The next morning, Lovino was woken by fingers running through his hair and soft kisses on his lips, cheeks and neck. A moment of panic took his body, but his eyelids fluttered open to the image of Antonio sweet smiling face and sparkling green eyes. Lovino smiled at him, reaching over to hug him causing the wounds to be pulled. He let out a soft yelp before pulling his arms back.

Antonio's face morphed from gentle to concerned almost instantly. He stood up and glanced over his shoulder at the door though no one was there. He looked back at Lovino, who had managed to sit himself up despite the discomfort.

"I'm going to have Elizabeta take care of your wounds again to show me what to do. She's sending supplies," he said softly. "But Lovi, when we go, I have to tie you up to be convincing. It will hurt. If we're to avoid getting caught, it's the only way."

Lovino's eyes dropped to the ground. He couldn't stand the thought of more pain, but he knew it would be over soon. He trusted Antonio. The prince had never once broken a promise. He was risking his life to get Lovino to safety. Why shouldn't Lovino trust him? Though part of him felt that it was too good to be true.

Suddenly the desire to be close to Antonio a final time bubbled up. He wanted to feel Antonio inside him. He wanted his hands traveling along his body, soft lips exploring him. The thought of Antonio whispering to him softly, his green eyes locked with Lovino's gold made the boy shiver.

It was odd and confusing. He had spent so much of his life being forced to allow that sort of intrusion and here he was, at the tender age of fourteen, still young despite being on the brink of adulthood, desiring this man. Part of him wondered if there was something wrong with him. The sickening thought that maybe he had wanted all those men to run their hands over him, their breath on his skin, kisses on his mouth and body, their gentials in his mouth, them manipulating his small form to violently thrust in and out of him, invaded his mind. What if his screams of pain were really screams of pleasure and he was just too young to realize? What if the feeling of wanting to cry as they touched him were tears of happiness? What if the feeling of wanting to vomit when he was made to suck on their cocks was anxious desire? Could the feeling of being worthless and unclean be that he needed a man with him?

He felt himself trembling, unable to hear what Antonio was saying. He didn't feel Elizabeta changing his dressing. Nothing outside of his mind existed. Antonio had described love to him last night, but what if he was wrong? Had those men in the brothel loved him? They always wanted him. Why had he never felt good with them? Why did it only feel good with Antonio? Antonio said he loved him. Does that make it feel good?

Lovino bit his lip as tears clouded his vision. There was so much he didn't understand. He was almost a man and he felt like a child. There was so much he wished to do. In Rome, he would have been learning about art, literature, science, philosophy, and politics. He'd be with his father and brother at the theatre as the best actors in the empire performed. He would have been courting for a wife and learning the roles of a caesar. Yet here he was not understanding anything.

He ran about the castle playing all day. He never had mature conversations about the meaning of life or about the gods and goddesses. Instead he talked to Antonio about going to the ocean and about seeing his family again. He never even spoke of Rome. The realization that he was a child in an almost grown body humiliated him.

Antonio was in front of him now, kneeling before him with his face chin on his arms that were folded across the boy's lap. He was speaking, but Lovino didn't hear a word. He was angry that Antonio was leaving that behind. He knew that it wasn't a safe place, but the fact that Antonio could just say goodbye to the knowledge that only a few were given was difficult to understand. Antonio was able to learn about the world and the stars. He was free to travel and see and learn, and he was giving it up for the sea.

"Lovino?" Antonio's frantic voice finally penetrating his thoughts as he was shaken by the shoulders.

"I'm sorry...I...I was thinking," Lovino mumbled softly, his voice quivering.

"Are you scared?" Antonio asked softly as he took the boy's face in his hands.

"No."

"Then what is bothering you? You're so pale and you look about to cry. Oh god, and you're trembling."

"It just hurts," Lovino whispered brushing the tears away.

Antonio stood, arms crossed, as he examined the boy for a moment. He didn't look like he believed him, but didn't press the matter. Instead Antonio kissed him softly before instructing him to stand. He pulled out some ropes and took one of Lovino's hands, tying the rope to his wrist. He gently took the other, and pulled both arms together behind the boy's back. The position itself would have been uncomfortable, but with the wounds it was almost enough to make the boy cry out.

"You'll be okay. I promise," Antonio said softly as he picked up a couple bags. "I may be a little rough with you until we get far enough away. It's for appearances."

Lovino nodded and winced as Antonio took his arm in his hand and pulled him out of the room. They walked through the castle silently, Lovino waiting for Antonio to do something for revenge. He didn't know what he would do, but he knew that they couldn't leave without something vengeful happening.

