Sorry! I was planning to update on the 1st, but then ended up having a family member end up in hospital and didn't have time to update! Please accept this long chapter and forgive me? Pwease? *bats her eyelashes and pouts*
"Our castle is about to get very crowded, Riki," the Prince sighs, leaning back in the lukewarm tub with the mongrel in his arms. "Our castle is the largest and most secure, and during war all of our family come to reside in the castle. You do not know, but I have four aunts. They are Her Majesty's sisters."
Riki peers up at him sleepily, why was it about to get crowded with four couples? That was only eight people, and this castle was so big it looked like it could house twenty just from the amount of doors he saw down the main hallway. He's about to ask why, but his throat immediately scolds him for even thinking of trying to speak by hurting profusely.
Iason reaches up, gently stroking the boy's neck with his wet hand. "Them coming would not fill up the castle, but," he rumbles in the boy's ear, "Their eleven sons will."
Riki tenses up, say what? Eleven sons? Eleven more fucking Princes to beware of? He stares up into Iason's eyes, pleading for him to say he's joking, panic blazes up in his chest at the thought of having to watch out for eleven Princes instead of two! And...that meant that the Queen's sisters were Princesses! Oh God no! No! No! No!
"Do not fret, my dark beauty," the Prince chuckles, feeling the mongrel start to shake in his arms. He plants a kiss on the back of the boy's neck, adoring the feeling of him tensing up and shivering from the contact. Riki was so sensitive, and that didn't have anything to do with the training that Iason had given him for being a slave. No, Riki's body was made for and readily accepted pleasure, as long as one kept going even when the foul mouthed boy protested. Oh how he wanted to break his oath and fuck Riki, he didn't want a damn whore of a wife! He wanted this wanton and beautiful youth as his partner for life!
He moans and wiggles under the man's grasp, a wave of ecstasy coursing through his veins as his erogenous zone is caressed. "Hnn..." he moans while biting his lips his the Prince teases his nipples, trying to move away, but only succeeds in arching into the touch.
"You're so sensitive..." the Prince rumbles, pulling the mongrel closer to him while sliding a leg between the tanned ones. He rubs the boy's lower regions, delighting as another moan of pleasure and protest escapes the sleepy and docile mongrel. "I'm sorry, I'll stop," he agrees, sliding his leg out but continues to gently run his hand along the boy's chest. "Sleep, my love, we have much to do in the morning."
"We need to move all the ammunition and weapons to the front barracks before our guests arrive," Iason orders to the team, analyzing the documents and plans that are spread out on his desk. "Have the horses taken out one last time before leaving them in the stalls."
"What about your horse, my Lord?"
The Prince stops, his mind wandering to the day Riki and he went out on a horse ride, "Leave him in the side stall so he's easy to access and don't take him out with the others, I'll do that myself."
The men nod, both teams dispersing while another man enters the doorway and knocks. "Your Highness? I have the reports you requested."
"Very good, bring them," Iason demands, not looking up from scribbling down some notes on the paper. The man come forward and sets the papers down on a spot that's free on the desk, before turning and leaving. Not skipping a beat, Iason picks up the paper and analyzes the food ration and stocks. There was plenty this year because of a bountiful harvest, so there was no fear of starvation among his soldiers and household. Satisfied with all of his progress, he sets his papers down and is about to leave when a figure enters.
"Your Highness," Katze softly calls, brushing his knuckles against the door.
"Ah, Katze, what have you found out?"
He holds up a thick stack of a mixture of papers, some thick and some thin, "A good deal of information, your Highness."
"Your Highness, please let us accompany you!" the Captain cries out frantically, scrambling after the Prince on the horse.
"We will be fine, we are staying in the boundaries," he assures, wrapping his arm around Riki. He gently taps the horse in the side, sending him off on a wild gallop to the gate with a loud whinny.
Riki leans forward, taking in all the air and sunlight that manages to shine through the cloud cover. Yes, yes! Outside! Freedom! It was so good to not be crammed in that room anymore. He reclines into Iason, afraid that the speed will make him fall off if he tries to lean forward too much again. He feels the vibration of a chuckle come from the Prince and scowls, hating himself for showing his excitement. Plastering on an unhappy expression, he subtly admires the view and intakes the fresh air. The route they were taking was different, instead of a forest, they were nearing an orchard next to a maze with a large stone structure peeking out of the center. The area had a mystical aura about it, a light fog covered the area and the clouded skies added an ominous touch. The scent of flowers suddenly tickles Riki's nose, he had never really gotten many opportunities to smell the delicate plants, it was a bit overwhelming to sniff all the different aromas.
