Disclaimer: I do not own Ai no Kusabi or any of its franchise. Only the story and original characters belong to me.

Rated NC-17 for sexual and language content

Boys Love, Don't Hate

Sorry it took me so long to update, I have been really busy the past two months. I was hoping to have this posted a while back but I never could get it finished. Though if you wonder over to my livejournal you can find out more about it and see lots of pretty pictures. But anyways without further ado, here is Chapter 8, enjoy.

Chapter 8

Iason spent the whole afternoon down in the yard training. After taking Raoul's advice he found he had regained his aim and even practiced with the men at arms. He even went to the stables where he found Royal escape prancing around the paddock with several of the other horses.

Seeing Iason, the horse had nickered, tossed his head and high stepped to the prince before affectionately butting his head against his chest. Iason always felt wonder at the trust that Royal Escape gave him and wondered how he could get that from Riki.

Remembering that he had raised the gelding from a foal, after his dam had failed in a jump and broken her leg and had to be put down. He had made sure that he visited the foal every day and then had been a part of each step of his training. He had been the one to treat and scold the young horse and since Royal Escape had turned three years old, no other horse would do for Iason. He spent a while just rubbing on him before the hostlers came up to return the horses to their stalls for the night.

As he entered the hall a maid informed him that dinner would be waiting in the informal dining room for him and a guest and that Raoul would take dinner in Master Keon's quarters.

It was early evening, the sun just beginning to set beneath the horizon, when Iason returned to his chambers. The first thing he noticed was an upturned chair and remnants of a dish across the floor, as if someone had fled in a hurry. Many of the dishes had looked like they had been eaten and Iason was happy that Riki had at least left the washroom once that day.

In a single glance he knew that his pet was not in the room, so he went to the washroom. The door was slightly ajar and he glanced in.

Riki stood before the open shutters looking out. He looked dazzling, his bronze skin sparkling in the paling light like scales, and if Iason looked closely there was a faint pattern on his skin. He looked like a caged bird looking from the bars to the outside world. He had seen the look several times and knew it well, but never before had he felt any pity for the creature, that is until he saw Riki.

He felt guilt prick at his conscious, but he quickly pushed it down. Riki was his, bought and paid for and now coaxed into his chambers and his bed. He took a step inside, the ring of his step on the tile ringing loudly in the quiet room.

Riki jumped and turned, fear suddenly on his face and he glanced at the tub, wondering if he had time to get there before Iason grabbed him.

Reading Riki's thoughts on his face, Iason held up his hands and took a half step back, a sign that he was not going to harm. Riki was still tense but as Iason backed a little further away, he visibly relaxed, though Iason was sure he was ready to spring to the tub as soon as he needed to. He had guessed that Riki needed water to transform, and he was not going to give Riki the opportunity to jump back into the tub if he could.

"Why don't we get you some clothes," Iason said slowly and calmly, "then we can have dinner together." He wanted to coax Riki out of the bathroom and treating him with delicate fingers was a must right now. He had made a mistake that morning, though he had found Riki half asleep and willing at the time; but at some point he had miss-stepped. Though he knew that the Mer would not trust him just like that.

He could see Riki think about it. He did not know how, but somehow the Mer understood his language. So the Riki was very intelligent and quick. As he had been captured in the stables, probably working out how to take a horse and escape from Eos.

It was a long moment before Riki hesitantly stepped towards Iason who led him to the room and promptly pulled out some of his clothes that could fit any frame. It turned out that he would have to have clothes made for Riki. The Mer was a head shorter than Iason, but he had a muscular frame but it was leaner than Iason's clothes. With a little adjustment, Riki was dressed in a smaller shirt and britches but they would have to be taken in.

Then Iason led Riki from his room, the guards were shocked to see their Prince guide the Mer from his room. Iason had decided to show Riki around the keep to make it seem he wasn't being kept as a prisoner. Iason led the Mer down the hall to the informal dining room there on the royal wing. It was rich and comfortable, paintings the lake decorated the walls as Iason pulled out a chair for Riki.

Riki stood looking at Iason with suspicion and Iason went around the short table across from the pulled out chair and sat elegantly in it. Riki slowly came over and dropped into the chair. He did not have much experience sitting, but a moment after he sat he bolted up when Iason reached forward to the covered dish in the middle of the table.

