Venneth paced around his room, so embarrassed that his brother had found the agreement.

He loved his brother, but there were things he never wanted him to know. But he supposed it was too late for that. Now he just prayed that he'd never bring it up again.

Venneth rubbed a finger over his collar, looking down at the hearts he'd doodled. He was a love-struck fool, and he couldn't deny it. It was quite pathetic, but thankfully—and crushingly—he didn't get that much time with Yarlimar.

Venneth would sulk at home later.

He blinked at a knock on the door. He frowned. "Is that you, Torryn?"

"Not quite."

Venneth swallowed at Yarlimar's voice, his mouth going dry. "Erm. Come in."

Yarlimar opened the door, as elegant as ever as he closed it behind him and then strolled to Venneth, who had gotten up.

"Venneth." Yarlimar reached out to cradle Venneth's cheek in the palm of his hand. Oh, how his heart yearned for more of this casual gentleness. "You do know I care for you, no?"

Venneth paused, trying to figure out what Yarlimar was saying. "I know you want me."

Yarlimar leaned in, kissing Venneth's forehead. Venneth couldn't help but hug him, yearning for physical closeness. He just hoped Yarlimar wouldn't mind.

"Oh, my stormling." Yarlimar hugged him back, pulling him so close. "I want you, yes, body and soul."

Venneth looked at him, trying to decode what this means. "You...."

"I like you. I have for years," Yarlimar said, starting to stroke Venneth's hair tenderly. "I apologize if that was unclear."

Venneth dared to hope. "You mean you.... Romantically?"

Instead of replying, Yarlimar leaned in to kiss him, gentle and sweet and perfect. Venneth kissed back, hugging Yarlimar tighter, his heart soaring.

"Romantically," Yarlimar confirmed when he broke the kiss, brushing hair away from Venneth's forehead. "Very romantically."

"I...oh, I love you." Venneth couldn't keep it back anymore. He had felt that way for years. He'd been obsessed since one of the first negotiations.

"I love you as well, darling."

Yarlimar kissed him again, and Venneth melted into it, so unbelievably happy. He felt as though he was dreaming. This felt too good to be real. But it must have been.

"I am so sorry I was not direct about this," Yarlimar told him, his eyes so sad. Venneth shook his head.

"It is okay. I am quite emotionally challenged."

Yarlimar put his chin on top of Venneth's head, cradling him close. "You are just perfect, my love."

Venneth buried his face in the crook of Yarlimar's neck, grasping on his collar, feeling so very loved.

"We should have had this talk long ago." Yarlimar kissed the top of Venneth's head. "We simply get so little time together that the moment I see you, I am overcome with desire."

Venneth laughed a bit, blushing hard. It sounded ridiculous, but it was so true. He had never been able to resist Yarlimar's seduction. If he could even call it that. He could get him on board with a single look. Seduction implied some effort.

"Oh, Yarli."

Yarlimar petted his hair. "Your brother put a knife to my throat, threatening me if I ever hurt you, by the way."

Venneth stared up at Yarlimar. "He...did?" He chuckled, feeling quite fluttery that Torryn defended him so much. "Are you all right?"

"Of course, darling." Yarlimar kissed his nose. "He merely threatened. I have no interest in hurting you. If I did hurt you, I'd welcome his blade."

Venneth shook his head, scowling. "You are not getting hurt either."

"Of course. All is well, my dear."

Venneth nodded, pleased. Then he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "My brother...saw our agreement."

He pulled the scroll from his pocket, waving it a bit to make it clear which agreement he meant.

Yarlimar chuckled, taking the scroll and studying it, licking his lips. Then he grinned with delight. "You actually signed it."

Venneth blushed and shrugged. "Well, it was the proper thing to do."

Yarlimar stroked his cheek. "Good little bondslave. Did Lalianus see the document?"

Venneth hesitated. "I...perhaps? I am uncertain. But he will no doubt ask Torryn what it was about."

The other man hummed, looking amused. "I ask because he might be inspired by it."

Venneth frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Do you not see how he acts around your brother?" Yarlimar tilted his head. "Or does he glue himself to just about anyone?"

Venneth paused, thinking that through. "I think he likes him, yes. But I would not be so certain Torry and Lalianus would find this type of relationship, er, interesting."

Yarlimar smiled mysteriously. "Very well."

Venneth frowned at Yarlimar, wondering what he was thinking. "I know you think everyone would find it interesting if they only tried, beloved, but—"

"Hm, we'll just see."

Venneth shook his head, so fond of this man. He got on his tip toes to kiss him, then tucked his head under Yarlimar's chin and closed his eyes.

"Leaving this time will truly kill me." Venneth sighed, his heart hurting just thinking about it.

"Hm. Then perhaps you could stay for longer. I am certain your court can handle Monari for a while." Yarlimar picked him up suddenly, making Venneth gasp. "We have more negotiating to do, pet."

Venneth flushed, nodding and laughing a bit. "Ah. I always want to negotiate with you."

Yarlimar grinned sharply, carrying him away, much to Venneth's excitement.

He was so in love. And for the first time, he could let himself feel it properly.