ellis rarely smiled, never allowed anyone to touch him. Several years ago, he’d been made to watch his parents’ torture and murder by the Vice-King’s men for sedition. Only Natan’s impassioned plea to the court had saved his young life.

Natan had once again roused the animosity of Vice-King Danul that day, but well worth it. Ellis had his mother’s joyous features, his unique amber eyes standing out against his black hair and golden-brown skin, a combination of his mother’s fair Belegan complexion and his father’s darker Sennian heritage. Although not a tall man, he was agile and fearless and easily a match for the men he sparred with back home.

Natan glanced around expectantly. “Alek isn’t meeting us?”

“He was detained and sends his apologies,” Kavi told him. Natan wondered what was behind the shadow that fell over Cecil’s features on hearing his lover hadn’t come. As the head of the Karthagan people, Alek would be needed in the city. Especially these last few days, arranging for Aiden’s ascension ceremony. The Red Twin had come of age and would assume his role as leader. It was why Kavi had been with his kin a month now. To help with preparations.

Kavi held horses ready for the short ride to the city of Karthag. It delighted Natan to see Syros waiting for them at the city gates as they approached, and he slid from his mount. He hadn’t expected the Regent of Barkuit to meet them.

“My lord!” He bowed quickly, and Syros pushed the hand he held out aside to embrace him.

“How are you, Mage?”

“I’m well. How is your little boy?”

A tender smile touched Syros’s lips and he answered eagerly. “Excellent. I would have brought him, but Dani’s teething…” Syros flushed. “Forgive my enthusiasm, but of course I find him the most wonderful child on the planet. His mother would be proud—” Syros pressed his lips together, pain shadowing his gray eyes.

Natan touched his arm, compassion tightening his chest. Syros’s wife had died giving birth to their son. “I grieve for your loss, Syros. We all miss Sharana.”

The earnest young man waiting with Syros stepped forward and stretched out his hand. “Hello, Mage.” He nodded his head to Cecil and Ellis.

“My lord Willum.” Natan bowed to the Governor of Barkuit. At seventeen, Willum was a fit, muscular man of medium height, with the light attractive features of his mother, though there was a firmness to his lips that spoke of his strong-willed father.

He grinned at Natan now, eyeing his wet clothing, then flicked a glance at Kavi’s damp tunic. “Impatient, my lord? Never mind. Will you come to the castle? The air can turn chilly on the coast.” Willum’s mouth quirked and Natan’s smile broadened at the teasing.

“You know Ellis.” Natan pulled Ellis, who had been standing behind him, to his side.

“Of course.” Willum shook his hand while Syros bowed in his grave manner.

The group made their way to the courtyard, where they parted to clean up from the voyage. Natan noted the tiny smile playing on Kavi’s lips and caught his heated glances as Cecil led them up a stairway and down a long hallway of the castle, talking animatedly with Ellis all the while. Cecil paused outside the door to Kavi’s room and motioned them in but inexplicably remained in the doorway to belabor a point with Ellis. Natan watched them through narrowed eyes, then reached around Kavi to swing the door shut, Cecil barely managing to save his fingers as the heavy wood slammed on their grinning faces.

Once they were alone, Natan pulled Kavi close and Kavi laughed, tugging on Natan’s shirt. “Out of these wet clothes, Nattie.”

He helped Natan remove his sodden tunic, a hiss of anger escaping him on seeing the scars and fresh welts crisscrossing Natan’s chest and back. “The Vice-King goes too far. What was it this time? You can’t—”

“Hush.” Natan began to undo the braid in Kavi’s dark hair. He pulled Kavi into his arms as the familiar craving to have him ever closer took possession.

“The others will wonder where we are,” Kavi warned with a quick breath as Natan nimbly undid the ties on Kavi’s tunic, baring his torso.

“I don’t care,” Natan mumbled, staring at the dark nubs on Kavi’s chest, beautiful against his olive skin. He leaned down to blow cool air on a nipple and watched it tighten under his gaze. His mouth watered. “I haven’t seen you in a month. They can wait.”

He had to take tight control of his desire, slow down before he devoured Kavi whole, to be rewarded by Kavi’s gasp when he licked the sensitive point. A thrill shot through Natan. Even after all this time, his lover could still start that delicious ache inside as he anticipated Kavi’s skillful touch.

Drawing the tight little nub between his teeth, Natan tugged gently, Kavi’s deep moan jolting him with triumph and lust. Kavi squirmed as he licked and nibbled the tiny captive. Was he…? Natan dropped his hand and groped the front of Kavi’s pants, grinning when he felt the hard length under the thin material. Setting his palm on Kavi’s tight stomach, he slipped his hand inside his clothing.

