Author: Itsmecoon Beta: Trumansshell Title: Saving the Prince Team: ABO

Harsh discipline spanking. King/Prince/Servant.

Prince Sam was spoiled rotten. Due to his mother's death when he was an infant, his Aunt Catherine gave him everything he wanted anytime he wanted it. King Jeffrey was too involved in the Kingdom's business to notice how out of control his son had gotten.

It was time for the King's annual ride through the Kingdom and now that Prince Sam was a fourteen, he invited his son to join him. While Sam looked forward to spending the day with his Father, he was angry that his Dad never had time for him. To make matters worse, his Father was going to ride his horse while forcing Sam to ride in the carriage with his Aunt, so the fourteen year old decided to make the trip a little more memorable by sneaking a basket of ripe tomatoes into the carriage with him.

The first few towns they went to, he did nothing but wave at the gathered townspeople. But he quickly grew bored and randomly started throwing tomatoes at the crowd. King Jeffrey didn't know what was happening but the crowds started jeering at the carriage. He turned just in time to see his son, pelting a man with the rotten fruit.

He quickly rode over to the carriage. He strode up next to his son and said,

"Sam, what's the meaning of this?"

Sam was holding his side because it hurt so bad with all his laughing.

"Just a joke Father. Lighten up."

"How dare you do this to my people. You will be punished for this. Driver, take him home. Catherine, I expect swift punishment."

"Yes, your highness." she said bowing.

"Sam, after your punishment, go to your room and don't come out until after I return."

"Yes Father." Sam said sadly.

He was used to isolation from his Dad but now he would be alone for the next few days. He knew his Dad wouldn't return quickly. He sat back and pouted. He knew he shouldn't have done it but at least his Father paid a little bit of attention to him. Being sent to his room, however, was something new. He usually had to witness his whipping boy get punished then he was free to do as he pleased.

"Why Sam? Why would you do such a thing?" Aunt Catherine asked.

"I was bored and it was funny." Sam started laughing as he thought about the tomato running down that guys face.

"There is no excuse for such atrocious behavior."

"If I was so bad, add some extra licks to teach me a lesson."

"I will but we will need another new whipping boy."

"Why? I didn't think they could quit. Where's Joseph or Paul?"

"They're both nursing sore backside for your escapades yesterday. You do remember spiking the punch at the children's festival."

Sam starting laughing at the memory. All the kids were tipsy and acting silly. He laughed so hard he fell on the floor of the carriage.

"ENOUGH!" Catherine yelled. "Get up here and sit down and be quiet."

Sam was shocked at the yelling, she never raised her voice before. He did exactly as he was told. He sat there and pouted looking around as they passed through the small town called Vileport. He heard a boy crying out and he stopped pouting and started to listen.

"What was that?" He asked his aunt looking around to see if he could spot where the yelling was coming from.

"Just a boy in trouble, probably not as much as you're in so sit back and be quiet." She chastised.

"Please don't. I'll never do it again!" Sam heard in the distance.

Before anyone could stop him, Sam leaped from the carriage and took off running towards the noise.

"Stop the carriage! Prince Sam's jumped out." Catherine yelled. "James, go find him please."

"Yes Ma'am."

Sam raced into a clearing and saw a boy about his age struggling to get away from the men holding him. One held the boy, one held the boy's arm outstretched over a stump and a third was walking up with an ax. The were going to cut off his hand.

"Please, I was just hungry. I'll never do it again. Please!" The boy cried fighting viciously, tears running down his face. He was kicking and biting. He bit so hard that he was backhanded then choked

"Excuse me," Prince Sam asked loudly, "Am I interrupting something?"

The men turned to see their Prince standing before them. They quickly bowed and got down on one knee. The man with the ax said,

"No sire, nothing you need to worry about."

The boy also bent to one knee after the big guy stopped choking him.

"His incessant yelling has disturbed my carriage ride and that makes me worry." Sam informed him then he turned and asked, "What's your name boy?"

"Dean your highness." The boy knelt with his face to the ground.

"Dean, look at me. How old are you?"

Dean looked at his Prince and said,

"Sixteen your highness."

"What did you do to end up like this Dean?"

"I'm sorry your highness, I was hungry and stole an apple from the market."

"And what is the punishment for stealing?"

"Losing my hand so I don't do it again sire." Dean said with tears running down his face.

James rode up to the Prince and said,

"Prince Sam, your Aunt sent me to fetch you."

