I'm so so so sorry this took too long! I could give you excuse after excuse but in all honestly it would be better if you just enjoyed the very long awaited chapter. =]

Kurt.

The name echoed through Blaine's brain as blue eyes met hazel. Kurt. Blaine's heart raced as the pale boy looked up from his tedious work. His stomach twisted as butterflies fluttered nervously. Kurt.The name skipped through Blaine's mind as once forgotten memories suddenly made their way back into realm of Blaine's reality. Memories flew through Blaine's mind; all the emotions attached to the beautiful boy's name came ripping through Blaine's chest. Blaine's heart pounded as his mind played back his childhood spent with Kurt. An almost unnoticeable smirk danced on the Prince's lips.

Meanwhile, Kurt's eyes had grown to an alarming size, thoughts of lashes and possible punishments ripped through his clearly over-active imagination. Kurt knew he shouldn't have gone to see his friends; he should have gone straight to the stairs. Kurt felt fear grab at his stomach and heart. Of all people the Prince would have to see him like this! Kurt squeezed his eyes shut as he tried to keep tears from pouring down his face. Thinking quickly, he opened his mouth to say some sort of apology in hopes of maybe getting a lesser punishment from the orders of the handsome prince, but instead his pleas died in his throat.

"Kurt!" the Prince cried happily as he knelt to his childhood friend's side, embracing him in a joy-filled hug. Not even Blaine's dreams could truly depict how stunning the young servant was, especially the piercing color of his eyes against his porcelain-like skin.

Kurt froze as Blaine's muscular arms wrapped around his malnourished frame. Everything in Kurt's brain screamed at him to take his own arms and hold the Prince as tight as possible. Kurt had often fantasized about moment similar to this, and now that moment was finally here and he could not, for the life of him, hug him back!

Sensing Kurt's overwhelmed state, Blaine released his grip on the boy, scooted just a tiny distance away from Kurt and sat down on a now-shiny and perfectly cleaned stair; the prince placed his hands onto either side of his face and grinned. He faced Kurt with a slight tilt to his head; his eyes shinning with excitement.

Kurt was shocked. There was nothing in all his servant's training that told him what to do if the Prince sat down next to him while he was working. In this state of panic, Kurt could only stare at the happy prince as he tried to formulate what he could possibly do.

Upon realizing Kurt's discomfort, Blaine tried to think of some way to make himself appear less threatening.

"Kurt, it's okay, it's just like when we were children, no status, no ranks, just friendship. See?" Blaine spoke softly as he reached and slowly (and with a bit of difficulty) untangled his silver (in Athoshia, only the king and queen got to wear gold, so Blaine was stuck with silver) bejeweled crown from curly head and placed it beside him. Blaine smiled encouragingly, hoping his friend would speak.

Kurt smirked at the prince's eagerness. He threw his rag into the soapy water bucket next to him to that he could give his friend his undivided attention; but as the rag hit the water, it splashed up and sprayed the prince. Kurt gasped in utter horror as the bleach in the water took the grabbed the color out of the prince's royal blue pants. He grabbed a dry rag and started dabbing at the prince's pants in vain to try and fix his clumsy mistake.

Blaine started to shake. Cowering and shaking, Kurt timidly looked up expecting to see a hand ready to slap him, but instead he saw Blaine's shoulders shaking… With laughter?

Gently, he took the rag out of Kurt's hands and tossed it aside with a massive smile on his regal face.

Surely the Prince is insane. I just ruined his undoubtedly expensive pants and he's laughing about it?Kurt thought; he didn't think he had ever been this confused.

Noticing Kurt's clear bewilderment, the Prince managed an explanation through his laughter. "I've always hated these pants! I've been trying to destroy them so I can just get rid of them. Out of all the things I've tried, I never thought bleach would do the trick!" Blaine explained happily.

Relieved, Kurt could now focus on other important questions brewing in his head. Like, why doesn't the Prince like those pants! They were in fashion and a beautiful color, what's not to like? They were elegantly regal.

"Why don't you like them?" Kurt squeaked, "They're fashionable, the color suits you perfectly and they flatter your-" Kurt slammed his hands over his mouth in shock about what he almost said. His complexion managed to go an even lighter shade of white.

If Blaine noticed what Kurt had almost said, he didn't show it. Instead he laughed at Kurt's attention to clothing. Not that Blaine didn't like nice clothing, but he didn't have same love for clothes as Kurt clearly did.