The Prince pulls the reins and stops the horse, sliding off gracefully first before reaching up his gloved hand to Riki. He helps the reluctant mongrel slide down, leaving him to approach the orchard and labyrinth of hedges. Iason leads the horse over to a pen made of posts off to the side. He removes the reins before letting the stallion loose within the area.
The devil inside Riki smirks, seeing his opportunity, he bolts into the entrance of the maze. He runs as if there are demons chasing him, making several turns until he ends up in an alcove made of a rose bush with a stone bench off to the right side. Panting heavily, he plunks down on the bench and strains his ears to hear if the Prince is coming after him.
He's not disappointed, after a few moments the sound of heavy and fast footsteps hitting the stone covered ground meets his ears. Finally he catches a glimpse of the blonde hair before seeing the man straight on.
"You dare make me run," the Prince scowls with a huff, striding over to the mongrel in two steps. Riki was the only one that could make his heart clench with fear and his feet move quicker, he hadn't chased after something since he was little. Heck, he hadn't felt any fear since his first time going into battle and today he didn't flinch when he went to war! He grasps onto the boy's chin firmly, staring down at the playful dark eyes, "You thought you could get away, little wolf cub?"
Riki smirks, listening to the usually composed man pant from his rushing to get to him. He wanted to reach out and touch the man's chest to see if he even had a heart, and if it was beating faster like his. But he reigns his urge, refusing to act on it because he refused to touch his captor willingly, his pride would not stand for it!
"Shall we go for a stroll now that we are here?" Iason asks, reaching to take Riki's hand again.
Riki stands up on his own, rejecting the offer and heads to the exit of the small side area. The Prince falls in step beside him, taking the lead by just a fraction to remind Riki of his position. Amusement flickers over his usually stoic features as he stops while Riki halts and stares at a flower, oh how he loved this mongrel! He was so stubborn and trying so hard to hide the fact he was enjoying this! Iason loved how Riki fought with himself, refused to let him see how much he was having a good time or grateful for being outside.
A drop of water lands on his cheek, causing him to glance up at the sky to see the thick dark clouds overhead. Several more drops start to fall, darkening his black cloak to an even darker shade. "Riki, we need to go find a spot to take shelter." He watches the mongrel stare at the crimson camellia, not reacting at all to his words. The rain starts pouring down, glistening on the mongrel's exposed skin as he stands there in a loose, dark tan colored, sleeveless top with strings fastening the v neck opening. Iason reaches out, gently taking the boy's wrist, "Riki," he whispers.
Riki blankly looks up at him, then blinks and cringes as if only just realizing it was raining and that the Prince was talking to him. In a matter of seconds he finds himself beneath the Prince's cloak and trying to keep up with the pace of the man. He just blindly follows the movements, almost falling before the Prince wraps his arm around him and guides him along. Soon something other than gravel meets the underside of his short boots, and the Prince releases him from the security of the cloak. He watches as the Prince takes off the soaking wet cloak and gloves before tossing them on a stone bench within the safe haven of the large stone gazebo, his eyes frozen on the messy wet locks that fall gracefully on either side of the beautiful face.
"Damn, I had hoped it would not rain today..." the Prince cusses softly. He then scowls as he observes his long sleeved, cream colored tunic that is drenched and stuck to him. He peels the clothing off, chucking it off to the side as well.
Riki's breath catches softly, the Prince looked like a sculpted god with his perfectly toned body and pale skin glistening with the rain. A bit of envy at the perfection creeps over him, of all the people he had to be captured by it was a good looking one. Dammit! That made it harder to want to leave!
"Take off your top," the Prince grins, swooping in towards Riki to peel the wet clothing from the tanned skin. Riki struggles, but his top is already gone the time he snaps back to reality. The mongrel flinches slightly as Iason runs his hand down the boy's chest, coming to a stop just above his pants, "You are so beautiful..."
Uncomfortable with the touch and comment, Rik shies away by taking a step back. But soon is pressed against the Prince's slick body, causing a wave of panic to flow through him. The Prince wraps his arms around the boy's waist, securing him in a vice grip. "St..." Riki chokes weakly, trying to wiggle out of the hold.
