Prince's Gift: Chapter 1
Ryo looked up and down the halls nervously hoping his masters weren't angry with him. He should have known better! The way he behaved last night... he never said thank you after being fed such a meal, or using the washroom. The little voice in his head telling him his master had literally shoved him in there because he refused to enter was quickly shut off. Then he was allowed to sit on a bed, not the floor where his masters had a good height for kicking or beating him.
He was just so tired. So tired obviously he wasn't thinking straight. Ryo hoped to somehow make it up if he ever found his way. He yawned, his body telling him he still needed rest. Well that's just too bad isn't it? You over slept plenty. I didn't even realize it. I must have been totally out. Ryo frowned, just thinking of what would happen to him. He passed dozens of rooms keeping his head obediently down and not speaking to anyone. He remembered the last time he over slept... not something to think about. Sure he didn't like being beaten senseless, but it was their way of punishment and he got himself into this one. This time it was his fault.
Ryo suddenly recognized the corridor he was in. Tapestries hanged from the walls showing a phoenix flying high in a bright clear blue sky while a huge castle lay underneath. Snuggled in the middle of a great big city. Elaborate colors made the one tapestry stand out more than the others. Even though it was simple, it was beautiful. He remembered it even though he was nearly half asleep yet still walking. Master Shin had excellent cooking and in instantly made even more tired.
This corridor was next to Master Seiji's, his stomach turned in knots just thinking about it. He turned the corner his soft leather boots padding silently on the floor. They were, too, his master's. The idea made him most uneasy. Though they were very comfortable. A new outfit was laid out on the chest at the foot of the bed. Consisting of blue trousers and a blue shirt. Including a coat since it is difficult to heat an entire castle. He wouldn't have worn it if the clothes Seiji gave him and his old slave rags had somehow disappeared. And he certainly couldn't go out naked.
He thought this was the right door, there was a few guards scattered around the corridor but nothing special about the door.
He knocked meekly not loud at all. He even taught himself a way to knock that shouldn't get him smacked. He waited patiently at the sound of footsteps and the door opened revealing a cheerful prince. One hand was occupied with a goblet filled with water and the other was ruffling his hair. He frowned at the sight of the slave boy though and looked around nervously.
Ryo gulped not daring to meet his master's gaze, instead he spoke meekly.
"I'm greatly sorry for my actions Master. I do not ask for forgiveness because I have no excuse. I await punishment."
He heard a hopeless sigh and the door opened the rest of the way. Seiji sit his goblet down on a nearby oak table never taking his eyes of the boy in front of him. The name "Master" sickened him. Most lands frowned on slavery, Date being one of them, but Farlon thrived with it, where most of their riches came from. Selling humans like items. Farlon boasted about their quality of slaves and that they were a reliable source for fine slaves for any work. Enough with slaves history, he thought. He felt much better after what Shin did for him. Whatever he does, Seiji always feels better the next day. Well after he sleeps nearly all day…
"I said call me Seiji." He spoke softly to show the boy he means in no way to hurt him.
Ryo winced. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what? You did nothing wrong."
Ryo opened his mouth to say something but decided it wasn't wise. So he stood quietly awaiting for whatever Seiji was going to do or say.
Seiji had a remarkable amount of patience. It took a lot to get him mad much like Shin. But if someone was to push them too far, things could get bloody. So that's why he kept patience with the raven-haired boy. Shin told him Ryo was sixteen years making him younger than Seiji. He could only wonder how long Ryo has been shipped around, forced to new masters, and sold.
He imagined Ryo wasn't really from Farlon but an orphan who was found on the streets and taken into slavery. There wasn't anything unnatural or uncommon about Ryo's features so he couldn't determine where he was from. Though his deep tiger blue eyes reminded him of the mountain people. They were suppose to carry the blood of the warrior's that fought in the Dark War(War against Arago).
Which would easily explain where he got his last name. They were close with nature and could predict harsh winters or good summers for farming. Some lands jealous of their blood called them barbarians, which was pure silly. They loved everything, were kind, and protected the humans without a care of their taint.
