AN: I'm back! Sorry, this chapter should have been up 2 days ago but my Mac decided suddenly I'm not allowed to edit my word docs anymore, not even to copy and paste. Ugh, I'm switching back to PC. Anyway, I'm back to my regular update schedule and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 11

Wiccan spent the majority of his time split between studying magic in the library, aiding Kate in getting the castle back to tip-top shape and tending to Dorrek in his room. He was recovering well, most of his deeper wounds had healed and now just scabs were visible between the ripped open green skin between his scales. He hadn't tried to fly yet, not wanting to test the wing joint until the scab on that shoulder had a few more days to repair itself and flake off.

No matter where Wiccan was in the castle he almost always had a book in his hand or next to him and Dorrek had caught himself staring at the young man as he looked with awe filled brown eyes into the pages of the books. He was so absorbed in the knowledge he was reading that he didn't seem to notice a thing going on around him, for which Dorrek was exceedingly grateful. He'd caught himself staring at Wiccan at almost each meal across the long, polished table. When they'd pass in the halls Dorrek's eyes would linger as Wiccan's face was buried in his book. If he passed a room the mage was in he'd stop completely and stare at him for a moment. It was drastically different behavior for Dorrek, and something he pondered each time he caught himself in the act.

He took a slow sip from his glass as his mind went in circles always coming back to the one logical and obvious conclusion. The one Dorrek tried to deny as to keep those knots in his stomach at bay.

He looked around the dining room to try and distract himself. The space seemed brighter now, and not just because Cassie had started opening the long curtains that spanned the wide window that gazed out to the garden and further courtyards. There was just a sense of life in the castle that for so long had seemed like a big and lavish coffin where Dorrek had expected to curl up and die in. Even though they were no closer to breaking the sorceress's curse, life just seemed better, in a way Dorrek could not fully describe if he was asked to.

This new feeling left him itching to go outside the castle more often and walk the grounds. Such a simple thing now brought him joy, especially seeing as before he'd seen no point in doing anything but sulking and waiting for that final petal to fall. Placing his drink down he exited the dining room and stepped into the foyer contemplating another stroll.

It was just an hour or so before noon, leaving him a decent amount of time before lunch. He passed the stairs noticing Kate coming from the fork to the east wing.

"Heading out again sire?" she asked with a glint in her eye that told him she already knew the answer to her question.

"Yes." He replied nonetheless as he passed her.

"Wiccan's in the library again." She continued and the change of subject made him suspicious. He paused at the bottom of the stairs and looked at her over his shoulder. She hadn't moved from where she was leaning her back against the rail pretending to examine her fingernail – that had turned green in the past few days. They both stood in silence, her with a small grin on her lips as he waited for her to continue, "And walking the gardens alone seems so, well, lonely."

He rolled his eyes, "Nice try Kate."

He continued across the marble foyer floor but stopped when she called, "I bet if you asked him, he'd say yes."

His hand paused against the wood of the front door as he sighed, then looked back at her, "Wiccan seems to prefer his books as of late. I wouldn't want to interrupt him."

Her grin widened and she looked up from her nail, "You used to demand he do and go where you said."

He tensed knowing she was right and that he'd fallen into one of her traps. It had only been a mere few days and he suddenly had enough compassion for the mage that he didn't want to disturb him from an activity he enjoyed. But he wasn't about to admit that to Kate, especially when she still had that smirk on her lips.

"Wiccan's studying is more important, he wants to help break the spell." He said as an excuse. 'I will find a way to help you' Wiccan had said firmly and absolute that day. Dorrek couldn't deny the warmth in his chest remembering that promise, that oath. Not that he understood why he had such a response, other than the joy of the possibility that his suffering wasn't going to be eternal as he'd assumed previously. But something inside told him that wasn't it – not entirely. And by the look on Kate's face she didn't believe that either. But she only hummed before she turned and headed up the steps and out of sight.

Hesitating by the door Dorrek couldn't help but ponder her suggestion until he found his feet had made the decision for him and he was halfway to the library.

