Twelve

Roman clipped on the side of his vest as he stepped outside the large iron gates of the castle for some fresh air. The cool, crisp air took him by surprise until he remembered that they were in Bloomville, on Sheamus' land.

Wouldn't take the Irish king long to come charging for Dean and his men. Roman had to see him tomorrow and not a day later. Maybe he should call Finn Balor, their long time friend first before heading out to Sheamus' place… to prepare the redhead for his visit.

Dean's men had saw to the task of trying to spruce the place up. Rose bushes were planted near the side of the castle, most likely in the hopes of trying to make the place more welcoming while it was standing tall before the dark forest by it.

Roman couldn't see how; his boyfriend's castle was imposing to say the least. Vines and plants grew near the rocks of the wall and statues of gargoyles were lined up in front of it. Dean had mentioned to him about wanting to modernised the interior of some parts of the castle so that it'd help both of them settle in.

Two round towers - the height of half the castle - were on the left and right side with various artillery equipments on it to protect the place from invaders.

The whole place held character and history.

"Enjoying the fresh air, young warrior?"

The friendly face of Sir Drew greeted him when he turned around. "It's a nice change from the smell of cedar wood."

Drew chuckled. "And musk. King Mark's favorite scents."

"Oh." The more you know.

"I hope you know that I will serve King Dean the way I served his father. He can expect nothing but honesty and loyalty from me to him."

"I'm sure he will appreciate it."

The two men turned to see a group of ladies and men - including a blonde wearing a red velvet cloak - walking towards the castle while being escorted by two of the guards assigned to greet guests.

The blonde nodded her head in greeting to Sir Drew as she was past him.

"Princess Renee," Drew shared, eyes on her back now. "Family is good with people and provides herbs to the masses in the lowlands… for a price of course."

"The lowlands?" Roman puzzled.

"Yes. It's not a place I'd recommend you to visit, young warrior. Far too dangerous."

Remembering his conversation with Byron, Roman stated, "Brownies live there."

"And elves, trolls… some dark lords that have been exiled from the midlands. Dark lords who refused to follow the system and wish to overthrow monarchies."

"We practise democracy where I come from."

"But it'll never work here. There is no way these royals will ever give up their riches and control of power." Drew seemed to have caught himself at that. "Forgive me, young warrior. I-"

"I understand," Roman assured him kindly. "Truly. From my understanding, Mark is the most powerful outside of the self imposed exiled King?"

"Yes. And when King Dean takes that throne, so will he. That's why you have the Young family here. They must be keen to make alliances with King Dean. After all, their family had been so close to achieving that until King Hunter came into the picture."

The plot thickens, Roman thought. "Whom do the Young family trade with in the lowlands?"

"Ted Dibiase."

The name did not ring a bell to Roman.

Drew excused himself to attend to his duties; Roman thanked him for his company before staring out into the dusk again.

The air he had been holding in escaped his lips. So much to absorb… so much politics and more secrets.

It was no wonder the place was like a powder keg waiting to explode.

There was a hollow feeling in him that his lover's crowning would be the catalyst for it.

"So it has begun."

Roman frowned then at the sound of his new companion.


"I'm so glad you love the dress, sweetheart," Dean cooed as he watched Emma admiring her pink lace princess outfit with a white ribbon to hold it back. "Wait till Roman sees you in it."

Emma was already up and dressed and before Mrs Reigns went to get ready herself, she had fixed her granddaughter's hair nicely in a half ponytail.

"So, I'll be giving you your own tiara later in front of everyone, okay?"

His daughter's eyes widened in delight.

Mark walked into the room, his face lighting up at the sight of Emma. "Wow, look at you. I had no idea a Disney princess was living in this castle."

Well, he had to give credit to his father for brightening up his daughter's day. "Sweetheart, this is Grandpa," Dean introduced.

Emma waved shyly.

"I'm a grandfather," Mark repeated softly, eyes losing their hardness. "I'm a grandfather. Never thought I'd see that happening."

"Well I never thought I'd be a father too but she captured my heart. And if she hadn't gone to Roman…"

"Thank you for giving me a granddaughter."

That caught Dean's attention; something he never thought would leave his old man's lips. "What did you say?"