Though, they were still human. Which is why people feel graced when one shows themselves. From what Seiji knew they didn't have a king but an Ancient One. Who was suppose to be so old they could tell of over a hundred years of stories. The mountain people were a mystery to everyone. But if Ryo was one of them, he was far from home, and experiencing the full evil of the human race.
"Have you had breakfast?" he must be hungry, Seiji was about to chase after Shin if he didn't bring him anything to eat. He could just hear Shin now. "I'm deeply sorry, My Prince, forgive this humble servant for its lack of respect." If only Seiji could slit the brunette's throat…
Ryo shook his head, he didn't dare touch the food on the table, no matter how tempting it was.
Seiji frowned. "Then you can have some of mine." He replaced his frown with a smile. "Then I'll give you a tour of the castle."
Ryo shook his head furiously at the first sentence then nodded meekly on the second.
Seiji smile once again vanished. He brought his hand up to the boy's chin and raised it so he met his eyes. Ryo closed his eyes tightly, as any slave would.
"Please look at me Ryo." Seiji couldn't stand it. Watching a human in front of him act this way. Ryo was a perfect example of a slave. He was for certain, if he hit the boy now he would merely sit there, not saying a word, and prepare himself for another blow. He knew nothing about Ryo. What his favorite food was, which he doubted he had any real food to eat. His favorite color, if he likes to read, or what kind of books he likes. Nothing except that he's an orphan, slave, and sixteen. Something, unknown to him, compelled him to learn about this raven-haired boy.
"I am not your master. You can call me Seiji, or Sage, whatever you wish." Good, give him a choice. Ryo's eyes widened in shock.
"Now come in."
All of a sudden the mood in the room changed.
Seiji stopped staring at his bed, which seemed to have a lump that wasn't there before present at the bottom of his bed.
"Get out of my bed Shin!"
The lump didn't move. Seiji smirked mischievously and left Ryo at the door who shut it quietly careful to not make a sound.
Seiji, observing the lump in the bed deciding exactly where was the best spot to jump on it, and poked it experimentally. When nothing happen he plopped down as hard as he could, emitting a sudden grunt from the lump beneath him. It immediately retaliated seeking vengeance and soon the prince disappeared calling for help under the covers.
Ryo stretched his neck wondering exactly what to do. A mix of laughs, yelps, and bangs was heard making Ryo feel very uneasy.. There was swearing, a lot of swearing, Ryo was accustomed to but coming from a prince? Where in the world would a prince learn such "foul" tongue? Suddenly the prince fell off the bed dragging every blanket on the bed with him revealing a guilty brunette who carried a triumphant smile.
"Serves you right! I was sleeping!"
"You're suppose to get me breakfast! Not sleep on your lazy ass!"
"Why should I because I serve a lazy bum prince? Go stick your fat head in a horse pile!"
"I'm hungry!"
"What did I just say?"
"That you're getting me breakfast cause I'm the most adorable thing you ever seen."
"I'm far more adorable than you. Don't you hear the Queen talking about me?"
"'cause you suck up to her like some witless puppy." He shot back.
"I'm witless? Who got lost looking for the washroom?"
"I was nine! And you locked me out of my room!"
Shin realized who was also occupying the room, and his expression shifted immediately forgetting the current argument. Ryo! Ignoring Seiji he walked over to the young teen and put an arm around him feeling him tense, unfamiliar with such a gesture.
"Ryo! Good morning! Are you hungry? I left you breakfast on the table." he said cheerfully.
Seiji glared darkly.
Ryo blushed not saying a word.
He released Ryo and walked annoyed over to Seiji. "Come on and make yourself useful." he snapped and dragged the prince with him to the kitchens, Ryo following just because Seiji was going. He wasn't told to stay therefore he had to go wherever his master went.