Kavi’s breath hitched and he moaned Natan’s name. Natan momentarily lost his restraint. Kavi’s skin was warm and tight as Natan licked his way downward. He tugged off Kavi’s pants as he knelt and buried his face in the soft curls nestling his heavy cock. Natan’s heart tripped as he breathed in the heady scent of his man: his musk and sweat.

He needed more. Turning his head, he licked along the extended vein on Kavi’s hard length, took it in his mouth, and Kavi cried out when Natan lodged him in the back of his throat, swallowing convulsively. Kavi’s balls were heavy in his hand and he gently rolled them. Still not enough! He needed Kavi sprawled on the bed, spread open and eager for him.

He rose to his feet and gently pushed Kavi backward onto the soft quilts of the bed behind them, the yearning to find release in his lover’s body swamping him. His heart leaped at Kavi’s soft laugh and Kavi splayed his legs, offering himself for Natan’s pleasure. Natan widened his eyes at the erotic sight, his breath catching when Kavi lifted his hips. Moistening his lips, Natan bent and once again took Kavi’s delicious cock into his mouth, allowing his fingers to stray lower.

*

Sometime later, Natan dressed in dry clothing, still tingling from their lovemaking. Joy stirred in his heart, and he wished they could spend the afternoon in bed as he watched Kavi pull a fresh tunic over his head. They shared a smile and Kavi drew Natan against him. “Better?”

Natan’s face warmed with a blush. “Yes. How could I not be?”

Kavi threaded his fingers through Natan’s tangled curls, and Natan hummed with the sensual pleasure of it, letting his head fall to the side. Kavi kissed his exposed throat, trailing his lips upward to hover over Natan’s mouth. “I know I don’t say this often enough, Nattie, but I do love you.” Kavi kissed him, tongue slipping between his lips, warm and sweet.

After a breathless moment, Natan reluctantly pushed against him. “We’d better join the others,” he said, wondering if Kavi could hear his pounding heart.

Kavi chuckled and stepped back a pace, giving Natan a slight bow. “Always doing what is right, Mage. I can’t tempt you back to bed? No?” He held out his hand and Natan took it, though hot blood stung his cheeks at the desire he couldn’t hide.

Alek had brought sandwiches, fruit, and wine to the courtyard for his guests, and they relaxed by the fountain in the sunshine when Natan and Kavi joined them. Cecil sat at Alek’s feet leaning against his knee. Natan raised a hand when Alex began to rise. “No need to get up,” he told the Karthagan lord, reaching over Cecil to shake his hand. “Thank you for having us.”

Governor Willum and the Northern regent, Syros, pulled chairs close, and Natan sat at the fountain with Ellis, Kavi settling beside him. While a man on Alek’s staff served them, Natan noticed Alek run a hand over the waves of Cecil’s hair. Cecil raised his bright face and Alek bent his ear. “I’m glad you’re home,” he said vehemently, and Cecil’s eyes flashed.

“So am I.” Cecil gave a roguish chuckle and touched Alek’s mouth. Alek gasped and kissed him roughly, then straightened, his color high.

Natan smiled at such an intimate act from the usually reserved couple. “Is it hard for you to be gone from home so often, Cecil?” he asked gently. Cecil commanded Karthag’s small fleet of ships, sailing with each in turn. They had started with two cargo ships all those years ago, added a third, and now boasted five, swift and sleek crafts built by Sennian shipwrights. Karthag prospered.

Cecil gave him a grateful look. “Yes, it is, thank you,” he admitted.

“Was this last trip necessary? I didn’t need an escort,” Natan added, concerned by the tired lines on Cecil’s face.

Cecil raised his brows in surprise. “Of course. We’re honored to have the Mage with us again.”

“I don’t believe Natan sees it that way at all,” Ellis put in with a grin. “In fact, I think he finds all this attention a trifle overwhelming.”

All eyes turned to Natan where he leaned against Kavi, while Kavi ran gentle fingers through his mop of hair. He wondered if they could see his anxiety and fatigue. Probably.

Syros’s eyes narrowed, and he asked abruptly, as if impatient with the niceties, “Is revolution coming to Sennia?”

Willum shot him an irritated glance, then turned to Natan, asking gravely, “If you’re tired, Mage, we can speak of this later.”

“I’m all right.” Natan sat up and rubbed his face. He took a hard breath. “It’s what I’m working to avoid, Syros.”

“To any effect?”

“Syros!” Willum caught him up shortly.

“Forgive me, my lord,” Syros said tightly. “But our city of Kangar is a short voyage from Sennia, mere days, and if trouble is coming, I need to know.”