"You heard me." Mark cleared his throat then. "So is that what you're going to wear?"

Dean looked down at his usual black tank and leather jacket and denim jeans. "Yeah. I'm king but dude, I'm still Dean. You know that."

"Yeah I do. So tell me what am I supposed to do with the black denim jacket I got you?" Mark handed him the said clothing. "Levis."

"You? Buying me things?"

"Call it making up for lost time."

"Still side eyeing you."

"Oh I'd say the same but this little girl here changes my mind."

Dean thanked him gruffly while looking down at a beaming Emma.

"Well I'll see you both at the hall." Mark nodded to them before leaving the room. "Don't be late. Ceremony starts in thirty minutes."

Dean reached for Emma's hand. "Come on. Let's go find Roman."

When father and daughter stepped into the hall, the place had been decorated fully in gold and white table cloths and chairs; flowers were arranged in the centre with the finest cutleries and chinaware.

"Wonder where Roman is," Dean mumbled. "He knows the ceremony is about to start."

When they had parted ways earlier, Roman had wanted to change into the vest and tactical pants. Maybe he was having trouble with it?

Dean stopped a servant to enquire if they have seen him and she replied that she had seen Roman stepping out of the castle.

"Your Highness, you look dashing."

A blonde wearing a slinky black dress with short hair up to her shoulder approached him with a smile on her face next to Michael. "Sire, this is Princess Renee. She's King Young's only daughter. He lives in the east side of the midlands."

Dean smiled and nodded politely. "Nice to meet you, Renee."

Renee curtsied slightly. "You too, Your Highness." Then she bent down slightly as she greeted Emma, "And you as well, little one."

"Her name's Emma. She's my daughter… well, Roman's and mine." Dean looked around for his darling. No sign at all; where was he? "Welcome to my castle; I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself tonight."

"I should hope so. My parents wish to have an audience with you later after your ceremony."

"About what?"

"Well a possible alliance between our kingdoms."

"I'm afraid I'm not looking into any alliance."

Several people were now pouring into the hall and still Roman was not one of them. What was taking him so long? Michael must have sensed his worry. "I'm sure he'll be in shortly, Sire. The air is fresher out there compared to here."


"A far cry from the boy we knew in school," Finn Balor continued. "I wonder if it is our Dean at all."

Roman sighed as he stared at Dean's and his long time friend. "He is. Deep down, he still is. He's just got other priorities. He's finally found his purpose."

"Not so long ago, that purpose was fighting mixed martial arts professionally and engaging in death matches for extra cash. Do you remember that?"

Roman did but that seemed like a lifetime ago. "We could say that this is a death match in another form."

"Against whom?" the Irish demon wanted to know.

"Against Seth. You didn't think that we've forgotten all that he's done."

"No, I haven't. I don't think anyone can."

Roman guessed that he was thinking about the second battle with Hunter, when Seth revealed himself as a traitor. No one had been more hurt than Finn who had been dating him since high school.

Sneaking a glance at the brunette, it began to sink in slowly for Roman how much their turn of events was wearing everyone down including Finn. It was showing on his face, the signs of tiredness.

For his part, the Samoan man felt as if he had been running a long marathon from New York to here. "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to apologise for." Finn brushed something off his black leather jacket. "Everyone of us suffered because of his lies. And now Dean… look out for him, Roman. I'm not liking what I've heard so far."

His words gave Roman pause. "About what?"

At that moment, a guard was heading towards them briskly, their meeting cut short no doubt.

"Finn-"

"Dean may be good for only so long, Roman. Remember who he is and what he's capable of: blood on his hands."


Dean drummed his fingers on his throne in impatience. "I would have announced for Roman to be my advisor but he's not here. This celebration is over!"

"Sire, I wouldn't advise you to do that," Michael replied. "These kings have traveled from below to meet you and wish you well."

"Well my boyfriend is not around. Ask one of the guards to bring him in. And I've been meaning to ask you: why can't I feel him? Our marks are not burning."

"You've made the full transition, Sire. He won't be able to connect with you that way anymore."

Dean's blue eyes widened then. No. It was their special way of communicating. "Anymore?"