Ryo looked around amazed at the wonderful decorations on the wall. A phoenix was carved into each door they passed. He kept a steady pass with the two arguing teens, trying not to allow his mouth to hang open too much. He never had seen so much finery, which made him all the more uncomfortable. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a cool hand lift his chin once again. Looking up he noticed it was his master.
"How many times do I have to do that?" he teased.
"I'm sorry." He was now between both of them.
"For nothing." Seiji corrected.
Ryo looked down at the food placed before him by Shin, shaking his head vigorously. He couldn't eat that! Royalty and his masters ate that! Not a slave! Shin insisted. Seiji had disappeared somewhere 'Getting his fat ass blonde self lost' Shin said. A week had passed and Ryo found himself... warming up to them. He still addressed Seiji as 'master' in his mind. Something far to ingrained in his mind to just shrug off. He smiled some at their jokes or arguments. Which took place hourly.
He met the Queen, which very much gave him a heart attack because she fawned all over him. Ryo was still sick from that. He counted, it's been eight days since Naaza gave him to Seiji. Ryo had kept his normal habit of avoiding everyone but Seiji. Seiji... he sighed. Bringing Shin's attention who stared at him as if telling him meerly by his eyes that he needed to eat. Ryo couldn't help it he's never ate so much his entire life. It was once in a red moon he got two meals a day.
Now he's given three meals, and offered a snack between each. He's even gained weight. Ryo pictured Shin as the "mother" type yet at the same time not motherly at all. He worried about his two friends, and Ryo learned, when Shin worried about you he was going to get his way to make sure the problem is solved. The predicament Ryo is in currently. He appeared happy now that Ryo wasn't 'skin and bones'.
The stare continued, his eyes darting to the silver plate filled with eggs, bread, honey, sausages, cherries, and some other fruits, and back to Ryo. His arms crossed, which he always did when his victims were being more stubborn. Ryo wondered faintly how Seiji put up with him. Ryo was still full from last night. Which consisted of steak, gravy, potatoes, carrots, and bread. Somehow Shin found out that was Ryo's favorite meal in matter of little over a week. He tried his best to make himself small under the gaze, and utterly failed; only to be rewarded with a satisfied smile by the brunette.
So he obediently ate ignoring the kitchen servants who passed, unfortunately most of them girls, who giggled as he stuffed his face with food. Shin would scold them that just making them go into more fit of giggles. Ryo couldn't comprehend why they thought him so cute. He definitely didn't think he was. Everyone he's ever met always called him ugly or disgusting. Don't they get it? He's a slave! The lowest rank of humanity you can get! Seiji suddenly appeared, a few servants telling him he shouldn't be here in the kitchens scuffling behind him. Seiji just laughed and told him Shin dragged him in here. Which was a good answer, knowing Shin. He denied trays of food and wine with his hand and made his way over to the table. Which the kitchen servants realized will be their new eating spot and was now decorated. They had to coax Ryo into even sitting in a chair.
"And to think I had my hopes up that you were lost. To bad no vouchers got a hold of you."
"Watch your mouth I'll be king one day. I can hold grudges. Would you like to work in the stables? Or maybe drainage mines?"
"I'll drag you right along with me." he stated.
"I wouldn't find that hard to believe. I can see it now. Shin going up against every Gold Guard in the castle and god knows what else, yelling foul insults to the king and dragging him to the drainage mines."
"I wouldn't hesitate." Shin thought he had most of the castle in idea of how he stood with the prince.
Seiji laughed and turned to Ryo who was poking uninterested at his food. Of course not looking up or speaking, instead sit quietly in his chair.
"So how you been Ryo?" he asked. There was still plenty of tension between him and Ryo. Seiji being the official master and Ryo trying to figure out exactly what happen to his life. All of a sudden he was given to a prince. Before he lived in a basement, bidding to his master's every whim, and living off of whatever he was so nicely given. Now having new expensive clothes, three meals, his own bed, his own everything. He didn't even have to clean up after himself. He was scolded whenever he attempted to do so. Ryo doubted he would every adjust.
