My Fair Captain (18 page)

J.L. Langley

Aiden stared out over the crowd of military uniforms, his fingers itching to draw. The ball was being held in honor of veterans and most men in attendance were Regelence Naval officers. There were also a few Regelence Marines and three or four IN officers, including Nate.

Aiden hadn’t realized Nate was attending in the capacity of an IN

officer, but before leaving the castle Cony had informed them Father and Nate had gone to the ball early for The Fallen Warriors ceremony. Since then, Aiden had been dying to see Nate in uniform.

All day Aiden’s mind played over the scene this afternoon and Nate’s flirting with him. He didn’t quite know what to make of it, but he was excited nonetheless.

“Lord Aiden, how are you this evening?”

Aiden turned to find the Duke of Keithman’s second son, Christian Morris, standing next to him, all decked out in his black and silver dress uniform. Aiden bowed. “Lieutenant Commander Lord Christian.”

Christian smiled and gripped Aiden’s hand. “I’m sorry to disturb you.” He wasn’t conventionally handsome, but he was attractive in a rugged way—the IN uniform only enhanced that. He brought to mind an avid outdoorsman, with his tanned skin and reddish-brown hair.

“You didn’t. I was only watching the dancers while I wait for the next dance.”

“Were you stood up?” Christian frowned. “I’d love to dance with you.

It’s such a shame you should have to sit out. Whoever your dance

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My Fair Captain

partner is, they must not be very smart giving up the chance to dance with such a fine young man.”

“I’ve no partner for this set, but thank you for the offer. I’m catching my breath, waiting for the next one.” Aiden spotted his friends Rupert and Bannon heading toward himself and Christian. Dipping his head in greeting, he realized Lord Christian was doing the same.

After pleasantries were exchanged, Bannon turned to Aiden. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“No, of course not.” He may not have seen Bannon for a few days, but they
were
friends. Like Aiden and Rupert, Bannon was a fellow artist.

“The gentleman staying at the castle, Lord Deverell? What is his given name?”

Aiden had no right to feel pride, but he did. “Lord Deverell’s name is Nathaniel Hawkins.”

The lieutenant commander smiled. “I met Captain Hawkins during my service with the IN. Surprising to find out he’s an earl. The man is practically a legend. His war record is phenomenal.”

“Oh yes, I’ve been meaning to ask you…” Rupert’s grin should have warned Aiden what was to come. “What happened on Platt Street today?

I’ve heard everything from fisticuffs to a marriage proposal.”

Aiden’s eyes widened. They were saying he and Nate were engaged?

Lord Casey, one of Christian’s acquaintances, stepped up beside the lieutenant and answered before Aiden got the chance. “My brother says he saw you and Lord Deverell walking together this afternoon. He said Deverell called Lord Braxton out for trying to kiss you.”

Good Galaxy, the gossip had made the rounds already. Aiden shook his head. “No, that wasn’t it at all. It was a misunderstanding. Braxton was trying to rescue me thinking I’d lost my chaperone. And then Na—

Lord Deverell rescued me from Braxton.” At least according to Braxton that was the story. Aiden wasn’t convinced. Braxton had seemed…different today, threatening.

“Speaking of rescues. I heard Lord Deverell rescued a Regelence ship that was under attack and in flames,” Bannon stated.

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J.L. Langley

“My father told me he’s a mustang captain, that he was promoted the first time every time. He was one of the youngest men to make captain in IN history,” Lord Casey said.

Christian nodded. “Yes, he got his commission while he was enlisted, worked his way up the ranks.”

“Amazing considering he’s an earl, surely his family could have easily bought him an officer’s commission.” Rupert touched his chest dramatically.

Aiden was fascinated. He’d already surmised that Nate was an honorable, noble man, but he had no clue that Nate had such a well-known reputation here on Regelence. Nate may not be an earl, but his rank and status as an IN captain made him more than acceptable consort material. Keeping quiet, Aiden soaked it all in. A man like Nate would never leave his career as an IN captain for marriage. It made Aiden’s spirits drop a little—which was ridiculous, Aiden didn’t want a consort—but he could not help but admire the man even more.

Bannon grabbed a drink off a passing tray. “Captain Fitzgerald said it was his ship Captain Hawkins saved.”

Leaning close to Aiden’s ear, Rupert whispered, “He’s so handsome.”