"One moment James." He said then turned back towards the men. "If I took this boy back with me to the castle and made him my whipping boy, would that satisfy his punishment, and allow him to keep his hand?" He asked the shop owner, the man who'd been holding his arm.

"Only if he remains your servant when you no longer require a whipping boy. He must remain a slave all the days of his life or I shall demand his hand go on my wall."

"Dean?" Sam asked turning towards the boy.

"Yes your Majesty."

"Get up and come here." Sam demanded.

"Yes sir." Dean obeyed.

"Dean of Vileport, do you agree to be my slave and always do as I direct you to?"

"Yes your Majesty!"

"Okay, James you can be my witness."

"Yes your Majesty." James replied.

"I Sam, as Prince of the Kingdom of Olland, do declare Dean of Vileport to be my personal slave from this day forward. He shall serve as my whipping boy until I no longer need one then he shall be my man servant the rest of the days of his life."

"So be it!" James declared.

"It is done. Good day gentlemen. Dean, follow me. " He nodded his head towards the crowd that had gathered, turned, and walked back to the carriage not even looking to see if he was being followed by Dean or not.

"Sam, what's the meaning of running off like that?" Aunt Catherine questioned when he arrived back at the carriage.

"Aunt Catherine, this is Dean."

"Ma'am." Dean knelt waiting for permission to rise.

"Hello Dean. Sam, why is he here?"

"He's my new slave. You said I needed a new whipping boy so he will be my whipping boy. He will be punished for my actions earlier today, after he is cleaned and fed that is. Then he will receive four lashes on the palms of his hands for punishment for his actions today. This will remind him to be thankful he has both of his hands."

"Oh my," Aunt Catherine said fanning herself. "You've taken a thief as a slave? You Father will not approve."

"My Father won't even notice! Just see that it's taken care of."

"Yes your Majesty!" She bowed.

"Very well. Dean, you may rise and come aboard."

Dean was so relieved to have both his hands still attached, but he didn't know exactly what he'd gotten himself into. He didn't know anything about serving a Prince. He didn't know where to sit once he entered the carriage, so he sat on the floor at the Prince's feet. Sam thought he would sit next to him but was very pleased when he sat on the floor. A sense of power ran through him.

"Dean's mine!" he thought to himself. "I can do as I please with him."

They were quiet for a while. Dean was on his knees at Sam's feet. Catherine leaned back and was resting to the lull of the horse's gallop. Sam was thinking about everything he could order his slave to do. A loud rumble coming from Dean's stomach, caused all eyes to turn towards him. He lowered his head to the ground at Sam's feet and begged,

"Forgive me your highness."

"No Dean, forgive me."

"Sam, what's going on?" Catherine demanded to know.

"Dean, when was the last time you've eaten?" Sam asked ignoring his Aunt's question.

"I had an piece of bread and a glass of water a few days ago. Someone generously donated it to the orphanage."

"Aunt Catherine, give him some of my food please. Dean come sit beside me."

"Your highness that isn't necessary. I'm fine here."

"Do you remember what you agreed to?"

"Yes sire. I agreed to be your slave and always do as you direct me to."

"I won't punish you this time but not doing as I say will result in you being punished from now on, understand?"

"Yes sir, I'm sorry punish me as you will."

"Come sit and eat."

"Thank you. You are very kind."

"I promise that you will never be this hungry again." Sam whispered to Dean.

Sam joined Dean in eating some lunch. Dean showed restraint because he was afraid that if he acted like a crazy starved boy, the offer would be taken away from him and he would go back to being hungry all the time.

After they ate the boys got to talking, they had at least another five hours before they made it back to the castle. They got along very well and were laughing and joking before long. Sam decided that he was going to enjoy having Dean as a slave.

They stopped at a stream to give the horses a bit of rest and some water. Sam noticed his water skin was empty. He held it out for Dean and demanded,

"Go and fill this Dean."

"Yes your Majesty."

While Dean was gone his aunt looked at Sam and said,

"You know joking and playing around with that boy is forbidden."

"Why? Because he's older than me?"

"Age has nothing to do with it."

"Then what do you mean? I play around with Joseph and Paul all the time."

"Joseph and Paul are whipping boys. They come from fine upstanding families. They were born to be your whipping boys. It's an honor to serve you this way. They will be honored for their service because of their royal blood. When you outgrow the need for them they will be handsomely rewarded with gifts and be put in high positions within the Kingdom."

"That's good to know. So, what makes Dean different?"