Still not use to his name being spoke, Ryo looked up surprised, then noticing what he was doing swiftly lowered his head. Baka! Baka! Baka!
"Fine, mast... Seiji"
"I wanted to know if you wanted to go to the library? You seem to know your way around. I can't stay there long, I have sword lessons."
Ryo shook his head, no. He knew how to read, he was taught quite aggressively by one of his first master's. He still liked to read any book, adventure or history. He also enjoyed drawing, some of his sketchings were sold for money by his masters. His best one was of an entire town, he was even given colors to work with. It sold for a lot and allowed his master to get new clothes. However he had to pay in labor for the cost of the paper, charcoal, and colors.
"Where've you been?" Shin asked.
Seiji thought he heard a tinge of worry in the brunette's voice. "Mother wanted to speak with me." he replied forming some kind of hut with kitchen utensils and napkins.
Ryo winced.
"It's going to..." and the entire hut collapsed on the table, scattering half the kitchen's utensils on the floor. Now they will need to be washed.
"Bright Seiji." Shin rolled his eyes.
"Wasn't it?" Servants were already cleaning up the mess and dumping them in the sinks. Only ones who got in trouble had to clean dishes. Which was a very good enough punishment considering how much the castle occupants could eat. Not including the royals who visit.
"Stick to the sword, you have no talent in building."
"So? You have no talent in a sword."
"Since when does a cook need to use a sword?"
"You never know, something might suddenly come alive and attack you."
"I'd like to see you use a quarterstaff." Shin sniffed.
"Those are for people who can't hold a sword and not stab themselves." he retorted.
Ryo thought they were due for another argument. It's been at least three hours since the last one. Over something about sheets on a bed. He sighed, then regretted he ever did. Baka! What the hells is wrong with you? You're suppose to make you damned self unknown! You just keep screwing up don't you? Need someone to beat the hells out of you so you'll remember? He was about to give into the voice, not that little voice in your head that tells you right or wrong and makes you feel guilty, but the ingrained voice of every master formed as one. When Seiji watched him sadly but at the same time looking deeper as if observing something that wasn't there. He often did that. Ryo just dismissed it.
"I'm sorry."
"What did I say about saying sorry?" he poked the boy with a ladle.
"To not say it." Ryo barely contained his smile.
"See you're smarter than you give yourself credit for."
Ryo blushed. Wow, compliments.
"And very cute." Shin added.
Ryo's cheeks turned even redder and he found new interests in his eggs. How they swivel around his plate... and are so yellowish yet orange... and how gross they look now.
Seiji glared at Shin, for some odd protective reason. Shin grinned, and gave him an innocent look.
"Don't you think so Seiji?" Seiji's mouth opened and closed but nothing come out. Shin could see it and thought smugly of himself. This time Seiji didn't have a come back, and Ryo didn't notice, unfortunately.
One of the kitchen servants took Ryo's plate; he said thank you, the best choice. Servants tend to get fussy if you don't let them take care of you. It spreads like wildfire. Then you have every servant in the castle fussing over you till you learned your lesson.
Seiji could have strangled Shin if he could. But that would mean losing his best friend. He only knew Ryo for little over a week! And Ryo barely talked, smiling some, but being completely obedient. Sometimes when he wouldn't be paying attention and reading a book, he would ask for a drink. Shin wouldn't be there but Ryo would. Just in a few seconds his cup would be filled. In return no longer making him thirsty thinking of Ryo serving him. He would drink it anyway; he didn't want to be rude asking for something then not taking it.
Seiji doubted, however, Ryo would care. Shin was taking on the "I know all" air. Probably raising the 'smug' emotion to make sure Seiji sensed it very clearly. Ryo followed behind him, as always. Seiji didn't really sense any bad emotions this time but certainly at the table. It made him happy, for some reason, when a wave of embarrassment mixed with bashfulness flowed from the boy. Keep your mind off Ryo! He checked back on Ryo, who amazingly had his head up, but as soon as Seiji looked back he lowered it. He forgot he had sword lessons. Ryo would definitely be bored, he should have went with Shin. The guy is all over him anyway. Might as well asked, it wouldn't be right for Ryo to just sit there waiting for him.
