I know guys, another story. But I promise you, all my unfinished ones are being worked on as we speak, this one however, came to me tonight and I have the majority of the plot mapped out. It will only be a few chapters long but I hope you enjoy it.
Dean looked out the window of his carriage to the green hills he was passing. He had begun to grow tired of the endless lands they were crossing, and a two days ride meant he was stuck in a small, confined space with his father. For most of the trip, he listened to his father's proposals, keeping quiet unless he was expected to speak. This royalty business wasn't for him. He was a soldier. He was meant to protect his kingdom from enemies, like he had been doing for the last few years, not accompany the king on a mission for peace.
The treaty meeting was to be held in Angel Wood, a kingdom that had been overtaken 5 years ago by a cruel and ruthless ruler, Azazel, who wiped out most of the royal family and took the throne for himself. Most of the region knew him as the "yellow eyed demon."
Dean's family ruled over a large and vast kingdom called "Kansas", where they were met with mostly peace, until a nearby kingdom got greedy, where their plans would collapse as they were met with the slaughter of every one of their soldiers. King John ran his kingdom justly and any who threatened it were quickly disposed of.
But the threat lying in Angel Wood was something John Winchester could no longer ignore and, packing up everything he needed for his trip, headed out with his eldest son in hopes of nipping it in the bud, before Azazel set his eyes on Kansas.
Dean sighed as the carriage hit yet another rock. He had begun to grow restless as the trip seemed to drag on. He could tell that even his father was becoming uncomfortable. It was then, however, that they were alerted to the sighting of Angel Wood not too far ahead.
"Nearly there, son." John said, happy to be nearing the end of the trip as well. Dean knew he was dreaming big, but he hoped the treaty process would not take long, so he could get back to his kingdom, and his little brother Sammy, who the King deemed was too young for the trip. Dean had scoffed at this; Sammy was 14, the same age Dean was when he went into his first battle. Sammy barely even knew how to handle a sword, something John had made sure Dean practiced since he was old enough to pick one up without hurting himself.
He did, however find himself glad that Sammy was back at home. What if the treaty went downhill? Sammy would be in danger. He was safer at home, tucked away inside of his castle until Dean could make his way back to him.
The carriage finally pulled up to the gates of Angel Wood, and they were allowed entrance. A few minutes later they were parked and exiting the carriage. Dean looked up at the grand castle. Pristine and white as it had always been, hiding the evil that resided inside the walls. Dean had had a bad feeling about the trip ever since it was discussed over the dinner table with his father. He didn't trust Azazel, nor did John, but the king felt this was in the best interest of his kingdom, a way to make everyone there safer.
The soldiers that bowed lightly and escorted them into the entrance were covered head to toe in heavy armor, armed for battle at all times. Dean wondered if they even took it off to sleep. Or if they slept at all. He had made eye contact with one of the soldiers and swore the knight could see into his soul.
As they walked thru the halls of the palace, their guards following in tow, Dean glanced around at the surroundings. The place seemed darker than it had before when Dean visited as a child once. It had felt lively and comfortable, peaceful. Dean didn't think he would had the same experience this time.
He caught a movement in the corner of his eye and turned to see what it was. Standing at the top of the stairs, was a young man, probably around Deans age, leaning on the top of the rail, his hand holding his chin as he watched the King and Dean walk. Dean took a moment to absorb the scene.
The man was dressed in white silk, a small blue crown placed atop his head. The young mans' blue eyes met Deans green ones and they stared at each other for longer than Dean had ever done to anyone before. He felt his breath hitch when the man, either absent mindedly or on purpose, ran his pinky finger lightly over his bottom lip. He wanted to know who this enticing man was.
Before he could wonder any longer, he was brought out of his thoughts by a deep voice.
"Welcome, King Winchester, to Angel Wood. I hope your journey was enjoyable." King Azazel held out his hand to the King. The king eyed it worryingly before extended his own and they shook.
"It was a long journey, but I hope to make it worth it while we are here."
"Yes, of course. My guards will show you to your rooms and you can make yourself comfortable. Dinner should be served within the hour." King Azazel bowed slightly and turned, heading off in a different direction, while the guards motioned them to the stairway. Dean looked back up to where the young man had been, but was disappointed to find him gone.
As they came to the top of the stairs and thru another large hall, the guards assisted them with their luggage as they entered a large room meant for the King. Dean took his leave of his father to check out his own sleeping area.
The room wasn't as grand, but it would do nicely for Dean, who wasn't into extravagance anyway. He undressed and lie on the bed naked, actually enjoying the quiet for once in the past two days. No father, no horses, no constant movement. He lie there, staring at the ceiling and found himself thinking of the strange young man he saw before.
It had been too long since Dean had had a chance to make his way to a pub and find a participant for late night activities. Not that there was a shortage on willing people, Dean had just been busy helping serve the kingdom and his father, to help himself.
