DefyingHisFate Read online

  When Nathaniel is told the identity of his cariad—the person he is supposedly fated to love—he finds himself reliving a pain he’s spent a year fighting. He’d been trying to forget his love for Reese, only to be told by the seers that he’s meant to be with Reese’s sister. Nathaniel had never planned on letting his people’s beliefs dictate who he would love, but his heart makes the situation so unbearable he has no choice but to walk away.

  Seeing Nathaniel again awakens a restlessness in Reese that he doesn’t understand. He thought he’d been glad to be rid of the prince, but Reese finds he’s never lost his hunger for the man. When Nathaniel says he wants Reese’s love or nothing at all, Reese has to decide what he actually wants from the prince.

  Defying His Fate

  The Veiled Court, Book 2

  by

  Marie Medina

  MM, ANAL SEX, RIMMING, & SPANKING

  Twisted E-Publishing, LLC.

  www.twistedepublishing.com

  A TWISTED E-PUBLISHING BOOK

  Defying His Fate

  The Veiled Court, Book 2

  Copyright © 2018 by Marie Medina

  First E-book Publication: February 2018

  Cover design by K Designs

  All cover art and logo copyright © 2018, Twisted Erotica Publishing.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  All characters engaging in sexual acts are over the age of 18.

  Table of Contents

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Epilogue

  Also by Marie Medina

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  The Veiled Court (The Realm of the Fey)

  Nathaniel stared down at the stone floor of his brother’s study as his head swam a bit. He’d never been all that anxious to learn the identity of his cariad, but he hadn’t expected to be shocked by the person’s identity either.

  “Nathaniel? Are you all right?” Alexander asked, coming forward on the couch a bit.

  He let his gaze flick up a moment as he shifted in his chair. “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “You don’t look fine. You’re practically green,” Alexander said as he rose and walked over to his brother. “I take it you already know Gretchen?”

  Nathaniel nodded slowly. “We’ve met. Seen each other many times.”

  “You don’t like her? Aren’t attracted to her?” Alexander asked.

  “That’s not it. She’s wonderful, actually. Beautiful and witty. Kind. Strong.” He looked over at Sebastian, Alexander’s husband, who remained on the couch a few feet away. The younger man seemed to be waiting for some kind of cue from Alexander. “Is there something else? Something in your vision? You seem like you have more to say.”

  Sebastian nodded slowly. “Yes. I don’t know what to make of it, and neither do the other seers.”

  “Then maybe you should tell me,” Nathaniel said, feeling his body tense even more.

  Sebastian cleared his throat before saying, “Since you know her, you must know she has a twin. A brother.”

  Nathaniel’s stomach pitched a bit. “Yes. Reese.”

  Sebastian nodded. “He was also in the vision. And he didn’t look happy. His gaze was fixed on you, and he was scowling. But I have no idea why. In the vision, you and Gretchen were simply talking, but I felt your bond. She’s the one you’re fated to. I have no idea why someone else was there.”

  Nathaniel felt Alexander watching him. He looked up into his older brother’s eyes and said, “When I got your note saying Sebastian had experienced a vision of my cariad, I knew I wouldn’t be as happy as you two are. But … I’m going to have to break with tradition. I know it’s not as acceptable for a royal, but I have no choice.”

  “Of course you do.” Alexander fixed him with a concerned look. “And honestly, I never really expected you to accept your cariad.”

  Nathaniel blinked. “You didn’t?”

  Alexander removed his crown and set it on the table with a loud clang. “Hate wearing that thing,” he muttered before sitting down in the chair next to Nathaniel. “I’m not your king right now. I’m your brother. What’s wrong? Why are you upset? I always thought you’d be the type to want to make your own destiny, but I didn’t expect a reaction like this at all. Why are you saying you have no choice?”

  “It’s … awkward,” Nathaniel said.

  “I can leave, if you wish,” Sebastian said.

  “No, it’s fine.” Nathaniel took a deep breath and held it a moment, feeling dizzy once more. He closed his eyes. “Has she been told?”

  “Not yet,” Sebastian said. “I thought I might go with you to meet with her later.”

  Nathaniel opened his eyes as he exhaled, feeling no better. “I was involved with Reese. And he ended it. We didn’t want the same things. My feelings grew, but his didn’t. He rejected me when I wanted more than to be in his bed.”

  A long silence followed, and Nathaniel stared down at his boots, not wanting to pressure the others to say anything. What could they say?

  “You loved him?” Alexander asked softly after a little while.

  “Yes. Still do. And he hasn’t spoken to me in over a year. I was … a bit too adamant.”

  “Because you didn’t want to end it,” Alexander said.

  Nathaniel nodded. “I made a fool of myself. Practically begged him.” He looked between Sebastian and his brother. “He won’t be happy with this news. He said he didn’t believe I loved him. That it wasn’t possible. Called me a spoiled, clingy brat when I kept insisting.”