"You're cold, I'm only trying to warm you up, slave," the man rumbles in his ear, using his force around the mongrel to slide their wet bodies together. A voice in his head warns him that he is breaking the rules yet again by doing this with his mongrel, but once again he ignores it. To hell with the rules, this felt so good, just the feeling of the mongrel's wet and warm skin sliding along his made his flesh tingle. He had waited months to have his mongrel back in his arms and he planned to do as he damn well pleased with him to make up for the lost time!
Riki lets a moan slip, his overly sensitive body greedily accepting the stimulation against his wishes. Fuck, fuck, fuck! He was supposed to hate this man, never obey and even try to kill him to gain freedom! Why...w...why... was it so hard...to...
"Such an enchanting sound that was," Iason muses, sliding his knee in between Riki's and pushing upwards to gently rub the bulging in the fabric. "It's music to my ears..."
"Ka...ah...!" the mongrel gasps, trying to fight his way out of the hold. He didn't want to be fingered and played with! Regardless of what his body wanted, he didn't want to be treated like this! Oh God! How could this man take him so high? This was nothing compared to when Guy and he had fooled around...
Iason pulls the boy free, gently pumping the boy's slick erection in his hands. "Yes...your body is much more honest..." he whispers.
Riki's knees start to give out, but Iason catches him, before slowly lowering themselves to the floor. In a blur, he pulls off Riki's pants, before tugging the boy's legs on either side of his body and trapping him with one arm. He continues to gently, but quickly pump the boy's penis that is almost pressed against his stomach, watching the slave struggle to hold back his moans and fight off the pleasure burning within him.
"Come for me," he rumbles in the boy's ear, teasing the secreting slit before giving another aggressive pump. He watches as the mongrel stops biting his lip, his face finally breaking into an expression of pure pleasure as he cries out while shuddering violently in the Prince's arms.
Riki slumps against the Prince while panting, his heart pounding so hard in his chest he swears that the man can feel it as their flesh sticks together. After a few breaths he tries to pull away, but the Prince holds him still in a gentle hug. In confusion, he looks up to the blue eyes, shocked by the how calm and almost content they appear.
"Just stay like this," he whispers, planting a kiss on the boy's forehead, "It will soon be so crowded and busy in the castle, so just stay like this while it's still quiet and calm."
He was still cold, and he knew that if he pulled away he'd probably freeze. Iason was somehow always warm, so there was no point in pulling away and freezing when he could just sit still and wait it out. There was also the lingering fear in the back of Riki's mind, reminding him that if he disobeyed too much the Prince might seek retaliation on his friends. He huffs in annoyance, but leans into the Prince, turning his face away so the man couldn't see his expression or that fact he closed his eyes. Maybe it was because his body hadn't fully recovered, but he felt extremely sleepy and dare he say it...relaxed, calm, safe? He hadn't felt this way in a long time and it eased him into the Prince's arms more with each moment.
He opens his eyes to see that the rain has subsided and the thick layer of darkness has faded to a light grey shade. His ears pick up distinct sounds of people approaching, pulling him out of his slumber. Within moments he sees his team of search guards hurrying towards the gazebo, acting as if he were in urgent need of help.
"Your Highness!" one shouts worriedly while coming forward to the gazebo, his eyes freezing on the mongrel and him topless and together.
With the wave of his hand, he silences them all to prevent them from waking his sleeping wolf cub. "What is it?" he whispers, turning his head away from Riki in attempt to not wake him.
"Y—you were absent for so long, we were worried," the guard whispers, "I apologize, but we can no longer have you out of the castle's protection. We are divided into smaller groups to prepare and are unable to properly guard you if an attack does commence."
A deep sigh reverberates from his chest, he wanted to stay curled up with Riki forever. But alas, with the pending war on their hands he knew it was in his best interest to be under the proper protection. "Very well, leave us. Bring my horse to the entrance and I shall return."
"Very good, my Lord."
"Oh, and one more thing."
"Yes, my Lord?"
He pierces the man with his frozen blue eyes, "If you so much as utter a breath of what you've seen to anyone, I'll kill your family."
"Mm..." he moans, feeling hands lift him up before he's set down. He tears his eyelids open, seeing blonde strands hovering over him before he closes his eyes again. The softness of a bed beneath him tugs him back to unconsciousness, earning a chuckle that vaguely meets his ears before he's gone back to dreamland.
Iason brushes his hand against the tanned cheek, "Wake up this time," he whispers, leaning in to kiss the boy's forehead before backing away and heading for the door. Jak walks out from the other room, stopping him from exiting, "Take care of him."
