Dev hadn’t been to Sintra in at least a year. Ever since he had lost Saros, ever since he had thrown himself into his work, he hadn’t had the time to visit regularly.

Sintra was a planet of illusions and dreams, golden skies and purple sands, colorful banners strung between stone buildings. A wedding would be taking place soon if the crowd of fine silks and paint was any indication.

Dev watched the world below from the balcony of his guest suite. He could feel the door open, even when it was silent, could sense the slight vibration of the floor as Sopor swept up behind him in a pile of soft robes. His presence was muted and eyes bleary. He had just woken from one of his famously deep sleeps.

“Where’s the human you came with?” Sopor asks, his voice so deep Dev could feel it in the cage of his chest.

Dev continued staring out, “Bowie wanted a closer look at the festivities. One of your servants is with him.”

Sopor cut him some all knowing look and Dev clenched his fists behind his back so not to swat his friend.

“I thought you were done being… adventurous.”

Dev frowned, “Dating men is not being adventurous."

“I’m talking about the human, your majesty. Men taking men as their lovers is common, I can count on one hand the number of those with a taste for humans.”

Dev pressed his lips together and glanced away. His face felt hot but he couldn’t tell if it was changing colors. “You’re one to talk. Rumor has it you’re having an affair with General Esmeray.”

Sopor scoffed, “My Liege of Darkness, that is by far the weakest argument you have managed. Shall I offer you the chance to try again?”

Dev glared at him this time and Sopor grinned triumphantly.

“What does it matter if he’s human if I love him?” Dev asked, much more seriously than he intended.

Sopor shrugged, “Do you really love him, Dark?”

“It’s real.” Dev said quietly, “I don’t believe in fate, Sopor, but I think it was fate that I met him.”

Sopor watched him for a long moment before turning, his robes dragging behind him like a child’s blanket.

“If this love is as real as the last one, your majesty,” He says, stopping at the door, “Are you sure you want to fall for it again?”