.running crimson.
Tyler should not be anticipating this as he was. But what was the harm in a bit of fun? He ran his blade along Jeremy's sword, thrilling in the sound it made. He watched as Jeremy took another step back.
"Your footwork is admirable," he murmured. Jeremy bowed his head slightly.
"May I ask the terms?"
"First to draw blood wins." Tyler spun, only to have his sword blocked by Jeremy. "Very good," he murmured, smiling. Jeremy did not acknowledge the words. Instead he side stepped, moving his sword and swinging. Tyler spun again, out of the way. They both took a moment to reevaluate their opponent. Tyler stepped forward and Jeremy stepped back again.
"You needn't be scared. I will not wound you mortally."
"Only cautious Prince, never scared."
"Brave words," Tyler said, thrusting. Jeremy deflected the blow easily.
"I was taught well."
"You enjoy the sound of your own voice, do you not?" Jeremy smiled as he attacked. Tyler barely protected his throat in time.
"I've yet to bleed Bor." Tyler swung his sword, wincing as he stretched his wound. For the first time he thought this might end poorly. He could not afford to be made a fool in front of his men. Yet he was wounded. Gritting his teeth, he thrust again. Jeremy blocked and shifted before slapping Tyler's leg with the flat of his blade. Tyler rounded on him just in time to deflect another slash of his sword. Sweat was beginning to gather between Tyler's shoulder blades. He lunged forward, stopping short when he felt a cold blade at his throat. Tyler was careful not to move his throat as he looked up. The expression on Jeremy's face was coolly satisfied. "I trust I needn't actually draw blood," he murmured. Tyler lowered his sword.
"I underestimated you Ellysian."
"You are not the first."
"I'll have you next," Jayel said, breaking from his squad. "I warrant I am more of a challenge than my wounded leader."
"Watch your tongue," Tyler warned, turning on him.
"I only speak the truth." Jayel passed Tyler and drew his sword. Tyler yanked him back by the collar.
"As much as I would enjoy the Ellysian slicing you to shreds this is not your place. Back to your squad. Immediately."
"My prince," Jayel snarled. He sheathed his sword before turning away.
Jeremy stepped closer before handing his borrowed sword over by the hilt.
"You are bleeding Bor," he murmured. Tyler lifted his arm before wincing. Red was seeping through his shirt.
"I am," he agreed. He waved over Matthias and gave him back his sword. "Oversee the soldiers." Matthias nodded. Tyler turned back for the castle, only looking once to see whether Jeremy was following. "Go," he murmured, waving him towards where his people were still gathered. "Do not waste all day."
"Your wound," Jeremy reminded him quietly.
"How did I live before you came along?"
"You may be too proud. I am not."
"Pride has naught to do with it. I will live regardless." Jeremy rolled his eyes and Tyler scoffed at the action. "As you wish," he said, "do not see your people. Tend to my scratch instead. Like a nursemaid."
"Are you sore because I beat you? Again?" Tyler jerked to a stop in front of the door. He turned to Jeremy slowly.
"Are you…bragging?" Jeremy smiled softly.
"Never your highness." Tyler found himself smiling as well and killed it quickly. He knew he should warn Jeremy against becoming too familiar…yet he did not. He sort of, almost, enjoyed it. He entered the castle and began climbing the stairs. Tyler did not want to admit it but the 'scratch' was beginning to hurt more with each step. He wondered absently if he had torn it open. Foolish passing thoughts. Why had he not learned to think? Fighting with Jeremy had been a bad idea in the first place. Surely. Thinking back he was unable to remember why he had wanted to.
Jeremy helped him strip away layers of cloth before wincing. He pressed a hand to the wound quickly, resulting in a gasp from Tyler.
"How bad?" he questioned through his teeth. Jeremy simply shook his head, reaching for a cloth. He shifted his arm and looked down, rivulets of blood running crimson down his side. "It's a good wound is it not?"
"With the aim of killing you…yes. With the aim of healing…no." Tyler laughed.
"I highly doubt the latter was your purpose."
"How did you know?" Tyler laughed again.
"Will it need the physician?"
"I think it will stop soon." Tyler took hold of Jeremy's wrist with his good hand and crossed to the bed, pulling him along. He sat down and let go of Jeremy's wrist.
"Seems intimate, does it not?" Tyler questioned, watching Jeremy's face carefully.
"You staining the sheets is intimate?"
"You have a way with words Ellysian." Tyler still enjoyed watching him squirm. Much more than fighting him. "I meant you keeping me alive. Skin to skin. Heat to heat."
"You really are lonely."
"Hm." Tyler laid his hand over Jeremy's before lowering his arm. "And you are not unaffected."
"What is this?" Jeremy questioned after a moment. "What are you after?"
"What if I said you?" Jeremy was quiet for a long moment, shifting uncomfortably.
"It is said that in the Borlands it is common for men to take men as lovers, or women to take women. Is it true?"
"Life in the Borlands is short. We take what we can while we can."
"And you are…" he hesitated, "you are interested in me?" Tyler smiled softly.
"Why not?" Jeremy laughed as he dipped his head.
"Surely you jest. We are inches from war."
"We are inches from each other little prince." Tyler tightened his hand over Jeremy's. "Had you forgotten?"
"I made an effort to."
"You flatter me."
"Perhaps you should postpone this for a time when you are not bleeding all over the both of us."
"I may not live to see the dawn." Jeremy snorted.
"Unlikely. Though not as unlikely as garnering my sympathy."
"You ought to feel sorry for me."
"Sorrier for myself your majesty."
"How very unlike you Jeremy. You are usually so compassionate."
"You are trying to take me to bed. Forgive me my lack of feeling for your station."
"Only if you ask nicely," Tyler said, smirking again.
"You are…indescribable."
"I would not try to deny it."
"Why would you have me for a lover?" Jeremy questioned suddenly, upper lip ducking behind the lower. Tyler wanted to say something cold and callous, something to drive some space between them. All he could think to say however was the truth.
"You are the only one I can trust."