Updated! Some minor changes and i fixed some typos! :P Hope you enjoy!
CHAPTER 8: Two Snakes & a Sword
The thunderstorm was still unleashing its power over the Winter Realm. Cisco and Caitlin could see the lightning fall in the distance through the high arched windows of the hallway. They were running and their steps against the stone corridor echoed loudly. They needed to check if Barry wasn't badly hurt. They were finally reaching the prince's room, when Cisco had an idea.
"Cait wait." – said Cisco grabbing Caitlin's hand and stopped her from opening the door.
"What? What's wrong?" – asked Caitlin worried turning to see her friend.
"I need to tell you something." – stated Cisco anxiously releasing slowly Caitlin's hand. "It's very important and it has been bothering me since morning."
"Cisco, can't it wait?" she asked unsure turning to see the door. "We really should check Barry's health first. The wound on his forehead looked bad."
"No it can't wait...it's just a second."
Caitlin was more than surprised with her friend's bold answer and she nodded curious. "Ok then… what is it? Are you all right?"
"Yes… it's that I may have accidentally vibe King Leonard Snart"
"You did what?" – asked Caitlin worried watching Cisco's eyes. "Cisco! Barry told you he didn't want you to vibe the King."
"I didn't do it on purpose it just kind of… accidentally happened. I swear."
Caitlin raised her eyebrows suspiciously. "Elaborate."
"King Leonard touched me and I saw him with Sir Hartley Rathaway."
"So?"- She blurted not understanding what Cisco was trying to imply.
"They were kissing. I think Leonard will choose Hartley as his husband. Our plan is doomed to fail. The King won't choose Barry."
Caitlin sighed. "Are you sure?"
"Completely sure! That kiss was a real deep kiss with emotions and tongue involved."
She sighed at Cisco's description but understood what he meant.
"That's a problem."
"Do you think we should tell Barry?" – Cisco asked worried.
"No… no at all…." –she said thinking. "Remember what Wells told us, that your vibes are possibilities. The future is still unwritten, so we shouldn't interfere. If we do something we could trigger that future instead of avoiding it."
"But what if avoiding the vibe, triggers that future instead? I have never failed with my vibes you know and I have a bad feeling about all of this."
Caitlin sighed. "I don't know Cisco. This is kind of confusing for me. Maybe we should discuss it with Harry before telling something to Barry."
"Okay that sounds like a reasonable plan… let's do that…"
Caitlin nodded and reached the door of Barry's room and entered slowly followed by Cisco. "Barry?" – she whispered with caution. The room was cold and dark and it was dimly lighted with small candle next to Barry's bed. Caitlin walked silently and reached the right side of the four-poster bed and saw Barry curled shivering. Her heart fluttered, he looked so defenseless. She reached the blue blankets and covered her friend. She tenderly removed the hair on his forehead and saw that luckily his wound was almost healed.
"Barry?" – she whispered silently. The prince slowly stirred and opened his hazel eyes.
"Cait?"
"I'm sorry I woke you up." – said the young healer worried. She saw how Barry's eyes were red from crying and her heart broke. "Are you okay? We wanted to check on you. Are you badly hurt?"
Barry struggled in his bed to a sitting position, fighting the pain his chest. "I'm fine."
Caitlin sat on the edge of the bed while Cisco approached slowly.
"I'm sorry for worrying you both… I just needed to run. Escape from everything."
"Don't worry, the important thing is that you are okay." – added Caitlin smiling.
Barry nodded grateful.
"So… what happened?" – Cisco asked with curiosity. "We saw when two soldiers took Thawne to the healing wing of the castle."
The prince exhaled unsure of telling them but then he decided that they deserved to know so he started explaining everything. Well almost everything. He told them what happened after he accompanied Lisa to the balcony. He told them about the discussion with King Leonard, the assault of Lord Thawne and finally about his second fight with Leonard about his actions. He didn't regret the fight with Thawne but he felt pretty bad for yelling to the King, specially that he was starting to fall in love with the Winter King, but he didn't told them that, he didn't want to worry them more and he knew his chances with Leonard were almost impossible. Anyways he had already made a decision, it was time to return to Central Kingdom and stop Zoom for good, he would explain King Oliver his idea and with the Starling's army they might have a chance to stop the evil speedster.