"Sire-"

"Ah King Dean," a bubbly man by the name of Jack Gallagher gushed, "I was told that you'd be making an announcement… something about a royal advisor?"

Dean raised an eyebrow. "What's it to you-?"

"Sire, this is King Jack," Michael revealed. "He's your furthest neighbor."

Jack nodded. "I can give you a long list of men who would make the finest advisors."

"There's only one man whose counsel matters to me."

"And he's not here."

"He'll be here shortly." At that moment, Dean found his boyfriend strolling into the hall, a troubled look on his face.

"Dean." His soulmate's voice sounded flat when he reached the Lunatic Fringe's side.

"Roman, where were… what happened?" Dean asked, searching his face for any clue.

"I was talking to an old friend," Roman revealed. "Dean-"

An old friend? Didn't sound serious to him. "You can tell me about it later. We have to finish this coronation now."

"But-"

"We'll make it a fast one so that there are no interruptions."

Dean then walked ahead towards the throne, his blue eyes daring anyone to say a word against him. There were none.

All the guests - the dark lords and ladies - were on their feet instead, silent as he took his place near the throne again.

Standing tall in front of his father patiently, Dean watched Mark accepted the solid gold crown from the black cushion Michael was holding. "Dean, I hereby name you King," the former royal head declared aloud for all to hear. "May the underworld thrive under your leadership."

Feeling the weight of the crown on his head made Dean feel even more invincible. He could feel his power flow through his veins as he sat down on the throne. Almost as if he could do anything he wanted including having the entire underworld serving him.

And then it happened.

A murder of crows came out of nowhere, flying around the hall before encircling him and cowing.

Audible gasp escaped from the attendees. Several of the kings were visibly cowering, Dean noticed.

What the heck was their deal?

Roman appeared to be taking it in with no expression; the auburn haired man wondered what his love was thinking.


"Your boyfriend is a dangerous man."

As Roman watched the crows surround Dean, the words of an old man - who had forewarned him before Dean's full transition into being a dark lord - echoed in his head.

The reactions from almost all the guests fuelled the raven haired man's curiosity about the significance of the sudden presence of these birds.

Dean seemed to have embraced it, not bothered about the flock or sounds.

"So the prophecy was true," an old woman whispered fearfully behind him. "His crowning-"

"Hush, Mickie," a man silenced her. "Do not let anyone hear you talk like that."

"And what will you have me do? We need to bring news of this to-"

"Roman," Dean announced, drowning out the couple's conversation and drawing Roman's attention away. "I have something for you." His sweetheart had stood up, now walking down the steps of the throne towards him.

The crows had now flown to the window sills on top.

Roman met him halfway slowly and at that moment, when the newly crowned king's eyes and his met, Roman felt his heartbeat quicken; only Dean had that impact on him as their eyes continued holding each other's gazes.

Once he was ascertain that all attention were on them, Dean continued, "Roman, you're my best friend. You've been my brother, confidante," he leaned in closer, saying softly just for the two of them, "now my lover and soulmate."

Roman smiled bashfully. Dean… my Dean.

"I value your advice and I trust you with my life. You have proven to me your bravery, courage, loyalty and sensibility. For that, Roman Joseph Reigns, I name you King's Advisor. Wear your uniform in good faith."

"It would be an honor, Your Grace."

He had wanted to kneel down to show his respects but Dean caught him halfway. "Don't," he declined softly to the grey eyed man. "We've always been equals. And that's the way it will stay."

Roman grinned. "I am fighting my restraint to kiss you right now."

Quietly with a glint in his eyes, Dean promised, "There's always later after the feast." Clapping his hands, he then boomed to his guests, "Now. Let us discuss the other elephant in the room: my heir."

Emma was smiling brightly to the proud Samoan's delight. She reached for his hand, barely able to contain her excitement.

Of all the things Dean and him had right, Emma was definitely it.

Dean called her to him and with shyness, she walked to the throne where Roman watched his boyfriend accept a small tiara with red rubies and pearls from Michael.

Placing it on her head, the announcement was made. "Emma Ambrose-Reigns, I declare you Princess of the Underworld. From this day forth, you are the rightful heir to the throne after me."

Their daughter's innocence was evident when she grinned and extended her arms to Dean.

