Lyrion's Gift [Elven Conceptions 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove) by Jade Astor

document did indeed speak of a glowing mark as a sign that the Bearer had conceived a son. According to the lore, six full moons would pass before the infant kicked his way through the fleshy pouch that would form on the Bearer’s front. The mark, it was written, would grow throughout the waiting period to signal the growth of the small body within.
    The assembled ministers murmured and gasped at these revelations. Only Lord Qath dared to stand and address the question Talek knew they had all formed in their minds.
    “Have you a specific reason for asking such questions, prince? Have you seen such a mark on the captive?”
    “He is our guest, not a captive, and everyone who was in this room when he arrived saw the mark.” Talek barely caught his temper before he blurted out too much. Reining himself in, he sank back into his tall-backed chair and drummed his fingers on the carved wooden armrests. “However, you may set your mind at ease. My interest is purely academic.”
    “I still think you should prepare yourself for disappointment, my prince,” Qath said with a slight bow. “We must remember that the scrolls tell stories in ways that may not reflect literal truth. We cannot be certain what the original writers intended.”
    “I shall keep that in mind,” Talek said.
    Later that day, after he had quickly taken care of the council’s business, he returned to his private chambers in search of Lyrion. Talek found it surprising how little he cared about taxes, legal disputes, and the improvement of fields and dwellings in his kingdom since Lyrion had arrived. Even now, as he walked through the stone corridors, he began wondering what Lyrion was doing at that very moment, and how he had occupied himself while Talek met with his ministers. He spared a thought for Kevris, too, who had stayed away since the incident in the bedchamber the previous night. Talek regretted causing his first lover so much pain, but for now, he saw no way to avoid it.
    He entered his chamber to find an appetizing sight before him. Lyrion lay on the bed, obviously fresh from a bath, his dressing gown lying open so that his skin could finish drying in the air. He was fingering his Bearer’s Mark, which had grown larger and a shade redder than it had been the night before. Or was that Talek’s hopeful imagination?
    Lyrion was so absorbed in his thoughts that he did not notice Talek slip into the room. He looked up, startled, when the prince dropped onto the bed beside him. His face immediately relaxed into a genuine smile. Talek breathed in the sweet scent of the bath oils that clung to his skin.
    “Are you experiencing any discomfort?” he asked, laying his hand over the one Lyrion rested on the mark.
    “No, though I am a bit nervous. Bringing a new life into the world is somewhat overwhelming.”
    “That it is. Even I never imagined quite how it would feel. But ’tis exciting, too, is it not?”
    “Yes.” Lyrion’s cheeks flushed. “My Fa used to say that being a father was the most difficult, but also the most rewarding, labor in the world. He would probably tell me I am not ready for so daunting a task. Yet I feel prepared to accept the challenge, even if I make mistakes.”
    “You will be an excellent father,” Talek said, resting his chin atop Lyrion’s head. “I hope I can follow your example and do likewise.” He lapsed into a troubled silence. “On the subject of fathers—I have a request to make of you. You are free to refuse, but you would aid me greatly by agreeing.”
    “A request? Of me?” Lyrion blinked in surprise. “I fail to see how I could assist you, prince.”
    “It concerns my own father. As I mentioned, he is…well, not all he once was. I must make my daily visit to him soon, and I wondered if you might accompany me. He will, after all, be our son’s grandfather.”
    Lyrion’s eyes widened. Talek gazed into them, captivated by the twin pools of liquid green he longed to bask in. In fact, he would