Blaik's Desire — Jade Astor

Elven Bearer Conor and King Lyndor happily await the birth of their heir, but Conor's visiting brother Blaik is nowhere near as content. Blaik, also a Bearer, finds himself smitten with Lord Gothec, a confirmed bachelor who claims he has no need of a mate or an heir. Blaik's desire seems hopeless until he discovers that Gothec's gruff exterior is merely a shield meant to disguise his true feelings. Faced with losing Blaik, Gothec surprises the court, and especially Blaik, by asking King Lyndor to sanction their betrothal. Blaik is delighted when he finally wins Lord Gothec's heart, only to discover that his own father has arranged his betrothal to a foreign king who needs an heir. Diplomacy demands he go through with the match, especially when a deadly plot is uncovered in the palace. Though Blaik and Gothec continue to meet in secret, doing so soon puts both their lives in danger, along with the child Blaik discovers he is carrying.