Free A Royal Craving by Elaine White Page B

surprised Spencer had managed to keep to his sleeping schedule, even after their long night of talking and exploring. “I find it unsettling to wake alone, now you are here. You must rouse me when you waken, until you have adjusted,” he asked. He wanted to wake with Spencer, to feel his body against his.
    “I promise,” Spencer agreed so easily he thought he must be dreaming. It seemed impossible for any one man to be the wonders that his companion had proven to be.
    Prosper turned to thank his brother, but Parry got there first, waving him away as he sat back and put his feet on the edge of the table.
    “The clothes are a minor improvement. He is not exactly attractive, is he?” he grumbled, in his usual manner.
    “I am more attractive than your manners, I am sure,” Spencer retaliated, while staring at his brother.
    Prosper laughed, though he remained alone in his humour. Humans did not often talk back to a vampire, but to a Royal vampire invited greater danger. He would explain to his lover soon that Parry meant no harm. His twin was a brash young man, in his prime and did not feel comfortable expressing favourable emotions.
    “He can read lips,” Prosper explained, for his brother's sake.
    “Of course he can,” Parry sighed.
    Prosper ignored his brother, aware of his worry. How could any conversation remain private, if one person in the room could read their lips?
    Fortunately, Spencer never wished to invade anyone's privacy. He only wanted a quiet, happy life.
    Gently, Prosper turned Spencer to look at him, until he had his full attention. “You are beautiful to me,” he promised. No matter what Parry implied, he would never see anything but a strong, beautiful young man. He could not have asked for a better match.
    Spencer smiled at the compliment and kissed the burned side of his face, before backing away. “Parry had the cook make me something to eat. I should check on it,” he suggested, never taking his eyes off him until he turned and left the room.
    Prosper turned to his brother. “Thank you for your forethought, Parry. I have clearly not thought this through.” He thanked him gratefully, planning to take care of that.
    Spencer had few clothes and those he had were passed from his father. They were worn and dirty, from his living conditions and overuse; they would not be fit for the social functions he and his family must attend.
    But when he refocused on his brother, he found him staring, stupidly. Then he looked toward the door, where a movement caught his eye.
    Sienna walked into the room, wearing a ridiculously extravagant ball gown.
    “What?” Prosper asked, confused as to why they stared.
    “He kissed your left cheek,” his sister explained.
    He frowned in confusion and touched the kiss his companion had left on his cheek. The burns were evident, immediately. “Ah, and you think that is abnormal?” he wondered, uncertain how to feel about their stunned silence.
    Were they happy for him? Disgusted that Spencer risked it? He did not know, but Sienna kept smiling in that damned annoying way.
    “No. I think it is wonderful. It has been years since you let anyone look at them…but to kiss them…oh, Prosper,” she gushed, moving closer and hugging him tight.
    Prosper was stunned; his sister had not been affectionate toward him since her illness. Even his brother appeared shocked by her sudden display.
    With his family thoroughly scandalised by his advance into the world, Prosper pried his sister from him and left the room. He would leave them to their gossip and join Spencer.
    “I do believe our brother is in love,” Parry commented.
    Prosper's disapproval thickened, as he heard those words and the happy sigh Sienna let slip. His siblings thought he would be a hermit his entire life; he must correct that assumption.
     

***
     
    Prosper found Spencer laughing with Eamon, the cook, as he entered the kitchen. They were rolling bread, while Spencer watched Eamon's lips. The old man, in