Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

Note: Wow! I'm shocked that so many of you like this so far. Haha. I was inspired enough to write the second chapter so quickly. I hope everyone likes it! Thank you so much for the thoughts. I appreciate it greatly! Enjoy! -JJ

Chapter 2

The next two days passed quickly for Seth. He'd spent them gathering things he thought he'd need in the village. He'd carefully tucked them away in his room, hiding them from the maids and cleaning staff. The hardest was sneaking it all by his sister, whom had made it a point to half way follow him around for some entertainment since she was stuck staying behind with him.

He hadn't been back to the stables to see Roman, something he hated. He wanted to go down there and spend a little time with him before his adventure, but it didn't seem plausible as the entire castle was alive and bustling to get the ship ready for the king and queen's departure.

At that moment it was a beautiful early April morning and he was standing on the royal docks, his mother smothering him in a hug before pressing a kiss to his forehead and taking a step back. "You behave yourself," she said, running a hand over his cheek. "Don't forget your lessons and at least practice fencing once."

"He'll be fine Stephanie," the king said, taking his wife's hand. He looked his youngest son over, a hard pressed look on his face. "The staff will have their eyes on you," he said, his light brown eyes narrowing on Seth's dark brown ones. "Don't spend anymore time in the stables than necessary."

Seth stiffened, swallowing hard. "Yes sir," he answered, taking the stiff hug. He hated that this was how him and his father were now. "I'll miss you."

The king's hold tightened, his entire body softening as he held his youngest son a little tighter. "I'm looking out for your wellbeing Seth," he murmured, pulling back and giving him a soft smile. "Promise you won't cause too much mayhem?"

Seth smiled at that, nodding. "Yes father," he answered quietly, turning to his brother, piercing blue eyes meeting his. They shared a short sort of nod, the brotherly love between them far from strong. He took a step back, Nikki flying into her parent's arms, hugging and kissing their cheeks before she embraced Randy doing the same.

"Be safe. Promise you'll give our regards and bring us back something pretty," Nikki said, moving to stand next to Seth, smiling brightly as they agreed and started to board the royal vessel. They stood there, watching as the last few servants boarded afterwards and the ship pushed off into the sea.

"First thing I'm doing when we get back to the castle is taking this corset off," Nikki said lowly, turning to her brother with a devious smile. "And then I'm going to go down to the kitchen and stuff myself with wine and fruit."

Seth laughed out loud, nodding. "I'm going to see Roman," he whispered, both of them turning towards the carriage that awaited them.

Nikki stiffened. "You know you're not allowed down there without someone watching," she murmured back, stopping only once they reached the door that was opened for them. She took Seth's offered hand and climbed in, relaxing back in the seat and kicking her feet up on the opposite seat next to Seth.

"I know," Seth answered once the door was closed and they were riding off. He knew the coachman couldn't hear them over the clopping of hooves on the cobbled path. "But there's no one to accompany me down, unless you want to keep watch on me." He smirked, thankful for Nikki's disgusted face. She wasn't a fan of the stables, usually if she was going to ride her beautiful mare; she had to be brought up to her.

"Please, don't get caught Seth, if someone sees you down there, you know it's only going to be trouble when mother and father return," she groaned, heavily sighing. "What do you even see in him? He's just a slave."

Seth smirked, looking out the beautiful glass window at the passing scenery. "Freedom," he answered softly, listening to Nikki's snort. It wasn't the only reason he liked being around Roman, but some things were better left unsaid in this situation.

He knew she didn't like the idea of him being around Roman, but he also knew she wouldn't tell anyone. They were close; thick as thieves you could say. They kept each other's secrets better than the dead.

He'd once been that close with Randy, the three of them the three musketeers in their childhood. That was until Randy had hit puberty and met his betrothed for the first time. Something around that time had changed in Randy and his love for Seth had soured into a deep disdain.

Seth was quiet the rest of the ride home, escorting Nikki into the castle and up to her room before he turned and made his way down to the kitchen. He smiled, the cook turning to him with a grin.

"It's in the refrigerator, sire," he said, tossing his head towards the wide white box. He shook his head, smirking when Seth walked over and took out the still warm pastries. He walked over, closing the gap between him and the prince, looking around to make sure no other kitchen staff was around. "Roman's already finished grooming the horses. Last I knew he was walking around the vineyard."