Caitlin and Cisco listened keenly and when Barry finished his explanation they were beyond shocked with the situation and remained silent.
"I also decided to withdraw my proposal as a suitor." – added Barry nervously because he wasn't sure how his friends were going to react to that. He was basically backing off from their original plan. Caitlin was surprised and she quickly turned her glance towards Cisco. Cisco was stunned and they were probably thinking the same…the vibe.
"We are leaving after Lisa's party, I think Lisa has been great with us and we should stay for the celebration"- stated Barry. "But I refuse to stay for the announcement of the King's marriage. We have already wasted a lot of our time."
Truthfully he didn't want to see whom Leonard was going to choose, the thought of seeing the King with another man make him feel miserable. Cisco glanced at Caitlin worried, if they were to leave the Winter Realm, King Leonard Snart will surely chose Lord Rathaway and the vibe was going to happen.
"Barry are you sure about this?" – asked Caitlin seeing that deep down Barry was really sad with the decision.
"I am not sure about anything anymore. I feel like I am betraying you and my people by turning away from the marriage." – Barry confessed. "I thought for a moment that our plan was going to work… I was aware that it wasn't going to be easy but this is just a nightmare. Joe was right this was a stupid idea."
"It was a stupid idea but it was worth the chance, Barry you did what we thought it was the best to protect our country and I admire you for that. You were willing to sacrifice your love and marry an unknown man just to protect your people. That is a bold decision from a brave hero."
"I'm not a hero Cait." – Barry stated miserably. "I can't even protect myself and then I just screwed our plan. I'm useless... worthless"
Cisco frowned and Caitlin gasped.
"Prince Bartholomew Henry Allen don't you ever say that again!"- She almost yelled startling the prince. "You are brave and smart don't think less of yourself. If our plan is going to fail then we are going to do something else, but we fight together. We love you Barry, and you are worth it."
"Yeah dude, don't worry we will find the way to create a weapon to stop Zoom and his evil army of meta-humans. I think with Oliver's help maybe we can achieve it."
Barry smiled. "Thank you guys, I don't know what would I do without you."
"You would probably be dead or worse."- Caitlin muttered smirking.
Barry sighed and Cisco laughed.
"That's why we are a team. If we remain together we will save Central Kingdom" – she added smiling. Barry nodded happy feeling the encouragement of his friends.
Cisco was going to add something probably witty to Caitlin's comment but he felt the involuntary link to his powers. He felt numb and disoriented. Suddenly he was having a hazy and dark vision of fire. He was standing near the flames… no they were all around him. He sensed chaos. He couldn't see a thing, there was too much smoke and in a blink of his eyes the scenery changed and now he was in a cold dark humid place, and there was a loud noise, like water, he turned to face the heavy sound and he saw a powerful curtain of water. He closed his eyes a little nauseated and then he was again in the prince's room next to Caitlin who was watching him intently and worried.
"Cisco, did you just vibe?" – asked Barry alarmed.
"Yeah…"- murmured Cisco confused. " But I didn't understand what I saw."
"What did you saw?" – asked Caitlin with curiosity.
"I saw fire but everything was to hazy and I couldn't see where I was and then I think I was in a cave under a waterfall, a huge waterfall, it must be a place here in the Winter Realm, because in Central there is no waterfall as big as the one I saw. "
"You only saw fire and a waterfall?"
"Well I was inside the waterfall, I mean…behind it, in a cave… but yeah…weird, I didn't see anyone. I'm not sure what I vibe."
"Don't worry… If you vibe again tell us as soon as you can." – added Barry thoughtful. "It may have something to do with Zoom. It could be that he is coming to the Winter Realm and that's why you saw the fire. It could be an attack. We should ask Lisa if she knows about a place with a cave behind a waterfall"
Cisco nodded. "I will ask her and then I will inform you."
"We should rest…" – said Caitlin yawning. "Tomorrow will be a long day and we have a party to attend and I'm guessing that Cisco will want to make the most of our time here in the Winter Realm with the Princess."
Cisco shrugged. "Guilty as charged."
Barry laughed and then his face change in to remorse.
"Cisco, I'm sorry we are not staying longer."
"Don't worry Barry, anyways my thing with Lisa is just a daydream, King Leonard forbid me to court his sister."