"I'm going to sword practice, are you coming with me?" Seiji asked walking beside Ryo.
"If you want me to m... Seiji."
"It's your choice, you could hang around Shin ."
"I'll go."
The rest of the walk was in silence. Seiji going over something to say the boy. Seiji himself was quiet around strangers. But he'd been taught how to keep conversation with other royals. What to say and what not to say. Wrong words could start wars, right words could form alliances. He's never been taught of how to talk to a slave when you're their master. He let his feet guide him, as he mused over Ryo. Two large stone doors met them at the end of the corridor. Two swords crossed symbolizing the practice field.
Ryo and Seiji stopped at a large clearing. Two wooden building sit on the far right. The largest and most worn contained practice swords, quarterstaffs, bows, and other assortments of weapons. Some weapons that were broken lye in a messy pile. A few men experimented with each and deciding which weapon they needed more practice. Two others sit under the other building in shade. One half drowsing and the other nudging it's companion with his boot to keep him awake.
A bucket of clean water rested on a nearly collapsed table, cups scattered on the ground. A clinging of medal started the usual rhythm of the training grounds. Shouts of wrong formations, right forms, and orders, were the songs. It was warm, for winter, and now all the restless guards and trainees were eager to dance the dance of swords. Ryo figured, from the air of authority, the tall dark man with untamed brown hair was the Chief of Weaponry. Well that's what he thought they were called. He wore torn black trousers and old gray boots. His white shirt hung loose and half unbuttoned as he held a practice sword in front of him. He was talking to a boy, at the most 16, who was paying careful attention to his own practice sword in his hands. The more skilled grouped at the other end of the field using real swords. Their blades reflecting the morning sun and attracting young boys to watch.
The field wasn't anything special. It something of a public-royal grounds put together. Date was known for their unmatchable skill in swordsmanship and only received citizens who had potential for swordmasters. Ryo stopped at the invisible line, which formed a barrier between the skilled and the unskilled.
He plopped down on the grass and leaning against a wooden pole he watched Seiji walk across the field picking a practice sword and waiting. At that instant the drowsing man shot up bowing to the prince and his companion soon followed. Seiji raised the tip of his sword forcing the man to stand told him something Ryo couldn't make out. Then did the same with the other man. Both of them looking sorry and retreated to the castle. When the dark man finally acknowledged Seiji he called to one of the skilled warriors to take his place in teaching.
With no hurry to his movement he walked over to the prince. Why should he hurry? He's taught the prince since he could first stand on his two legs, and his father before him. He begun with basic forms, then a little more complex, studying to see how well the blonde did. All of them Seiji did correctly. Ryo realized, to no surprise, the two had attracted attention. The other men on the field glanced their way a few times but that was it. Most likely completely used to the Prince of Taiem in the training fields. Some of them may even had taught him.
It was like a dance, once Seiji got started up. His forms were full of grace. He parried the dark man's attacks with ease, and countered with his own. Deep in concentration, oblivious to the onlookers.
How skilled he may appear, it took all his concentration to fend of the attacks. It was the Chief of Weaponry, and Seiji knew he had far more experience than himself. He feinted to get enough time to think of his next move, his brain scanning the list of forms. However the chief wasn't easily fooled. Seiji silently cursed as he quickly rolled to avoid the wooden sword. Leaving a dent where his head once was.
He received a slash to his side, a whack to his wrists and other hits that would no doubt cause plenty of pain later. Sweat slid down his forehead, as he kept up with the steady pace. Attack. Defend. Before every time he would receive a hit the chief would tell him he lost a body limp, got cut in half, or is officially dead. He no longer did that, now that Seiji had proved himself a serious swordsman. Another hit to his side sent him off balance and he rolled turning around to defend himself from another blow.