Iason paused mid-reach, his eyes on Riki just as startled. Then slowly he pulled away the top revealing thick juicy slices of red meat covered in gravy atop a bed of potatoes, turnips, and carrots. The smell assaulted Riki's stomach and Iason smiled as he heard Riki's stomach rumble.

He set the top aside and lifted the other lid revealing cauliflower and cheese soup. A basket with a wrapped cloth revealed fresh baked brown bread and a crock of honey butter. A final dish was a baked apple dessert with sugar and cinnamon melted on top. Riki slowly returned to the seat and flopped into the cushioned seat bouncing.

Iason could not help smiling, as he lifted a serving of potatoes and meat to his plate. He angled the utensil toward Riki so that he could serve himself. After a moment Riki reached out and awkwardly scooped up a serving following Iason's example. Smiling Iason picked up his silverware and began to eat only to look up and be shocked to see Riki eating with his hands.

Riki had given himself a portion of the dish with a great deal of gravy and he was picking up a slice of meat as gravy ran down his arm. He was confused as what to do and placed the whole chunk of meat in his mouth and began chewing, thankfully with his mouth closed and then lifting his arm to his mouth and licking up the gravy.

Iason didn't know which he affected by most, the hilariousness of Riki's eating, the sensuality he unconsciously exuded when he licked the gravy from his arm, tracing well defined muscles, or the disgust by a barbarian with no table manners. Iason decided to laugh, a quiet chuckle that had Riki looking at him confused.

"What?" Riki asked trying to figure out what made Iason laugh. Noticing the weird instruments that Iason had in his hands. He looked down and noticed several of the same around his plate. Picking up the one that had a scoop at the end he went to stab another slice of meat only to look up to Iason laughing harder.

"Here," Iason said standing and coming around the table. Riki stiffened as he approached and lifted the instrument that looked like a trident and placed it in his hand. "This is a fork, use it to pick up most food items, like so," he said guiding Riki's hand to spear a small slice of meat, then to Riki's mouth. Riki reluctantly opened his mouth and closed it around the fork biting down on it before Iason could guide it away. He winced as he jerked back.

"Don't bite the fork, you don't want to break your teeth," he said with a laugh that made Riki feel like he was being treated as a small child. It irked him that he should be treated so but he also knew very well he did not understand the human nuances.

It reminded him of when Ima had been come to them confused on the Mer customs. He remembered her telling him how she lived and did things but the ideas were so strange he had never understood. Now he thought he finally understood what she meant. Living above water was very different from living below it.

He shook off Iason's hand and tried to eat without his help. Stabbing something white he brought it to his mouth and this time did not bite down on the fork and chewed. He was shocked by the food, it was soft and chewy with a bland yet seasoned flavor. Very different from anything he had ever eaten before.

Iason chucked quietly as he went back to his seat at the sheer shock on Riki's face. This was turning out to be most entertaining. Watching his pet learn to use utensils shwed him how intelligent the Mer was. Although full mastery for a formal dinner was still a far ways off, Riki quickly adapted to eating with the tools quickly and a certain elegance.

After dinner Iason led Riki to the library. Riki looked shocked at the room that went up two stories filled with books, art, tables and chairs. He gazed about in shear awe before Iason led him off to a side hall filled with artwork, displays of armor and models of Eos, Tanagura, ships, and other things. Riki was entranced by the room to Iason's delight.

"Eos palace used to be our main summer palace, my father loved it up here as his mother, my grandmother was the heiress to Eos Palace from the kingdom of Callas which became a part of Amoi when she married my grandfather," Iason explained as Riki manipulated the model of Eos finding the different parts of the Palace.

"We rarely come now that my father passed away, as it is remote from Midas and the rest of the country, but it is still nice and we would receive dignitaries from the neighboring kingdoms to the north and west here," he said not sure if Riki was paying attention.

"Well, you are more than welcome to be escorted here to the library anytime you wish," Iason said and Riki looked up delight and concern warring on his face.

"Can I not go to the lake?" he asked in broken Amoin. Iason was silent for a long moment before beckoning to Riki.