“In good time, Syros.” The two men glared at each other, reminding Natan that Gargary’s hot blood ran in his son. Gargary, a brutal leader, had been assassinated by his own people while Willum was still an infant, leaving Willum the governorship of the Northern Territory when he came of age last year. Syros had acted as his regent until then.

Syros seemed to recall Willum’s temper as well, and rising, he swept the young lord a deep bow. “Forgive me.”

Willum inclined his head. “Please continue, Mage, if you wish.”

Natan leaned forward with clasped hands, gathering his thoughts. “I fear things are coming to a head. As you know, the Sennians are learning to control the natural world, bend it to their will, much as the Karthagans do. But there are many still without this ability, provoking jealousy and hate. The present royal family is one such. Since the previous Vice-King’s murder by Danul five years ago, when Danul seized the title for himself, there has been a growing intolerance throughout Sennia for those who use their powers. Recently, people have begun to be taken and imprisoned or have simply disappeared, much as it had been when Mazzo had the old Vice-King’s ear. Vice-King Jacom’s daughter, Corha, was the first to die in prison, before the Vice-King himself was murdered.”

Natan paused and struggled with his grief while they waited in silence. All who’d learned of the incident had been moved to pity and anger for the young woman’s cruel fate. Natan cleared his throat.

“Several weeks ago, soldiers came to the school where I teach and took two of my children. I went to Vice-King Danul to petition their release. The encounter was…unpleasant.”

“Papa!” Ellis jumped to his feet, a flush staining his skin, his amber eyes flashing. Natan’s heart clenched. Ellis only ever called him that when he was most moved.

“They almost killed you,” Ellis continued more quietly. “I remember the limp and bloodied body Kayle carried into the house. It was days before we were certain you would live.”

“Perhaps.”

Natan’s soft reply brought an angry glitter to Syros’s eyes. “Wouldn’t it be better to rouse the Sennian people, remove this man Danul from power?”

Dread crept down Natan’s spine. “That’s sedition.”

“But isn’t that what you’re already practicing, Mage, by teaching the children to use their abilities?”

The words stung. “Syros, I’m teaching them control. Most Sennians have the Karthagan’s power as it had been before Kirstin took the madness from them. Do you wish to see that insanity loose in the world again?”

Willum put in, implacable. “Couldn’t he be removed quietly?”

“We’d have to kill him and his followers.” Natan covered his face with his hands. He knew Willum’s own father had gained the governorship by intrigue and assassination, only to be murdered himself. Natan would find no sympathy in these hard people, though the thought of even one stolen life tore at his heart.

“What do you mean to do?”

Natan raised his head at the compassion in Cecil’s voice.

“Persuade the Vice-King to change his policies. He knows the people are stirring against him. He needs to be made to see his danger. If not that, at least find a way to discredit Danul in his followers’ eyes.”

Natan grew discouraged by the continued silence of the Barkuit soldiers. They knew war. Natan longed for peace.

After a moment, Alek stood. “Forgive me, I have a few matters to attend to, as I’d like to leave everything in order for Aiden when he takes the reins from me tomorrow. Cecil will show you over the city, if you wish, while we wait for Governor Basal to join us. We’ve made many new restorations.”

“Thank you.” Natan climbed to his feet as well, needing the distraction. The others rose and they spent a few pleasant hours walking Karthag’s cobbled streets, enjoying its gardens. The old buildings had been lovingly restored, and the new dwellings planned and constructed with care.

Governor Willum paused beside a renovated mill and ran a hand over the white rock. “Who is your mason, Cecil? This stonework is beautiful.”

“That’s Aiden’s. About ten years ago one of the old buildings collapsed, injuring several people. Aiden petitioned for the task of restoring the old structures, and he and half a dozen of the Southern soldiers stationed at the garrison here, as well as many Karthagans, have been working on the city ever since. They’ve done incredible things as you can see.”

“I’m tempted to steal him from you,” Syros put in sincerely.

They rounded a corner in the street and watched as Aiden guided the last beam for the city’s new gates into place. The wood gleamed in the sunlight, the gate so carefully balanced it could be opened or closed with a push. Natan smiled at Robin’s whoop of delight and watched the young Nagal lord along with a Karthagan youth, Eon, sprint across the muddy clearing toward Aiden.

“We did it!” Robin exclaimed, then blushed brilliantly under Aiden’s grin.

“That we have.” Aiden held out his hand and Robin shook it vigorously. Clapping him on the back, Aiden left with Eon to help secure the ropes, but spying them, Robin trotted over.

