Days had gone by, and Brain was now really infatuated with Justin, whom he know nicknamed his « sunshine », for, he had explained seeing how puzzled the teen was on hearing this title for the first time, he had brought him back to life, just as the Sun does with Nature at the end of winter. He Brain, had had two long years of winter, and now, he felt as if spring was returning.

Brian never missed any occasion to show Justin how much he cared for him. The palace was being redecorated so as to give it back its former magnificence, and the Prince had ordered the craftsmen to follow Justin's choices and instructions. The young man wasn't living at the toyinkaas' anymore for Brain wanted him to have as much privacy he could. He hoped Justin would be his soon now, an he didn't want the toyinkaas to bother him, ask him to give them some juicy details or simply maybe even tease him. No he had decided their relationship was, would be special. But, try as he might, Justin always thanked him for professing his feelings, but he still wouldn't give in. It had been now nearly three months since the blond teenager had been brought to the palace, and Brian hadn't yet been able to have any kind of thorough sexual relationship with him. Of course, they would kiss, caress each other and cuddle, but nothing more. Brian was now getting impatient; his toyinkaas, talented as they might be, could barely satisfy him anymore. Justin was the one and only person he longed for.

"Sunshine" Brian asked him one evening as they were walking back to Justin's apartments,"aren't you now aware that I care for you? Don't you like the presents I'm offering you?"

"Why, yes, of course, Brian, I do like them, and I realize how caring you have been for me for a few weeks now."

"Then why is it that you keep rejecting me?"

"I'm not rejecting you, my Prince", Justin answered, slightly blushing."It's true you've been very generous to me, and any boy or man would be greatly honored and glad to share your bed under these circumstances."

"Then, why aren't you this man? I'm getting really obsessed with you, and you damn well know it;' Brian purred at his ear. They had now reached Justin's apartments and Brain tried to sneak in as soon as Justin had opened his door, but the teen just wouldn't let him in.

"No Brian, this is all very well, but remember what I told you a while ago, when we started seeing each other. I want to save myself for a man who will be ready to offer me a real commitment. I won't be bought."

"You're talking nonsense! I'm not trying to buy you!" Brian retorted vehemently.

"Then prove you really love me!"

"How can I do that? How can I convince you to be mine? Tell me please, and I will obey" the Prince begged

Justin then gestured Brian to come closer and to stoop. He then whispered something to him. On hearing the words, Brain sprang back, as if stung by a wasp, or worse, a scorpion

"No", he flatly answered."You can forget this idea. I will never do that. I just can't."

"Then you will never have me" The blond replied

"You little brat. Who do you think you are? I can get anyone I want, I'm the Prince." Brian was now getting really mad at Justin.

"Go and get anyone you like then, my Prince, but this one won't be me" Justin answered calmly, before entering his rooms and swiftly locking the door

"Go to Hell! I'm sick and tired of you! I don't want to see you or hear your name anymore!" Brian yelled. Infuriated, he kicked at Justin's door, but Justin wouldn't open. Brian then strode back to his quarters. On his way, he caught a glimpse of this beautiful china vase he had presented Justin with a few days ago. The teen had marveled at the delicacy or the patterns and the brightness of the colors. Seconds after, the servants heard something shattering on the tiled floor.

"Marry him? The little jerk! I'd rather die" Brian snorted before slamming his door shut.

Almost one week had elapsed since Brian and Justin had had this argument, and they were carefully avoiding each other, for neither of them was willing to concede he had maybe gone a bit too far. They both were firm on their positions: Justin wanted Brain to accept a serious commitment before allowing their relationship to go any further, and Brian just wouldn't hear about that.

Emmett and Master Vic had at first been concerned about this turn of events, for they feared Brian would go back to his old ways if he felt rejected once again, but Justin made it clear to them that his body wasn't for sale, and the two older men could do nothing but yield. They were somewhat reassured when they saw that Brian wasn't returning to his fresh former ways of living, and could only hope that soon the situation would turn out for the best. It was only a matter of days before Brian realized that his love for Justin was stronger than his pride, and they soon grow convinced that Justin would have things his way.

"Justin," Emmett asked him one afternoon "could you please go and take all this laundry to the laandeerers? I'm awfully busy at the moment, and Brain is giving me a hell of a time" he sighed

"No problem" Justin immediately answered."Of course I'll do this for you. Just tell me when you want it back, and how to get there. I've never been to this part of the palace before."

"That's only easy dear boy" Emmett answered. "You go straight down the corridor, then down to the basement. You keep straight till you cross a double door, the left, then second right, straight again, third left, fourth door at the end of the corridor. And I want it for tomorrow".

Justin looked at the enormous heap of dirty linen."Oh, well", he thought, I suppose I'd better be on my way right now… O.K. Emmett, I'm leaving now. See you soon"

Justin was desperately trying to remember Emmett's instructions: down the corridor, turn right then second left…. Or was it the contrary? He soon had to admit he was utterly lost.

"Don't you panic, Justin Taylor, you just have to find someone who will pu you back on the right track. That's an opportunity for you to visit the whole place, after all" He looked around, but no one was in sight.

He was about to try and find his way back, when in the distance, he heard some voices. Two men apparently, but too far away to be seen. He couldn't believe his luck. After all, he wasn't the only soul in this forlorn area… He was going to show up and call for help, when he suddenly froze on hearing their talk

"So, Blake, have you followed my instructions?"

"Yes, my Lord. All the villagers are ready to join you. When I left, they were starting to gather as many weapons as possible"

"Fine, very fine indeed. When do you think they should be here?"

"It depends on how far they are from the castle, my Lord, but I should say in three days' time at the utmost."

"Excellent! Then by the end of the following week, Brian will have been overthrown and I will have been proclaimed the new master of Anjekaar…."

Justin couldn't believe his hears. What was all this about? Overthrowing Brian? Taking over Anjekaar? He perfectly remembered who Blake was, but who was the second man? He had heard this voice before, he was sure about that, but he just couldn't make out when nor where. He immediately had to warn everybody about what was going on here. Without further thinking, he dropped all the linen and started running down the corridor. Unfortunately, the men had now seen him noticed they had been overheard.

"Quick, run! We must catch up with him and prevent him from ruining our plans!"

Justin increased his pace, but there was nothing he could do. He heard footsteps pounding behind him, growing closer and closer. All of a sudden, a hand was grasping his shoulder.

"You little bastard! How could you think you would get away like this?"

Justin turned searching for something he could use as a weapon anything really. He saw an old knife lying on the floor and bent down, trying to reach for it, but then he felt a sharp pain at the base of his neck and all went black…