"Let me show you to your room," he said and led Riki back to the Royal wing, but this time led him to the room beside Iason's and Riki gasped as he took in the view of the lake lit by moonlight. Riki went to the window and gazed out longingly at the glittering water, it wasn't home but he felt more alive there than in this human home of stone and air. Better than this suffocating place holding him captive.

Iason watched Riki raise a hand and place it against the glass, his shoulders slumping in depression. Iason felt bad for keeping Riki locked up and was tempted to release him. He opened his mouth to speak but Riki suddenly turned from the window, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Riki come here," he said holding out his hand. He saw Riki want to ignore him but reluctantly came over. When he was in reach Iason pulled him close, pinned him to the wall beside the door and locked lips with the Mer. Riki fought but Iason wrapped his hands around him and deepened the kiss. Riki's struggles slowed unable to break free and Iason reluctantly ended the kiss.

Brushing a lock of black hair from Riki's face, Iason looked into his face trying to memorize his face. Not wanting to traumatize him further, Iason fought his desire left swiftly, leaving Riki with a look of anger and confusion. When the door was closed behind him Iason let out a deep breath

He gestured towards the guards and had them man Riki's room as he went to his own. He gazed back watching as the guards settle next to Riki's door and touching the handle decided to go to the library and doubled back. The temptation of Riki right next door maybe too much.

Seeing a maid, he asked for a wine service and after gazing about the library climbed to the upper levels and searched for an interesting book. Settled for an old tome about the ancient peoples and the evil of magic. Hefting the aged binding, he went down and settled into his favorite chair, candles had been lit as he selected his choice and a tray with a jug of wine and goblet left for his pleasure. Taking a sip, sighing at the sweet strawberry nectar, opened the book and began to read about the damnation of magic and how those who used it were lesser beings.

OoOoOoOoOoO

Riki felt anger and confusion and he touched his lips. He had expected Iason to attack him again, drag him to the bed, and do more of what he did that morning. But instead, Iason had kissed him and then left. He felt a disappointment that he couldn't quite name as he ran his hand through his hair before stalking across the room to the window.

Watching the water he longed to swim in, Riki sighed before beginning to investigate the room. He noticed that the bed had been turned down and the candles lit in their sconces, flickering shadows across the room. He opened the double doors to find a small room big enough for him to fit in, though he had to duck as a bar cut across the space lengthwise.

He closed the doors confused about the little room and turned towards another door that opened into another bathing room. The pool smaller than the one in Iason's chambers. Riki reached in and sensed that the water went to the same place as the other pool. Sighing, Riki had covered the bare rooms, Riki crawled into the bed and laid his head down on the soft sack he had seen Iason sleep on and pulled up the sheets realizing that laying out was just as comfortable.

Sighing, he closed his eyes and willed himself to sleep. He may be a prisoner, but he was going to get himself out of here if it was the last thing he did.

OoOoOoOoOoO

Raoul sat across from Master Keon after their supper had been cleared away. He swirled the dark cognac around his glass a pervasive smile on his face as his dinner partner continued regaling an old tale about his years as a student in the university.

This tale was about a prank the Prefects had played on the Master Scholar, one that Raoul had heard repeatedly. If he didn't have to deal with Master Keon for the next week or two he would be doing something else. Keon was not only their tutor, advisor, but also his Aunt's leash on them. Whatever he or Iason would say or do would be reported back to her and that made him a little nervous.

"And the Master Scholar Limark revoked prefect privileges for a month," Raoul forced laughter before sipping his wine to hide his glower. He would rather be dining elsewhere that evening, particularly on someone.

"Anyways, this next week we will see how you handle the local magistrate. I was amazed how quickly you tracked down this thief, what made you realize that she had been stealing?" Master Keon asked.

"As I was going through the logs of inventory for the past few years when I noticed something was off," Raoul began explaining to Keon what he had noticed. He felt guilty for not telling Keon that Iason had told him to go through them, but decided not. Iason had taught him something that he should take more interest in things regarding his station and he decided he would not just be the play-boy cousin of the crown prince, but advisor to the king.

