prologue
This book is a sequel to my other novel, 'They Just Don't'. However, it may be read as a standalone. Also, I hope it turns out okay, as I wrote the first book with someone else but am now writing this one alone.
prologue
The kingdom of Selattys was the biggest island nation in the world, and one of the most powerful political powers in the world. The latter was thanks to the youngest of Selattys' princes, Phoenix, and his long-standing friendship with King Chaddick of Akrin, which also gained him favour with Chaddick's husband, King Eden of Volatos.
By being close to the rulers of the two most powerful kingdoms in the world, Phoenix had unintentionally garnered great respect for Selattys. But even that couldn't protect them from social ruin. A scandal could topple even the most admired of royals.
"Yikes," Phoenix grimaced as he read the headline on his digipad. "It's been a week since the news broke, and the articles are somehow getting worse."
His blue eyes scanned over the words again as he read them aloud: "Knight Bests King: Why the Queen of Selattys Prefers Another Over Her Beloved."
"Tabloids are brutal," Chaddick said as he dropped an unhealthy amount of sugar into his coffee. "It's good you came here when you did. I bet the Selattyn palace is being swarmed with paparazzi."
"Yeah," Phoenix said as he turned off his digipad. He set the spherical object aside and picked up his cutlery, ready to devour the meal before him.
It had been two weeks since he left Selattys on an unannounced, unofficial holiday to Akrin. He mostly went because Chaddick kept whining about how much he missed Eden, who had been stuck in Volatos for the past three weeks visiting farmers during the harvest period. He'd be back in a few days, and Chaddick had invited Phoenix to stay with them in Akrin for as long as he wished.
A very tempting offer now that Phoenix's eldest brother and sister-in-law were involved in an infidelity scandal.
Phoenix tutted, shaking his head in sympathy, before he began to eat his meal with a surprising lack of grace for someone who had grown up studying dining etiquette twice a week for most of his childhood.
Chaddick didn't even blink, used to it. He simply sipped his sugary coffee as his best friend stuffed an entire croissant into his mouth.
"I feel sorry for Pharaoh," the king of Akrin murmured, speaking of Phoenix's brother and his unfortunate luck. "He and Kyomi have only been married a year. They seemed so happy, too..."
"Sho mush fuh the hunneymoon faysh," Phoenix said, showing off the half-mushed croissant in his mouth.
Chaddick sighed. "Try that again with your mouth empty, Phoe."
The prince swallowed and repeated himself. "I said, 'So much for the honeymoon phase'. And, honestly, I'm not surprised. Their entire relationship was a PR campaign. Pharaoh went from perpetually single to engaged in three months."
Chaddick frowned in pity for Pharaoh. "I can't imagine having to marry someone I don't love."
Phoenix picked up a strip of bacon with his fork and shoved it into his mouth. He chewed as he observed his best friend. The past two weeks together had been enjoyable; Phoenix would lounge around while he waited for Chaddick to be free from his kingly duties, and then they'd go to the beach or some restaurant in the city, or they'd stay in and play video games on Chaddick's console. But he could tell that Chaddick missed his husband dearly.
Without Eden around, those eyes—left one golden and right one brown—were a little less bright. Phoenix knew they called each other every night, but Chaddick would compensate for mornings without his husband by drinking sugary cups of coffee, as if the borderline-inconsumably-sweet caffeine was the closest thing he could get to waking up to Eden's smile.
Phoenix couldn't imagine ever feeling that way about somebody.
'But I almost did, once,' he thought, remembering a boy who had been both his friend and more, only to turn into nothing in the end.
"Have you heard from Nakeen?" he asked before he could stop himself.
Chaddick blinked at the abrupt turn in conversation before he shook his head. "No," he said. Then, with embarrassment, "I call Advika and Victoria sometimes, but Keen's always been quiet and with all my duties... You're the only friend from school I see often."
"Yeah," Phoenix murmured, and Chaddick swore he saw a hint of sadness in the other man's eyes, but before he could ask if everything was okay, the Selattyn prince narrowed those blue eyes, glaring playfully at Chaddick. "I'm not a 'friend from school', Chaddick. I'm your best friend. Since we were in diapers, in fact."
"Yes, yes," Chaddick chuckled. "How could I possibly forget? You only remind me every day."
"Don't want you thinking you're too good for me, Your Majesty. Being a king and all."
Phoenix had said that playfully, but Chaddick’s gaze softened. His brown hand stretched across the table, palm up in offering. Phoenix, pale with a sun‑kissed tan, smiled as he set his hand gently into Chaddick’s.