"Oh, well I guess they're alright, but the thing is," Blaine leaned closer, further decreasing the distance between them both, "I hate, excuse me, strongly dislike, looking like a Prince. When I look like a Prince, I feel like someone else living my life, not me. I guess I like destroying perfectly 'fashionable' clothes because it's a little way I can rebel." Blaine shrugged wistfully before realizing how much he just revealed to a boy he hasn't spoken to in years. He looked up in time to catch Kurt's thoughtful expression.

"I get that, the feeling of having your life lived for you," Kurt started quietly, "The feeling of wanting to rebel in just the little ways so you feel like you have a choice." Kurt paused for a moment before continuing with a more humorous tone, "Although I don't approve of trying to destroy perfectly flattering and fashionable clothing," Kurt finished with a playful smile.

From this, the friendship between the future King of Athoshia and the servant that scrubbed stairs was renewed. This unexpected reencounter was like a flame under dried straw for their friendship, from nothing to a blazing fire in a matter of seconds. The boys sat and spoke about, well, everything. They must have sat there for nearly an hour, listening intently to each other's fortunes as well as misfortunes. Stories from childhood memories to more recent events, from humorous stories of palace pranks to stories of Kurt's abusive treatment as a low ranked servant.

During the stories of Kurt's mistreatment as a servant, Blaine's well-known royal face went uncharacteristically serious. He pressed his hand to his mouth when Kurt told him of the lashes he often received. Kurt looked down, embarrassed, not even other servants cared what he went through, let alone the future king.

Blaine's eyebrows knitted together and his eye's shone with concern for his rediscovered best friend.

"Kurt," Blaine said softly, "Can I see?" He questioned quietly.

Kurt pressed his lips together and turned his back to the Prince. Wincing, he lifted the back of his shirt to reveal several puffy and scabbed marks that only could come from a whip, and a large one at that. The marks were swollen and red, which only made them stand out more against Kurt's ivory skin.

Blaine gasped. Not only were there fresh marks but countless scars underlying them.

Kurt shifted slightly so he could see Blaine's face and what he saw was heart wrenching. The expression taking over Blaine's features was pure sadness. One solitary tear fell down his cheek. Kurt pulled his shirt down then turned and sat down next to the Prince.

"Listen, your highness," Blaine shot him a look. Even in his empathetic state, he despised being called any sort of formality, "Blaine, I'm fine! It's not your fau-,"

"Yes it is! I should have found you sooner, and prevented you all this pain," Blaine said angrily as he gestured to Kurt's backside.

Kurt opened his mouth to say that it truly wasn't his fault and that it was his own fault for always being tardy, but Blaine cut him off.

"This is never happening again," Blaine spat with rage interlaced in his words, "Come on," He said quickly as he stood up and thrust his hand out to help Kurt up. But Kurt just looked at him with a perplexed look in his eyes.

"B-but the s-stairs?" Kurt stammered as he motioned to the twenty some stairs he had left to do.

Blaine grinned, "Kurt, forget about it, you don't ever need to clean this damn stair case ever again!" He stated with twinkling eyes.

A very baffled Kurt accepted Blaine's hand as he helped him up. To Kurt's surprise the Prince didn't release his grip on Kurt's delicate but overworked hands as he lead him down the stairs.

As they continued deeper and deeper into the maze of the palace, Kurt thought fervently about where on earth they were going. Kurt was too enveloped in his own thoughts to enjoy the castle's beauty like he usually did. Finally, Kurt truly opened his eyes and looked at his surroundings.

Oh no, not here. Why is he taking me here?Kurt was now quite panicked and was getting dizzy. Blaine stopped suddenly and squeezed Kurt's hand tighter and just has he was about to ask why he looked so flustered, Kurt spoke rapidly.

"Why are you taking me to her? Blaine!" Kurt voice was now several octaves higher then normal, a clear sign that he was stressed.

Blaine sighed, he understood Kurt being worried and scared but he needed to take him to her. It would be good for him, Blaine just knew it.

"Kurt, please just trust me. I know that's hard for you to do after the kind of life you've had to live. I know it's scary, but I'm right here," Blaine whispered as he released his grip from Kurt's hand and instead placing his hands firmly on Kurt's shoulders. "I'm right here Kurt," he repeated softly as he looked at the fear in Kurt's eyes.

Gulping audibly, Kurt nodded and muttered an 'okay'. Blaine once again took Kurt's hand in his own and continued taking Kurt to their destination. Kurt noticed that the passing servants and slaves regarded them strangely.

I guess you normally don't see the Prince gently leading around a servant by the hand, Kurt mused.

Finally, they arrived at a very large door. Kurt's heart raced as Blaine knocked on the door. Shuffling could be heard on the other side of the thick wooden door as the main occupant made their way to answer.

