1.
Custom decrees that any two people caught in the rare glow of the roselight crystal who are free to do so ought to kiss, as this will bring good fortune to them and their folk. It is a custom of the capital region, and Viren, newly arrived from the western uplands, has never heard of it. The High Mage smiles when she mentions it, and the lesson meanders off on a tangent about her beloved late wife's odd relationship with luck and games of chance. Apprentice mage Viren files the bit of folklore away as foolish sentimentality that could, like any knowledge, prove useful in the right circumstances.
He isn't expecting to be quizzed about it the next evening by the heir to the throne. His Highness Crown Prince Harrow, whom Viren has only met once, in a crowd, asks if he knows what kind of crystal is set in the lamp over one door to the New Year's Ball. Eager to prove himself, he identifies the crystal, describes its structure and uses, and mentions the custom he's just learned.
"... but I'm not certain what's meant by 'free to do so.'"
Harrow shrugs.
"Probably old enough, not in holy orders, and not married?"
"That would depend on the type of marriage or other bond. Different human nations have different traditional family structures, and in ancient Xadia..."
They both end up late to where they're going. And in the following weeks Viren finds himself spending many evenings in the library, helping the prince study, telling stories, or talking through his latest research ideas while Harrow listens.
2.
Harrow is seventeen when he travels to Neolandia, excited and a bit overwhelmed with the new and wondrous sights and sounds and smells and tastes. Viren is with him, a close and familiar companion whose presence helps center and ground him, despite the young mage's frenetic attempts to learn every bit of information about every place they visit and everyone they meet.
Their clothes aren't right for the weather, so it's a welcome relief to eat lunch with Prince Ahling in a shaded, poolside garden. Afterward they wander through a cave filled with the prince's prized pets, rare lucky dthak lizards that draw energy from the fireheart crystals embedded in the walls. The lizards occasionally make croaking/chirping sounds that are faintly musical. It's Neolandian tradition, Ahling tells them, that if you hear one sing six notes, you will find true love within the year. He has many other lizard facts he's proud to share, and Viren listens avidly, while Harrow returns to the pool, pulling off his boots and swishing his toes in the water.
It's no surprise that Viren crashes into bed immediately after dinner and starts snoring soon after. Harrow feels worn out too, but too keyed up to sleep. A huge yellow moon rises over the garden, and the lizard sounds start up again. Some climb out of the cave while the moon is brightest, and he starts counting the notes. He tries to wake Viren, but his companion slumbers on, face aglow with moonbeams, soft and calm and beautiful.
Harrow thinks if he hears the six notes there's no need to wait a year, or a minute; his true love is here. He laughs at his own romantic nonsense. His mother would dismiss it, since that's not how royals ought to think. Viren might dismiss it, too, depending on his mood, but it doesn't matter. Loving Viren is just a part of him, warm and steady in his heart for years now. He brushes Viren's hair back from his forehead, and gently kisses his cheek, before climbing into bed, sleepy at last.
As he's drifting off he hears a dthak lizard singing, six notes in a row.
3.
At Princess Annika's wedding, Viren dances for hours, polishing familiar steps and learning new ones.
Shortly before sunset, the families offer a song and a prayer, and the brides toss their garlands of flowers into the crowd.
If the garlands are caught by lovers, it's an extra blessing for the marriage. So when Viren catches one, and sees Harrow catch the other, he isn't surprised by the kiss, and he plays along.
"It's gracious of you to make a good show for tradition and luck."
Harrow shakes his head with a nervous smile.
"They aimed for us. Because they know how I feel about you."
"How do you feel about me?"
"Please, let me show you..."
He reaches for Viren, and Viren nods and leans in. This kiss, like the other one, is joyful and sweet, but it's also tender, and passionate, filled with pent-up longing and a hint of future dreams.
Then Harrow asks, "How do you feel about me?"
Viren tells him, "I'd do anything for you!"
Harrow smiles. "I know. But I'm your prince, and that's your duty, so-"
Viren stops him.
"I'll always serve the crown, of course, but you... It's not your crown or your title that makes me want to follow you anywhere..."
Harrow pulls him close.
"...face any challenge, risk any danger..."
He trails off as Harrow claims his lips decisively. Annika flashes a satisfied smirk in their direction as the brides make their way to their private chamber.
There's more dancing, and this time prince and mage move together, close and slow in the torchlight, murmuring truths and promises, in between kisses, long into the night.
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