Pegasus Boyfriend: Marlivaur #1 (special preview)

“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 ready.”

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 both have 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 you 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 confides. “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.