"Everything's prepared?" Iason confirms, glancing up briefly from his documents to the servant who enters his room. He scribbles a few more numbers and notes on the papers in front of him before transferring them to the other stash. He had finally completed all of it!
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Still hard at work?" a voice rings through the air, causing the servant to bow deeply and the blonde to look up.
"Mother..."
"Everything is just fine, Iason, you can be at ease now," she smiles, watching her son finally relax as he's relieved from his duties. "I received word that everyone will be arriving tomorrow. I'll take over now."
"Thank you, Mother," he nods, grateful that the worst is finally over—for now. He had spent too many hours locked in his room as he sorted out many things. "Let me know if there is anything else you require of me."
She smiles, hovering in the doorway to give a small wave before disappearing.
Iason finally leans back in his chair, his blue eyes taking in the huge stack of papers that Katze had bound together. This was everything he could find about Riki, the mongrel clan and history of the mongrels, and there might be more! He wanted to know everything about Riki! The key to understanding Riki was understanding his people, his family, his background, and what he had been through. Wearily, he tugs the binding open, pulling back the protective cover to the first page.
Iason slides the ring back on Riki's finger, before standing back to admire his beautiful mongrel. "You look beautiful, Riki..." he whispers, standing back to appraise the cream colored tunic with a ruffled opening, baggy sleeves with a ruffled edges; short black pants encase his round ass, tempting Iason to give it a squeeze; his soft leather shoes without a scuff and then his ring and collar showed just who owns him.
Riki grasps the collar and glares, was this really necessary? He thought that by now he wouldn't be expected to wear this!
"It's just until they see you," the Prince assures, "Once they know you are my slave and not anything else, we can take it off."
Riki scowls, emitting an grumble of disgust at being called a slave. He wasn't a slave, no matter what!
"Come, Riki, they are here," the Prince beckons unrequited, snaking an arm around the mongrel and guiding him towards the door. He positions Riki about 6 inches away from him, letting him know that that is the appropriate distance if not a bit more apart. He wanted Riki to stay close with him, but he knew that the mongrel had pride that prevented him from being the proper slave. But hey, he didn't mind Riki being that way, it was the reason he had begun to become so attached and focused on him. How much longer could his pride last? What level was his pride at? Had he lost some or was only being docile for awhile?
"Your Highness, your guests have just arrived," a servant informs him as they head down the stairs to stand by the other Prince and the Queen at the door.
Prince Raoul rolls his eyes at the mongrel, "Really now? Is that necessary? I didn't bring my—"
"Silence."
The large carved wood doors open slowly, revealing a bunch of elegantly dressed males and some females. Riki cringes hard, so many Princes. So much blonde hair, but none was as pale and perfect as Iason's. A flurry of nausea attacks his stomach, this could end so badly...
"Maia, my dearest sister, how are you?" the Queen smiles, walking up to hug the lady dressed in a bright purple poofy dress and white gloves; her light brown hair is tied up in a fancy knot with blue jewels embedded inside.
"It's been so long since we saw each other," the lady known as Maia answers in a velvety and fragile voice while hugging the Queen. She pulls back and chuckles, "Oh how I've missed you."
"Yes, it's always a pleasure you see you, your Majesty," the man with sandy blonde hair beside her smiles, stepping forward to kiss the Queen's hand.
"Oh, how lovely to see you too, Robert!"
Four blonde men follow behind them, all dressed in different colored cloaks that hide the majority of their outfits underneath. They all bow to the Queen in a practiced unison, before one steps forward.
"Aunty," the first blonde smiles, stepping forward to hug the Queen.
"Ah, Iason my dearest nephew!" Maia exclaims, stepping forward to the Prince to embrace him in a gentle hug. Riki steps back as she approaches, unsure if he's supposed to be here, he steps to Iason's right to hide within the space of him and Raoul who is talking to Robert.
"Hello, Aunt Maia, it is a pleasure seeing you again after such a long time."
She cups his face, "You look so much like your father, oh how proud he would be. You are going to make a handsome King soon!"
"Thank you," he politely answers, giving her a soft smile. Aunt Maia was probably his favorite, something about her made him happy. Maybe it was because she had such a bright spirit?
"And who's this handsome man behind you?" she asks softly, not trying to draw attention to the mongrel and embarrass him.