"He what? When?" – Barry asked shocked and trying no to laugh imagining the awkward scene between Cisco and King Leonard Snart.
"Today after our breakfast, Lisa and I were walking in the gardens when he found us."
"That's too bad, I think you do a really cute couple" – added Caitlin touching Cisco's shoulder in a supportive way.
"If Lisa wants to be with Cisco, believe me Cait, not even King Snart will be able to stop her." – added Barry confident in Lisa's power.
"Hope you are right Barry."- Cisco added wishing his friend was right.
"You will see…"- added Barry smiling with optimism. He may not have luck in love and maybe he will never be fated to find it, but he was sure that his friends really deserve it. They deserved to be happy and he will do everything in his power to achieve that.
The celebration of Lisa's birthday arrived. The Winter Palace during the whole day was in state of chaos, the servants were decorating the great hall with silver snowflakes and blue ornaments, the kitchen was full of people preparing the feast and there were guards everywhere protecting the entrance and exit of the castle. Impressive carriages were arriving non-stop with guests, probably Lords and Ladies from the north. Lisa was running from one place to another greeting people and overseeing the work of the servants with the help of General Mark Mardon and Lady Snow who volunteered. On the other hand King Leonard Snart was upset and anxious on his studio. He decided to invite Prince Bartholomew to accompany him for lunch and the Prince quickly declined. He was running out of time to talk to the Prince and the kid wasn't making it easy for him to apologize and Lisa was so busy that he didn't wanted to ask her for advise. He was the older brother he should be able to deal with this himself. How hard could this be?
There was a knock on the door and the King raised his gaze. "Come in."
"Thought you were hiding…and it seems like I am right." – said Lord Rathaway smiling with himself.
"Hartley…"
"Why are you sulking here all alone?" – asked the young heir of the second wealthiest family of the north. "Shouldn't you be like helping Princess Lisa with all the arrangements and guests?"
Len sighed. "I have more important matters to attend."
"Here? Hiding in your lair?"
"Shut up." Len whispered rolling his eyes skyward annoyed.
Hartley walked in front of his large desk passing his right hand over it like feeling the old wood and then he stopped and watched Leonard close his eyes and sulk with a frown. Rathaway smiled fascinated and seated on a chair in front of the King's desk. "I'm guessing that important matter is related with the handsome prince of Central Kingdom."
Len opened his eyes and sighed.
"Not your business Hartley… you have done enough."
"Well you see it is my business… because you are planning on choosing him instead of me, besides my theory that the Prince was using Lisa to get her to manipulate you could have been true… but my bad, it seems I was wrong."
The King exhaled annoyed.
"How do you know I'm thinking of choosing Bartholomew?"
"Leonard I'm not an idiot. In fact I am quite smart, probably smarter than you and all the northern folks combined, besides I saw you yesterday at the feast, you couldn't keep your eyes from him."
Len glared. "I don't think I can choose him anymore. Yesterday I had a fight with him and I hurt him."
"Yeah… I noticed…well for the record I think the whole castle noticed too and also there is an interesting rumor spreading like wild fire that Prince Bartholomew withdraw his offer as suitor and that he is leaving tomorrow before noon."
The King groaned angry.
Hartley laughed. "So it is true…what are you going to do Len?"
"Why do you care?"
"I really don't care is just curiosity… how do you plan on conquering the fine-looking prince? Do you have a plan?"
"Aren't you angry that I want to choose Bartholomew instead of you?"
Hartley smirked. "Not at all…"
"Why?" – Len asked with distrust.
"Because I think you don't have a chance with the prince and it amuses me to see you trying to fix the things you break, because I am not and idiot and I know that you have never been in love with me… I liked what we have Len but I always knew that I wasn't enough for you and that it would never last. Believe it or not Len I kind of wish you find happiness, you have been in the dark far too long and our Kingdom needs the best version of you if we want to rise from this chaos."
"I'm sorry kid."
Hartley's green eyes briefly widened when he heard Len's apology.
"Don't be. I enjoyed our two nights together, wouldn't change that... and keep in mind that I would be more than willing to participate in a rendezvous with you and the lovely Prince."
"Don't push your luck..."
"Just watch then?"
"No."