Roman's heart was moved as he watched Dean carry her.

There.

The deed was done.


Marek Brave was someone Seth always trusted as his right hand man. He had served tirelessly and was always ready for advice and news to give whenever asked.

And they were always accurate.

So when Marek approached him with news of Dean's crowning as King, Seth merely thanked him. Jon and Leakee had adjourned to the guest rooms for dinner and shower. Now the King Slayer had time to figure out his next step in his plan.

Their brainstorming session resulted in nothing… for now.

"Perhaps this wasn't the wisest course of action, my Lord," Marek lamented as he placed a goblet of wine in front of Seth. "I mean Jon did abandoned you when plans were announced to him on your betrothal."

"Oh, I don't think so, Marek," Seth disagreed, immediately sipping the wine. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Jon will be dealt with soon enough when I get what I want." Turning around, Seth turned around and smiled widely. "I'll be out for a while; don't wait up for me."

"Oh? And where are you going, my Lord?"

"I'm going to congratulate the new King."


"You're so hot. I would love to lick your glistening body from head to toe, take those sweat beads off you."

Roman smirked at his lover's words before their lips met again in a passionate kiss. He could feel Dean's hand edging to his length as their tongues played against one another's.

It had been hard, holding himself back all throughout the celebration - filled with the widest spread of food and drinks - especially with the heated looks Dean had been giving him.

The tease.

The moment they had adjourned to their bedroom after tucking Emma in hers, they couldn't keep their hands off one another.

"Going to…" A kiss to his Adam's apple. "...take your beautiful cock in my warm mouth and give it a tongue bath."

Roman's member twitched. Fuck, he was a goner; Dean's voice always did things to him.

Their kiss broke when there was a knock on their bedroom door. "Dammit," Dean cursed before rolling off him. "I better answer it. Who knows what that's all about?"

"I'll be in the bathroom… try not to take too long."

His boyfriend gave him a lingering kiss before making his way to the door once he put on his boxers.

Roman hid inside the bathroom just in time when he heard the bedroom door open.

"Apologies, Sire," Roman heard Michael Cole immediately said. "Princess Renee requested to speak with you earlier about her proposal."

Princess Renee? Proposal?

"She's still here?" Dean replied.

"Her parents and her are. Yes."

With an exasperated groan, Dean asked Michael to give him time to change before closing the door.

"Babe?" Dean called out.

Roman stepped out from the bathroom then. "I heard."

"I won't take too long. I'll try to chase them discreetly."

"They've been waiting long, Dean."

"Fine. I'll show some hospitality and then show them out. That better for you?"

"Yeah. We don't want people thinking of you as an unconcerned ruler."

Dean pressed his lips against his hard. "I'll be back soon."

"Alright. I have something special in mind for you when you come back."

His boyfriend changed into his usual attire before leaving the room.

Roman wasted no time in throwing on his own clothes. Maybe he'd pluck some flowers from the bush outside the gates and get a bottle of wine for the two of them.

It was, after all, the night of Dean's coronation. It was something that called for a little something extra.

No guards were on duty outside the gates, something that Roman found odd as he made his way outside the walls. Shouldn't every castle have their grounds secured?

He'd have to inform Dean about this.

The sound of the shoes on dried leaves from the forest - as he bent down to pluck a rare white rose - caught Roman's attention. Turning his head, he found darkness ahead in that direction.

Odd.

As far as the Samoan warrior knew, no living thing inhabited the area. It was mainly trees that were rotting. Of course, all that could change with the dark lords moving into the area.

When Roman took another step forward, he found himself being dragged inside the forest from the side, catching him by surprise.

Swinging his fists blindly, he hit nothing. Perhaps the person had ducked. So he tried again and found the same results. Just as he peeled off the hands that were holding onto his waist, someone covered his nose and he found himself inhaling a strong stench.

Before he could comprehend, his eyes grew heavy and his vision blurred.

Dean…


"You're what?" Dean repeated the question brought forth by the beautiful blonde in front of him.

Despite Michael informing him of King Young and his wife being present, Dean found himself alone with Renee in the hall.

"Asking for a chance to help you," she answered. "To take down someone from the lowlands."

"And why would I want to do that for?"

