He woke from his second 'nap' to find Owen checking his vitals. Intent, but feigning boredom. The medic was a good liar. Ever since the prince had saved his bonded from raiders the two had been best friends. Tosh was even a Head Maid. His Gran loved her quiet ways. Gwen was just as hard working, but mostly oversaw the staff; as a whole. While Toshiko was more involved with the day to day care of the royal family.

Ifan realized he was in the bed alone and bit back a sigh of loss. He didn't even know the strange man's name, but the Gods seemed convinced the Prince was meant to be with him. Just not yet. He started to wonder what was so wrong about him. That the other man felt such a need to flee; before they even knew each other's names.

Unlike his brother, who despite being somewhat nice. Could still be a bastard and claim any servant he felt like, to be in his harem; willing or not. They were never beaten or harmed, but still thrown out if they displeased him in any way. He often tried to reason with the Iron King, but so far the Avatar Prince had been unsuccessful in his attempts. How they still maintained a, fairly, amicable relationship, was a confusion even to him; sometimes.

The Prince was more selective in his bedmates. Keiren had been born into a palace servants life. Chosen to be Ifan's 'friend' since they were so close in age. Plenty of suitors had tried to win the Prince's attention, but none ever could. At night they'd sneak into each other's bed. Sick of the behavior, the king consented to the age old idea of royalty having consorts/harems. Dayfid had run wild with the idea.

Ifan just knew it meant he could finally be with the man he loved. He'd loved Keiren so much. Losing him had nearly destroyed Ifan. Apparently, he still wasn't ready to move on. Not enough for the fates anyway. He wondered what he needed to do to prove it? Wasn't, his not wanting to be alone, enough?

Not for the first time, he cursed his ability. No doubt it had frightened his potential consort. Tough to blame him, the abilities could frighten him sometimes too. If they'd fit as partners. He would have treated the other man like a king. Everyone would know he was the Prince's bonded consort. He could walk with his head held high. Making sure the Prince was happy was a high honor after all.

Apparently, the other man hadn't gotten that memo either.

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Jack was jiggling and bouncing, the sensation odd. Considering he had fallen asleep flat, on a cave floor. He was also naked, save for a loin cloth and tied to a pole. The pole was inside a bamboo cage. It held another, a quietly crying woman. Just as scantily clad and secured like he was. Kneeling, arms above her head and hooked to a pole by the wrists. Ankles also tied. He looked closer, she was a humanoid cat. Sleek black fur with technicolor wings. Tail, trying to cover her face, like she was ashamed. He growled and started pulling at his bonds.

"I wouldn't…" She warned meekly. Sniffing a little as she eyed him warily.

"Why not?" He scoffed, trying harder. Suddenly he seized an electric shock, spiking through him. Now hanging limply in his bonds.

"Looks like pretty boy here's a fighter." The Raider holding a shock stick laughed. Jabbing Jack again and again. His face filled with malice and glee.

"Stop Please, you'll kill him!" She cried. Compelled to speak up, not knowing how much shock a human could take.

The Raider grumbled and turned back to the trail. Knowing their boss wouldn't appreciate, yet another loss. He hoped back up to the wagon bench, glancing back menacingly, every so often.

"Thank you." Jack slurred quietly, his body still twitching. Trying and failing to smile.

"I tried to warn you. Why do you think it's just us?" She huffed, trying not to notice how good her companion looked. Or think about the fact they were both practically naked. He winked lazily and she looked away.

"So what's a Nethran doing way out here?"

"Is that really the most important question right now?" She grumbled, flashing him an annoyed glance. At least it gave her something else to focus on. At least she'd stopped crying. Her wings flared out and curled around her.

"Tell me your name then?"

"Are you trying to get us both killed? Not like it matters, we'll be sold and given knew names anyway." She snorted. Trying not to think about it.

"Humor me. I'm Jaxten, most people call me Jax or Jack." He stated, giving her an appreciative once over. Despite their situation, he could still admire her beauty. If things were different he'd be flirting up a storm right now.

