The Gates of Winter by Mark Anthony Page B

found something the moment you stopped looking for it? A tall figure was just turning away from the door to Travis's room.
    “Beltan,” he called out softly.
    The big knight looked up, and he smiled. As always, the expression transformed his plain face, making him as handsome as his uncle. However, while King Boreas was dark, Beltan's thinning hair was so blond it was almost white, and the scruffy beard on his chin and cheeks was gold. A light shone in his green eyes, but it flickered as his smile vanished.
    “I came to be sure you were safe tonight,” Beltan said. “Now that I've seen you're well, I'll go. Be sure to lock your chamber door behind you.”
    He started to move away, but Travis caught his arm. He felt Beltan's muscles tense, but he didn't let go. Instead, he pulled the knight closer to him, surprised at his own strength.
    “Have I done something wrong?” Travis said.
    “There is no ill you are capable of doing.”
    Travis felt a pang in his chest. If only that were true. “If that's so, why have you been avoiding me?” He smiled, a bitter expression. “Not that I can really blame you. After all, I am the one who's supposed to destroy the world.”
    Beltan did not relax, but nor did he pull away. “I don't care what the prophecies say, Travis. You've saved the world, not harmed it. It's just . . .”
    “It's Vani.”
    Beltan looked away.
    Travis drew in a deep breath. Hadn't he known this was going to happen sooner or later? It was as inevitable as the coming of the Pale King. “You want me to choose, don't you? You want me to choose between you and Vani.”
    “No,” Beltan said, still looking away. “I don't.”
    “Why?” Travis said, more confused than ever.
    The knight looked at him, his eyes stricken. “Because I'm afraid you'll choose her.”
    Travis pressed his hand against Beltan's chest, feeling the rhythm of the knight's heart. “I won't lie to you, Beltan. I do love her. And not just because she saved my life, and Grace's. And yours. And not because she's strong or beautiful, though she is.” He shook his head. “I'm not really sure why I love her. Except that maybe it's because she needs love so much, and she doesn't even see it. But I can.”
    Beltan nodded. “I'll leave you then.”
    “No, you won't.” Travis moved closer, preventing the knight from pulling away. “I love Vani, but I loved you first, Beltan—I loved you when I didn't even know that was something I was capable of, and I won't let you go. If I had to choose, then I'd choose you.”
    “You might not, Travis. You might not choose me if you knew.”
    “If I knew what?”
    The knight only shook his head. Travis could feel Beltan trembling. It seemed strange and amazing that one so brave, so strong, could need comfort. All the same, Travis circled his arms around the knight and pulled him close. Beltan resisted, but only for a moment. Then he let his head rest against Travis's shoulder. A sigh escaped him.
    Travis was suddenly, keenly aware of the clean smell that rose from Beltan, of the warmth and hardness of his body. Never in his life had he needed someone as he needed Beltan at that moment. Maybe, until then, he had never been ready. Before he even thought about it, they kissed, pressing close together.
    Beltan pulled away. Travis stared, too stunned for words.
    “I'm sorry, Travis.” Beltan's face was anguished. “I promised Vani I'd help her keep watch over the castle. I've got to go find her. I'm sorry.”
    Before Travis could speak, Beltan turned and hurried down the corridor, disappearing around a corner.
    Sweat evaporated from Travis's skin, leaving him feeling clammy and sick. Was he really so horrible that Beltan would rather help Vani than stay with him? Only that couldn't be right. Beltan had said he was afraid Travis would choose Vani. And Travis had felt Beltan's passion when they kissed; there was no mistaking that.
    You might not choose me if you knew. . . .
    What had Beltan meant by those