"Dean is beneath our status. First he's a commoner. Second he's an orphan and thanks to you, now he's also a slave. He'll sleep on your floor or in the small slave room you store things in at the back of your room. He'll take care of your needs. He'll run your baths, get your clothes, fetch your food, all the things that Casi and Roni do for you now. All of that are his responsibility as your man servant. By your declaration, in addition to those duties, he is also to be your whipping boy. This may tarnish the reputation of Joseph and Paul."

"How so?"

"Well, you have chosen someone not of royal blood to serve as your whipping boy. It may seem that Joseph and Paul didn't do their jobs well. Dean should be your first choice when choosing a boy to take your punishment as he has the lowest status among them. You have made their purpose obsolete because even if Dean just received a punishment, he has no rights or expectations of mercy. It should be him every time and that would cause dishonor to Joseph, Paul, and their families."

"I never meant that to happen. I'll fix it somehow."

"I hope you can Sam."

"Well what about classes with Lord Udo? Won't Dean …."

"Sam, slaves don't take classes. Dean will be doing house work, waiting in your chambers, or sitting at your feet while you're in classes, which ever you decide."

"He won't be educated?"

"No, he will never have a use for an education."

"Then I'll set him free."

"You can't." James interrupted. "You gave your promise as a future ruler of the Kingdom of Olland that he will be a slave all of his life. You can never free him."

"Haven't you paid any attention to any of Lord Udo's lessons?" James inquired.

"Not close enough I guess. Leave me! Leave me to think!"

James rode his horse to the water as Aunt Christine got out to walk around and stretch a bit. Sam sat back dumbfounded. "What have I done?" he thought. "How could my actions have such an impact on the lives of so many? I made one declaration and it's caused my friends to lose their honor and caused Dean's life to change forever."

He sat quietly, eyes closed, thinking about what he could do to fix this situation. Every scenario he could think of didn't work. How was he going to explain this to anyone? How do you tell your friends that you've taken their honor? How do you tell your Father that you've let him down again? Lastly, how do you tell a young boy that you've doomed him to a life of servitude?

The jerk of the carriage jolted him back to reality. He hadn't even noticed that Dean returned to the carriage and had brought back the water. He was kneeling at his feet holding it out to him. He couldn't help but think,

"What if I didn't notice? How long would Dean sit there with his arms outstretched holding a skin of water?"

He reached out and took the water skin from Dean and as he took a drink he said,

"Thank you Dean."

Dean didn't say anything he just bowed at the prince's feet. Sam wasn't sure what to do as Dean stayed in the prone position. Finally he looked down and said,

"Dean, come sit here," he pointed to the ground next to him."Lean your back against the carriage wall. We've still got a ways to go and kneeling isn't very comfortable."

"Yes master, thank you for your kindness." Dean said as he bowed and moved where he was directed to by his Prince.

Sam's head started spinning, "Master, he called me master!" That was the first time he'd ever been called that. It was almost too much to handle. He leaned back, eyes closed, trying hard not to be sick to his stomach. Yes he understood that Dean was a slave but for some reason it never dawned on him that he was a master. He actually owned another human being. He was so nauseous.

Dean noticed that something was wrong with Sam so he asked,

"Master, are you okay? Can I get you something?"

This caused his Aunt Catherine to turn and look at him.

"Sam, what's wrong?" She cried as she climbed back aboard the carriage.

Sam's head was spinning so fast that he didn't even realize she had spoken to him. Dean was on his feet trying to see if he could be of assistance. Next thing he knew, he was stuck on the cheek hard enough to knock him over. He sat on the ground cupping his cheek as tears rolled down his face. Lady Catherine was towering over him hysterically screaming.

"You poisoned him. He saved your hand and you killed him. What did you put in his water?"

She swung at him again. He got to his knees, bent over with his head on the ground, covering it as she continued to beat the boy.

"Nothing Ma'am. I've done no such thing. I just filled the water skin. I didn't put nothing in it."

James pulled up alongside the carriage and asked,

"Catherine, what is going on? What has the boy done?"

"Look at Prince Sam. I think his slave poisoned him."

"I didn't poison him. I didn't" Dean kept reciting over and over.

"Prince Sam, are you sick?" James yelled.

This pulled Sam out of his trance. He noticed Dean cowering on the ground with Aunt Catherine repeatedly striking the boy.

"STOP! Aunt Catherine, what has he done?"

"Praise be the Gods, you're okay." She said as she hovered over him checking that he was truly okay.

"Stop that, I'm fine." He said shrugging her off. "What has Dean done for you to have beaten him?"