"Fine…"- he said pouting. "Whatever, well I just came to tell you this piece of advise, if I were in your place I would take Bartholomew tonight away from the party and try to find somewhere private to sort things out. He won't decline your invitation in front of a ballroom full of witnesses."
Len raised his eyebrows surprised on how cunning the kid was.
"Thank you Hartley I will."
Rathaway nodded smiling. "I will go help Lisa with the arrangements so… good luck, Your Highness, the fate of our Realm rests in your hands or dick."
Len frowned and watched how Rathaway exited his studio and he felt sad, he had used the kid in various occasions when he felt lonely and the kid didn't deserve that. He was truly and idiot.
Hartley exited the King's studio and walked hurriedly through the long hall until he found a place where to hide. He found a small space between two stone columns and disappeared into it. He looked swiftly at his surroundings and he made sure he was alone, then he seized from his coat the small cold item he just stole from the King, he was feeling a little anxious and guilty but this was the only way, and he hide it in a small black pouch that he tied it to the belt around his waist. Feeling the item secured in place, he continued his path disappearing in to the shadows of the hallway.
The night arrived to the Winter Realm and Barry watched from his window the full moon shinning bright. He had hided in his room all day, he couldn't face Leonard after the awful fight, he was feeling mortified, he had said some things he regretted and he didn't know what to do. He wished that Iris could be here with him to give him some advice, he was feeling so lost…
"Barry are you here?" – asked Caitlin entering the prince's room.
"Yes, Cait come in."
The prince turned to see his beautiful friend and he was shocked with the sight, she was wearing a long sky blue dress with silver ornaments with her long hair down.
He smiled. "Wow, Cait, you look stunning."
She smiled and then suddenly frowned.
"As you should too! Barry why the hell aren't you ready?"
"I can't go." – he murmured quickly feeling anxious. "I can't see the King, our fight was really bad and I can't face him."
"Barry come on get ready!" – she said moving to the bed where Barry's garments rested forgotten. "Forget the King, you have to do this for Princess Lisa, besides this is going to be fun, remember Oliver and Felicity are here too, and Jay Garrick…the man who has an impressive resemblance to your dad just arrived today with Sir John Diggle and Lord Ray Palmer you should go and greet them… they are fun…. kind of."
Barry smiled sadly. "I know. I hate this… I'm sorry. I just feel that the King will be annoyed with my presence."
"I doubt it. Didn't he try to invite you to lunch?" –she added rising her eyebrows. "Rumors run fast."
"Yes."
"Why did you declined?"
"Because he probably invited me because Lisa told him to do it or maybe because he feels he need to keep me happy so I won't cause a war… I don't know… I don't understand him."
"Oh Barry…" – murmured Caitlin seeing her friend miserable. "You should talk to him, listen what he wants to say, don't make the same mistakes he made with you Barry give him a chance."
He nodded. "You are right."
"Hurry up! I don't want to be late."
The prince laughed. "I'm always late."
"Not today… use your speed to get dress"
Barry sighed but complied wondering if talking to the King would make things better or worse.
It was late. The party had already started in the ballroom and Barry remained outside alone walking back and forth, Caitlin already entered hand in hand with Sir Ronnie, Cisco on the other hand was already waiting inside talking with Harrison Wells, General Singh, Sir Martin Stern, Sir Jax, Jay Palmer, Jay Garrick, King Oliver and Felicity. He felt so lonely and scared. He couldn't do it. He was feeling anxious. He could hear the music and the sounds of laughter; he felt so out of place. "I shouldn't be here. What the hell am I doing?" He wanted to run away but he didn't know where he would go. His place was here and now. He suddenly noticed that the guards in front of the doors were watching at him entertained… he probably just looked like crazy walking in circles. The prince sighed. There was no other choice he was expected to attend the party and he was going to need to eventually enter and face his fears, so he took a deep breath and stepped forth with his head held high.