Upon entering he found the mage at one of the tables with piles of books around him. He was standing not sitting, though there was a chair just behind his legs that led Dorrek to assume he'd been sitting – possibly for many hours – as he'd read. With his hands palm down on the table resting on either side of his current book Wiccan looked down into the pages like he was missing something. His lips moved as he muttered to himself and the tips of his fingers glowed blue for the briefest of moments. He turned to his fingers before letting out a frustrated huff in annoyance. Dorrek wondered what magic the mage could really do if he weren't being suppressed by the witch's more powerful spell. How strong truly was this Wiccan?

Bringing his hands together behind his back Dorrek walked further into the spacious room, his plum overcoat dragging a bit on the floor behind him. Just because the days seemed brighter didn't mean the large castle wasn't still horribly drafty especially whilst surrounded by a magical winter. Dorrek had thrown the jacket over his button down white shirt happy that finally his clothes didn't feel scratchy or irritating against his cuts and bruises. Part of his mind wandered and a flash of Wiccan bare chested came to mind. He wondered if the bruises he'd seen on the young man's body that night had healed. Just before his mind made an obscene suggestion of how he could see for himself he shook his head and forced himself to focus.

When he was close enough to the table Wiccan noticed his presence and looked up at him. There was still a hesitance and a caution in his eyes Dorrek noticed each time they crossed paths, but each time once Dorrek gave a reasoning for why he had appeared Wiccan seemed to settle.

"I was going to go for a walk." He began as he tilted his head to the nearest window for emphasis, "Hadn't seen you all morning, figured you might want some fresh air." He coughed to clear his throat, that had suddenly gone dry, "It's not good to be breathing in dust from these books all day." He tacked on the end needing some kind of excuse. He didn't want Wiccan thinking he'd grown to enjoy his company, or that he thought of him often when he wasn't around, or that he felt any kind of compassion for him. All of which were as embarrassing as they were true.

"Uhh." Wiccan began hesitantly then looked down at the stacks of books then up to the window. The pristine white wonderland seemed to call to him and Dorrek did detect a small longing in his gaze.

"You can take the book with you if you'd like." He pointed out and Wiccan's attention returned to him, "It's not chained to the desk. Besides, it's yours. I gave you the library remember?"

A small touch of pink colored Wiccan's usually pale face before he looked back down and began to pull the sleeves of his sweater down his arms. He was in a navy blue one today with a white collared shirt that peeked out at not only the collar but where he'd rolled up the sleeves.

"Sure." He replied pulling down the other sleeve so his arms were covered. He turned to the books and grabbed a piece of parchment, folded it in half and marked his place before scooping up the book and leaving with Dorrek. The two walked side by side, Wiccan falling slightly behind for only a moment as he held out his hand and his red cape flew to him again. Over the navy sweater he almost looked like he was back in the uniform he'd arrived in.

Once they were outside walking through the fresh snow again a calm serenity opened up enough comfort for conversation. Though Wiccan's mind was still focused on the subject of his research attempts.

"Did she use any kind of incantation?" Wiccan asked with his hands stuffed in his pockets and the book tucked between his arm and his body as they walked. He didn't need to specify who he was talking about and Dorrek was grateful that he didn't.

"No." he replied with a shake of his head, the witch had spoken but it hadn't been an incantation and it certainly wasn't something Dorrek was going to tell Wiccan about.

"There was just a bright light that kept growing until it consumed everything." He took a deep breath, "I remember the pain but. . . then when the light faded everything just seemed darker and I –"

He cut himself off, Wiccan wasn't aware of his shapeshifting abilities and he wasn't sure he was quite ready to share that with the mage. Or the fact that he'd lived his life in his preferred form prior to the spell. His human form. Wiccan didn't seem too deterred though, probably assuming that the bad memory had dug up some painful recollection. It did, but Dorrek had been raised to handle pain like a soldier, take it and keep going.

"And I'm not sure if everything seemed darker because it was or if it was just the light. Like when you stare at the sun and then when you turn away your eyes need time to adjust after looking at something that bright."