  “What do you want to do?” Alexander asked. “We can’t conceal it, not after what Grayden did to me and Sebastian. Would you prefer for Ronan and Sebastian to go? Or maybe to send a note?”

  Nathaniel shook his head right away. “I’m no coward. It’ll be embarrassing, but I’ll face her. And him, if he’ll see me.”

  “It’s your decision, of course,” Alexander said.

  Nathaniel’s mind raced. “Perhaps it would be easier if I sent a note asking if I could come talk to them both?”

  “They’d probably want to know why,” Alexander said.

  “I’ll tell them why. Let them adjust to it. I mean, you told me first, so I had time to think. React.”

  “Whatever you want,” Alexander said. “If they agree, maybe Sebastian could go with you. Wait in case they want to talk to him.”

  Nathaniel stood up, suddenly restless. “Let me think. I’ll come let you know what I’ve decided.”

  “All right,” Alexander said. “Whatever you need from us.”

  Nathaniel nodded his thanks to them both and fled the room. He had to get more air, room to breathe and move. He’d spent a year trying to get past this pain, and now he had to face it head on. He hurried down the hallway to get to a door and out into the crisp morning air. Whatever I need? Even I don’t know what I need right now.

  * * * *

  Reese stared at his sister across the table as she read the note to him a second time. She held it out to him, and he hesitated before taking it. He read it slowly. Nathaniel’s handwriting hadn’t improved, but the message couldn’t be clearer. The prince wished to see them because the new seer had experienced a vision. Gretchen was Nathaniel’s cariad, and he wished to come and visit them to talk about it.

  “How do you feel abou
t that?” Gretchen asked.

  “He’s a good man. And you’ll be a princess.” Reese set the note down on the table.

  “That’s not what I mean.” She took up the note again. “I think he’s a good man, too, but you two were together. I’m not sure how long, but I know he slept here many nights.”

  “It was a few months. That’s all.”

  “He’d be your brother-in-law. You’d have to see him all the time. And I know you’ve been avoiding him ever since you ended it.”

  Reese straightened as he narrowed his eyes at his sister. “You watching my every move now?”

  “No, but I’m not stupid. You ended things with him and sent him away from here an absolute wreck. But you weren’t the same for weeks. I try not to pry, but—”

  “Then don’t pry!”

  She held up her hands in surrender. “Fine.” Her jaw set, she rose and went to the little writing desk in the corner of the kitchen, taking up a quill as she leveled her gaze his way. “I’m inviting him here this afternoon. You can be here or not. But at some point I will ask him how he feels about you.” She wrote a quick note and then blew on the ink before folding the paper and sliding it into an envelope. She dribbled a bit of wax on it and then met his gaze again. “I’m not going to marry a man who still loves someone else.”

  “He doesn’t love me.”

  “I saw his face when he left here. He’s in love with you. Or at least he was a year ago.”

  Reese felt ready to bolt from the room, but instead he asked, “The look on his face? That’s what you base that belief on? That’s ridiculous.”

  “You broke his heart. I have no idea why. What you fought about. Why you ended it. And since I’m not allowed to pry, I can’t do anything about any of it.” She nodded to the door. “I’m going to get a boy from the village to take this back up to the palace. Then I’m going to the market. Do whatever you like. You always have, just because you’re a man.”

  Reese turned and grabbed her arm. “Gretchen, wait. Are you angry with me? Over this?”

  “Frustrated. There’s a difference.” She patted the hand that clasped her arm. “Mom and Dad have been dead two years. It’s been hard for both of us. I think the only time you’ve been happy since then was when you were with Nathaniel.”

  Reese let go of her arm. “I probably won’t be here when he comes. I’ll be checking on the sheep and the lads. Make sure they’re doing their jobs right.”

  She stared at him a moment, as if she were going to insist he respond to what she’d said. But then her shoulders slumped. “Look, I won’t give him an answer today. Not unless something we talk about makes it clear what I should do.”

  “It’s nothing to do with me. Do what you like,” he called as she left the room.

  She threw a glance over her shoulder as she reached the front door. “If you say so.”

  Reese watched the door close, and then his gaze went to the window.

  Nathaniel. The one-night stand who’d refused to go away. Reese had bedded the prince for the joy of the conquest, but the sex had been so amazing, Reese had stayed in the man’s bed until noon the next day. That had been the first mistake. Nathaniel’s need and hunger had overwhelmed him, and he’d gone along with it when the prince had assumed they were in a relationship.

  And with each passing day, breaking things off had become harder. Reese had always seen sexual partners as a way to pass the time until his cariad was found, but Nathaniel had been different. When Reese had been in control, their fucking was raw and rough. Slowly though, Nathaniel had started to change that. The prince would go slow, every touch of his hands and his mouth so tender.

  Reese hadn’t been able to handle it. He closed his eyes at the memories. The night Nathaniel had kissed the back of his neck and whispered those three words, Reese had lost it. Most of the argument was a blur now, but he could still hear Nathaniel whispering to him.