"This is my slave, Riki," Iason answers, motioning for Riki to come closer. He obeys and sheepishly comes forward, a bit afraid of the new crowd. But ultimately, he stands beside Iason while looking at the floor.
"Such a handsome thing!" she grins, leaning closer to Iason, "You got your hands on a beauty! Don't lose em!"
Iason smiles, yes, Aunt Maia was indeed his favorite.
"Ah, Iason my boy, how are you?" Robert asks, stepping forward to shake the Prince's hand.
"I am very well, Uncle Robert, how are you fairing?"
Riki slinks back a bit, zoning out of the conversations. One after the other, blondes, Princesses, and Princes step forward to talk with and greet the Queen, Raoul and then Iason. As Iason said, there were eleven other blonde men whom he assumed were the Princes. And aside from Maia were three other ladies. Two who looked identical, minus their hair styles and eye color; one had blonde hair that was braided with jewels embedded while the other was up in an elegant looking bun and one had brown eyes and the other had hazel. The one with blonde braided hair wearing a bright baby blue dress had two blonde men following behind her rough looking husband who had brown hair and a mustache. As opposed to the other lady dressed in a bright green who had a husband with light brown hair that was styled off to the side and looked rather handsome, and she had three blonde men following her. Then finally there was one last women, she was shorter than the rest by half a foot. She was wearing a crimson red dress, and her sandy blonde hair was tied back in a similar, but nonetheless elegant knot that Maia had. She was followed by a husband with sandy blonde hair that was short and he had a rather handsome face, and following him were two blonde men.
After they've made their way through the introductions, they all scurry away like mice to their rooms. Iason finally turns to face Riki, who is ready to sit on the floor he was so sick of standing. He slouches, debating if he can sit or not.
"Tiring, isn't it?" he chuckles, seeing the mongrel's droopy figure. He gently pulls him close, "Come, let us go to my room until dinner. They will all be trying to settle in so there is time to spare."
He sits silently at the Prince's feet, noticing that the table had been expanded to fit the number of guests at the table. It seemed like all he could see was a sea of blonde hair. After the toast and blessings, they start to eat. Riki stares at the ground, noticing the whispers and stares in his general direction. Man, it never would stop would it?
"I'll introduce you to everyone," the Prince whispers so only Riki can hear him. "That lady over there," he motions to Maia, "Is Princess Maia, and that man her husband, Prince Robert." He then motions to the four blonde men, "Those are her sons, that is Griffin, then is Haynes, then Hubert and then Leon. They are all my cousins and they are all Princes."
'And are they all assholes too?' Riki briefly wanders.
"Those two ladies are twins," Iason continues, motioning to the one braided haired lady and then the one with the elegant looking bun. "The one with the braided hair is Princess Aurora, and her husband is Prince Edmund. The lady next to her is Princess Nova, and her husband is Prince Charles. Prince Edmund and Prince Robert are brothers." He then motions to the two blonde's closest to Princess Aurora, "Those are Princess Aurora's sons, Marcus and Ruphias. And the others," he motions to the three blonde men on the other side, "Are Princess Nova's sons, Gideon, Orphe and Gilbert. They too are my cousins and Princes."
'So many of them...' Riki groans internally, but keeps his mouth shut and a neutral expression on his face as he listens.
"And then there is Princess Cordelia." He motions to the women with the sandy blonde hair and crimson dress, "That is her husband, Prince James, next to her. Prince James and Prince Charles are cousins." He then motions to the two blonde men beside them, "And those are her sons, Aisha and Zeke who again are Princes and my cousins." Finally finished the introductions he elegantly grasps onto a small stewed carrot and presses it to Riki's lips, "And you already know my brother Prince Raoul and my Mother Queen Jupiter, so you know everyone present."
'What about your father?' Riki wonders, accepting the carrot obediently, earning a soft pleased smile from the Prince.
"It's funny how something so terrible can bring a family together," Prince Raoul chuckles darkly. "I thank the gods that we do not have wars often, and I pray it does not last long."
"What could you possibly have to do that will be ruined by their presence?" Iason breaks off a piece of bread and lays some meat on it, gently handing it off to Riki who accepts it to consume.
"A sorcerer's work is never over," he advises, shaking his fork at Iason before biting off the piece of a stewed potato speared by it.
"Ah yes, I suppose magic never sleeps," Iason mumbles, taking his fork to eat some of his own food. "Is that is, Raoul?"
