3
"Bow in front of the king, you insolent little bastards." The first in command, Joan, barked as he forced the brothers to the ground.
Angelus smiled, "Welcome to my Castle."
"Your castle?" Squall's voice had undergone a deep change and his eyes shone an angry shade of violet.
Gavin gasped, "Squall?"
"Onii-san, how many times do I have to ask you not to call me that?"
Gavin nodded and smirked, turning to look back at Angelus, who had frowned deeply.
"Speak only when asked to speak, brat!" Joan grabbed the brunet's silky hair, tugging painfully at it.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Amethyst eyes turned to train itself on the king, "It's pretty sad Squall is such a coward, forcing me to take over when he can't handle the pressure or the pain. Angelus, was it, you do remember little Squall, right?"
The king shot off his chair, "You are the Leonhart heir!"
"Leon…that's my name, but you can rest assured…Squall doesn't remember the castle and its marvels…that night you destroyed his life…he doesn't remember. You are one lucky bastard."
The ropes fell and Leon rammed his elbow onto Joan's groin.
"May I humbly ask to stand up? I do so hate bowing…it really isn't my thing." Leon stretched, "Since Squall doesn't remember his life as a prince, your reign on the land is safe…What is it you want? Since Squall isn't much of an avenger and has no desire in ruling anything…I do suggest you tell me where Elisa is and let us go."
Angelus backed up a step, "I warn you…I will have Elisa killed…actually I need your help."
Gavin's eyes widened in surprise, "Whatever for."
"Not your help, Leon's…there is this land I want to rule, but its ruler is a young, stubborn man. I was thinking Squall…I mean Leon…or...what you call yourself to accompany this man back to his hometown and act as a spy…give me his weakness."
"Not interested." Leon rested back against one of the grand pillars.
"Actually I thought you might be very interested…I have an offer you…or rather Squall…might find real hard to resist."
"Really? And what could that be?" Leon tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear and smiled coyly at the king.
"Elisa happens to be very sick…if she is not given the proper medications…she could die."
Gavin narrowed his eyes.
"I could provide her with the best doctors of the kingdom…don't you want to see her fresh and lively again?"
Gavin gasped, "Liar."
"No…as a matter of fact I am honest…You are going to stay here with her while Squall runs this errand for me. You can see for yourself the medications and I assure you she will smile and laugh once again. After I invade their land, you can stay in the castle…your mother will not only be cured, but she will also be rich and not burdened by how much you can afford. Think of her… you will be able to provide her with fur coats in the winter and fine silk in the summer. If you don't do it for yourself," Angelus continued, seeing the brothers' expressions and knowing her had hit on the mark, "Then do it for her."
Gavin stood up and walked over to Leon, "Since you are untied and free, do you mind?"
"Gomen, nii-san," Leon's voice was full of derision as he undid the rope.
"So, what is it that Squall has to do exactly?"
Angelus smiled triumphantly and explained, "The ruler of Esther died recently and his son took over. I have tried sending letters before but that boy is insolent. I called him for peace negotiations and he is now being…betrayed…as we speak. You see, Squall, you will rescue him and befriend him…later then…you will betray him."