"I was sure he poisoned you. You were non-responsive and the only thing I'd seen was you drinking the water he filled and brought you."

Sam got on the floor and gently put his hand on Dean's trembling back and rubbed. Sam got a huge knot in the pit of his stomach as this too was his fault and there is no way to make something like this up.

"Dean, look at me."

Dean didn't want to but he recognized the voice of his Master so he instantly complied. He looked up slightly trying to hide the bruise he was sure was on his face. Sam grabbed his chin, lifted his face to get a good look.

"I'm sorry that this happened to you. You are the first slave I've ever had and it was a bit overwhelming to be called Master." Sam explained as he wet a cloth and applied it to Dean's face.

Dean instantly bowed and said,

"I'm sorry your Majesty. I didn't mean to cause you discomfort. Madam was right, I did cause this and I deserve to be punished."

Sam pulled Dean to his feet, directed him to sit on the seat as he continued to treat his wounds.

"There will be no punishment. You've suffered enough."

"May I ask a question sir?"

"Yes, go ahead."

"What would you prefer me to call you?"

"What I would prefer and what is appropriate are two different things. For now, just drop the Master and we'll be fine. We will discuss this further at home."

"Yes your Majesty."

"Sam," Aunt Catherine interrupted, "He is your slave and it is expected that he refer to you as Master, after all you are the Prince of Olland!"

"I understand that Aunt Catherine. He will eventually do as expected as will I, but for right now as this is something new to us both, and we need to discuss it in private."

"You're not forgetting your punishment are you?"

"How could I? But as I stated earlier, he's to be cleaned up and fed before punishment. Besides, we'll be at the Castle in about an hour. After Dean's cleaned up, I'll need Joseph and Paul brought to me along with a snack. The four of us need a private meeting. When I finish I'll send them out and I will call for Marcus so he can proceed with the punishment, after which Dean and I will retire to my room."

"Yes your highness."

"James?" Sam hollered.

"Your Majesty?" he bowed.

"Will you ride ahead to the castle and instruct the staff to have my side room prepared for Dean."

"Yes Sire, I'll see to it."

"Thank you." he said then he turned and asked, "How are you feeling Dean?"

"I'm fine your highness."

"Do you have any other bruising I should be aware of?"

"Nothing that should concern you Sire. I have no injuries that will effect my serving you sir."

"I'm not worried about that. I'm concerned about you. Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine Mas..ma..Majesty." Dean instantly bowed because he almost said Master again.

Sam ignored the slip up, pushed him back up in the seat and re-wet the cloth and applied it to Dean's face. Before they knew it, they were entering the grounds to the castle. Dean gasped at the sight as he'd never been out of Vileport and his new home was breathtaking. Even if he were a slave, he still got to live inside these walls. He planned to serve the Prince who saved his hand with every fiber of his being.

Sam watched with fascination. He'd never experienced anyone seeing his home for the first time. He couldn't help but smile. He enjoyed Dean's smile so much that he decided he was going to try to make him smile as much as he could.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

They pulled up to the front of the castle where they were met with many servants. They helped Sam and Catherine down off the carriage. Dean climbed down himself. He was a bit nervous and unsure what to do so he just stayed behind Sam, head down, only looking at Sam's feet to pace himself and not lose him. He secretly peeked at the castle as they walked. It was more beauty than he'd ever seen. Suddenly he was stopped by an arm grabbing him by the shoulder and spinning him around.

"I see you eyeballing things around the castle." Catherine yelled in his face. "I've got my eyes on you thief so don't try and steal anything!"

Dean fell to his knees, covered his head in fear of a repeat of the incident on the carriage, and cried out,

"I won't steal anything Ma'am. I've never stolen anything that wasn't food in my whole life. I was just so hungry I couldn't stand it. I wasn't thinking straight and grabbed the apple and took a bite before I realized what I'd done."

"So the shop owner saw you and took you out back, where I found you?" Sam asked

"No Sir,"

"What happened then?"

"I had almost finished the apple when I realized my mistake. I took the half eaten apple to the owner, told him what I'd done and offered to work off the price of the apple and take a whipping."

"Why didn't he agree to that?" Sam wondered.

"He said he was sick of kids stealing from him and he was going to make an example out of me by cutting off my hand and displaying it for all to see what happened to anyone who stole from him. One of his brothers grabbed me and took me out back where they chopped wood. The owner grabbed my arm and pulled it over the stump, while his other brother got his ax."

"That's when I came up." Sam said.

"Yes sir. You came and saved me."