The herald on his right announced his entrance to the ballroom and he felt a chill run trough his body. With a shy smile gracing his face he walked through the room, he didn't expect it to be so full of unknown people. He felt a lot of glances on his direction following him as he walked to his friend's side and felt his face turn a scarlet shade. Barry heard murmurs strike up in the audience and he could feel they were about him. They were talking about Thawne, about the King… and especially about him. He gulped. He was getting nervous. He tried to ignore the whispers and he glanced to the front where King Leonard Snart was sitting in his throne next to Lisa looking directly towards him. Barry felt his breath catch in his chest. The King looked amazing, he wore a royal blue jacket with silver buttons and a black shirt underneath. His black trousers blended seamlessly into his black boots and the crown on his head gave him an air of perfection and power… and Barry found himself undeniable entranced. Unknown to him the King was exactly feeling the same. When Leonard saw the young Prince enter the hall alone and looking utterly anxious, he felt the time stop and he couldn't help smiling. The prince was perfect. He was wearing a red tunic with golden brocade accents and an elegant black overcoat with a belt over it. Len couldn't stop staring at the kid, until he felt a nudge at his side. He turned to see Lisa smiling.
"Don't drool next to me brother is disgusting."
Len smiled. "I'm not."
"Yes you are… so go get him Len, and don't ruin it."
He glared at his sister and watched as the musicians started playing a new song more joyful and the people started dancing and talking again.
"Wish me luck…"
"Good luck Lenny."
The King saw that Barry reached his group. He stood up and started walking towards the attractive young prince that was stealing all the furtive glances of the nobles and ladies of the north, including Hartley's. He reached the group and found them talking and laughing so casually that it made him appreciate why Lisa loved to be with them. They were a cheerful group. He cleared his throat and immediately everyone stared at him.
"Your Highness, would you mind taking a walk with me?"
Barry hesitated. He turned his gaze to Lisa who was beaming from the throne, he saw that Cisco and Caitlin were smiling expectantly, Felicity was grinning, and Oliver and Wells on the other hand were glaring with death intent at the King. He turned to see into the Leonard's deep blue eyes and nodded thinking that Caitlin was right he should give the coldhearted King a second chance.
"It will be my pleasure, Your Majesty" – the young man said with small courtly bow and he followed the King out of the Great Hall. They walked silently for a couple of minutes, side by side, until the prince noticed that they were leaving behind the noise of the party, and he spoke with curiosity.
"Where are we going Your Majesty?"
"I'm going to show my favorite place on the palace." – explained the King and Barry shivered with just listening to Leonard's voice. It was so powerful and it made Barry feel hot and his heart beat faster. Barry nodded with interest and tried to breath normally. He was getting really anxious. The King was a very intimidating man and he could feel his hands getting sweaty and his face turn scarlet.
Slowly they started crossing the palace's main garden. It was beautifully illuminated with huge stone light posts that were enlightened with fire on the top. The flames danced slightly with the wind. The night was chilly but there were no clouds on the sky and the stars shinned brightly trying to fight against the allure of the full moon.
"I used to come here with Mick" – added Leonard reminiscing. "We loved to do star gazing."
Barry smiled eager he also loved looking at the stars, it seemed that they finally had something in common and he was going to say it but he halted himself. He decided to remain silent. He felt that Len was sharing a very personal and fond memory of what he used to enjoy with Mick, so he suddenly thought that telling him that he also liked to star gaze could ruin the moment or the King could think that Barry was just trying to be like Mick to gain his sympathy. He sighed downcast.
"This place is a little bit far away from the castle but its view from the observation platform it's completely worth-it." – Leonard explained and Barry nodded taking a glimpse of Leonard's handsome face.
They kept walking and suddenly they started climbing a hill on the far end of the castle's garden and at the top there was an impressive structure. Barry gasped in awe. It was a beautiful gloriette, elevated with respect to the surroundings. It almost looked like a temple but much more beautiful. It was a focal and lookout point of the garden of the Winter Palace. The huge structure consisted of a central section in form of a triumphal arch, flanked by arcaded wings with lofty semi-circular arches. The central section was glazed and at it's top, the gloriette was crowned with a silver snowflake, the imperial emblem. The flat roof with its retaining balustrade was the viewing platform that was accessed via a white marble stairway. The king glanced at Barry and saw that he was in awestruck with the dream-like scenery.
"Do you like it?"
"This place is beautiful…" – he said turning around trying to look at every little detail. The King smiled gazing at Barry.
"Come on, let's go upstairs to the viewing platform, from there you can see the stars and the lights of the castle and to the other side the lights of the northern villages."
Barry nodded fascinated following the King.