She gave an exaggerated sigh. "Fiala, now shut up before they…"

"Hey Shut Up, No Talking!" Another raider yelled, hitting Jack with a shock stick again, knocking him out. She kept silent, mentally rolling her eyes at him.

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"Did I make the right call?" Ifan wondered aloud, as he pulled on clothes for the day. As he expected, his friend acted like he wasn't sure what the Prince was talking about.

"What do you mean mate?" Owen asked. Rifling through his bag, making sure everything was there.

"Letting the guy go, you know I had to, right?" Ifan elaborated, needing reassurance that he had done the right thing. Even though the rest of the palace occupants didn't agree.

"Oh that. Don't need to worry about him anymore. We took care of him for you." The medic replied distractedly. Missing the look, he was being given.

"Owen, what are you talking about?" Ifan demanded, starting to get the feeling he wasn't going to like his friend's answer. He should have known they would do something like this. Should have done it himself, but the quickness of the rejection, had hurt. Honestly, he hadn't been sure, if he could face the man and still let him go.

"Well, we thought you were being too easy on him so…" Owen had the foresight to look sheepish. Already knowing, Prince Ifan wasn't going to be pleased with his answer.

"Owen, what did you do?" The Prince demanded, as his friend fidgeted and looked guilty. "Owen!" He growled when his friend still didn't answer.

"We uh… We let him go, out in the Wilds." The medic cringed and waited. He wasn't disappointed. The whole territory probably heard the Prince shriek.

Ifan abruptly stood, slipping his sandals on. He had no time for this. "Whoever was in on the decision to go behind my back, we will have words later. Send the Avatar Guard. I'm Sky Surfing, it's faster." He commanded, talking more to Rhys than Owen. "Next time you Belfrat Pond Jumpers get ideas. You're all mucking out Myfanwy's keep, for a month!" The Avatar Prince growled. His back glowing, eyes changing, as he called up a wind storm. Twirling a wooden rod above his head as he ran and vaulted over the balcony. Landing on his Phoenix's back, as it spread its wings and let the storm propel her.

"Damn! I will never get sick of seeing that!" Rhys gushed, before heading off to round up his crew.

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They had stopped, not that it mattered much. He was still hanging in a cage. A girl Raider, looking more like a slave. Stepped up to the bars, offering water. Jack winked and she smiled. Then someone growled and she immediately lowered her eyes. Shyly moving to give the Nethran water as well.

"Get back here girl!"

She squeaked and scrambled back to the makeshift tent. He winced, as the sound of her getting struck filtered past. Both prisoners closed their eyes against the unmistakable tune of a beating and prolonged assaults.

"I'm going to kill them." Jack hissed in promise, his hands clenching. Even as a Time Agent there were things he refused to abide.

"Get in line." Fiala growled. The exchange unnoticed by their captors.

~HtBaH~

A storm had rolled by, drenching them. They were moving again, as soon as it passed. His wrists and ankles chaffed. His back was sore and don't even get him started on how his shins and arms felt. The girl had brought them water again when they stopped for another break. Her pale blue skin mottled with bruises and she was walking like every step was pure agony. Jack did his best not to make eye contact and still.

"Hurry up girl!"

Jaxen's nails dug into his palm, as she rushed to serve Fiala; only to trip. Whimpering, as she was hauled upright by her shirt. The Raider went to strike her. As he watched helplessly, Jack had a feeling she was an unfortunate outlet. Dragged along, to keep the Raiders distracted from harming their prisoners. Though, from what Fiala had said, it didn't always work.

"Wanna explain to the kitty why she won't get water. Clumsy whore." The Raider taunted, snarling as he struck her again.

"It's fine, I'm fine, just stop!" Fiala pleaded, only serving to make the creature laugh and throw the girl to the ground. The Nethran winced, almost sorry she had spoken. The slave was dragged off and they started to move again. Only to be gagged and have a tarp thrown over them. Their captors were speaking to someone. She knew it wouldn't work. They both did, but they tried to scream around their gags anyway. Their captors blissfully ignorant to what awaited, just up the road.

TBC….