Wiccan nodded taking in each word.

"Why? Is there a difference?" Dorrek asked.

"There is." Wiccan responded turning to him as they walked, "Wordless magic is usually propelled by emotion and. . . incredible focus." he said remembering all the times he himself had used such magic. It took a lot to clear your head like that in the middle of a fight but then again the emotion that fueled magic abilities also made it a tad easier. Especially when your blood was racing with adrenaline. However, he doubted the witch had adrenaline coursing through her veins when she'd cast the curse. Her emotions that fueled her probably came from a place of rage at Dorrek's rudeness.

"An incantation makes it easier to find a counter spell since there are usually metaphors and loopholes woven into the words." He finished his explanation.

"That's fascinating." Dorrek replied and Billy felt a swell of pride. He took his book from under his arm and flipped through some of the pages in the first half that he'd already read through that morning.

"What were the conditions?" he asked. Unknown to him the question made Dorrek's blood run cold. "What did the enchantress say was needed to break the curse?"

Dorrek turned from him and moved away picking up his pace to be just slightly in front of the mage as they walked. "No."

Wiccan looked up from the book, closing it and letting his hands fall back to his sides, "If you tell me maybe I can-"

"Wiccan, no." he said sternly, stopping and turning to the young man, "I'm sorry. Truly I am. But that is the one thing I will not share with you."

"Why not?" Billy asked innocently. Dorrek tried to keep himself calm. It wasn't Wiccan's fault that the witch set the conditions she had. Dorrek met his confused brown eyes and for a long moment neither one said anything. The more time that passed in silence eventually led to a flash of something new in Wiccan's eyes and Dorrek felt a pang in his heart at the brief hurt he saw there before Wiccan hid it.

Finally Dorrek spoke but it was only to repeat himself, "No. If I told you, you would only look upon me with pity. And I will not have anyone look at me that way."

"Why would I pity you?" He asked as he walked forward to Dorrek. There was a small victory as a tiny voice in the back of his head cataloged that Wiccan moved forward without fear of being near Dorrek.

Dorrek shook his head and looked down at him sadly.

Billy took a deep breath realizing he wasn't going to get his answer. That would make his job trickier but nevertheless he was still as determined as ever to help, "I'll still figure it out. I'm going to break this curse."

Dorrek sighed, "You will try. And for that alone I am very grateful. You have no idea how much it means to me that you are willing to try." He gave a small chuckle as one corner of his mouth lifted, "And try so fervently."

Wiccan matched his small smirk, "You just like seeing me get riled up, don't you?" he accused.

Dorrek's smile grew, "I must admit, it is amusing. . .coming from a short thin thing like you."

Wiccan's smile fell instantly, "I'm not short! And I'm not thin!"

"You're what? 5'7"?"

"5'8"! And that's average height. I'm not short!" Wiccan rebuked.

"Oh forgive me, I was so wrong." Dorrek replied sarcastically before laughing with a smile. Wiccan wanted to be mad at him but that damn smile again. It cut right through him and he couldn't fight the tug at his own lips.

"You're impossible." Wiccan chuckled with a shake of his head as he parted from Dorrek and walked up the marble steps of the back porch up to a plateau, grasping the back of his cloak and pulling it over his head like a makeshift hood. Dorrek walked along the shoveled sidewalk that ran parallel to Wiccan. If they continued Wiccan would cross the porch and descend the steps on the opposite side and rejoin Dorrek. But instead of doing that Billy paused, tucked his book under his elbow again and scooped up some snow that had piled on the deck rail. He crushed it in his hands into a snowball, aimed and pelted Dorrek right on the back of the neck.

His shoulders tensed from the cold on his skin. He quickly brushed it away and turned looking at Wiccan in shock. The mage laughed at the expression, Dorrek seemed dumbfounded that anyone had the nerve to throw a snowball at him.