"Aunt Catherine, Dean is my slave and my responsibility. I'd appreciate it if you leave his care and discipline to me."

"Very well your highness. I'll take my leave." She curtsied and left.

"Come on Dean, let's get you cleaned up and then I'll order a snack and bring Paul and Joseph to meet you."

"Thank you your highness." He said as he got up and resumed his position.

"Dean?" Sam said as he stopped in front of him.

"Yes sir," He said as he went to kneel again but was stopped by Sam.

Sam lightly grabbed his chin and lifted his face until they were eye to eye and said,

"I know you're trying to be the traditional slave by walking behind me and looking down but right now, I need you to get familiar with the castle so you can find you way around in case I need you to go do something or get me something okay?"

"Yes sir." he said nervously because he hadn't been paying attention to anything but his Master's feet.

"Don't worry, I will see to it that you have lots of practice before I expect you to know your way around. After all the servants have secret ways within the castle to get around."

"Thank you sire, you are so kind."

"Come on, you stink and need a bath." Sam laughed.

With that one sentence Dean was put as ease and smiled brightly. Sam enjoyed that he could bring him some joy. It pleased him. They continued walking until they reached Sam's suite. Dean was amazed again and spun around to take it all in. He stopped when he spotted two females standing at the end of an immaculate bed. They both curtsied and said,

"Welcome home your Highness."

"Thank you. Roni, Casi I'd like to introduce Dean. Dean this is Roni and Casi. They will show you the ropes and teach you all you need to know."

"Roni and Casi, Dean is my slave. He is to be my man servant and I expect you to show him what to do. Teach him how to get around and what is expected out of him. Don't worry, I'll still have tasks for you as well as him but he will take a lot of the work load off of you."

"Yes your Highness." Casi said.

"As you wish your Majesty." Roni said.

"Nice to meet you both." Dean said as he nodded at them.

"First of all, show him where to get cleaned up and get him some clothes. Is his room prepared?"

"Yes your Majesty. It's set up just as you requested." Roni bowed.

"Roni?"

"Yes Sire?"

"We are alone. There is no need to be so formal."

"Okay, I wasn't sure since Dean is new here."

"I will discuss my rules with him later."

"Sam, we also took the liberty to put some normal clothes over there," Casi said as she pointed to a pile of clothes on a table. "In case you allowed them."

"Yes, he will be wearing them when we are alone. Thank you. But for now, he's to be punished after we talk so he'll need to be in normal slave attire."

"Yes sir." Casi responded.

"He can start his training first thing in the morning."

"Okay sire. I'll send extra clothes back with him. Dean, this way please." Roni demanded and Dean followed.

Sam was left alone. He was trying to figure out what to do. How could he keep Dean as a slave and not dishonor his faithful whipping boys? He decided that after tonight's punishment, Dean would just be his servant and no longer a whipping boy unless he was needed. After all, how much longer will this childish punishment be inflicted on him anyway? Surely he about outgrew the need for such childishness.

He washed up and got some clean comfortable clothes on. He ran the bell to the kitchen and waited for the kitchen boy to come. He heard a knock and said,

"Come in."

"You rang your Majesty."

"Yes Charles, I need a light snack for four brought up at once."

Charles bowed and said,

"I'll see to it sire."

"Can you also send word for Joseph and Paul to join me in my quarters in thirty minutes?"

"Yes sir."

"That'll be all. Thank you."

Charles bowed and headed back the way he came.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Dean was shown where the servants bathed. He couldn't believe how nice it was compared to the orphanage. This was an actual bath with a tub and hot water. At the orphanage they were all taken outside and doused with buckets of water. They were to clean themselves and their clothes at the same time then they were doused again to rinse off. The water was always cold and it only happened once a week if they were lucky.

Dean wasn't sure what was expected of him so he was hesitant. Surely this wasn't the servant's bath. He was afraid that someone of royalty would walk in on him and he would be severely punished. He poked his head back out and quietly said,

"Excuse me Ma'am?" to Roni.

"Call me Roni. We're all the same down here."

"Are you sure I'm in the right place?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean it's very nice and there is hot water and it just seems too nice to be the servant's bath."

"You poor child. What did they put you through?" She asked not expecting an answer.

She walked over and wrapped her arm around Dean and led him back to the door of the bath.

"Yes this is the male servants bath. The females is across the hall. The Master's bath is far more elegant that this is. They don't mistreat us here Dean and we take care of each other. I'd never send you into a situation where you would be punished. Trust will come. Now go get cleaned up before we both get chastised for taking so long." She said as she popped him playfully.