"I hope that this shows that you will help lead the kingdom to great prosperity in the future. Especially after Prince Iason takes the throne in the winter. With his new bride as well, I was recently informed that she is on her way from the Emerald Isles with the Crown Prince as representative of his majesty," Keon said. Raoul was a little shocked, he hadn't heard this but held his tongue.

"Really, I was unaware that the Emerald Isle's had sent a delegation. Have they arrived in Amoi yet?" he asked.

"No, we received reports that they should arrive at the end of the summer. Her highness might summon us home sooner if the delegation moves quicker in their itinerary, but otherwise relax while you can. I have it on good authority that as soon as Prince Iason and Princess Imajane marry, your own marriage will not be far behind," Keon chuckled and Raoul grimaced.

"That may be true, though I do not look forward to marrying any progeny from Lord Kyle. He is certainly the worst in-law I could have come up with," he said and Keon laughed at his expense.

"Do not worry. Lord Kyle is not as bad as you would think. I grew up with him, as his mother comes from my holdings. I still remember the gangly kid trying to learn sword play with the men at arms," he sighed reminiscing, "but those were simpler days. He is now one of the richest lords in the kingdom and for the good of the crown you need to learn how to play nice with him," Keon said as a servant came in to clear the dishes and deposit sweet cakes on the table between them. Raoul watched as Keon twitched looking at the spiral sweet cream cake but waited until the maid had left before delicately bringing the cake to his lips.

"Well, I guess if it is for the good of the realm then I can suffer with the man," Raoul said selecting a cream horn thinking, at least till he dies.

OoOoOoOoOoO

Jupiter awoke to a gentle shake. She looked groggily about noticing the candles lit and wondering why they were lit when she realized that twilight had come. She felt someone at her elbow as she turned to look to see her maid there.

"Really Majesty, you should be in bed not at your desk," she said as she reached around her mistress and straightened the papers Jupiter had fallen asleep on and put them away for her to find again in the morning.

"Thank you Lydia. But I can keep working, I just needed to close my eyes," she said reaching for the stack of intelligence reports she had been reading. She remembered reading about Iason's recent trip to Fort Elite from General Gideon but could not remember the details. She read them now, smiling as she read that her son's troops had done a remarkable job and Gideon praising his future king as a military genius. Setting it aside she picked up the next one before Lydia could pull it from her hands and froze.

Ships amassing along near Port Bana. Flying under pirate and Dahnian flag. Lord Kyle of Dahn hiring mercenaries under pretense of pirates and ordering troop movements for drilling.

She paused rereading it, the message still shocking her. Her mind raced as she took in all the consequences if Kyle was doing what she believed him to be doing.

Lord Kyle was her late husband's younger half-brother. There had never been any love lost between them and he had managed to keep himself involved with court politics. Although he was a very ambitious man, he had never made any plays for the throne out in the open besides planning marriages. But this, made her pause for worry.

"When did this come in?" she asked pulling it away from Lydia who was still trying to get her to put down her papers and go to bed.

"I do believe a messenger placed it on your desk about dusk," she answered remembering the last messenger come through.

"Summon General Gideon," she said without thinking.

"Yes my Lady, but it will take about a week for him to return. He is still on the North Western front going over the forts there and reviewing troops, remember?" she said pulling the note from Jupiter at long last and setting it on top of the pile.

"Then summon the council, this is a serious matter," she said as she went to stand and walked to the door to call message runners.

"Your Highness!" Lydia yelled tried for patience.

"Lydia!?" Jupiter asked looking at her maid shocked.

"Excuse me Your Highness, but it is past the midnight gong. You are exhausted and although the message is important you need to sleep before you do something rash. We can have messenger's send for the council first thing in the morning, but until then, please retire and sleep so you can think with a clear head. That is the only way to deal with the matter," Lydia said coming around and taking her queen's hand. Jupiter sighed as she realized that Lydia was right, she was too out of sorts to deal with Kyle rationally.

"Alright, have the council summoned in the morning. For the meantime, I will retire to my rooms," she said as she let Lydia guide her to her rooms and had her help her undress. Lying down in the cool sheets she realized how tired she really was and let her eyes close thinking of what to do with Kyle and savored the punishments she would love to bestow upon him.