They would keep the peace. Together, they would keep the peace. They would rule Saint West and heal the wounds torn into it.

Into each other.

Rachel was calm throughout the ceremonies, though more than once he had to reach to squeeze his brother's hand. Nemeris never hesitated, though, not even as the day turned to evening and they were ushered off to what had been their father's suite.

Two half-brother kings of Saint West, standing before a grand bed and the expectations of their people.

And two desperate men not long after, wanting, needing, taking and giving.

For peace.