He undressed and climbed into the bath. This was the first bath he ever remembered taking. The warm water felt so good. He wanted to stay and soak but knew he'd wasted enough time as it was. He got the soap and cleaned himself head to toe. He was surprised again when he found a drying cloth and clean new clothes set out for him. It was a simple black pair of drawstring pants and a plain white shirt. They were far nicer than anything he'd ever worn before. He gathered up his old clothes and stuck his head out the door and quietly said,

"Roni, Casi?"

Casi answered him,

"What's wrong Dean?"

"What do I do with my old clothes and how do I clean up?"

"Leave the clothes over by the wall. There are servants assigned to the bath and they will take care of the clean up."

"This just feels so strange."

"You'll get used to it quickly."

"How often do we get to use the bath?"

"Whenever you are ordered to. Master Sam will give you instructions on your rules."

"Thank you."

"Come on you two." Roni said coming up to them. "We need to get you back to Sam before he gets upset."

"Sorry, I guess I asked too many questions." Dean said guiltily.

"Not a problem. Let's just get going." Roni said.

They showed him the fastest way to Sam's rooms from the baths. Casi knocked and waited to until she heard Sam say enter.

"Sir, Dean has bathed. Do you require anything else of Roni or I?"

"No, you're dismissed to the kitchen for the evening."

"Yes sir thank you." She answered. She turned to Dean and said,

"Don't worry everything will be fine. You'll get the hang of it all soon."

"Thank you."

He walked in to where Sam was. He knelt in front of him and said,

"Thank you so much for the use of the bath. It was far beyond anything I deserve."

"You don't need to kneel. Get up please. Have you never taken a bath before?"

"Sorry," he said shyly. "No sir, we cleaned our clothes and bodies at the same time in cold water dumped on us.

"In the orphanage?"

"Yes sir."

"I'm going to have to get something done about that. Come sit we have a lot to discuss." Sam said gesturing his hand towards the table.

Dean didn't want to assume anything so he started to sit on the floor.

"No, in a chair please."

"Sorry sire."

"No apology necessary."

"Paul and Joseph will be here in about 10 minutes. I want to go over some of the rules with you. First of all, when we are in my rooms alone, there is no need to be formal. Call me Sam. But when we leave these rooms or if my Father or someone else comes in, as much as I hate it, you must address me as Master understand?"

"Yes Sam."

"The clothes you have on are required whenever we leave this room. These will change as we get older."

"Okay, I understand."

"When we are in these rooms and I have no plans to leave it, then you may wear the less formal clothes in your room."

"Excuse me sir, but did you say my room?"

"Yes, follow me."

Sam walked from his table seating area, past his sleeping area, to a little room off the back.

"This is where you'll sleep as long as you aren't being punished for something. If you're being punished, I'll give you instructions on where you'll sleep."

"Yes sir. Wow, I get a bed?"

"Yes, have you never had one before?"

"No sir. We all slept on the floor. We were allowed one blanket for every four of us and we had no pillows."

"I'm definitely doing something about those conditions as soon as I am able to. I promise you that!"

"Thank you Sire. It would make me happy to know my friends were being treated better."

"They will be Dean."

"I think that is all the rules we need to go over tonight. Charles should be here with our snack soon. Paul and Joseph will be here in about ten minutes then we can discuss everything else."

"Thank you Sam."

"For what?"

"For everything you've done for me today. You've changed my life."

"Yeah I know. I'm sorry about that."

"Why? I have both hands because of you. I'm not hungry because of you. I've taken my first bath, have nice clean clothes, and I have a room with a bed all because of you."

"You're also getting a birching after we eat because of me. You're a whipping boy, and will be a slave for the rest of your life because of me."

"I stole something and deserve punishment. I won't have to worry about going hungry or being treated badly. I may not enjoy everything in my life but it's 100% better all thanks to you." He knelt at Sam's feet and said,

"Thank you Master."

"You're welcome now take a seat please." He requested as there was a knock on the door. "Come in."

Charles returned with a small meal. Dean was amazed that this was considered a snack.

"Charles, this is Dean. Dean, this is Charles."

"Nice to meet you." Charles bowed.

"You too," Dean bowed back.

"Charles, in a few days I would like you to teach Dean about the kitchen work please."

"As you wish Sire."

"Thank you. You may go."

Charles bowed and left the room. A few minutes later there was another knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Sam, what in the hell did you do this time?" Paul asked as he got in the door.