Time passed by rather quickly and soon there was a knock on the door. The soldier on the other side alerted him that dinner would begin shortly. Dean sighed and climbed out of the soft bed, opening his bag to find a suitable outfit. He hated adorning his royal clothes, they felt too stuffy for Dean's taste. He preferred his armor, something that made him feel powerful, not uptight and rich.
He couldn't imagine that one day he would be king and have to wear the robes all the time. And a crown? He got away without wearing one most of the time; didn't fit into his helmet.
After he had dressed himself, he made his way thru the corridors, finding his father waiting for him at the stairs. They made their way to the banquet hall, where other kingdoms had come to join in on the peace treaty. There were many tables lined up for the soldiers, and one large royal table for the kings and their sons.
Dean knew that most of these kingdoms would get the raw end of the deal, forced to share most of their kingdom with Azazel. Dean looked over at the feared king, who wore black robes lined in red, and a large golden crown atop his head. He was an older man, about his father's age, but feared by many for his cruel and bloodthirsty ways. He was known as ruthless. It is said that when he came to overpower Angel Wood, the town was massacred overnight, and Azazel took the crown from the kings' corpse, kicked him out of the throne chair, and sat down, laughing manically. Dean could easily see the king for what he truly was; a demon in disguise. But it was not his place to speak on behalf of his kingdom. It was Johns.
Dean took a seat at the royal table next to his father, in the middle of the table. Azazel welcomed them and servants brought out many dishes piled high with meat and other food. Dean heard his stomach growl and stopped himself from serving a large portion of the roasted pig in front of him.
The royals around him spoke to one another, attempting to lighten the mood of the room, filling it with laughter and small talk. Dean sat quietly and ate as princely as he could, looking around at the other guests. He noticed an empty seat next to Azazel.
"Dean Winchester, I've heard a lot about you. Quite a warrior you are growing up to be, eh?" One of the royals near Azazel spoke. He grunted in response.
"Just doing the duty I was assigned, sir." He replied, biting into the meat on his plate. Azazel, who hadn't yet spoken, save to welcome them, turned his attention to Dean, who had glanced at the open space near the King.
"Ah, yes, where is my dear Castiel." He questioned, turning to the guard at his side.
"He was still getting ready, your highness. He will be down momentarily.
The King scoffed. "That boy. If I didn't love having him around so much I would have him beheaded for his constant tardiness. Ah, there you are!" Azazel stood and extended an open hand and Dean leaned over to see who he was greeting. His mouth dropped open, a bit of meat falling onto the plate as he did.
"My, my, Castiel, you really shouldn't keep our guests waiting like this." Azazel grinned wickedly as a hand was placed into his open one. Dean saw the young man from the top of the stairs, face plastered with a false smile. Azazel brought him to his chair and Castiel sat, fingers laced together in his lap. His king sat down once again, his evil smile available for all to see, except for Dean, who was too busy admiring the strange man, whose name rolled off his tongue elegantly.
Castiel.
Dean watched as Castiel closed his eyes and said a prayer before lifting a fork and pushing the food around on his plate. He never once took a bite, just continued to move the small portion from one side to the other. Dean's eyes lowered to his clothing, which had been switched from white to blue silk with golden trim. The crown was still placed above his head. Azazel caught the movement.
"So, Dean, I am so glad to finally meet you. Your reputation is quite unusual for a boy your age."
"With all due respect, your highness, I am a man, and I do my civic duty to my kingdom. Sir." He said distastefully. John elbowed him in his side.
"I apologize for my sons' sharp tongue. He is not used to these long journeys."
"It's quite alright. I remember when I was that young. Quite a trouble maker, I was. Never quite grew out of it." He laughed loud and boisterously. Dean watched as Castiels face narrowed and he looked down at his lap.
"King Azazel, when will the proposals begin?" John questioned.
"Tomorrow morning they will commence. I should think we can all find some closure in our agreements over the next few days."
Dean couldn't help but snort into his drink. For the first time since their arrival, Castiel looked at Dean. Dean could see the ocean in Castiels large, blue eyes and his heart began beating faster as Castiel let on a very small, but very real, smile.
Azazels brow furrows at the exchange.
"Speaking of proposals," he stands and turns towards Castiel, who closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I have wondrous news. My little Castiel here, who's been under my care since I…became ruler of Angel Wood, has finally come of age. As soon as the treaties are signed, we shall celebrate with our wedding."
Dean pursed his lips.
"You are engaged, Azazel? Wonderful!" Another royal said, and the room filled with clapping. Dean stared down the King as he gave his short applause. Castiel opened his eyes and looked up at Azazel, who stared down at him like a wolf watching a sheep.
Dean could see Castiels unhappiness. It was obvious for anyone to see it, but everyone ignored it in fear of Azazel, who had most everyone in his pocket. Dean glanced around the table at the large number of royals who refused to stand up to this madman. He met Castiels gaze again and his heart sank with the feeling that he would never get to know this man, and that Castiel was promised to Azazel and the half-life that came with the marriage to a monster. Dean inwardly shuddered. Castiel lowered his eyes once again and continue to move the food around.
Dean turned back to his own plate and sighed. He wasn't really hungry anymore.