"There are endless discoveries to be found! And the more time I waste, the less I find!" he insists, ensuring his voice is so hushed that only Iason and Riki can hear him. "I might create a potion that can bring back the dead, make people immune to weapons, cure the plague! Iason, do not mock what you do not know."
"And how do you feel knowing that every day witches are reported and killed? How does it feel to know that other magic users are killed and you are saved because of your status?"
"It can't be helped! Someone has to keep it alive, Iason!"
The Prince sighs, "It is none of my concern Raoul, I am not mocking you. I'm merely trying to tell you to be careful in your practices." He lowers his chalice for Riki so he can take a drink. "I support you in your profession, but I'm warning you that others will not and until I become King you might be targeted. Mother does not approve of your passion, so please do tread carefully."
The fellow Prince nods, somewhat touched by his brother's loyalty to him. It made him all the more willing to help his older brother succeed in any way he could. He respected his older brother very much, and would always be willing to help him. But that mongrel was a test of his limits. "Thank you."
Riki gently nudges the chalice against Iason's arm, allowing him to take it back before he's engulfed in another conversation with one of the other blonde Prince...what was his name...? Orphe? Whatever, it didn't matter to him. As long as he avoided the eleven other blondes of hell he could at least give his friends some time to possibly escape the area the Prince left them in. There would be no punishment to him if they escaped, would there?
He suddenly tenses, the feeling of eyes burning into him. The Prince continues talking to another Prince whom he believes is named Gideon? The stare continues to burn holes into him, and he sees that it belongs to the blonde right beside him who the Prince was just talking to. Was his name Orphe? Yeah, that had to be him. Forgetting himself, he glares his dark eyes back at the Prince who is trying to subtly stare at him as he eats. After a good minute, the Prince finally drops the subtle gazing game, leaving Riki with a horrible feeling in his stomach. This one would be trouble, his mongrel intuition just knew it and was screaming danger. He would try to stay clear of this one.
"You did exceptionally well," the Prince praises, landing a kiss on the boy's forehead while gentle embracing him. Riki had sat through the meal without a trace of bad behavior and had stayed silent and pleasant throughout the discussions that took place afterwards before everyone parted ways for the evening. "Come, well bathe and retire for the night. We have another busy day tomorrow now that everyone has their own activities planned."
Riki starts pulling off his clothes while the Prince disappears to order the servants to their tasks. He sets his clothing aside, before reaching up to touch the collar around his neck. Did he have to keep it on all the time? How many more days would he have to wear this humiliating piece of leather around his neck? He sighs before heading over to the bathroom to where the Prince was awaiting his arrival.
"I've been invited to have breakfast with Princess Maia this morning, Riki," the Prince explains, caressing the tired mongrel's face. "Therefore, I'm going to allow you to go to the dinning area on your own and find Maria when you wake up. She will prepare you a meal and then bring it to the room." He grips softly onto the boy's chin, "Do not linger in the halls, you understand? Our guests may be relatives, but I trust none of them with you. I want you to stay here while I'm away, and if you want to go out, Jak and Daryl will accompany you. I'm trusting you to follow my order, Riki"
He yawns, sleep still preventing him from being completely connected. What a worrying rabbit the Prince was, there was no way any of the Princes would want anything to do with him. At least that's what he gathered from all the disgusted stares and whispers at the table. Sluggishly, he tugs on his usual black tunic and then some black pants before sliding his feet into some soft gray fabric shoes. Finally dressed, he heads to the back area where he finds Jak cleaning.
"Good morning, Riki," he smiles, stopping his task of scrubbing. "Are you going to tell Maria to get you breakfast?" He watches the mongrel give a nod, before covering his mouth as he yawns. "I'll finish up this while you're gone, then when you get back and have eaten we can go walk through the castle if you would like."
Riki nods, before turning to head to the door leading to the hallway. This was a test to see if he would run away, wasn't it? Or was the Prince trying to see if he could trust him? Or...was the Prince trying to give him some freedom? He shakes his head at the last one, no way that was true. Lost in his thought, he nearly runs into someone as he exits the room. He dodges, barely missing a collide with the man wearing a green tunic. He whispers a barely audible apology, surprised that it wasn't broken. Was his voice healing?
"What have we here?" a voice muses, and Riki finds his chin lifted to stare up into the eyes of the man. His blood runs cold as he stares up into the eyes of the man who he had a stare down with yesterday.