“Mage,” he bowed. His blue eyes were full of laughter, but Natan could see the earnestness of the young man hiding behind his flippant manner. The governorship of the Southern Territory would pass to him from Basal in his twentieth year, leaving only three short seasons to prepare.

A cold finger touched Natan’s heart at the thought, but he shook it off. He would save that portent for its time. “When is your father due to arrive?”

Robin glanced at the sun nearing its zenith. “It could be any time now. The message we received this morning said they had waited for Lady Kirstin and Tessa to join them before leaving Nagal, but that would put them only a few short hours behind their original schedule.”

“My cousins travel from Amara alone?” Kavi asked, voicing Natan’s concern. It had never been completely safe for Karthagans to journey through Belega without an escort.

“No. Devon, the Amara council leader, is with them. After Kirstin lost her husband, he and Father have been doing all they can to help her.”

They stood a moment in silence, Natan grieving anew for the friend that had left them last spring. Bryon had become a father to him after the death of Natan’s parents when he’d been a child. Bryon’s heart had unexpectedly betrayed him, stopping suddenly, shocking them all, and not even Kirstin’s healing hands had been able to save him.

Presently Cecil motioned to the stairway leading to the parapet along the walls. “We can wait for them above, if you’d like.”

They followed him to the comfortable benches set along the wall overlooking the soldiers’ barracks and the densely wooded hills beyond. Robin and Ellis paced, speaking animatedly as they waited for their guests. Natan exchanged an amused smile with Kavi. The other two men rarely saw each other but picked up their friendship with ease.

In a relatively short time, horses appeared through the trees, and Robin leaped down the stairs before the others had reached their feet. The travelers dismounted and entered the city, the tired animals led to the stables.

Governor Basal paused to run his hands over the carved wood of the new gates. “These are incredible. Aiden’s work?”

“Yes, sir.” Cecil looked around. “He must have gone to help Jaden in the fields.”

“Jaden’s farming?”

Natan’s heart warmed at the mention of his cousin. He’d always had a fondness for him.

“Yes.” Cecil smiled. “The soldiers you have stationed here are extremely helpful.”

“Excellent. The Barkuit soldiers in Nagal have added to our city as well,” Basal assured him.

“It’s good to see our treaty is working,” Willum put in.

The two governors, William from the North and Basal from the South, had believed exchanging soldiers, learning each other’s ways, would unite the two countries. Natan readily agreed. If they could keep the lines of communication open, they had a fair chance of maintaining the peace between them.

He bowed to the Lady Kirstin. “It’s good of you to come.”

“We couldn’t miss Aiden’s ascension ceremony.”

Natan gave her a light kiss, and Kirstin smiled at him. “How have you been, Mage?”

“I’m well, though I wish to tell you in person how truly sorry I am about Bryon. His death is a loss to us all.”

Kirstin nodded and embraced him again, sharing her pain. Her daughter, Tessa, a young woman of sixteen, hugged him warmly, then turned to the others. Syros and Willum greeted her, Willum bowing over Tessa’s hand, making her laugh.

“Enough,” Robin muttered, and they broke apart with a chuckle. Ellis elbowed him and Robin fled to Tessa’s side, managing to come between her and Willum. Basal didn’t comment, but his stern glance told of a future lecture for his impetuous son.

Cecil led them back to the courtyard, where Natan gratefully sank onto a bench by the fountain. He was growing tired after his long voyage. Ethan, Aiden’s twin, lounged against a pillar close by as if waiting for them. Natan avoided his gaze. Whereas Aiden was open and friendly, Natan sensed a darkness around Ethan, something secretive and dangerous. He wasn’t sure he was up to any games Ethan might want to play.

Kavi squeezed his hand, and not for the world would Natan admit to the pain starting in his ears. He felt Ethan’s stare and reluctantly met the intent gaze of his golden eyes, shivering at the Red Twin’s attention on him, sensing his animosity.

Ethan straightened when Basal and Kirstin came up to him. “My lord,” Ethan bowed to Basal. “How are you, Auntie?” he continued and lightly kissed Kirstin’s cheek.

Natan watched in amazement as the others spoke pleasantly with Ethan. They couldn’t feel it. A cold draft swept around Ethan, and an aura of cruelty clung to him even now. Perhaps Ethan only allowed Natan to see it. Ethan slid him a look during a lull in the conversation and winked mockingly. Natan acknowledged the antipathy with a short nod.

Footsteps sounded outside the courtyard, and Commander Jaden’s voice reached them, answered by an attractive laugh. The two men blithely entered the garden but stopped in dismay on seeing them. Aiden recovered first.

“Your pardon, Alek. I thought your guests would be resting after their eventful day.” He gave them a courtly bow.