"I swear if this is another visit about the lack of heating in the servant's quarters, I'll give you a hundred lashes for disrupting my beauty-slumbe-" Lady Sylvester's cruel and distinctive voice stopped suddenly when she opened the door to reveal the Prince holding hands with none other then Kurt Hummel.

"Ahh," Lady Sylvester tried desperately to fix her disheveled appearance and she opened her lips to say a formal apology that no one would believe anyways, but Blaine stopped her.

"Save it," Blaine snarled, "We're only here to let you know that Kurt is no longer under your command." Blaine's voice boomed with authority as he moved closer to a scared looking Lady Sylvester with anger burning in his eyes, "And I promise you, if you ever dare to touch Kurt again, you'll be sent to the gallows on my command. That's a promise." Blaine death glared at the clearly shaken woman then lead Kurt away.

They walked in utter silence until they were well out of earshot of Lady Sylvester's chambers. Blaine led Kurt around a corner and turned to face him, a huge smile painted on his dark features. That's all it took, they howled with laughter, so much so they couldn't breath and tears streamed down their faces. Neither of the boys even noticed the strange looks being thrown their way, after all it's not everyday you see the future king and a servant laughing together.

After their laughter died down enough to speak normally, Blaine wiped his tears off his face and looked at his recently rediscovered best friend who was wiping away his own tears.

"Now," Blaine started mysteriously, "For the fun part,"

And with that he grabbed Kurt's hand once again, and starting running with him. Blaine led him through twists and turns; Kurt never had truly realized how massive the palace was. He'd never be able to get out of here by himself, and with that thought he squeezed Blaine's hand just a little tighter.

Servants looked up in shock as their Prince ran by with another boy in tow, but neither of the boys could find the energy to care. Two boys from separate worlds raced through the palace, Blaine knew every turn by heart; Kurt was still trying to figure out where on earth they were going.

Suddenly, Blaine skid to a stop, nearly sending Kurt flying across the room. Breathlessly, Blaine motioned towards the biggest doors Kurt had ever seen. At least fifteen guards were patrolling around the perimeter, and a lot of them were regarding Kurt with suspicion. It all became clear, servants of his rank were never around this part of the palace and the strange looks may have something to do with the fact that he was holding the Prince's hand. Realization took its toll; Kurt shook with nervousness and anticipation as he took the scene in front of him in.

"Is that the -?" Kurt murmured cautiously.

"Sure is," Blaine said with sigh as he released his grip on Kurt's hand, as if he was thinking that it probably wasn't a good idea to do that while standing near fifteen guards. "You ready for this?" Blaine asked with self-satisfied grin.

Kurt could only find the energy to nod slightly in response. Blaine proceeded to guide Kurt through the guards and closer to the massive golden doors.

The guards recognized Blaine, so they didn't give him any trouble. Many of the guards gave Kurt strange and questioning looks as he disappearing through the doorway into the most beautiful room Kurt had ever seen.

The ceilings were high, so high that you had to strain your neck to fully see the roof. Multiple chandeliers hung magnificently and their diamonds cast reflections all over the room. Marble pillars reached up to the sky, intricate carvings decorated them as well as just about everything else. A huge window stretched over the entire back wall, offering a spectacular view of the colorful city of Athoshia, as well as the sparkling ocean. Kurt could have sworn he saw water nymphs and mermaids frolicking in the crystal blue ocean. But when he rubbed his eyes to get a better look, they were gone, much to Kurt's disappointment.

The sun was just beginning to set, turning the sky into vivid colors of reds and purples. Believe it or not, Kurt had never seen a sunset in his life (at least not one he remembered), at this time he was usually either getting in trouble for something he didn't do or for missing an imaginary speck of dust on the stairs. He had never been able to see Mother Nature's true beauty. The ice around his heart melted as he basked in the sun's rays. When Kurt finally managed to tear his eyes away from the scene he noticed paintings of the royal family hung upon the marble walls.

Kurt looked at one of the painting that featured Blaine riding a Pegasus in the Great Battle of the Sky, jealousy flipped through Kurt's stomach. Pegasus were extremely hard to capture and to win their trust. But not even jealously could distort Blaine's god-like features depicted in the painting. Kurt looked at the painted Blaine then to the real Blaine. Breathtaking…

But Blaine's expression snapped Kurt out of his trance. Blaine quickly nudged Kurt so he was looking at the people sitting by the window. There were two people sitting drinking tea, as a guard stood over them watchfully. Kurt noticed. Blaine began to walk towards the people, so Kurt leapt to stay beside him and walked at Blaine's pace to keep up with him.