A sudden sound of a door opening and footsteps caused the boy to freeze. Antonio grabbed his arm forcefully and pushed him into a small crevice in the wall. Lovino stumbled before falling, letting out a whimper. Antonio put a hand over his mouth and motioned for him to stay silent. Lovino nodded, and Antonio stood to look out. Lovino's heart was racing as he sat on his feet, waiting for the news.

"Shit, it's my dad's advisor," Antonio whispered. "I'm sorry about being rough. It's about to happen again."

Antonio helped Lovino to his feet quickly and pushed the boy in front of him. Lovino glued his eyes to the floor and walked. He understood the danger and why this was necessary, but part of him wanted the prince to be gentler with him. He was so tired of being pushed around and hurt. His body still ached and was exhausted. The boy trembled as they approached the man. He hoped and prayed that they wouldn't be stopped. Henrique was supposed to sell him.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing up so early?" the man asked, sending a sidelong glanced at the tied up boy.

"Selling this worthless slave. He's too old for fun, as you know."

"Didn't you throw yourself at your brother's feet for your whore just yesterday?" the man raised a brow.

"Unfortunately I had been suffering a minor lapse in judgement. I am much better now and in the mindset of a prince. I need to sell him so that I may marry. Father did say that I was not to be wed until I had matured. I am still not yet there, but I am hopeful."

Lovino could hear the feigned arrogance in Antonio's voice. He remembered when he was able to speak that way. He had been one of the most respected children in the land before he was kidnapped. He wondered if he'd ever be able to gain that back. He felt so pitiful and broken. He was terrified to speak to anyone save Toni.

"Majesty, if I may be so bold?"

"You may," Antonio said, his face stone.

"Would it be too much of a bother to possibly have a small go with the boy before you sell him? There are things men desire that are not fit for a lady, if you know what I mean."

Lovino glanced at Antonio. He wasn't sure what this man was talking about, but he saw something flash for a moment over Antonio's face before the teen spoke.

"Yes, Angelo, I know perfectly well what you mean, but I am afraid I must decline. You see, I need to get going before the sun rises."

"Nonsense, Toni," the man smirked, his voice losing all traces of respectfulness, "You know as well as I that the slave traders do not begin sales until midday. You are going so early. I may need to wake Henrique to be sure."

"Angelo, that is enough. I do not think that you are deserving to use the Royal Whore as you are merely a nobleman and not royalty. You are beneath me. If you go against my commands, I would be forced to order punishment."

"Listen up, you little brat, your father is on his deathbed," he hissed, sending a wicked wink to Antonio causing the prince to gasp. "Henrique is putting things into play and he's already succeeded phase one. We both know what your fate will be when that happens. Now step aside."

The man sent a threatening glared to Antonio who stepped back and nodded toward Lovino demanding that it be quick. The Roman gave a confused look until Angelo stroked his face gently. His heart sank with the realization. What was Toni thinking? Angelo led Lovino back to the crevice and ordered Lovino to his knees before pulling himself out. Lovino closed his eyes and let out a shuddering sigh before he took the man into his mouth.

Angelo ran his hand through the boy's hair as the boy used his skill to the best of his ability. He needed to make the man come and then he could continue onward with Antonio. He ignored the thrusts and when Angelo pulled his head further to him. He focused on the task at hand to prevent the sickening feeling from setting in.

"Y-you know, it's so great th-that you're t-tied up. Your f-f-filthy hands do not have the r-r-right to touch m-me," Angelo gasped out

Lovino could sense the man getting close. He worked faster hoping he could be done with this once and for all. He could have cried with relief when the man unloaded in the back of his throat before he pulled away from the boy, Lovino licked his lips in an attempt to make sure that he was clean, the salty sweetness lingered in his mouth making him feel nauseous.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Angelo called as he walked away.

Antonio appeared moments later explaining that it was the only way to get Angelo to leave without being put on alert. He wiped the boy's mouth with his sleeve and pulled him to his feet. Lovino refused to speak. He had doubts about this journey. They were already detected. He had known it was too good to be true.

Before long they found themselves outside, Lovino was shocked. He gaped at Antonio for a moment before hurrying to keep pace. Antonio's eyes were darting around every which way as he walked. Lovino found it nerve wracking. As they were leaving the castle grounds, Lovino was barely able to keep up with the older boy.

"T-Toni, wait!" Lovino called as he stumbled along.