“Obviously,” Alek chuckled. Their boots and britches were caked with mud, and though their hands were clean, their hair was matted to their foreheads with sweat.

“Well, since you’re here, say hello,” Alek prompted.

Jaden made a gallant bow, and Aiden inclined his head to Kirstin in apology. “My lady.” He went to Natan and surprised him by taking a knee in deference. “My lord Mage.”

“Aiden.” Natan touched his dark head and looked kindly into his golden eyes. Aiden smiled and stood, embracing him.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Aiden apologized ruefully as he pulled away and saw the mud he’d left on Natan’s tunic. Natan shrugged, unconcerned, and glanced at Ellis when his adopted son stepped to his side.

Aiden stared at him, clearly alarmed, his face paling. “Ellis?”

Ellis gave him a startled look, then grim lines settled around his lips. Aiden’s eyes slid to Natan in a question, and Ellis gave an imperceptible shake of his head. Natan wondered what the exchange meant.

Aiden recovered, though his voice shook when he addressed Alek. “Please excuse me. I had a question about the irrigation, but it can wait.”

“Of course.” Alek let him go.

Jaden hesitated, then spoke in an aside to Basal. “I’ll return once I’ve washed and make my report,” he said softly. He approached and gave Natan a quick embrace, laughing at the mud he left on his clothing.

“Thank you,” Natan said dryly, brushing at his shirt. “It’s good to see you, Jaden.”

Jaden winked, grinning. “It’s good to see you too, cousin.” He added warmly, “It’s been too long. You look tired.” He hugged Natan again, then turned and followed Aiden from the courtyard.

Alek rested thoughtful eyes on Ellis.

Natan studied Ellis as well, noting the pain that darkened his eyes. He wondered how Ellis knew the Red Twin, though to his knowledge Ellis had never met Aiden before that day. He ached suddenly to embrace Ellis and chase away the demons he saw in his eyes, as he’d done when Ellis first came to them. What was going on between him and Aiden?

Alek’s staff entered the courtyard with a repast for the newly arrived travelers. As Natan nibbled a slice of sharp cheese, he caught Ethan’s golden gaze on him again, and a cold shiver traveled through him.

“I think I’d like to rest,” he confessed to Kavi, more to escape the Red Twin than needing sleep.

“Of course, Nattie.”

They took their leave of the others, and Natan sought refuge from his worries in their comfortable room and Kavi’s eager arms once again, having missed his husband more than he cared to admit. Kavi drew him to the bed, stripping as he went. Natan brushed Kavi’s bare nipples with a thumb and Kavi’s breathing hitched. He moaned Natan’s name. Hearing his need, Natan’s pulse leapt, racing. He lowered Kavi onto the mussed quilts.

Removing his own clothing, Natan crawled after him, pinning Kavi to the mattress. He moved against Kavi, delicious friction, pleasure bursting through him to mix with the pain tightening his chest. Ethan had rattled him. So had the talk with Syros and Willum earlier. What was he to do about the Vice-King? How could he make things right back home in Sennia?

He’d been so alone! Trapped in that dark room after Danul was through with him. He’d begun to say goodbye to this precious man in his arms. Tears burned his eyes and he clutched at Kavi’s shoulders, needing him closer.

“Natan, what is it? Look at me.”

Kavi’s worried voice penetrated the desperate panic swirling in Natan’s thoughts. He swallowed his sobs and didn’t resist when Kavi cupped his chin and raised Natan’s wet face.

“Darling.” Kavi gently kissed him. “Tell me.”

“Danul meant for me to die this time. I was locked in a dank cell for days, beaten and starving, no water. Kavi, I was so afraid! I thought I would never hold you again, tell you how much I love you—”

Kavi’s mouth stopped his broken words with a savage kiss. Kavi rolled to his side, holding Natan close, cradling the back of his head. “But Kayle spoke to the Vice-King and had you freed. As the son of Sennia’s former mage, Gregor, our Kayle has the people’s love. Danul dare not ignore him, thank the stars. And now I have you safe in my arms. I won’t let you go.”

Natan sighed, relaxing against the warmth of Kavi’s chest. He scrubbed at his eyes like a child, laughing slightly to relieve the intense emotions boiling through him. Kavi’s warm breath tickled his ear. “Tell me what you need,” Kavi urged.

“I need to be inside you,” Natan confessed, heart pounding. “I’d melt into you, if I could…”

Natan turned his face away, embarrassed by the intensity of his desire, but Kavi made him meet his gaze. Fondness and lust gleamed in his dark eyes. “I want that too,” he admitted, voice gruff with passion, and kissed Natan in earnest.