Chapter 1
The young, virile, dark haired boy scowled as his father, The king, explained to him that he was now betrothed to the newly born princess of Alteus. At ten years old he did not wish to ever be married, especially not to the sniveling princess of Alteus. His father ignored the scowl that marked his ungrateful son. He knew that one day soon his son would understand exactly what it meant to be king. His son would experience the fruits of Kingdome and be merry. For now he would let his churlish child throw his fit and pay no mind to him.
Angelus stormed from his father's chamber and out to the stables. A good, long, hard ride would get all his frustrations out. How was he to be promised to an infant? What if he did not find her attractive? Perhaps he never wanted to marry. His father, the King, paid no mind to his wants only his own. You must produce an heir… The kingdom will surely fall to ruins if no male heir is created. His father's words echoed in his mind. Angelus clearly voiced his fears of not liking the girl. However, his father quickly dismissed the argument. All the women of the Alteus line are known for their beauty, grace, and loyalty. Besides just because you are married does not mean you forfeit your right to bed whomever you please. You will find that when you are older there will be no shortage of pleasure to be had with many a woman. His father's words had peaked his curiosity and he wondered to their true meaning.
For hours Angelus roamed the vast lands on his trusted horse, Beast. The black thoroughbred was the best of all the lands. A birthday present for his ninth birthday only to be outdone by the ship he received for his tenth. While he rode he kept thinking back to the words of his father earlier. He took it to mean that his father did not only have relations with his mother. He often spied his mother weeping when she thought no one looking. He wondered if this was why. She never did answer when he confronted her. After giving birth to his sister Druscilla she was never able to conceive again. He heard rumors that he had bastard siblings, but he never paid any mind until now. Seeing that the sun was ready to set he made his way back to the royal stables.
Leaving his horse for the help to attend to he made his way into the large castle that overlooked the land. He barely caught his father rounding the corner with one of his sister's ladies in waiting. Stealthily he followed spying his father linger a little too closely to the lady. He then saw his father trail his finger's lightly down her face and ending at her bosom. He watched as his father leaned in for a kiss and his free hand trailed around to her backside. Soon his other hand was freely exploring her back end. Boldly Angelus stepped out of his hiding place.
"Is this what you meant father?," he asked startling both his father and the young girl.
"Is this why mother cries?," he pressed.
"Be away with your self lady Jane," the king waved with his hand to the girl.
"As for you, you insolent brat. You are lucky you are the only male heir. How dare you speak to me so," he roared.
"How dare you treat mother so. She loves you despite this and you leave her to be with whores," Angelus screamed incensed.
"Leave me! Go to your quarters. Mark my words boy one day you too will behave as I do," his father warned.
"I will never treat a woman who loves me so," he cast over his shoulder as he made his way to his quarters.
Furiously the king made his way to his wife's chambers. Not bothering to knock on the door he entered. Searching quickly he found his wife reading by the fire. Quickly she sat her book down stood then curtsied in respect. Seeing the anger radiating from him she quickly stowed to him.
"What is it your majesty that has you angered so?," she asked.
"Your insolent son is to be sent to live with the monks of the Welmins," the King stated emphatically.
"But sire, he is so young and…," she started before she was cut off.
"My decision is final. He leaves in two days time. Be sure he is ready for the trip," the King declared before leaving the room.
6 Years Later
Angelus looked out the carriage window as it made its way up the winding path towards the castle gates. Soon they were making their way inside and Angelus stepped from the carriage. His six years with the monks had proved to be quite fruitful. He came out of it a learned young man. He was able to control his impulses much more efficiently then he could have ever hoped. He had also learned archery, fighting, as well as shooting among other things. He found these to be his favorite lessons. He had also been forced to endure hours of transcribing and calligraphy. Now that he was 16 his father had called for him in order to teach him the ways of managing a kingdom. He had heard that his father had been on death's doorstep for years. However, knowing his father he would continue knocking for many more to come.
As soon as Angelus stepped from the carriage his mother and younger sister ran to him enveloping him in loving embraces. Angelus returned the loving affection wholeheartedly. He had indeed missed his mother and even his little sister.
"I'm glad to be home," he stated as he pulled away from the women.
"Your just in time for my 12th birthday brother," his sister explained.
"I just may have brought you something," he said.
"Ooh let me see, please," she begged.
"No you must wait until your party," he admonished.
"Come now Dru I'm sure your brother would like to rest before dinner. He has just finished a long trip," his mother said smiling as she pulled the young girl from her brother.
Smiling appreciatively he made his way to his chambers. Looking around the lavish room he noticed everything was the same, save for fresh linens. Looking at his boyhood home he knew it would not do at all. The toys needed to be cleared out and a larger bed was in order. He was much taller now at well over six feet. His shoulders broader and his frame much more lean and muscular.
No sooner had Angelus freshened and changed clothes then being called to his father. Making his way down the familiar hallways he was soon entering his father's private set of chambers.
"You wished to see me?," Angelus questioned.
"Yes… uh… yes have a seat," his father coughed out.
"So it is true, what they say about your health," Angelus conjectured as he took a seat.
"I suppose so, but that is of no matter now. Your sister's party is in four days. Your betroved shall be arriving in two days. I expect you to treat her as a queen," his father bade.
"How old is she now? Oh yes just about six… and you expect me to treat her as a queen?," Angelus scoffed.
"Boy you will do as I say. I am not opposed to whipping you into shape if that is what it takes," his father pronounced.
Angelus looked as father lying weakly in the massive bed. Seeing his frail state and graying hair he couldn't help but let out a raucous tirade of laughter. His father merely frowned then coughed for several minutes. "Forgive me father, but you are in no shape to be whipping anyone," he said before turning and leaving his father's room.
The King scowled. How he wished that his wife had not been proven barren after the birth of their daughter. If he had another heir he would have surely sent Angelus far away to live a life of loneliness and religious servitude. However, he would not see his kingdom be handed over to his brother's eldest boy. Wesley was nothing but a weak man. He preferred to bury his nose in a book then learn the ways of a warrior. At least Angelus was proficient in fighting as well as knowledge. Falling into another coughing fit he pushed the thoughts of what if and what could have been out of his mind before falling into a deep slumber.
Angelus quickly set about remedying the problem of his childhood bedroom. Soon he would have all as he would want it. His mother bade the servants to spare no expense and redo his room fit for a king. Meanwhile Angelus was to stay in one of the many guest chambers until his room was complete. Smiling he left the servants to do as told and made his way to his temporary quarters. As he rounded the corner he spotted a slender blonde girl going into his sisters room.