Wiccan's laughter grew and as his eyes were shut from the giggles Dorrek's lips turned into a mischievous grin. He crouched down and scooped up a large amount of snow making a massive snowball. Wiccan's laughter calmed down and his eyes opened under his hood just in time to see Dorrek pull back his arm. The young man ducked in the nick of time as the snow flew over his head and hit a wooden post holding up an awning over the patio. Wiccan stood up straight looking at Dorrek with a victorious glint in his eyes. However, when the awning had shuddered from the shake of the post the snow piled on top of it had begun to slide. Wiccan had no idea it was coming as he chuckled again then was cut off when the snow slid from the roof and hit him so hard he fell onto his stomach, his hands palms down beside his head keeping his face off the ground. He kicked his legs under the weight of the snow and he heard Dorrek snicker before it turned into deep belly aching laughter. Using a touch of magic Wiccan freed himself from the mound of snowflakes and stood. He brushed the flurries off his red tattered cape and decided it was game on.

Both of them lost track of time as they threw snowballs back and forth. They ran through the gardens as Wiccan tried to find cover behind the overgrown pillars. He got in a few good shots before he ran out of snow and had to abandon his position running for a shrub. That sprint gave Dorrek an opening and he was able to get revenge with a few snowballs of his own. Although now he was making his more regular sized to give Wiccan a fair chance.

Once Wiccan found descent cover again a lot of the action died down. Dorrek couldn't get a good enough angle to hit him and Wiccan only dared to peek between the branches at his adversary. He could see Dorrek with snow in his hands ready to strike and knew if he peeked out any further he'd become an easy target.

He tried to think up a strategy before looking through the branches again. To his horror, Dorrek had vanished. His dark brows pulled together in confusion just as he felt a firm grasp under both his arms.

Suddenly he was hoisted up into the air making him scream.

"AHHHH!"

He heard Dorrek's familiar chuckle behind him and felt his chest move with the laughter. It wasn't that he wasn't used to flying, but with limited magic to help him if he fell and the one carrying him still recovering from a nasty wound Wiccan felt a bit of fear.

"Put me down!" he cried before they got too high.

Dorrek laughed again, "Okay."

He let go. Wiccan fell, but right into a large pile of fluffy snow that had been shoveled from the walkways. The cold hit him everywhere and he sat up immediately and shook the flakes from his hair. Dorrek continued to laugh as he landed on his feet, even more amused as Wiccan tried to climb from the pile of snow. But the unstable mountain gave way each time he tried and he ended up falling deeper into the cold.

"Prince Dorrek the Eighth!" they heard an appalled shout. Dorrek's laughter ceased immediately and Wiccan sat up and saw Cassie on the deck leaning forward on the stone railing. "And Wiccan. . . I don't know what your middle and last name is! But both of you get inside now before you catch your death of cold!"

She didn't wait to make sure they followed her order, but she seemed confident they would as she turned and headed back inside. Dorrek walked over and held out a hand offering to help Wiccan up. The mage accepted and was hoisted out by Dorrek's strength as his mind wrapped around the title Cassie had used. Prince?

"We better do what she says." Dorrek told him with a smile, "You've never seen Cassie truly angry and trust me you do not want to."

Wiccan chuckled as they made it back to the deck and walked up the stone steps. Then his mind jumped to another thing Cassie had said. He stopped in his tracks and looked at Dorrek's back.

"Billy." He said and the blonde stopped and turned. He looked at the mage confused. "My name is Billy Kaplan."

A small smile appeared on Dorrek's face but before he could comment a breeze cut through the grounds. In his damp clothes it made Billy shiver and the two hurried inside.

There was a roaring fire already lit and Dorrek took off his coat and placed it on a hook on the edge of the mantle so it could dry. Billy removed his cape and Dorrek turned and held out his hand. Billy passed it over and their hands brushed, but he no longer had any fear of Dorrek's scales or claws. He smiled in thanks as Dorrek placed the cloak with his coat. Then, on an end table, Wiccan found his book that he'd dropped on the deck when he'd been nearly buried by the snow. Cassie must have seen it and brought it in for him. He took it from the end table and sat on the carpet crossing his legs in front of the fire and absorbing the warmth coming from the burning logs. Dorrek took a seat in one of the wing backed chairs behind Billy to his left. There were a few more books on the table beside him and he flipped through a couple before choosing one that grabbed his attention.