Seth smiled, turning to the tall man, his ebony skin a stark contrast to Seth's olive. He nodded, looking around himself. "Are things ready for tonight?"

"Yes sir."

"Thank you Kofi," he murmured, looking down at his boots, smiling. "You have no idea how much I appreciate this."

"Just promise me you'll be safe. If anything were to happen to you, the entire kingdom would burn under the king's orders," Kofi said softly, his voice hard. He wasn't just worried for the youngest prince, he was terrified for himself and the others that were helping Seth. If one of them even uttered a word of this to anyone, they would easily see the guillotine or hang in the middle of the town's square. Either way, it would be a very public execution.

"I will," the prince said, shutting the door and walking towards the door to the courtyard, nibbling on one of the two turnovers he'd taken. He smiled, taking his time as he walked down to the vineyard. He groaned when he heard two sets of footprints behind him. Of course he'd have someone following him. He turned, glaring at the two male servants stopping instantly. "I can hear you," he growled, groaning as they walked up beside him.

"We're here for your protection sire," the bald one started, bowing low with the shorter brunette. "The king told us to keep watch on you."

Seth rolled his eyes. Of course his father wouldn't trust him alone. "I don't need your watch or protection while I'm in the vineyard," he said, the two stiffening under his dark gaze.

"I'm sorry your grace, but we're here because the king ordered us to be. We have to stay with you," the brunette said, both standing there in high class suits, shoulder to shoulder.

"Fine," Seth growled, thinking this put a severe damper on the plans he had planned for the afternoon. He started back towards the vineyard, his glare softening once his brown eyes landed on his Samoan slave, his scarred back bare as he stood looking over the long rows. "Roman."

Roman turned, his dark face only letting up lightly as his grey eyes landed on the two following Seth. He was silent, the prince walking up to him and handing him the sweet treat. He bowed, accepting the gift.

Seth stepped a little closer, his voice low enough that he knew the two behind him couldn't hear the conversation between them. "I'll be in the stables tonight after sun down. Meet me there," he whispered, smiling softly. "Promise me?"

Roman gave a quick, curt nod, his eyes softening only enough for Seth to notice. His gaze returned to the two following, watching as they both seemed almost skittish around his bigger body.

Seth wanting nothing more than to reach out and touch the bronze skin, trace the ink that bled onto Roman's chest. "Joey, Jamie, I'll be returning to the castle," he said louder, his smile fading as he turned and started back.

Roman stood a little straighter, giving both of the men following Seth a dark, hateful look. He couldn't help but smirk as they'd nearly jumped out of their skin and ran to follow the prince. He stayed there, holding the turn over to his lips, nibbling on it lightly. Of course Seth would sneak him something sweet. He tried not to hold the excitement so close to his heart, knowing that it was going to be hard for Seth to sneak out to see him with those two following his every move.

Seth spent the rest of the day in the tower, his eyes soaking in everything that he was going to experience. He knew the risks of getting caught outside the castle, but just the idea of being able to live like one of them out weighed everything. Heis only regret was that he couldn't take Roman with him. He wished they could enjoy the time together, alone. He smiled at that thought, wondering if they could be like the people he saw walking hand in hand, share their affection openly.

Jamie and Joey stood guard outside the door, both quickly growing tired of the Prince's suddenly cold attitude. They'd never seen him so closed off, but then again, they probably wouldn't be in a great mood either if they were being watched like children either. They liked it about as much as the Prince did.

Once night finally fell, Seth paced around his room, waiting for the perfect moment. He knew after a certain time, the two would leave him and he'd be able to make his escape. Luckily, he only had to wait another half hour before the two thought he was asleep and started towards their own beds in the servants' quarters. It would give him plenty of time to gather his things and make his way down to the stables.

He pulled on his traveling cloak, pulling the hood up over his pulled back hair. He had on the commoner's clothes and a smile as he shouldered his bag and hurried to exit his room. He knew his time would be limited before a set of guards passed by doing their nightly rounds. He hurried down the hallway, scanning it before hiding behind one of the stone pillars. The guards passed without a second glance and he darted through the crossing halls before he found exactly what he was looking for: a revolving bookcase.

