The Book of the Blessed

Eleven

“You don’t know me; you never knew my heart. No man knows my many lives. I cannot tell them. I shall never undertake it. If I had not experienced what I have, I would not have believed it myself.”

-The Prophet Joses

The Kingsboro

In the night they would look at each other and stand face to face. Anson would bend to kiss him deeply, and then they would begin to undress and move to the bed, tasting each other, pressing together. For Anson, Ohean’s body was a retreat ground, and the way Ohean cherished him, kissed his eyes, his mouth, even his arms, going down his whole body, taking his cock in his mouth, licking up and down the shaft, heeding his balls and secret places was complete delight. Everything Ohean did to him, he wanted to do to him. That night, when Ohean brought Anson inside of him, Anson’s eyes opened wide in surprise as Ohean’s forming an O.

That very same night, Anson wanted Ohean inside of him. and he learned that it always hurt. It never happened without some pain.

In the morning, before they were to return to the palace accompanying the body of the King, Ohean woke just before Anson. He touched Anson’s head and said, “Your hair is stubbly? Do you want me to shave you again?”

“I’m not greatly worried.”

Lying back beside him, Ohean shook his head.

“I only wanted to do something for you.”

“You’ve done plenty for me.”

Ohean ran his hand over Anson.

Anson climbed out of bed, and Ohean lay on his side looking at Anson’s naked body, his tallness, the straight shoulders, the long back, the surprising full buttocks and athletic thighs.

Ohean reached for his cigarette case.

“We don’t have to decide anything right now,” he said, laying one on the bedstead for Anson, and taking one for himself.

We will, though, and soon.

Anson was headed to the bathroom. He left the door open.

“I have already decided,” Anson said over his piss. “We should head to Ardan to find… what Myrne discussed.”

“I agree,” Ohean said. “But after that?”

“After that can take care of itself.”

Anson hit the flusher and came out of the bathroom, his heavy cock swinging between his legs. He jumped onto the bed and kissed Ohean.

“After that,” he repeated, “Can take care of itself. Now take a shower with me. We must away.”

The city of Kingsboro, always so alive, had so recently been filled with the joy of the coronation. Now the entire city was hung in black banners, and quiet with the death of an old king.

“This,” Cedd said to Anthony, “is the time where I wish my coronation had not taken place. We need something to take the people’s mind off the death of a king.”

“What about a royal wedding?” Anthony turned to him. “What about putting a crown on a new queen’s head?”

“You’re a terrible man,” Cedd said.

“Not at all, for it seems I will not have to travel to Sussail. Look ahead.”

The King, Anthony, and the Prince Anson came to greet the new arrivals. King Raoul of Sussail, golden skinned with tangles of thick, lustrous black hair and a silver circlet topping his head rode a chestnut stallion, and from a great wheelhouse peered his Queen, Hermudis. Beside the wheelhouse rode their two children as well as two mages, one in a brown robe, one in black under a white surplice.

“Cousins,” Cedd greeted them.

“We began traveling when we heard of your coronation,” Queen Hermudis said, and this was all she needed to say. “We have heard that King Duncan and Queen Bereneice are on their way from Senach. This is the mage Thano. He joined us on the way, traveling from the Hidden Tower.”

King Raoul touched his thin beard and murmured, “I’ve always wanted to know where is the Hidden Tower anyway?”

“Hidden,” Thano said, shortly.

While they were speaking, Wolf came running toward them, halting to catch his breath, and bowing so that his cap fell off of his spiky red hair.

“Have a care,” Anthony Pembroke said, “you intrude in the presence of royalty.”

“I am the servant of Ohean Penannyn,” Wolf said, shortly. “Not you.”

The tall young man pushed forward, extending an envelope.

“I take it you are her Grace the Princess Isobel. This message is for you.”

“What business could Ohean have with the Princess Isobel?” Cedd demanded.

Wolf said, “His business, your Grace,” clicked his heels, and departed.

Isobel placed the letter against her breasts and said, “I shall read it when I am settled, and read it soon.”

Thano, in his black robe, Anson remembered. He was a close friend and cousin of Ash. After Cedd had greeted them formally, Thano removed his hood to reveal a clean shaven scalp, and kissed Anson’s ring.

“Lord Thano,” Anthony Pembroke said, “it is my lord Cedd who is King.”

“Aye,” Thano agreed, “but it is Anson who is Queen Essily’s son.”

“Myrne!” Imogen hissed dramatically. “Myrne!”

“I’m right here, Imma,” Myrne came out of the windowseat. “Are you well, dear?”

“Better, but never mind me,” Imogen said. “There’s someone here for you.”

She had barely stopped speaking when Wolf ushered in Princess Isobel.

“Myrne!” Isobel ran to her, and the girls embraced.

Isobel looked back.

“Your friend Wolf is a very bold man! You ought to have seen him out there. And then, when I opened up the letter and saw it was from you! Oh, but Ohean had written me before. Maybe you knew that.”

“Is it true you will marry Cedd?” Myrne said.

“Well, dear, I came to see what he was like,” Isobel said. “Our plans are to avoid him asking any questions of marriage and leave here right after the funeral. I was so surprised to know you were here.”

“I’m returning to the North, but you do know the Princess Imogen?”

“Yes,” Isobel bowed deeply to Imogen, “and my condolences, cousin,” she said.

“Thank you, cousin,” Imogen folded her hands together and bowed in turn.

“I know Myrne is virtually in hiding,” Princess Isobel said, “but if you need someone else to be with, my door is open as long as I am here.”

Imogen looked suddenly shaken, and Isobel rose, covering her mouth.

“I’m sorry, cousin. Did I say something?”

“It is your kindness,” Imogen said, blinking rapidly, and taking a breath. “Thank you for that.”

Quickly the Princess of Westrial curtseyed, and turned to leave.

“Wolf,” Myrne began.

“I will go after her,” Wolf promised, “but not just yet.”

Isobel nodded.

“You are very wise, Sir Wolf. She is proud,” the Princess of Sussail said, “as a woman must be. She will want some time to herself.”