Pegasus Boyfriend: Marlivaur #1 (complete)

For the next few weeks, I am traveling with Queen Giovannia and King Romulus to witness the birth of their new grandchild. Clotaire has continued to stay in his home with his wife, where they will be giving birth to their first child. In order to keep things simple, I have gone alone to guard them, so that there are not too many knights around.

It has been a long time since I’ve been in this realm, not since Prince Clotaire was kidnapped and I lead the search for him. It is a strange feeling; being in a place you once associated with chaos and fear but is now calm and beauty.

Clotaire and his wife own a farm together where they rescue and rehabilitate centaurs who have been mistreated, people much like Clotaire. It is a sprawling estate and I am impressed by how beautiful everything is. In the morning when the air is crisp and the light radiates purple and pink, I love to go out through the fields for a run. I get coated in the dew so that by the time I come back for breakfast, I am chilled to the bone and I feel so very alive.

Back when I was searching for Clotaire, I didn’t get to enjoy this realm much. I was far too panicked and healing from an injury that I refused to acknowledge. Now, with a sense of peace around us, I find myself thinking a life here wouldn’t be so bad. I still am a young man, I wouldn’t retire from the guard for years, and yet I keep thinking how nice it would be to leave that life behind. I could settle here, help Clotaire like I wasn’t able to back then. Perhaps I owed him for not saving him before. A one-armed pegasus like me belongs in a place like this.

There is also something else that’s here that has caught my eye, someone really. He’s  a centaur who works on the ranch, he teaches classes as well as running therapy sessions. Brieanna, Clotaire’s wife, had hired him to run things while she was on bed rest, but he had worked here long before that. I noticed him when we first arrived, he is all black and white with hints of pink that looked sweet. He was so handsome and he moved so gracefully, yet I found myself afraid to talk to him.

His name is Shae, and the longer I stayed on the ranch, The more I see him the more I like him. He is popular, of course, always helping and willing to offer his hand to anybody. His bright smile is what continues to draw me in, along with his eyes which are a heavenly green. He often wears a blanket or wrap around his back; either to protect from the straps of bags he wears, or because he said he was cold.

We’ve talked a few times, although, I admit I’ve been standoffish. I have had many romances before, but Shae feels different to me. He seems almost too powerful with his charm and brilliance. He seems to understand this too, as when we talk, he’s all smiles, stands close, and likes to touch. I’m afraid that I’m out of my element.

Coming back from my morning run, I see Shae standing on the porch with two mugs in his hands. I approach cautiously and he meets me in the grass, extending one of the mugs to me.

“I saw you prefer tea,” he says. The pink of his lips and nose is so cute, while the pink of his fingertips seem almost sensual. 

“Thank you.” I take the mug and our fingers touch.

“I’ve noticed you always run in the morning. I don’t have the energy for that,” Shae admits. “I am far from a morning person.”

“Could have fooled me,” I reply. “You seem chipper enough for it right now.”

Shae smirks and nods. “Yeah well, I couldn’t sleep last night,” he sighs. “Rough nights, you know?”

I look up from my mug. “How so?”

Shae lets out a breath and his shoulders sag. “It’s a long story, Marlivaur,” he says. “And not one I tend to share too readily.”

“Oh,” I whisper. “I understand.”

Shae touches the stub of my arm and I flinch. “You lost it trying to save Clotaire, correct?”

“Yes.” I step aside so his fingers can’t linger. “It was a long time ago.” I set my mug aside on the railing. 

Shae then touches my hand, slipping his fingers under my palm. “Too bad, you have really spectacular hands.” He then chuckles as his palm touches mine. “Or well, hand, sorry.”

I frown a bit, not used to so much touching for someone. Let alone someone I want to touch so much. “You think so?”

Shae places his cup aside and he uses both hands to touch my arm and wrist. His fingers knead and massage me. My fingers twitch slightly as he works out a pain I didn’t realize was there.

“Good arms too.” Shae’s palms slide up to my bicep and shoulder. “I suppose that comes from being such a devoted knight, isn’t it?” He gives me a smile that seems dangerous and sweet all at the same time. “So strong and built.”

“Are you always this handsy?” I try to smile to dissuade my anxiousness.

Shae smirks at me. “Only when I want to touch something.” He steps a bit closer to me. “If you want me to stop, just say so.”

I turn my head aside and Shae chuckles. “Surely the head of the guard isn’t so shy?”

I sigh and look at him and his damn smile. “If I didn’t know any better, I would say you’re trying to tease me.” 

