[A year or so later]
Someone was pounding on the door.
With a groan, Alex rolled out of bed and went to his door, yawning sleepily. Opening it, he blinked rapidly when the light from the hallway flooded his room, rendering him unable to see who his visitor was.
Jonathan, Raoul, Gary, and Alan marched into the room, each one of them holding a package of some sort. They dumped everything on his bed, grinning and exchanging amused glances.
Is it Midwinter? Alex guessed, running a hand through his sleep-tousled hair. I'm afraid I haven't done my Midwinter shopping if it is. My apologies. He sat on a free space in his bed, yawning again.
Gary snorted. Your head is in the clouds - it's your birthday, Alex! He picked up a rather large package and tossed it to him. Alex caught it with a grunt.
Should I be wary? he asked dryly as he grabbed his dagger and cut the thick wrapping paper and string away, leaving a coat of silver-coated mail to fall onto his lap.
I thought your old one was getting rusty, Gary explained. Besides, you've been growing again.
Alex carefully folded the coat, nodding his thanks to Gary as he picked up the next package. It was small and heavy; the paper fell away to reveal a dark box. Curious, he opened it, grinning widely when he saw what was inside. A Raven Armory dagger, Jonathan? He hefted the deadly weapon, then shot the Prince a mockingly suspicious look. What do you want?
Jonathan laughed and slapped his friend on the back. It's gift, you dolt. Given freely.
Placing the dagger over his coat, Alex opened the other two packages; Alan had given him a pair of black gauntlets, studded with dark emeralds, and Raoul's gift was a black leather belt, studded with emeralds to match the gauntlets.
After he carefully put the gifts away, he turned to his friends and said in a quiet, very earnest voice, Thank you. Then his face turned teasing. I'm expecting more at the party I know you all have planned for me and -
The rest was cut off as Jon and Gary jumped on him and attacked him with pillows.


The small birthday party the Prince and his friends had organized was well under way and going without a hitch when Duke Roger knocked on the open door, dressed in dark blue robes which brought out the color of his eyes. Without waiting for permission, he stepped inside, eying the group of friends coolly.
Jonathan called cheerfully from where he was wrestling with Alan's cat. Come join us!
Roger eyed the Prince with a glimmer of something in his eyes, then shook his head. I just came to wish my squire a happy sixteenth and inform you that tomorrow is a training day, so it would be wise to end the party soon.
Over the rim of his goblet, Alex nodded his thanks, then drained the drink down. He sat quietly as his friends started to clear the food away, dark eyes glittering as they joked around and grumbled halfheartedly about the morning's lessons.
Thank you, he told them when they filed out of the room. I enjoyed this. I should have birthdays more often.
Jon gave him a mock punch on the arm as he stepped out. We expect the same from you, Alex, he said warningly; his expression was teasing.
Of course, Alex replied with a small bow. Goodnight guys.
With a unanimous goodnight', they returned to their own quarters; Alex closed the door with a sigh.
Your friends are very considerate, Roger stated suddenly. With a start, Alex turned and gazed at his mentor.
I didn't know you were still here, he confessed. He walked back to his bed and sat down with a small yawn.
Expect the unexpected, Roger quoted, crossing his arms over his chest and gazing down at his squire, who gave him a stare-for-stare. Finally, the Duke smiled. He approached Alex, spreading his robes and reaching underneath them.
For you, he said simply, pulling out a long, sheathed sword and handing it to Alex, who took it and carefully unsheathed it. A long silver blade shimmered in the firelight, the gems encrusted in the hilt throwing off fantastic illuminations. If you recall, I mentioned that I work with jewels as a hobby. I thought you needed a nicer sword. The blade is wicked, if I do say so myself.
Alex tore his eyes off the weapon and flicked them towards Roger. They positively glowed. I don't know what to say, other than... He swallowed. It's beautiful, Master.
A beautiful sword for a beautiful man.
Silence.
Then Alex stood up. He left the sword on the bed and went to the mirror, where he examined his reflection for a moment before turning and gazing at Roger, his face blank.
It's inevitable, you know, Roger commented as if nothing was wrong. I knew it since the moment I laid eyes on you.
What do you want? Alex asked in a strained whisper, clenching and unclenching his fists.
The Duke's smile was warm as he slowly approached his squire. I should think it's obvious, he replied. He was now directly in front of Alex, who was forced a step back. Roger kept on getting nearer, so several seconds later, the young man was pressed against the wall.
What do you want? Alex repeated, his voice a hiss. He raised a hand as if he were intending to strike the Duke, but Roger pinned it against the wall, directly over Alex's head, and drew even closer, so that his lips grazed Alex's ear as he whispered,
I want you, Alex. He paused, brushing back a lock of hair from Alex's face; Alex had frozen, but his eyes flicked around the room like a frightened animal. I always have, and I always will. Deny me and I might as well die.
Suddenly, Alex used his free hand to shove Roger away, but Roger, possessing quick reflexes, sprang back. A small scuffle ensued; the squire trying to claw away from between the wall and his master, and the master trying to keep the squire between him and the wall.
Mithros, Alex, why must you make it so hard? Roger breathed. He shoved Alex back again, hard enough that when the youth's head connected to the wall, he partly lost consciousness, and went limp. He slumped into Roger's arms, groaning softly and blinking rapidly, trying to still the moving room.
Leave - me - alone...
Oh no. Roger lowered himself to a kneeling position, Alex still lying in his arms. I can't do that.
Alex glared up at him, although his expression was still rather dazed. You won't...get away with this, he said through clenched teeth. You won't - mark my words, I won't let you get away with this; I won't let you do this to me! His fingers clawed at his belt; gods bless it, he had unclipped his dagger and left it on his desk...
But I'm doing it already, murmured Roger. Then he lifted Alex's head towards him and, almost reverently, kissed the young lips. He felt Alex struggle weakly, but when he buried one of his hands in his hair and hardened the kiss, Alex surrendered.
he demanded in a weak voice when Roger pulled away.
replied Roger, stroking his smooth cheek. I love you.