"I'm never too good for your friendship, Phoenix."
Phoenix's heart melted a fraction. For all his scepticism regarding other forms of love—parental, fraternal, and especially romantic—he was eternally grateful that he could trust the platonic love he and Chaddick shared. They weren't brothers; God knows Phoenix had too many of those and didn't want any more. But his friendship with Chaddick made him wish they'd been born in the same home.
He'd never say that, though. He knew Chaddick understood. And so, he was free to be a little shit.
"Well, duh," Phoenix scoffed. "Just have to make sure you never forget that. I plan to be a godfather one day. Hurry up and adopt."
"And that's my queue," Chaddick sighed. He gave Phoenix's hand a gentle squeeze, then pulled away, gulping down the rest of his coffee before he stood. "Fatherhood is still about a decade away. Right now, I need to focus on diplomatic relations and all that boring stuff."
"Riveting," Phoenix murmured.
Chaddick opened his mouth to say bye to his friend for the day when someone cleared their throat. The king of Akrin cringed and turned to face his émpistos (most trusted advisor), Sirus. The older man stood in the doorway, visibly unamused.
"Would you believe me if I said I was just about to go to that boring meeting?" Chaddick smiled sheepishly.
"No," Sirus deadpanned. "I would not. Now, please make haste, Your Majesty."
Phoenix snickered. It was even funnier to watch his friend getting scolded now that he was a king. But his laughter died when Sirus turned to him, giving him that disappointed parent look.
"Don't encourage him, Prince Phoenix."
"Oh, but that's what I'm here for," Phoenix pouted.
Sirus sighed and ushered Chaddick off to his meeting. Phoenix picked up his cutlery again, ready to finish off his meal. He began to mentally plan out his day. Perhaps he'd visit the market. Maybe sign a few autographs and take some pictures with fans while he was there. Hell, he might even go to the beach after and take a swim. He loved a good swim and, while Akrin was devastatingly hot, the water was just perfe-
"Ugh," he groaned as his digipad began to ring just as he was about to stuff a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
Phoenix set his cutlery down yet again and picked up the device. He tapped on the sphere, and the holographic display popped up before him, displaying his brother's name. He contemplated not picking up, but figured he might as well this time. He had ignored the other forty calls this week.
"Phoenix—" The youngest of his elder brothers greeted him with an annoyed expression. "Why the hell haven't you been picking up your calls? And what the fuck are you still doing in Akrin? We're in the middle of a goddamn scandal. We need everyone here."
"Uuuugh," Phoenix groaned before slapping on a sarcastic smile. "Hello, Phoebus. My, my, that's an upsetting amount of vulgarities for a prince to be using. Want to try greeting me like a normal fucking person?"
"Fuck you," Phoebus grumbled, glaring at the youngest—and most spoilt—of his brothers. "Phyfe and Pharamond have been trying to reach you for days. Did you see the news?"
"Of course, I saw the news. Poor Pharaoh. I'll be sure to attend the divorce party."
"There is no 'Poor Pharaoh'," Phoebus huffed. "It's poor us. We're a mockery. The tabloids have been on us like hounds since the news broke, hoping to dig up more dirty secrets. They got a picture of Pharamond wasted in some club two days ago."
"I don't see what that has to do with me..."
Phoebus looked just about ready to reach through the air and Phoenix. However, he took a calming breath and continued. "Pharaoh wants you back by tonight. Everyone loves you, so that's good publicity. I think he has some stuff planned; PR stunts or whatever."
"And why do I have to get my squeaky clean reputation dirty with everyone else's mess?" Phoenix scoffed. "Pharaoh's wife cheats on him, and now I have to fix it? How does that make any sense?"
"I don't fucking know. Just fucking—" Phoebus paused, taking in another deep breath. His face was scarlet with the effort it took not to lose his mind when talking to Phoenix. He exhaled heavily. "Just get over here, okay? Put on a smile. Take some pictures. That's all you're good for anyway, so do it, and you can go on another stupid holiday from work you don't even have."
Phoenix flinched.
That's all you're good for anyway...
But he couldn't snap back this time. It was right, after all. Pharaoh was king, Phyfe handled the finances, Pharamond was in charge of the tourism ministry, and Phoebus dealt with the intelligence department. They all had their roles. Phoenix was the pretty one. The one born five years too late to be given an actual spot in their lives.
"Fine," he mumbled. "I'll say bye to Chaddick and be back by tonight."
Phoebus nodded and ended the call.
Phoenix sighed and pushed his plate away. He'd lost his appetite. Only family could do that.