"Really Sam, my ass still hurts from the whipping I got for your escapades at the children's festival." Joseph said.

"Mine too." Paul added.

They both came around the corner and saw Dean and immediately hit their knees.

"So sorry your Majesty please forgive me." Joseph begged.

"Me too Sire. We believed you to be alone." Paul implored.

"It's okay, get up."

They got to their feet.

"Joseph, Paul, this is my servant Dean. Dean, these are my whipping boys Joseph and Paul."

"So very nice to meet you." Dean said.

"You too." they echoed.

"Make sure I'm alone before you go running your mouth from now on! Have a seat and get something to eat."

Once they all started eating, Prince Sam looked at them and said,

"I invited you here because we need to talk. I've done something that will effect you all."

"I could have guessed that since you're here when you should have been gone for a least three more days." Paul said.

"What did you do and which of us is getting birched this time?" Joseph asked.

"Well, I threw tomatoes at the towns people."

"Why would you do such a thing?" Paul wondered.

"My Father invited me along so I could sit with aunt Catherine and wave. I wanted to spend time with him and he blew me off again. At least he noticed me for a few minutes."

This made Dean extremely sad. He felt so badly for his Prince. He vowed to do something to make him happy as much as he could.

"Okay we got the what and the why. Who's getting the whipping?"

"I am." Dean whispered.

"WHAT!" Paul yelled.

"Calm down Paul. Let me tell you everything."

"Do you know the dishonor this will cause us?"

"I'll take the whipping and every one from now on."

"We both will. Don't disgrace us."

Dean's stomach fell. He didn't realize that him being here meant disgrace for anyone. He didn't want to be the cause of it. He ran and threw up in a basin. Tears were streaming down his cheeks. Sam walked over to him and asked,

"Dean, are you okay?"

He hit his knees and begged,

"Take me back your Majesty. Please take me back to the Vileport. I don't want to be the cause of their dishonor. I don't understand it all but if my being here causes anyone harm take me back. I've had a wonderful day and I wouldn't trade that for anything."

"Calm down Dean."

"What's wrong Sam?" Paul wondered.

"He doesn't want to be the cause of any dishonor to either of you. He wants me to take him back to the orphanage."

"Then take him." Joseph said matter of factly.

"You don't understand what will happen to him if I send him back." Sam told them.

"I really don't care." Joseph stated. "He's just a slave."

"As well as you're treated, you would say something like that to me?" Sam yelled.

"Please Master, he's right I'm nothing." Dean pled.

"If I take you back, they'll cut off your hand. Do you really want that?" Sam asked.

"Not really but if it saves your friends from dishonor, yes Master."

Sam looked down at Dean. Then he looked at Paul and Joseph and stated,

"I can't and won't."

"Wait a minute. What do you mean cut off his hand?" Joseph asked.

"I was so hungry that I was stole an apple from the store and ate it before I realized what I had done. I took it back, was willing to work off the price of the apple and take a public whipping but the owner wanted to make an example out of me. He was about to cut off my hand when Master Sam saved me by making me his slave. Take me back please!" He cried.

"ENOUGH!" Sam yelled.

They all instantly knelt.

"You two, back in your chairs. Dean, come here."

They all obeyed. Dean walked over to Prince Sam but as he wasn't told he could sit, he knelt at his feet with his head down. Sam let him stay there. He sat in his chair and rubbed Dean's back as he talked.

"I want you all to listen to me without interrupting, understand?"

"Yes sir." Paul and Joseph echoed.

"Yes Master." Dean said.

"I came up with a plan and that's why I wanted you all here so I could explain it to you not so you could treat Dean so poorly. I'm truly ashamed of you Joseph."

Joseph at least had the decency to bow his head in disgrace.

"Dean is going to be whipped for my actions today instead of either of you. He's also going to be punished for stealing. Tomorrow I will make it known that Dean is my servant and if I chose for him to be punished instead of either of you two, it is my right as future King to do so."

They all shook their heads in agreement.

"My Father has added to my normal punishment and I am to stay in my rooms until he returns but I will have a message sent to each of your fathers explaining the situation to them. There will be no dishonor in my actions, understand?"

"Yes sir."

"Yes sire."

"Yes Master."

"Good, now I am totally disgusted by the sight of you. I want you both to get out."

"Sam, I'm sorry for my behavior." Paul said.

"Apology accepted."