“Perhaps.” He takes his hands off my arm. “I’ve been trying to talk to you for a long time, yet you seem so standoffish. The way Clotaire spoke about you, I was sure you’d be quite the charmer.”

My cheeks and the tips of my ears burn. “You’re the one here who is charming. You have more talent for it than I do.”

Shae’s smile went cute again. “You think so? Good. Because I am trying my hardest to charm the hooves off of you.”

My tail flicks and I go stiff all over.

“Not every day that someone tall, dark and handsome wanders into your life.” Shae’s smile is brilliant but his eyes have danger in them. His hand pets down my side where my arm is missing. “Let alone one as alluring as you.”

I gasp softly and look aside, only to look back into those green eyes. Something feels strange about Shae, despite his sweet appearance, there seems to be a darkness around him. I put my hand on his waist and his pink tongue licks at his lips.

“Is my charm working?” Shae asks.

I smirk and laugh as I look at him. “It’s working.” I brush the hair from his face to see his eyes clearer. I then notice there is a scar on his temple by his hairline. “I’ve been nervous to talk to you. I’ve wanted to, trust me, I just feel nervous around you.”

“No reason to. I don’t bite unless you ask me to.” Shae chuckles.

I clear my throat. “Yes, well-” I drop my hand. “I don’t think that will come up so soon,” I grumble.

Shae looks quite pleased with the reaction he’s elicited from me. “There’s a reason I’m here this morning,” he says. “I have the day off, and I’d love to spend it with you.”

I frown for a moment and Shae’s smile melts away. “I can’t leave my guard post,” I tell him. “I need to stay here, near the queen and king.”

“I didn’t say we had to leave, did I?” Shae takes hold of my hand. “I just want to spend some time with you is all. Get to know you, maybe steal a kiss or two when the time is right.”

I chuckle and shake my head. “You look so cute and innocent, but I’m starting to think you are nothing of the sort.”

“Don’t let this baby face fool you,” he laughs. “Behind it lies something quite unexpected.”

“Well then.” I crook my brow up and my ears flick. “Is this something I’m going to want to find out?”

Shae’s expression changes ever so slightly. His eyes look distant and his lips pout just a bit. “Not many people do.” His sharp smile returns. “But you’re stronger than most, aren’t you?”

Shae follows me around for the day. I stay close to the royal family, which is mostly near the main house. Brieanna is on bedrest, so Giovannia has stayed with her to keep her company. Romulus and Clotaire have both been working on the ranch while also preparing a small play area for the new baby.

At one point in the day, as the family takes a rest, Shae and I go under the shade of a willow tree by the pond. The long tendrils of the willow cover us like a curtain, and gentle light filters in around us. Shae sits down in the cool grass and picks at clover blossoms, collecting them and fashioning them together into a chain.

“You take your job very seriously,” Shae suddenly says. 

“I have to be,” I sit down in the grass beside him. “My job is a very serious matter.”

Shae looks up at me. “I think it’s attractive.”

I scoff and shake my head. “How so? It is simply my duty, and I perform it to the best of my ability.”

“Exactly,” Shae continues to weave clovers and their blossoms together. “I used to love hearing fairy tales about knights who protected and adored the royals in their care.” He stops his fingers for a moment and his gaze goes distant. “Fighting off dangers, vowing their lives, stalwart and daring to the very end.” His eyes cast up towards the pond. “That loyalty and love,” his voice is quiet and strange. “I’ve admired that in people.” He then connects the two ends of his creation into a loop and sets it upon my head. 

“What is this?” I touch the flower crown on my head.

“I knew it would suit you.” Shae’s innocent smirk returns. 

I lick my lips and lower my hand. “Does it?”

“I love seeing a touch of feminine on a very masculine man.” Shae’s palm pets up my chest. “Makes him look all the stronger to me.”

I capture his hand on my chest. “Careful, Shae,” I whisper warningly. 

Shae inches close to me and sits right beside me. He lays his head on my shoulder and closes his eyes. “I feel so safe with you.” He wraps his arms around mine. “I like this feeling.” 

I glance down at him, wondering just what is hidden behind that smile. “What do you need protecting from?”

Shae turns his head and his hair hides his expression, although it seems bitter. He remains silent and his fingers lace with mine. “Just stay like this for a little while longer,” he pleads. “Please.”

“That’s fine,” I whisper back.

That evening, as I make my way back towards my cabin, Shae follows along beside me. We’ve just had dinner and I am feeling sluggish and sleepy from all the good food. I am ready to lay down and let myself drift into a deep slumber.