Aiden was about to agree when an opening formed directly in front of him, and through a chasm of people, a vision appeared.

Nate.
Aiden’s heart began beating so hard he was certain it could be seen through his waistcoat and evening coat. Like tunnel vision, his entire focus centered on the man walking toward him. Whispers and gasps sounded all around him, but Aiden barely heard.

Nate was covered head to toe in brilliant almost blinding white. The uniform hugged his body as he strode forward. It accentuated his powerful frame, making him seem even bigger somehow. Which was something, because Nate was a very big man. He wore gold cords over his shoulder and under his arm proclaiming him an Admiral’s aide, likely the Admiral in command of Aries Fleet, the fleet in charge of protecting Regelence’s system. That and the colorful ribbon bars on his chest marked him as the highest decorated officer at the ball, out of IN and

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My Fair Captain

Regelence officers. He was the most beautiful and masculine thing Aiden had ever seen.

Aiden would have given almost anything to have had his sketchscreen at that moment. He had to capture Nate like this.
This
was Nate. He was the embodiment of military authority and strength. He took Aiden’s breath away.

When Nate finally stopped in front of him, Aiden just stared. He wanted to touch Nate, yet at the same time he was afraid to. Nate was so…perfect.

Looking up into the chestnut eyes, Aiden caught Nate’s gaze. It was like the entire assembly disappeared and the two of them were alone.

They stood there for several seconds, neither of them saying a word—

they didn’t have to. It was then that Aiden knew exactly what he wanted.

He wanted Nate.

The side of Nate’s mouth turned up, as if he knew, then he offered Aiden his hand.

Aiden got the distinct feeling if he grasped it he was accepting much more than a dance. Which was fine by him. He inhaled deeply and took what he wanted, seizing Nate’s hand.

Arching his right brow, Nate gave Aiden a full-fledged smile. “You promised to waltz with me.”

“I did indeed.”

Aiden’s group of friends began murmuring at once.

Bending over Aiden’s hand, Nate kissed the knuckles. “Forgive me, but after seeing you tonight, I must command all three.”

Aiden’s hand trembled in Nate’s. Surely Nate knew what he’d just done. That was akin to a proposal. No, he probably didn’t. He wasn’t really an earl, he was an IN captain.

Silence surrounded them, followed by whispers.

Nate squeezed his hand, his gaze never faltering.

Aiden wondered briefly what he’d do after Nate left. How would he deal with the rumors? He didn’t care, he let happiness bubble inside him

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J.L. Langley

until he couldn’t hold it back any longer. He laughed and nodded. He’d deal with Nate’s leaving and the rumors of a broken engagement when it happened. “The saying is your wish is my command but tonight your command is my wish, milord. Let’s dance.”

Nate knew he had it bad when he found himself spending the only free moment he’d had at this ball staring at Aiden. He was getting anxious for the last waltz. It was a little Neanderthal of him, but he didn’t care. Having decided Aiden was his, he wanted to make sure everyone else was aware of it. Nate took a swig of his scotch and continued to watch Aiden. He was dancing with one of the Regelence Marines Nate had met earlier. The man seemed a decent sort, but Nate was watching the marine like a…well like a Hawk. Funny, Nate had never considered himself a possessive man.

The song came to an end. The marine escorted Aiden from the dance floor where they parted ways. The marine went to the punch bowl and Aiden toward the hallway outside of the ballroom. There was a bit of a break before the waltz began, so Nate made himself relax. He knew Aiden hadn’t forgotten their dance—the man had been ogling him off and on all evening. It made Nate want to drag him to the nearest dark, secluded corner.

“Enjoying yourself?” Steven strolled up beside him with a drink in hand.

“Yes, actually.”

Steven leaned close. “I think we need to talk.”

Nate nodded. He’d known this was coming. He should have already sought Aiden’s parents out, but the entire situation had besieged him.

Give him a ship of people to command and he was in his element, but throw a pretty little artist in his path, his head was spinning. “I apologize, I should have spoken to you first.”

Steven’s smile was radiant. “I only wanted to make certain we were of a like mind. I assume you will join me in the study tomorrow to discuss a betrothal contract?”

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My Fair Captain

“Name the time.” Nate took another sip of his scotch then set the glass on the tray of a passing waiter.

“Eight a.m.”