Cassie walked in with a tray holding two mugs with something piping hot judging by the steam rising out of them. She passed one to Billy and one to Dorrek. One sip and his mouth was flooded with the best hot chocolate he'd ever had.

"Mmm." He hummed before he set it down beside him.

The next hour or so passed in quiet peace as they read and sipped their drinks. Eventually Billy's mind wandered and he glanced up from his book and looked at the polished metal frame around the fireplace. It was about six inches wide before the stonework surrounded the rest of it but it was shined enough by the staff that it reflected their images like a golden mirror.

He stared at Dorrek's reflection as his thoughts drifted. The blonde was leaning to the side, his chin in his hand as his elbow rested on the arm of his chair. He looked like an entirely different person then the Beast Wiccan had originally met. It was a transformation he was grateful for but still amazed by. There was suddenly something sweet, almost kind. He was so mean and coarse and unrefined; but now he was dear and so. . . unsure.

I wonder why I didn't see it there before.

Dorrek felt a stare on him and he glanced up and saw Wiccan – no, - Billy's reflection staring back at him in the polished metal around the fireplace. Immediately the mage looked away and back down at his book. It was so fast Dorrek had to question if he'd seen the gaze at all.

Did he glance this way? I thought I saw. . . he shook his head and turned back to his book. But only a moment later he was looking back up gazing at Billy's reflection. But when we touched he didn't shudder at my claw. He shook his head again. No it can't be, I'll just ignore. . .

Then he saw Billy's head lift and their gazes met again in the reflection. But then, he's never looked at me that way before.

Dorrek gave a small smile trying to relieve any embarrassment from being caught staring. Billy returned the smile and even in the reflection Dorrek could see his blush.

.

.

The next day Wiccan was back in the library, as his routine had become. He was on the second floor catwalk that circled the room and was looking through sections trying to find anything else he might have missed in his preliminary search that would be useful. As he passed a window he heard laughter and looked outside at the sunny day and found Kate and Eli outside. Eli was brushing snow from the back of his collar and turned just as a snowball was tossed and hit Kate. She turned too as Dorrek stepped into view. Kate wasted no time in throwing a snowball back while Eli looked stunned.

However, that didn't last long and soon enough the trio were throwing snow at each other like carefree teenagers. Seeing such behavior from Dorrek seemed new to everyone, but to Billy he felt it was not only new but also. . . alarming. All the logic in his head knew the feelings that were being stirred up inside him were wrong. Not because it was a male and male relationship situation but because he was still technically a prisoner to the man he was finding himself having a crush on.

He looked back out the window and watched the snowball fight. He crossed his arms before resting forward on the ledge of the window and leaned in closer, just observing.

Who would have ever thought that this could be? True, he wasn't a prince charming. But there was something in Dorrek now that before he simply hadn't seen.

Down on the main level Cassie was resting a tray of food on Wiccan's study table for his breakfast. She always made sure the young man had enough to eat even if he holed up in the library all day. She stared up at him, watching him watch Dorrek with a goofy smile on his face. Only one thing brought that expression onto a face. She smirked to herself and quietly left the room. As she stepped out of the library she ran into Kate who was coming in from outside laughing and brushing snow off her shoulders and hair.

"Well who'd have thought?" Cassie whispered as she nodded toward Wiccan and Kate popped her head in to find him staring at their prince. She smiled ear to ear and looked back at her friend.

"And all on their own!" she whispered excitedly.

"It's so peculiar." Cassie agreed grinning.

Then they heard someone approaching and turned to see Eli enter from outside also. He was tugging the cuffs of his jacket fixing himself up but he looked more relaxed and happy then they'd seen him in a long time.

"You know, there may be something there that wasn't there before." He said referencing Dorrek's new behavior.