"I'm sorry, Lovino. We need to walk fast. I don't trust Angelo. I know he got what he wanted, but…" his voice caught and he shook his head taking Lovino's arm gently to help him stay on his feet at the quick pace. Lovino noticed glistening tears in the prince's emerald eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"Henrique and Angelo killed my father, Lovino,' he hissed looking around. "We're not safe."

"What?" Lovino gasped.

"Angelo, he said that my father was on his deathbed. He was fine the day before the whipping, but I have not seen him since. I heard whispers from the servants. Tino and Elizabeta won't speak of him. When he said that Henrique had completed step one, I knew what that meant. Hurry up, we need to get to the docks."

The two walked hurriedly and eventually met the sandy shores. Antonio was also tossing gold coins from the bag in his hand for the peasants to find when the sun rose every so often along the way. The older teen scanned until the coast until his eyes locked on something in the distance and he pulled Lovino behind him. The boy could barely walk on the sand tied up like this, but Antonio was too focused to notice. He kept muttering that he was going to get Lovino to safety.

They approached two rather tall blond men who were bickering about something, but stopped suddenly when Antonio greet him. The three spoken in familiar tones as Lovino studied them. Their accents were strange. He had never heard it before. One man had his hair tied back and his blue eyes danced as he gazed at him. The other wore a scowl on his face and had shorter hair. His green eyes were filled with fire.

"What is this?" the grumpy looking man asked gesturing toward Lovino.

"He's my slave. I wish to bring him with me," Antonio smiled.

"Slave?" the man laughed and nudged the other who laughed as well. "Why, my fellow, there are no slaves on my ship. I know you're a royal now, but obviously not in good standing with the king. Once your run away with us, your blood doesn't matter. We have the captain, myself, and the first mate, Francis, and then the crew. He's not a slave anymore. Cut him loose."

"Arthur, I'm amazed with you! You're loosening up!" Francis smiled.

"What? Why?" Arthur glared before gasping. "Wait! No. He cannot come! It will throw us off! No. I cannot have odd numbers on my ship. It's bad luck. We'll sink!" Arthur seemed almost frantic.

"Then take him. He needs to be returned to Rome."

"Rome? Why Rome?" Francis asked, narrowing his eyes.

"That's his home. He's been kidnapped and forced into slavery. He must be returned. I promised him years ago. I intend to keep my promise," Antonio said, his gaze unwavering.

"He's too young to work the ship! Everyone has a job and he cannot do anything!" Arthur protested.

"Please! I beg of you! I need him to be safe."

"He has no skill," Arthur insisted. "He's small and no use to us. You must have a job to eat."

"There must be something he can do! Please!" Antonio's voice was almost desperate.

"I can be the ship's whore," Lovino said suddenly, his voice stronger than he realized. He didn't know where it came from since sleeping with strange men is what he wanted to get away from, but what if he did want it? Maybe that was why he wanted to be with Antonio.

Arthur and Francis stared at him, shocked. Antonio had tears in his eyes. Lovino shifted uncomfortably. He looked at the sea. He wanted to run to it and it carry him far away.

"I'm sorry?" Arthur asked, glancing at Francis.

"I can be the ship's whore," Lovino said slowly, his voice shaking. "Whatever anyone wants. Full service. I'm very good. I've been a prostitute since I was eight. I'm nearly fourteen, if not so already. I loose track."

"Eight?" Francis' eyes opened wide.

"That's almost half your life," Arthur said, appalled.

"Yes, so you see, I am good. Right, Toni?"'

"Um...uh...y-yeah," the prince whispered. "He's almost a man. That's why I need to get him out of here. He'll be sold if he stays. I need him safe. Take him."

"I hate slavery. It's vile," Arthur glared at the sand. "And kidnapped children forced into that nonsense…"

"You know what Arthur, I don't believe Augustus has come back. He's late. He was last seen with a woman. We do have additional room for one more on the ship now. We can take them both and still have an even number."

"Oh yes. Very good. Let's go then, as long as all the jobs must be taken care of!"

Arthur turned on his heel, grabbing Francis' arm and shouting to the crew that they needed to move out. Antonio cut the ropes away from the boy's wrists and pulled him onto the ship. He pulled Lovino into a tight hug and kissed his lips gently once they were safely aboard. Antonio refused to let anyone touch his young prince. Lovino would not be defiled again. They would find his brother. The boys would be returned to Rome. The prince's heart sung as he hear the wind whip the sails and the ship move away from his Hispania and into the open waters.

Thank you for reading. Please review!