"It's not exactly a secret that many had planned to overthrow you before you were crowned. Now they'll be working doubling hard to make sure it succeeds this time."

"And?"

"And you'll need someone who knows the underworld best."

"And that's you?"

"No. They call him Akam. He's the best advisor in the underworld and unbiased. He's loyal to the beings that dwell this world and he can fight very well too."

Dean did not believe that all these came without some back story. As far as he was concerned, no one could be trusted with only a handful… certainly not strangers. "Look, Renee, you seem like a nice-"

"What's the point of having so much power and not being able to use it to acquire something… demolish all these other kingdoms before they have victory in your downfall."

Persistent this one.

Her words were a cause for concern however. How many people were out for Roman and him? And now that Emma had been crowned, she'd be a target too.

"Sire!" A guard had rushed in at that moment, face red with perspiration. "Sire!"

Dean raised an eyebrow at him. Was there another kingdom waiting for his attention too? "Yes?"

"It's about Roman; he's been captured!"


The feel of something wet and cold on his face woke Roman up immediately.

Shaking his head as he slowly started coming about, his mind started whirling as the bits and pieces in it slowly fell into place. Someone or something had grabbed him just now.

"Wakey, wakey pretty face," a British accented voice said. "Nap time is over."

Roman found a dark haired man with moustache and goatee wearing a brown fur coat standing in front of him. He growled at his captor. "What the hell is the meaning of this?"

"Should be thanking me, mate," the man answered. "I saved you from a horrible fate."

"Horrible fate? Are you kidding me? Who the hell are you?"

"We're the Bandits. A group of outcasts from the underworld here to destroy the monster."

"Monster? What monster?"

"The red moon king."

Red moon… "Dean?"

"That's his name."

"Dean is not a monster! Where did you even get that information from?"

"It's a well known fact, mate. Everyone has heard of his birth and the terrible things he'll do."

"The only terrible thing he's done is not get rid of that grey leather jacket he has back at our home. Your remarks are outdated."

The man appeared to be pondering. "No. I don't think so."

Roman observed his new surroundings. He was sitting near a shore where before him the waves of the ocean were crashing in. Behind him was a hill with trees on top.

As if he were reading his thoughts, the man said, "You're a far way from Bloomville, mate. We've been ordered to keep you safe."

"I'm not in danger from Dean. He would never hurt me."

"For now."

The man was clearly delusional or had no clue who Roman was to Dean or what he meant. "Look, here. I'm his… wait a minute. Who ordered you to keep me safe?"

"I'm not allowed to answer that."

"Really? You're bold enough to drag me to Heaven knows where but you can't even let me know who's your boss?"

"I'm the boss."

The voice belonged to a brunette with blue eyes who was dressed in ancient warrior armour resembling that of Roman warrior.

"My," the man said. "They weren't kidding on how beautiful you look."

"Who are you?" Roman demanded. He was not in the mood for praises as he slowly stood up and snapped the ropes off. "I'm asking you nicely."

The blond was staring at him in marvel. "You really are strong," he laughed. "Adam Cole."

"And why did you ask your men to capture me?"

"To save you, beautiful, from the red moon king."

"His name is Dean and I don't need any saving from him. You've got your priorities all over the place with this group of bandits-"

"Him being king marks the end of everything in the underworld. He'll kill us all. Dark times are now ahead of us."

"Those are just stupid rumors. I've known the man almost my entire life and he's not a murderer. Well the only ones who've paid the price were those who had played his life like a damn board game."

The man cracked a smile. "Aaah to be in love and blinded to the flaws of your loved one."

What was everyone's obsession with Dean turning evil? It was like they were begging for it. If Roman was the sword for Dean, he was the reason for his love not letting his dark side consume him. And if he was gone… "I need to go home now!"

"I'm afraid that's not possible. Not until King Sheamus has given me permission."

"He asked you to do this?"

"Sought us out to keep you safe from the red moon king. Then we're to take him out-"

Roman would have laughed at the idea of Dean being taken out quickly if he weren't so angry with Sheamus already. He yanked Adam closer to him. "Bring me to your king now."

A/N I hope you enjoyed this chapter. As always if it's not the story for you, please refrain from mean anons etc. Thanks.