He smiled, pushing it and stepped onto the stone steps. Once the bookcase was back in place, Seth couldn't see anything; the stairway pitch black. He was careful as he descended down to the base, feeling around the wall for the exact brick he was looking for. He pushed it hard, the large stone wiggling out of place, giving Seth just enough moonlight to see the lush green grass. He crawled through the hole, pushing his bag out and turning to replace the large stone. He was thankful for finding these silly secret passages in his youth, knowing that now they were the only means of escape without alerting the guards.

He shouldered his bag, running towards the stables. His hood fell back off his head, his lips parted as he panted with excitement. It was buzzing through him, making him feel alive for the first time in his nineteen years alive. "Roman!" he called, startling the horses as he pushed open the stable doors and ran inside. He shut the door, dropping his bag. He could see the flickering candlelight, the tall Samoan making his presence known as he walked out from the little storeroom.

Roman smiled, his arms instantly full of the prince. He held him tight, lips already on his. He wasn't complaining, thinking this was the first time in years that him and Seth could hold each other like this without fear of being seen. He pulled back, looking over the handsome face, pressing their foreheads together. "Not here," he murmured, taking Seth's hand and leading him out the back of the stables.

Not far was a very small little hut like house. It had been built from extra stone and wood and while it was rather ugly, it was sturdy. And it was Roman's, something the king had built for Roman since he wasn't trusted enough to sleep inside the castle. Seth sucked in a breath, he'd only been inside once before.

Roman opened the door, the warmth of the low fire spreading over them, lighting the two roomed hut up. He couldn't help but smile, unfastening Seth's cloak and looking over the prince in the common brown trousers, a white shirt, and matching brown vest. He sighed, looking over Seth's beaming face. "You'll blend in," he murmured, swallowing hard as he wrapped Seth up in his arms once more, breathing in the other man's scent. He didn't want to admit out loud how scared he was of Seth leaving the protection of the castle walls.

Seth melted into Roman's embrace, his hands reaching up into the long hair, pulling the band free so his hands could run through it. "I have most of the night," he murmured, pulling back so that their lips could easily meet. He felt his vest being peeled back and off, his shirt being lifted over his head. He groaned, Roman's shirt following. He was lifted upwards, his legs wrapping around the thick waist before he felt the firm mattress under him. He smiled up at Roman, letting out a small, short chuckle. "It's been a long time."

Roman nodded, moving back to look over the prince's beautiful skin, his bronze hand rough, calloused as it ran over the strong chest, one fingertip dragging over a nipple before they slowly slid down to the waist of Seth's trousers, unfastening them slowly. His heart was pounding, his grey eyes moving up to watch as Seth's skin grew more and more flush under his touch. He swallowed hard, tugging the trousers and boxers off. "I haven't seen you fully naked since you were sixteen," he breathed, heart pounding in his chest. He paused, his hands resting in his lap.

"It's okay," Seth answered, sitting up and hooking his hand behind Roman's neck, pulling him in so their lips could meet gently. "It's okay." He ran his hands over Roman's back, taking in the feel of the deep ridges of the scars. He hated them, most of them a constant reminder that it had been his fault they were even there.

"We can't do it all," Roman murmured, resting his bigger body over Seth's, running his own hand through the brown silk. "I'm sorry."

Seth nodded, sighing. "I wish you would," he answered softly, his and Roman's lips pressing together over and over again in slow, open mouthed kisses. He felt Roman pull back from him, the beautiful grey eyes resting fully on him. His brown eyes narrowed on Roman's eye, his fingers moving up to run over the scar there. "I've already done so much to you."

Roman smirked, kissing Seth's nose. "It's not because of that, or what happened. It's because you should do that with someone that you love, not your field slave," he murmured, watching as the chocolate brown eyes turned stormy.

"You're not just my slave Roman," he growled, sighing heavily. "Is that really all you think I look at you like?" He shook his head, groaning as he covered his face with his hands.

"No, but you don't love me and you shouldn't," Roman explained, pulling Seth's hands from his face. "I can give you everything else but that Seth."