  I love you.

  Reese pushed away from the table with such force that the chair went sailing backwards to the floor. He had to get far away before this afternoon. He couldn’t risk running into Nathaniel. Packing enough water and food for overnight, he grabbed his bedroll and headed outside. He called Daisy and Buck to his side, both dogs excited to be going somewhere unexpectedly. He’d go out and check on the flocks, as he’d said he would, and then he’d camp out for the night.

  Gretchen can ask him whatever she wants. If he still thinks he’s in love, he’s a damned fool.

  * * * *

  Nathaniel wanted to scream as he looked in the mirror. Nothing looked right. Absolutely nothing. Every single thing he put on looked either too formal or too casual. And what did it even matter? Gretchen would probably prefer him in simpler clothes, given her straightforward personality, and Reese had seen every inch of him many times over. Neither of them would care—they might not want to see him at all. Gretchen’s note had been concise and polite, giving him no indication of how he’d be received. Or if Reese would be there.

  He looked in the mirror again and sighed. He took the waistcoat off, which left him in brown trousers and a beige silk shirt. He stripped the shirt off and swapped it for a linen one. He then chose a simple navy blue frock coat. After he drew on a pair of boots, he headed for the door. Sebastian waited for him in the courtyard.

  “Ready?” Sebastian asked.

  “No, but I don’t want to be late.”

  Sebastian gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’m still new to all of this, but I believe everything will work out.”

  They walked to the stables, where a groom had their horses ready. As he mounted the black stallion, Nathaniel sighed. “I want to feel that way, but I can’t.”

  “Just be open to whatever they have to say.”

  They rode in silence, the journey far too short to Nathaniel. Once he’d loved the fact that Reese lived so close to the palace. Sebastian dismounted and hitched his horse up by a trough, patting it and then turning to Nathaniel.

  Nathaniel hadn’t moved and didn’t want to. He took a deep breath as he stared back at his brother-in-law. In the bright afternoon sun, Nathaniel could see the man’s determination. “I’m building up to it.”

  Sebastian looked to the house, brushing dust off his trousers. “They know we’re here. I saw the curtain move.”

  Nathaniel slid off his saddle but kept hold of the reins. “I think I might throw up,” he said softly as he leaned his head against his horse’s neck.

  Coming closer, Sebastian touched his shoulder. “I know this is hard. I wish I could do something.”

  Nathaniel straightened up and looked to the house. “So do I. But you’re right. I need to be open. See what they have to say.” He took a steadying breath and said, “I’ll let you know if you’re needed.”

  Sebastian sat on a bench by the gate. “Take your time. It’s a lovely day.”

  Nathaniel looked up at the fluffy clouds, wishing he could stay out there as well. He tied his horse up next to Sebastian’s and made his way up the simple stone path. He hesitated outside the door a few moments before knocking.

  Gretchen opened the door within seconds. “Come in, Your Highness.”

  He nodded and did so. “Please call me Nathaniel. Given the circumstances.”

  “All right,” she said as she started to shut the door. But then she stopped and looked to the gate. “Is that Sebastian? Doesn’t he want to come in?”

  “He’s trying to give us privacy, actually.”

  She closed the door gently. “Ah. So he knows?”

  Nathaniel nodded. “Yes.”

  She gestured to what he knew was a sitting room. “I made tea, if you want to sit in there. I’ll only be a minute.”

  “Thank you.”

  As he went into the room, which hadn’t changed much, he wondered if she felt sorry for him. He had no way of knowing what Reese had told her, but he’d never forget the look of shock and concern on her face the day he last visited this house. She’d tried to catch him as
he rushed out into the night, but he had refused to stop, practically running once he was through the gate.

  When she returned with the tea tray and handed him a steaming cup, he had his answer in the look on her face. She knew enough to pity him. “How have you been?” she asked, her tone inviting a real answer and not simply small talk. Yet what could he say?

  “Busy, recently, of course. The trial will be soon.”

  “I know you and your brothers must be exhausted. But His Majesty looked so happy at the wedding and coronation. He and his cariad must be well suited. I’m glad. I was horrified when I heard what Grayden had done to Sebastian.”

  “They are happy. And they certainly are well suited. I’m coming to love Sebastian, even though I’ve only known him a few weeks.”

  “That’s wonderful. I know what happened must’ve been so hard for both of them.”

  “Yes. How Alexander got through it, I still don’t know.” He looked down at his tea but couldn’t drink it. He placed it on the tray and then met her gaze. “Gretchen, I don’t know what to say except this. I have feelings for your brother. I … I’m in love with him, even now. I know he doesn’t love me, and that’s fine. I won’t try to win him back. But, as much as I like you, I can’t pursue this. I’d be faithful, of course, but it’s not fair to you. My presence would annoy him and might cause tension between you two.”

  “And pain for you.” She set her own cup aside as well. “May I be honest?”

  “Yes, please.”