As they drew closer, Kurt could see the faces of the people sitting together.

Queen Jayda. King Jacob. Puck?

Before Kurt had a chance to react to the fact that he was in the same room as the rulers of the kingdom, Blaine took Kurt and presented him to the group.

"Mother, Father, this is Kurt Hummel," Blaine said grandly with a smirk playing with the corners of his lips.

Kurt stepped forward with as much confidence as he could muster. He did a half-bow, half-curtsy sort of combination. He then mumbled any formality he could remember.

"Such a sweet boy you are," Queen Jayda said softly, "You look rather familiar…" the queen mused quietly.

Puck spoke up, "Your highness, if I may," He looked at the queen for permission to speak, to which the queen nodded graciously, so Puck continued, "Kurt used to train with myself and Prince Blaine when we were just boys,"

"Ah, I see. So if I may ask Blaine, why are you bringing this boy to us?" She asked with a slight tilt to the head. She must be where Blaine gets it from, Kurt smiled to himself, proud that he noticed the similarity between mother and son.

"Yes, Blaine, why?" King Jacob said gently but with subtle annoyance in his business-like tone.

Blaine cleared his throat then began, "I want Kurt promoted, his current ranking his not on par with his skills," Blaine paused, for once struggling to find the right words, "Mother," He said softly as he turned to face her, "He doesn't deserve this life, he's my childhood friend and I don't want to see him have to waste his life scrubbing stairs." Blaine whispered pleadingly.

Queen Jayda opened her mouth to reply, but was instead rudely interrupted by the moody King.

"Well, spit it out boy! I'm trying to arrange your marriage, I don't have to time to sit around as you babble!" the king said loudly, almost yelling, but quiet enough that no one outside their circle could hear his words.

"," Blaine spoke rapidly as he studied the patterns on the floor.

Kurt's chest filled with a warn sensation, Blaine really did care about him. What a fine King he'll be one day…

Queen Jayda had well trained ears from back when she hunted Pegasus and unicorns when she was a young girl. She didn't need him to repeat himself, while King Jacob clearly did. His eyebrows were knit together as he tried to figure out what his son had just said. But as her husband began to speak again, she delicately placed her hand to his arm to stop him.

"I suppose this is good decision making practice for when you will one day rule our land," the Queen smiled warmly first at Blaine then at Kurt before continuing, "Blaine I give you full charge over this boy. I trust you'll use your power wisely," she finished with a soft, barely there smile.

Normally when servants or slaves hear that they are being given to a new master, they panic at the life that now awaits them. But Kurt only felt an overwhelming sense of peace; he knew that he no longer had to fear about lashes or going without food.

As Blaine led Kurt up to his new living area, Kurt was too drunk on happiness to really say anything. Not only does he get to see the man of his dreams everyday but now for the first time since being made a servant when he was eight-years-old, he knew he was safe.

Blaine chose not to question Kurt's silence, he remembered how to read him from when they were young and he knew that Kurt was just silent because he didn't want to speak then wake himself up from this new reality.

Finally, the two friends reached the entrance to the royal chambers. Only then did Kurt snap out of his trance and realize where they were. Blaine couldn't help but grin at Kurt's amazement, Blaine had grown up in the palace, so he couldn't really fully enjoy it anymore. But watching Kurt's expression, he felt as if Kurt's joy was his own. Blaine found it amazing how easily he tapped into Kurt's thoughts and emotion, but also a bit strange, he'd have to go talk to the palace Warlock about it sometime.

Blaine strode confidently down the hallway until he reached the last door on the right. Blaine turned to say something to Kurt, but he wasn't there. Instead Blaine saw Kurt with a stunned look on his perfect face at the other end of the hallway. Blaine laughed, Kurt was truly awe-struck, Blaine's laugh broke Kurt's trance so when the boy looked his way Blaine motioned to the tall boy to come. And with that, Kurt skipped down the hallway only to be met on the other side with a welcoming hug.

Kurt buried himself in the collar of Blaine's shirt and breathed deeply, inhaling the scent. Kurt couldn't name anything he was smelling, it was just simply and perfectly Blaine.

As Blaine held onto Kurt, he could truly feel how starved his best friend was. Tears watered in his golden eyes, oh Kurt, you didn't deserve this…then Blaine decided that Kurt would have the royal experience tomorrow. Blaine smiled at the thought of how grateful Kurt would be.

The two boys finally released each other from their own grasps. Their faces were so close, barely half an inch apart. Both boys wanted the distance closed, badly. But neither could find the courage to do so.