Seiji took a long breath and his sensei stopped hearing the sixth bell chime from the castle tower. Making it a six-hour lesson. One of their longest lessons. Yup, Seiji would definitely be sore tomorrow. He checked on Ryo, an air of interest and fascination emanating from him. At least not any bad emotions.
"Never take your eyes off an opponent Seiji."
"Gomen, sensei."
"You were slow.," he said. "Yours forms were sloppy. That's three faults so far, head in the clouds? Did you count how many times I got a hit on you? Maybe how you feel tomorrow will get your senses back. Until then meet me here at the second hour."
Seiji nodded and bowed. He shook the strain out of shoulders as he walked to weapon building and tossed it in the repair pile. Seiji paused glancing around for Ryo. Not realizing that was the first thing he done. Instead of his usual sitting down and watching the swordsman fight. Where was he? Did someone take him! Half the castle knew of him being a slave would any of them dare take advantage of that? All the hard work he's done to help Ryo he'd be damned if anyone starts ordering him around like some dog. Ryo never leaves him unless told to!
By the time he reached his corridor he was ready to bash anyone who took Ryo into a wall. Most servants stayed out of his way. The guards wondering what exactly what was up with their prince. Looking like he just came out of a long fight and prepared to kill. He pushed his door open fuming.
Shin was sitting by the fire adding wood to it, looking preoccupied like he was going down a list in his mind of what to do. He was about to ask Shin if he saw Ryo, when the boy walked out of the washroom, looking utterly terrified as soon as he saw Seiji. Now he just felt pathetic, hopefully Ryo would forgive him. He barely noticed he had totally lost his sense at the thought of Ryo being endanger. Doesn't matter, Ryo's okay.
"I'm sorry S-Seiji, I thought you might want a bath."
Those simple words had him completely calm again. Seiji blushed and looked down at the floor. Ryo made him a bath, and what does he do? Terrify him! Shin slipped out the door leaving him alone with Ryo. Alone with the tension, not knowing what to say, and his voice caught in his throat.
"Gomen." totally sincere. Did he see a faint smile on the raven-haired boy's face?
Ryo's cheeks reddened and he handed Seiji his towel and bed clothes.
Seiji emerged from the washroom his eyes falling on Ryo. His legs were drawn up to his chest and his chin rested on his knees. He gazed into the fire watching the flames lick the black smoky brick. His gaze was distant, and didn't even know of his master's return. Ryo looked so peaceful, Seiji thought smiling. The first time he'd seen anything human-like about Ryo. So he refrained himself from making any noise, even though he wanted to thank Ryo. He never did, which was completely rude.
He yawned, the bath making him warm and sleepy. Not that it will help with how he will feel in the morning. He looked forward to it like he looked forward to eating a horse pile. He collapsed on the bed stuffing a pillow under his head. He found himself dozing. The air of peace in the room making him drowsy and lull of the fire. His eyes successfully fluttering shut. Oh come on Seiji! It was your first lesson! He stifled an annoyed groan, opened his eyes halfway, watching Ryo still entranced in the fire.
A/N :To my beta reader Darkkatt: thank you so much!
My Reviewers:
WildfireFriendship0: you thought ryo warmed up fast? I didn't mean for it to sound that way… sorry maybe this chapter fixed it? Thank you for your compliments! Iza happy author.
Stormyrose: rushed.. yah all my stories are rushed. Ill never get rid of it. Im terrible at titles…I just typed it to have a file name didn't know ill use it for my title. But thank you! I appreciate it.
Canyon315: I always make my seiji character… un seiji like… I mean hes just so cute and I like making him sweet. Yup kento will be in the fic. I wouldn't leave any of them out. Just wait maybe one more chapter? Or two? Thank you!
LadyHawk225: awwww thank you! I like fantasy stuff. That and yaoi. Both are officially rotting and taking over my brain. So why not put them both together? Rot my brain some more?