“Done. But I can save you the hassle. A dowry isn’t necessary.”

“I like hearing that. But nevertheless, you’ll get one. I want to discuss living arrangements too.”

Damn.
Was Steven going to give him grief about Aiden living with him on his ship? It wasn’t at all unheard of in the IN for captains to bring their families aboard. No way was he going to debate this with Steven in the middle of a ball. He gave a crisp nod.

That seemed to please the king. He was quiet for several seconds then he chuckled. “Three waltzes?”

Nate smiled. “Too much?”

“No. It’s a bold statement, it fits you. Besides, haven’t you heard the whispers? It’s wildly romantic.”

“Guess that explains all the young lords sighing at me.”

“No, the sighing is probably due to the uniform.”

“The uniform is supposed to be intimidating.”

At that moment a couple of young lords walked by, doing nothing to conceal their interested gazes.

Steven laughed and took a drink out of the glass he held.

Nate groaned. He’d gone from being fawned over by a bunch of women on his home planet because he was a duke’s heir, to being sighed over by a bunch of men because he was a war hero. Well, he was being sized up for being an earl too, but these men seemed much more impressed with his military status. They hadn’t been quite so demanding of his time when they thought him merely a titled gentleman.

Steven’s mirth faded, his gaze thoughtful. “How is the investigation going?”

“I’m still trying to figure out how the thieves got away with it. I think if I can figure that out, it will make finding them much easier.”

“Have you questioned Thomas and Christy yet?”

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J.L. Langley

“I haven’t.”

Steven swirled the contents of his glass. “I wish I had more time to help you with this. Sometimes being king really rains meteors. I miss the times when my father and sire handled everything and Raleigh and I could play all day…take the children hunting and things like that.”

His parents must have died recently if the princes were old enough to hunt. Nate knew what it was like to lose loved ones. He’d lost his mother when he was a boy and, in a sense, he’d lost his father and brother when he left Englor. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you. It was several years ago.” After a few minutes, Steven took another sip of his drink and raised an ebony brow. “You will see to it Aiden is allowed to follow his dream?”

“You have my word.”

Raleigh sidled up beside them. “If you hurt him, you
won’t
live to regret it.” It was delivered with such calm assurance that Nate had no doubt the man meant what he said. Whether he could carry it out… Nate didn’t question that he would try.

Steven snorted and elbowed his spouse. “Go away, Raleigh.”

“I will not.” Raleigh turned toward Nate as if to say, “What do you have to say for yourself?”

Nate looked the man right in the eye, just as serious. “He will never want for anything, physically or emotionally, you have my solemn oath.”

Raleigh dipped his head, acknowledging the vow for what it was.

Which was apparently all the man needed because then he smiled and took the drink from Steven’s hand, tossing it back. “Ah, whiskey.” He raised both eyebrows. “Why are you drinking whiskey?”

Steven shrugged.

Raleigh’s dark brows drew together in a frown. “You were in the card room, weren’t you?”

His tawny eyes widening, Steven looked over the crowd and waved like he’d spotted a long-lost friend. “Ah, look there. Isn’t that Viscount Foxglove? I haven’t seen him in ages.” He patted Nate’s shoulder. “Enjoy

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My Fair Captain

your third dance. We’ll talk about a betrothal contract first thing in the morning.” He trotted off toward a portly, balding man, the tails of his black evening coat flapping behind him.

“Coward,” Raleigh called after him before turning to Nate. “He’s terrible at gambling. I don’t think the man has won a hand of cards in his life.” He shook his head, making the dark curls fall into his eyes. “I don’t know where he thinks he’s going, he promised me a dance. And that is not Foxglove, it’s Stratford.”

Nate fought to keep from laughing. He was beginning to see why their children were such a handful.

The beginning notes of the waltz played and Raleigh dismissed himself with a reminder that they’d talk about Aiden tomorrow.

Scanning the ballroom, Nate searched for the prince. It was awfully crowded, and Aiden was shorter than most men in attendance, but Nate didn’t think the man was in the room. He studied the crowd for several more minutes and was about to hunt outside when Bannon walked past on the arm of a tall lord dressed in a green waistcoat and shocking purple evening coat, strolling toward the dance floor. Thankfully, all the Townsends had enough sense to dress in sedate colors that enhanced their good looks.