In a panic, Riki pulls back from the hold, stumbling backwards and falling on his ass to peer up at the man towering over him. Something about this guy had his intuition screaming warnings of trouble. He picks himself up quickly, his eyes darting to the side of the hall the man wasn't on. He starts towards that side, only to have the man block his path, he scowls and side steps to the opposite side only to have the Prince block him again. He stops, holding back the urge to punch the bastard for being annoying.
A chuckle reverberates from Prince Orphe's throat, "Are you lost, little mongrel?" Riki grits his teeth, hitting the man's hand away as he tries to grab onto him. "Such a violent creature you are."
Riki cringes before struggling as the man captures him in a hold, securing his arms behind his back. Fuck, fuck, fuck! What was this man's problem? Why couldn't he just leave him alone? He was supposed to be getting breakfast, not putting up with this bullshit.
"Pardon me, Prince Orphe," a familiar voice sounds, startling both of them. They turn to see Daryl holding a piece of armor and a rag in his hands, "But that belongs to Prince Iason, and he is very particular about not letting others touch him."
Prince Orphe clicks his tongue and releases him, "He was wandering about, I thought he might be stealing something."
'You son of a bitch!' Riki screeches inside, his fist clenching as he prepares to fight. Daryl steps in front of him, preventing him from taking action with his anger and ultimately acting as a barrier to the man.
"I will see him to his destination and ensure he does no such thing," Daryl offers, bowing to the Prince.
Giving a nod of approval, Orphe walks past them, his eyes holding Riki's for an uncomfortable amount of time before diverting. Daryl exhales softly, glancing over at the mongrel whom he just saved.
"Go to Maria and return as soon as you're finished." He runs the rag over the piece of armor, "I'll be watching for your return."
After wandering aimlessly down the halls while Jak and Daryl provided commentary, he flops down on the bed. The event with the other Prince plays through his mind, pissing him the fuck off. Why did that bastard try to frame him? He knew nothing about him and he hadn't done anything! In disgust, he sits up abruptly and throws a pillow across the room.
The Prince freezes in the doorway, watching the pillow collide with a bookshelf. He glances back to the mongrel who slumps down the edge of the bed in silent frustration. He glances back at the pillow, "Nice aim, that was very well executed."
Riki glowers up at him, unamused by his attempt to try and pull him from his sullen attitude.
"What has got you in such a state, slave?" he asks, striding over slowly to kneel down beside the mongrel. He tentatively reaches out to touch the boy's face, "You're angry about something. What is it?"
If he had a voice, he would be using it to lash out. He would use it as his weapon and fight with the Prince, telling him how he hated this place, hated the other Princes, wanted to be free, wanted to have his mate back alive.
The Prince sighs, "I have an idea to help relieve you of your anger."
"Aim, then pull back the string and..." the Prince instructs while demonstrating how to shoot the arrow; the arrow glides through the air and hitting the target perfectly. "There you have it."
Riki replicates the position that the Prince was holding the bow, before he lines it up with the target and tenses up to pull back the string.
"You can take it slow, it is your—" Iason starts.
Riki pulls back with a strong force after ensuring it was lined up with his target, sending the arrow soaring through the air and landing directly smack dab next to Iason's.
"—first time..." he finishes, all words leaving his mouth as he stares in stunned silence at the arrow that has landed directly beside his. He turns to Riki who is already loading another arrow into the bow. He watches in fascination as the arrow lands directly next to the other two, a hair of space between them. Satisfied with doing it twice, Riki lowers the bow and is immediately wrapped in the Prince's arms. "How did you do that?"
Riki shrugs, he had never actually used a proper bow and arrow before, but from afar he had seen it used and picked up some tips on how to properly use it. And now that he actually had a bow in his hands, he had been itching to try out some of his theories and was pleased to see that it had paid off. Dare he say this, he was actually enjoying this. But he'd never admit that to the Prince.
Iason pushes him back to arms length, staring Riki up and down as he tries to figure out how the amateur had done something that he had taken years to perfect. "Do it again," he breathes, wanting to see the mongrel's skill again.
Not willing to back down from this request, he readily places another arrow into the bow and shoots it through the air and into a target that is shaped like a person. It lands straight in the person's chest where the heart is located, which would have instantly killed them from how deep it pierced. He loads another one in, shooting it directly into the figure's neck, driving it deep through the thick material. Riki himself was impressed with his talent, maybe it was some innate ability he possessed?
"Amazing," Iason whispers, abruptly grasping onto Riki and smashing their mouths together, "You never cease to surprise me, my beautiful mongrel. You are one who would be hard to replace."