"Well," Blaine muttered, "Welcome home Kurt,"

Swiftly, Blaine turned and opened the double doors to reveal a stunning bedroom. The room was larger then the servant's quarters by far, Kurt couldn't imagine how one person could live in here all by himself. There was a king-sized bed with a grand canopy, the headboard decorated with rubies and sapphires. In fact the whole room was decorated in a similar manner, blue and red seemed to be Blaine's choice for colors. Kurt made a mental note to remember that. Blaine's room had vaulted ceilings so high and wide that there was a full size chandelier hanging, and it fit in the room perfectly.

Prancing, Blaine entered the room, talking excitedly about all the stuff that it had and that Kurt was more then welcome to use. But Kurt was more interested in the large balcony. He walked over to it and stepped outside, once again he was reminded how warm the land of Athoshia really was. Even though it was nearly pitch black, other then the moon of course. It was still pleasant to be outside the breeze coming in from the seas was just too relaxing. Kurt leaned against the railing as he closed his eyes and breathed deeply. This is really happening. Things are finally getting better for me.

Lost in that moment of true bliss and serenity, Kurt didn't even hear Blaine come out to join him.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Blaine said softly as Kurt opened his eyes and turned to face the gorgeous Prince.

"Yes, truly beautiful," Kurt said with a smile as he looked out to the sea, hoping to see more nymphs and mermaids but to his disappointment, there were none. Not that he could truly be unhappy on top the balcony with Blaine at his side. So instead he turned his attention to the joyful kingdom.

Kurt could see a haze of light surrounding the whole village. It looked like such a joyful place… Kurt shook his head suddenly to try and get the memories out of his head; instead Kurt chose to replace those traumatizing memories with all the joy he'd felt today.

It worked. Those memories went back into hiding in the dark depths of Kurt's mind, for now.

The pair sat there in silence watching the ocean roll onto the beach and let themselves be surrounded with peace.

Then all too soon, Blaine broke the silence. "Would you like to see your room?" he questioned.

Kurt grinned and nodded quickly, unable to fully contain his excitement. Blaine laughed at the taller boy's expression. Then he took Kurt's hand in his own once again and took him back inside.

"So, where is it?" Kurt asked trying not to look as naive as he felt.

Blaine's smile widened as he released his grip on Kurt's hand and walked over to a wall where an intricately woven tapestry was hanging. With a grand gesture, Blaine swept the tapestry aside to reveal a small door. Kurt raced to Blaine's side as he opened the door. The door flew ajar silently as it unveiled the room behind it.

The room was just a slightly smaller version of Blaine's and it was just as amazing. It had it's own bathroom and full sized closet, all which were empty but Blaine assured Kurt it would soon be filled with luxurious outfits. Blaine excitedly told Kurt how they could do that tomorrow if he wished.

A very overwhelmed Kurt went over to the bed and sat down. Blaine continued rambling about all the things they were going to do; the shopping and the adventures (and hopefully not too many misadventures Blaine had said with a chuckle).

"Kurt?" Blaine asked timidly.

"Yes, Blaine?" Kurt replied while muffling a yawn.

Blaine walked over to Kurt's bedside and quickly, so fast that Kurt didn't know if it had truly happened, kissed Kurt on the cheek.

"Night Kurt," the now-flustered Prince said rapidly as he walked out of the room.

Once he was out of the room, Kurt chuckled softly to himself that while he had to duck to get through the small doorway, the hobbit of a Prince could just walk right through with no concern of hitting his head.

Kurt yawned and stretched as he began to take off the excessive amount decorative pillows and blankets off his bed. Once he had everything in a very neat pile beside the bed, Kurt kicked off his ugly shoes and crawled into the wonders of a comfortable bed.

Kurt sighed happily as his conscious mind finally began to relax, but his subconscious mind raced thoughts through his mind. Blaine. Whole new wardrobe. Blaine. Palace. Freedom from fear. Blaine. Blaine. The. Freaking. Prince. Kissed. My. Cheek.

And with that, Kurt's mind finally allowed his body to relax into a peaceful slumber. But as he did only one word skipped repeatedly through the land of his subconscious.

Blaine.

-phew- ! that was a lot of work. I tried to make this chapter especially long for my lovelies who have waited so long to read the next part of Kurt and Blaine's story. This story is 10 pages on Word and the last chapter was only 7. You're welcome!

Alrighty! So what did you think? Where should this story go? Please fav, alert and review :3 if you do I'll give you a virtual back rub (yes those exist don't question me!)

Until next time (which I'm hoping is a lot sooner then it was from the first chapter to this) Stay Gorgeous Klaine shippers! !

Lessthenthree 3

~ Alia ~