“Thank you for letting me tag along all day,” Shae says as we come to the front door.

“I hate that you wasted your day off doing that.” A clover falls from my head. I had forgotten I was still wearing his flower crown.

Shae reaches up, taking the clover from my hair. “I enjoyed it, so don’t worry about that. Spending time with you is all I’ve wanted.”

I look aside as my cheeks burn. “Yes, well. All you need to do in the future is just ask. I won’t be so nervous from now on.”

Shae brushes his fingers along my cheek. “I’m glad to hear that.” He tucks the clover back into place. 

“You must be tired,” I then say. “After having not slept last night.”

“Mm,” he sighs dismissively. 

I take hold of his hand. “Shae,” his eyes meet mine, “are you tired?”

Shae squeezes my hand extra tight. “I don’t want to go to sleep,” he murmurs. “Not when-” he shuts his mouth tight. He then lets go of my hand and takes a step back. “Never mind me,” he chuckles. “I just-”

I place my hand on his cheek. “What’s wrong?”

His hands slip around my wrist. “I feel safe with you and when I’m alone, I-” he hesitates and takes a few deep breaths. “I just don’t!”

I rub my thumb against his cheek, squishing it a bit. I chuckle and press a kiss to his forehead. “I don’t mean to sound forward, but if you want, you can stay with me tonight. Nothing salacious, just a good night of sleep.”

Shae’s smile returns and my heart flutters. “I tend to be a bed hog.”

“So do I.” I open the door and lead him inside.

That night, Shae and I sleep side by side. Shae lays down flat on his side, his body long and exposed. I sleep sitting up, always have. In the night, I wake when I feel something moving. Looking down, I see Shae kicking and trembling in his sleep. His expression is panicked and his hind legs kick as if running.

“No, please,” he moans in his sleep.

I wake up a bit more and watch him.

“Let me go, please-” his hands tremble as he stretches out. “I don’t want to. No. No. No.” He thrashes and sits up screaming. “No!”

I stand still and watch him as he breathes heavy. He turns and looks at me, panic and tears in his eyes. “Oh no,” he touches his face. “I’m so sorry. Did I...Did I wake you?”

I put my arm around him and hug him close to me. He lays his cheek on my chest and sighs with relief. “You didn’t wake me.” I rub my arm up and down his back. “It’s ok. It was just a nightmare.”

“Just-” he whimpers. He wraps his arms around me and hides his face. We soon fall asleep like that. He relaxes in my arms and doesn’t wake again until morning. I stay put, even as I wake early and wait for him to rise so I don’t disturb him.

“What time is it?” He rubs his eyes.

“Still early,” I tell him. “Are you ok?”

Shae’s smile is sleepy and adorable. “Yes. I’m fine.” He yawns and stretches. “Why do you ask?” 

I eye him curiously, but I do not want to press the matter if he doesn’t want to talk about it. I give him a smile back and watch as his expression goes soft. 

“Good morning.” I kiss his cheek and Shae leans in to it. “You’re very cute in the morning.” I rub my hand against the nape of his neck.

“Mm, careful,” he moans. “That’s my turn on combo.”

I look at him and he grins at me.

“Compliments and neck touches.” He rubs his hands up my stomach and to my chest. “You keep doing that and I’ll have you for breakfast.”

I kiss his cheek again. “So you’re horny in the morning?”

Shae laughs. “A little. Depends on who I wake up next to.” he turns his head, placing a soft, warm kiss to my lips. He slips his hands around my face, holding me so I can’t escape his powerful influence. 

I rub my fingers along his neck and his kiss grows deeper before he pulls away. Shae giggles as he looks at me. “Thank you,” he coos.

“For what?” I trail my fingertips down his spine.

Shae kisses me again, remaining silent. After that, we both get up and make our way to the dining hall for breakfast. I forget for a moment Shae’s nightmares that woke him. Instead, I am lingering on his kiss and his touch. My mind is vapid with only thoughts of him.

As I am about to eat, Romulus comes into the barn. I stand up as he races towards me. “It’s time!” He says.

My eyes go wide. “The baby? They’re coming now?”

Romulus tugs at my hand. “Come now.”

Shae watches me and gasps. “I’m coming too.” He races ahead of us, going into the house where I can hear Brieanna screaming. I guard the door and watch as Giovannia and Shae tend to the birth. Shae barks out orders and commands the room just as well as Giovannia does. He helps Brieanna and soon, or well, hours later, the new princess is in the world.