Riki flushes slightly before he can catch it, he couldn't help it! He wasn't used to compliments at all! His eyes drop, but soon they stare directly into the soft blue ones as the Prince brings their mouths together in a deep kiss. After nearly falling to his knees as his lungs scream for air, the Prince pulls away, a smile on his face as he plants another kiss on the boy's forehead. Riki was grateful it was only them in the private practice area, it would have been so embarrassing and downright humiliating to be seen by others while doing that.
The man pulls him close, "You are truly ambrosial to me, my mongrel. You amaze me, amuse me and stir me up."
Riki rolls his eyes as the Prince pushes back and grins. He shifts the bow in his hands and looks downwards, unsure of how to handle the words. His eyes notice an incredibly sharp rock, that has a jagged edge, he picks it up to play with in one hand to avoid the stare before pocketing it.
"I will go collect our arrows, you wait here."
Riki watches as the Prince heads over to the target and pulls the arrows from their resting places of being deeply embedded into the figures. Suddenly something flies past him, causing him to flinch before jumping in fear as the sound of something impacting flesh meets his ears. He stares in horror as the Prince falls to his knees, an arrow nesting itself in his right side; crimson pools around the wound, staining his cream colored tunic as he moans softly through gritted teeth.
"Ias..!" Riki cries out, the words ripping his throat as he's about to start running towards him.
A scream fills the air as Princess Maia stares at her fallen nephew in horror, causing Riki to turn and stare at her. Soon guards fill the area, hurrying over to aid the Prince as Riki stands frozen to the ground. "Iason!" Princess Maia screams, about to hurry towards him, but several servants that appear block her from going to help him.
"You!" a guard yells, seeing Riki standing their with a bow guiltily in his hands.
Immediately guards capture the petrified Riki who stares at the bleeding Prince in horror. They tackle him to the ground, ripping off his shirt before whipping him with straps covered in sharp points. Riki jolts and releases several mangled cries as the group thoroughly incapacitate him, he starts to sob as they dig the wounds deeper, allowing dirt to creep in and bury itself deeper with each hit.
"Take him away!" the leader orders, watching as the bloody mess of a mongrel is pulled upwards and taken from the area.
Riki can barely breathe as he sobs from the pain, the guards continue to hit the wounds with crops as he's dragged to the dungeon. After what seems like an eternity, the area around him dims and soon a dirty cold stone floor means his body. He emits a strangled scream as some substance on the cold hard ground enters his wounds and burns along with the pain from impact.
'Wait, wait, wait, it's a mistake! I didn't...!'
The door slams shut, leaving him alone in the darkness. He curls himself into a ball, trying to preserve his body heat as the cold soon meets his exposed skin. He was going to die. He was going to die! And his friends...! Riki sobs, the realization crashing down upon heavily. Oh God, oh God, what had he done! He should have never went out there with the Prince! He should have never...! Now all of his friends would be killed off and join his mate's spirit in whatever after life awaited them. He shakes violently as the broken sobs rip from his throat.
"Riki?"
The mongrel sobs harder, the sound of his mate's voice haunting him as it sounds like he's really there. His mate had come back to haunt him for what he had done, this was his punishment.
"Riki!" the voice repeats and hands gently wrap around the shaking body, making the mongrel freeze in terror and move away from the unknown figure in sheer panic. Was it a ghost? Could ghosts touch people?!
His eyes adjust, the crack of light shining through allowing him to make out the figure that looks similar to his dead mate. "G...uy..."
Author's Notes: Well, hope that was somewhat action packed. Expect more action in the next chapter. I apologize for all the stupid astronomical—or whatever you want to call it—named Princesses, but I didn't want Jupiter to be alone ^^; OH AND PLEASE TELL ME IF I GOT ALL THE BLONDIE'S NAMES RIGHT. You might not know, but I've never read the books, so I was going off of what a cite told me. BUT! I JUST bought six of the eight books as my resolution to write better for you guys! They will be arriving any day now. Please leave me a review, and lemme know how I did. Much love! Bye bye~ ❤ :3
UPDATE (2016/01/09) : Sorry guys, struggling to write. Having some issues with my future and am losing my precious writing time. So I'm taking a break. I won't be gone too long. But if you haven't commented, please do. I'm having a terrible case of writer's block and could use some love or general feedback. I won't be gone forever, I promise. I'll come back with a chapter that I hope leaves everyone frozen in their tracks.