12
Hendrix decided to show his displeasure by wearing the colours of his royal family, ignoring the tunic of his intended's colours that was draped on the end of the bed.
The quarters were luxurious and warm, Hendrix pleased to see Johnty had moved some things about so they could set up the board game.
Pulling at his cuff nervously, Hendrix motioned them forward as he tried to hold himself as erect as possible.
The room he was led to was the War Room and several men were huddled around a monitor as they argued about a small village who hadn't paid their quarterlies.
Hendrix waited patiently for them to acknowledge him.
Jaxton admired the weaponry on display as Johnty stood close to Hendrix. They then swapped so Johnty could drool quietly over the display cases.
Hendrix waited.
And waited
And came to the boil.
Taking a deep breath that he let out with a shuddering sigh, Hendrix turned and started to walk towards the door he had entered through.
"Prince Hendrix?" a voice called out but Hendrix didn't stop.
He flounced down the hallways until he reached his quarters and slammed into the room, Jaxton and Johnty having to trot to keep up.
"How dare he!" Hendrix snarled, "How dare he show me up like that."
"Calm down" Jaxton said softly, "I don't think he realized how tired you are."
"Tired! Tired!" Hendrix roared, "Yes I am. I've travelled all this way, left behind everyone and everything I ever knew only to be embarrassed like that."
"Easy" Jonty crooned, holding his hands out, palms up.
"No! It's not easy" Hendrix was shaking, "I know I am unimportant. I know this is a marriage of convenience but I would have liked some pretence at a friendship at least."
Sit down, you need to calm yourself" Jax reached for his arm and froze as Hendrix's face paled.
Turning to see what he was looking at, they saw a man standing in the doorway.
"So." Hendrix snarled, "Even the lock on the door is a lie!"
"Easy" Johnty said softly.
"Prince Hendrix" the man said calmly, his royal colours a stark contrast in the red and gold room.
Hendrix drew himself up and took a shuddering breath, "Yes. I suppose you have been sent to tell me that your High Prince is busy and I will not be required to 'shine' for him today"
"Please" Jax soothed, "You are doing yourself no good getting upset."
"I know" Hendrix wilted, "I know this is my lot. I hope, you know? I still hope. I know I am foolish and should think of my people and their future, even if I have none. Sit or stand and hang by my bloody ears or whatever makes them happy so my people have a future. If I were a cow, I would gladly bow my head for slaughter."
"Stop it" Jax said sternly, "You are getting yourself upset like a child! You are not a child."
"I am not a child!" Hendrix stamped his foot, "I am bloody chattels!"
Hendrix glared at Jax then slumped, "I'm sorry. I am, aren't I. I am so tired, I hate this room and I miss my Ferdilla."
"You know they don't survive space flight" Jax sighed, "I am sorry your pet could not come to comfort you."
"No matter" Hendrix straightened his clothes and wiped his face, "I am the pet now. I must accept my place at his feet. I just didn't expect him to walk over me. I will accept it, I will endure."
Hendrix looked at his own feet and then back to the man, a lone rebel tear rolling down his face as he smiled.
"I am sorry about that, it has been a long and horrid voyage" Hendrix said with a soft sigh, "We had a horrible meteor storm and I was so afraid that I would perish, that all those souls on board would perish just because of me. I've not slept for fear of failure and now I am simply overcome. I did not intend to sound ungrateful to your royal family for their kindness in accepting me in return for the safety of my people. I am incredibly grateful and shall overcome my silly childishness. It is due to fatigue, I assure you."
"Are you finished?" the man asked and Hendrix canted his head in the way Jax liked, raising an eyebrow and transforming into a handsome creature.
"Actually, that's the problem. I had hoped for a beginning" Hendrix smiled, further showing his gentle beauty.
The man drew breath and sighed.
"Please do not think me ungrateful or unhappy, I am happy to ensure my people's future" Hendrix stepped forward, "I am just a little sod when so tired that I cannot feel my own body. I am numb with fatigue. I am just so sorrowful that I came all this way and have been so underwhelming to my suitor."
"But that is what I am trying to say" the man smiled softly, "You are not unnoticed, or underwhelming. I did not know you were even there until you took that breath and filled the room with your hurt."
Hendrix felt the blood leaving his body and pooling in his boots as he looked at who was obviously his intended.
Oh by the Goddess, what the fuck had he just done!