Clotaire takes her to the window, showing her off to the sky that starts to color her new coat a soft coral pink and blue. Her hair is pure white and her hooves are golden. Brieanna then holds her, crying as she squeezes the new baby tight.

Shae helps clean up and receives a gracious hug from Giovannia. “You did wonders! How did you do that?”

“I’ve seen many births,” he says cryptically. “I’ve been able to help with dozens.” He looks at Giovannia like she’s a goddess. “You weren’t so bad yourself, your majesty.”

“I helped all my sisters. But this was my first human birth, I was quite worried.” Giovannia squeezes his hand tight. “Thank you again. You are a blessing to us.”

Shae’s cheeks redden and the pink of his lips and nose seems darker. “I am just glad I could help. I promised Brieanna I would.”

Shae and I leave so the family can be alone and get some rest. We go back under the willow tree and Shae lays against me. He wraps his arm around mine and kisses my shoulder before he rests his cheek there.

“You have many hidden talents, don’t you?” I ask.

Shae sighs. “I do.”

I kiss the top of his head. “You seem so bright and open, yet you’re closed and a mystery to me.”

“I know,” Shae sits up and looks at me. “Touch my neck,” he murmurs the command. “And call me cute again.”

I run my fingers up his spine to the back of his neck. His eyes close as he waits for the words to come from my mouth.

I place my lips against his ear. “The way you worked in there, it impressed me. The same way you feel about knights, I feel about doctors and healers.”

Shae gasps softly and places his hands on my side. 

I drag my lips along his cheek. “I would love for you to take care of me if I were ever hurt.”

Shae whimpers and tugs me down, kissing me hungrily. His tongue slips between my lips and I can taste him. I put my arm around his back, pulling him closer to me as the kiss goes on. As we part to catch a breath, saliva bridges between us.

“Don’t stop,” Shae whines.

I press my finger to his lips. “Shh,” I whisper. “It’s ok.”

Shae moans softly and kisses my fingertip. “I want more.”

I brush his hair from his face. “Why so desperate?”

“Am I-” His laugh is sad. “Am I being greedy?” He looks up at me. “Forgive me, sometimes I want things so badly.”

I kiss his forehead. “No need to rush things.”

“But the baby is born,” he whimpers. “You’ll leave soon if I don’t-” his voice chokes off and he buries his face against my chest again.

I run my fingers through his hair. “If you don’t what?”

Shae grumbles under his breath before looking up at me. He sits erect and there is a pouty scowl on his face. “Once the king and queen go back, so will you.” He looks away from me. “If I make you love me, then maybe you’ll stay.”

I press my forehead to Shae’s. “Is there something wrong?” I ask him.

“Behind the mask,” he whispers. “What I’m hiding-” he wraps his arms around me. “There is a possessive need inside me.”

“Shae,” I whisper warningly. 

“I’m afraid of that need inside me. It comes from something so painful.” He frowns and scrunches his eyes shut tight. 

“Something to do with your nightmares?” I keep my voice gentle to soothe him.

“Will you ever visit me?” He whimpers. “When you go back, will you ever be able to leave?”

I kiss his cheek and cup my hand around the back of his head. “Of course,” I coax him. “There’s more than one of me back home. I’ll be able to spend more time with you down here. As long as my fellow knights are willing to help me.”

Shae blinks tears from his eyes. “I don’t want you to remember me as some needy child,” he sniffles. “I swear, I’m not that.”

I chuckle. “I don’t know what you’re hiding, but I know it’s something I have to earn your trust for.” I wipe the tears from his cheeks. “I’m willing to be patient and earn that.”

“You aren’t angry?” Shae sniffles.

“Not at all. I know what deep, invisible scars can do to a person.” I brush his hair from his face. “I can’t get angry at that.”

Shae hugs me again and kisses my neck. “So you’ll come visit me?”

“As much as possible. I promise.”

Shae clings to me before letting me go. “Ok then,” he nods. “If not, I’ll make Clotaire come chase you down.”

I smile. “I’m sure you would.”

Shae leans against me again. “I’m tired,” he whispers.

I kiss his hair. “Then let’s rest here. You can sleep if you want.”

Shae drifts away, but his hands remain clutched to mine. It’s a few weeks before Giovannia and Romulus decide to return home, so I at least get all that time with Shae. Between his own work and my guard duties, we’re able to steal some moments for ourselves.

We decide it’s best to wait to become intimate until Shae can tell me about his nightmares. As much as we want to cement ourselves together before we leave, we agree the best thing to do is wait.