When they arrived to the top Barry gasped. He had never seen something so beautiful. The snowy mountains, the stars, the full moon, the handsome and cold man in front of him, everything was beyond perfection. His heart was beating so fast he thought he was going to die from delight. He wished he could have all of this forever.
"I owe you an apology Bartholomew."- The King said with remorse. "I judged you wrongly twice and I acted like a fool."
Barry lifted his gaze towards Len's blue eyes. "No…we were both fools…"- the prince added with a pause… "I also want to ask for your forgiveness I said things that were out of place with the intention of hurting you…I was so angry with Thawne and myself. I lost it…I'm so sorry you didn't deserve my anger."
Leonard nodded. " I forgive you, Scarlet."
The prince felt his heart flutter and laughed. "Scarlet?"
The King smiled. "When you were fighting at the Azure Lakes and later against Thawne all I could see was a red streak, hence Scarlet, also red looks on you very well."
Barry remembered that he was currently wearing red and whispered a weak "Thank you" with a shy smile, while Leonard felt his heart stop while thinking "God what a captivating smile."
"Barry I was wondering if you mind telling me what happened with Thawne?" – asked Leonard uncertain. "I would like to get to know you Barry if you give me a second chance. I want you to tell me everything."
"I don't mind telling you my story Your Highness, but it is an awful story. I am afraid that you will have another reason to see me like a weak prince and it makes me feel that I could never be good enough for you…" Worthless. Barry thought silently.
"Len…"
"What?"
"Please, call me Len."
Barry stared at the King and nodded. "Len."
"I won't think less of you… whatever your story is Barry… I know I don't deserve your explanations, you tried to tell me once your reasons and I didn't listen, but I want to change that…I want to fix this."
Barry hesitated. He saw in to Leonard's blue eyes and nodded feeling hope, maybe they could talk this out and start again.
"I was eleven…" – said the prince slowly. "I was in my parent's room, it was late in the night, when Lord Eobard Thawne, the right hand of the King of Central Kingdom, my father's best friend and… my tutor, entered the private room unannounced he killed my parents… he stabbed them in front of me… He stabbed both of them…" –Barry explained feeling his eyes watering. For him retelling the story felt like the pain of an exposed open wound in his heart. His voice was trembling. He didn't want to break down in front of Leonard. "I… I saw a streak of energy and then they fell to the ground. I couldn't even react."
Leonard watched silently how brick by brick, the prince's walls came tumbling down. He saw how Barry was overcome by a wave of emotions, all defenses washed away in those salty tears rolling down making wet tracks on the prince's perfect face. It was the picture of grief, loss and devastation. And he suddenly understood. Barry was as broken as he was.
"And after he killed them he… he…"- Barry hesitated looking at Len but finally decided to risk everything. "He tried to rape me."
Leonard felt his heart drop and shatter with the prince's confession. That monster tried to rape the prince after killing his parents. Thawne deserved more than a slow and painful dead.
"He didn't do it." – added Barry quickly feeling mortified…he didn't want Len to feel disgust towards him. "General Sing and Joe, my foster dad… they saved me just in time, but it was too late for my parents."
"I'm so sorry Barry." – Len said feeling guilty and angry. "No one deserves that… and I'm really sorry that I left you with that monster. I should have stayed with you."
I should have stayed and protect him. The King thought feeling guilty.
"You didn't know."
"Well now I know and I will order the execution of Lord Eobard Thawne. I promise that he will never get near you again."
Barry was shocked. Was Leonard willing to protect him to the extent to kill Thawne? "Len… you don't have to..." He obviously wanted to see the man dead and rot, but he didn't want Leonard to have problems with the High Council of the Winter Realm. He didn't want to be a problem for the King.
"Don't say anything. Thawne had my father's favor but I'm not my father and the Council will do what I command…" – said Leonard reaching Barry's face to wipe tenderly away the tears falling from the prince's hazel green eyes. Barry exhaled and closed his eyes feeling Leonard's hands on his face. He wanted to feel Leonard's touch more. He shivered with the thought.
"That man escaped his fate fifteen years ago and he needs to pay for the pain he has caused you."
Barry nodded trying to hide his face. He was so ashamed for crying in front of the King and suddenly he felt strong arms embracing his trembling body. He gasped and felt the warmth of Len's body and his legs almost failed him. He closed his eyes feeling the strong embrace of the Winter King.