Seth nodded, his and Roman's lips once again clashing together. His hips bucked up into Roman's, their cocks growing harder and harder with each thrust. Their hands moved over each other's chests, tongue and teeth nipping at Seth's neck and chest. Seth couldn't think, wishing that he could be with Roman. He'd never met someone that had intrigued him like Roman, but he'd always been confined to the castle, his contact with anyone other than royalty was limited.

Roman's lips moved lower on Seth's chest, his grey eyes watching every movement his prince made. As much as he'd loved to be buried deep within the other man, he knew it would only lead to more complications. They'd dared to be that close once and it had led to disaster on both parts. He shuddered at the memory, his eyes closing for only a moment as he tried not to relive it. He'd give Seth as much pleasure as he could as consolation.

Roman laid there watching over Seth as he slept in his bed, the smaller body curled into his chest. As much as he wanted, he knew he had to wake the prince so he could make his way down towards the village, but it could wait a few more moments. This would probably be the only time he would be able to gaze at Seth's sleeping face, his naked body pressed against his.

He sighed, thinking he'd give everything up to keep Seth with him like this. Maybe in another life he'd be able to, they'd be equals and he could give his all to the prince that he cared so much for. "Seth," he murmured, running a hand through the disheveled hair, smirking at the groan of annoyance he was met with. He wished he could just talk Seth into staying with him, but he knew it wouldn't be heard. "Hey, it's almost morning. You have to go."

Seth groaned again, this time moving around just enough to look up into Roman's playful eyes. "Thank you," he whispered, pushing his body closer to Roman's, both of them groaning at the heat between them. While they hadn't done everything Seth wanted, the night before had been the most pleasurable and gentle experience of his life. Roman had brought him to orgasm more times than he dared to count, both of their bodies exhausted when they'd finally fallen asleep.

Roman held Seth a little closer, kissing him gently, slowly, letting their tongues glide along the other before he finally pulled back and climbed out of the bed, searching for their clothes. "C'mon, get ready before I try and talk you out of this," he urged, groaning when he felt Seth pressed along his back, kisses being littered all over his back. He hissed, some of the scars still tender even after all the years they'd been there. "Seth."

"I'm still sorry for these," Seth said, pulling free and reaching for his underwear and trousers. He pulled them on, lips pressing on his one flaw on the back of his neck. He whimpered, leaning back into Roman's arms.

"I'm not the only one that's been through a lot," Roman breathed, running his hands down Seth's arms, tucking his face into the prince's neck. "Promise me you'll be safe."

"I will Roman," Seth answered, smiling softly. "Bo and Kofi have already given me everything I'll need. I'll be back in a few days, a week at most. I swear." He turned to Roman, pulling him in for another set of slow kisses. "I wish you could go with me."

"As do I."

As much as Seth hated it, he pulled away and finished dressing, pulling his cloak over his shoulders and fastening it around his neck. He picked up his bag and walked with Roman in the darkness over the lush lawns to the far gate. He looked up at the sky, watching as the numerous stars started to fade and streaks of purple started to show through. His heart was racing in his chest, excitement and happiness bustling through him. "Tell Kofi and Bo thank you for everything. They're risking their lives for me right now."

Roman nodded, watching anxiously as Seth scaled the wrought iron wall and jumped down on the other side. He could see the happiness on Seth's face as he looked around the waking street. "Hurry, go before the guards come back!" he hissed, looking around for the change of the guard. His heart ached in his chest to watch as Seth nodded, reaching through the bars so that their hands could touch one last time before Seth smiled, pulled his hood up, and was walking away.

Seth smiled as he breathed in the morning air, biting his lower lip lightly as he looked around the village, taking in all the sights. Once far enough away from the castle gates he threw his hood back, the rising sun already starting to warm his face, killing the early morning spring chill. His brown eyes looked around the square, the small gap between his front two teeth showing from his smile. He shivered as the breeze brushed against him, still cool. He felt it inside him, giving him hope. "Freedom!"

(A/N): I'm really overwhelmed with everyone's comments and thoughts! I really hope that this chapter is just as good as the first. Things are going to start to get pretty good past this point! I hope you're ready. Thank you for taking the time to read and let me know what you think, as always, thoughts are always welcome! Onwards and upwards!

JacktheSinister_JaketheJust