"Your Majesty, I'm sorry for what I said. Dean, I didn't mean what I said. I was talking out of fear of disgrace. I truly don't wish for you to go back to the orphanage or to lose your hand for being hungry. I will make this up to you as soon as I am allowed back because I surly will be punished for my words and actions here."

"I accept your apology and I am sorry that my being here threatened your standing in the Kingdom. It was never my intention for anything I do to hurt anyone." Dean replied.

"We'll talk." Was all that the Prince said.

Joseph knew he'd been dismissed so they both turned and left.

"Dean?"

"Yes Master?"

"What'd I say about calling me that in here?"

"Not to."

"I will have to punish you next time."

"Yes sir."

"It's time to call Marcus and get the whipping over. Are you ready?"

"If you say it's time, I'm ready."

Sam, pulled a rope that rang in another part of the castle. Roni came and said,

"Lady Catherine is waiting for you Sire."

Sam held out his hand to Dean. He got up and assumed his position behind and to the left of his Master. They walked to where Catherine was waiting and followed her to the courtyard where Marcus was waiting near a birching bench with a birching rod in hand. A crowd that included Joseph and Paul were in attendance as witnesses. Dean was too familiar with this as it was common punishment in the orphanage. They walked over to Marcus and he asked,

"What's this punishment for Prince Sam?"

"For throwing tomatoes at the crowd."

"Which whipping boy is to take this punishment?"

"I choose my servant Dean to take this punishment."

"I was informed that you are to hold the boys wrists as he gets whipped."

"By whom?"

"By proxy of the King."

"So be it."

Dean walked over to the curved bench. He bent over it and held his arms down so Sam could grasp them below the bench. Marcus walked up behind him and lowered his pants so his backside was bare but his front was covered. He stepped up to his left, raised the birching rod and swung it. Dean hissed at the pain but didn't cry out. He was taught from a young child to keep quiet and accept your punishments.

After the third lick tears were steadily running down his cheeks. He closed his eyes, waiting for the next lick to strike. When it did, he hissed. He opened his eyes and was looking into Sam's eyes. He was about to look away when he saw Sam mouth sorry. He bit his lip to prevent crying out when the fifth lick landed.

Sam was tearing up looking at Dean trying to be brave. He never realized how badly this might actually hurt. He was always far away and barely looked as Paul or Joseph were punished. He was bored wanting it to be over. He couldn't do that this time.

"You're getting two extra for your attitude about it to your Aunt."

"NO! I'm sorry please don't" Sam cried out.

His Aunt turned to look at her nephew. He never apologized before. Maybe this idea worked after all. Maybe a slave will be good for him after all. She nodded at Marcus letting him know to continue.

"Ahhh." Dean cried as number six struck.

Sam was rubbing his knuckles and said,

"One more, you can do it Dean. Just look at me."

Dean did as he was ordered and survived the last lick. He was given a minute to collect himself before his pants were righted and he was called over to where Marcus was standing.

Marcus dropped the birching rod and picked up a single switch. He indicated another table and he said,

"Dean you were sentenced by Prince Sam to receive four licks to each palm for stealing from a merchant. As you get this punishment, he wants you to be thankful that you have both your hands."

"Yes sir." he hiccupped trying to slow his tears.

"Place your right hand on the table palm up and don't move until I'm finished. If I have to tie you down, you'll get two extra per hand.

Dean did as instructed. He'd never had his palm whipped before and it took every ounce of strength to remain stoic and accept this punishment. He knew he deserved this for stealing and he was happy he still had his hand so, he stayed stone cold still but inside he was crying out in pain as tears ran down his cheeks.

Sam felt like and ass for ordering this punishment. When the last lick fell. Sam hollered,

"You're dismissed. I want you all out NOW!"

The courtyard was instantly cleared by all except Paul and Joseph.

"I said get out!" He cried as he was trying to gather Dean up and take him to his room. Paul turned to leave as Joseph ran over and got his shoulder under Dean's and helped carry him to Sam's room.

They got him into Sam's bed and as Joseph turned to leave he said,

"I'm sorry Master. You were right. People are people. Sorry I ever doubted you."

"Apology accepted." Sam said as he smiled.

Many of the other servants stopped by to bring herbs and other things to prevent infection and reduce Dean's pain. This was the closest Sam had ever been to a punishment he deserved. He never knew how badly it hurt and that Joseph and Paul likely cried themselves to sleep. He felt like the biggest jerk ever.

He decided there and then that he was too old for a whipping boy. He was old enough to accept punishment when he deserved it. He was also going to change the way that orphanages in the kingdom were run. Everything was going to be different since Dean entered his life.