"I'm so sorry Scarlet." – murmured the King so closely to his ear that it sent shivers down his spine. "I know how hard it is to lose someone you love. It is a wound that never heals. The pain fades with time but the scars remains."
Barry remained silent thinking of King Mick Rory and he felt a tinge of pain and jealousy, that man captured Len's heart for more than a decade, he couldn't even compete with that. He felt Leonard releasing his embrace and shuddered feeling the chill of the night.
"What happened to King Rory?" – Barry asked wishing to learn more of Len's past. He hoped that Leonard would want to share his past with him as he did.
"We don't know." – confessed Leonard glancing towards the cold ring that remained silently in his left hand…the cold token of all his frozen and shattered dreams.
Barry frowned confused.
"One day he was just fine… we were enjoying together, laughing with Lisa and suddenly he started feeling ill. He was a strong man so a sickness didn't make any sense. Why so sudden? We thought it was poison but the healers didn't find traces of any kind of vile substance in his body. He was dying and I couldn't do anything. He was suffering so much. It seems that the illness or unknown poison worked slowly but painfully. He lasted a week in agony, the healers didn't know how to save him… and I just didn't know what to do. He asked me to finish him to end his misery and I couldn't…I hoped for a cure, but my prayers weren't heard. I lost the man I love, my Mick, my Fire…"
Barry felt his heart tighten and gulped trying to control his emotions.
"I felt for two long years that I died with him that night too. I neglected my life, my sister and my obligations. I still think that it was poison, but we didn't find the man responsible. I couldn't avenge my husband…" –Leonard paused and watched the night sky and the moon shinning over them. "I couldn't save him. There was no cure known yet to treat his sickness so. He died in my arms."
Len's words chilled Barry to the bone.
"I'm so sorry Len..."- said the prince leaning closer to the King. His hand reached through the space between them and he gently touched Len's right side of his face. The King closed his eyes and rested his face in Barry's warm soft hand and when the words wouldn't come the tears did. Len wanted to speak but he didn't know what to say. He just poured his heart to the crazy beautiful kid in front of him that was giving him a second chance. He felt the need to lean in and kiss the prince but he stopped himself.
"Thank you Len."
The King opened his eyes to see the tears on Barry's hazel eyes glisten with the light of the moon. "Thank you for sharing that with me."
The King nodded.
"I am a damaged man Barry." – stated the King. "If we were to continue with the idea of the arranged marriage I will hurt you and I don't want that… I can't make you happy. You deserve something better, not a loveless marriage with me."
Barry felt his heart shatter and had to close his eyes to fight against the tears that were forming in his eyes, a "loveless marriage"… he was starting to have feeling for Leonard, but it seems that the King didn't want him.
"I don't want to ruin your life kid." –added Leonard miserable thinking on the beautiful sweet prince in front of him.
Barry sighed. Len seem to thought that he could ruin his life when obviously it was completely the opposite, he was the one that was ruining Len's life coming here to the north accepting an arranged marriage with an unknown man who was clearly forced in to it by the High Council of his Realm, even though he was still mourning his lost love. Len was feeling pain and dejection because of his stupid and selfish actions. He needed to release Len of the obligation of marrying him.
"I want your help but I don't want to push you into an arranged marriage that would make you miserable. I don't want to cause you more pain. I want to help you Len. We could join forces or make an alliance…My Kingdom could help you with the problems here in the north and you could help me with Zoom."
Len sighed worried, he realized he knew very little of Zoom.
"Tell me about Zoom…I'm curious about him because he is the reason you came here looking for my help." – added Leonard with interest. "What happened in the South?"
Barry exhaled. "It was chaos and death." – he said remembering the war. "Zoom is a speedster like Thawne, but he is stronger, faster and he just want to conquer all, rule everything. He is a monster. Zoom's real name is Sir Hunter Zolomon, he was convicted in Central Kingdom for several deaths, but he escaped and fled to the South where he created a potion that enhanced his velocity but it also made him sick."
"Is there a antidote for his sickness?"
"We don't know yet... but Zoom has a theory. He thinks that my blood and speed could be his cure… so he won't rest until he captures me."
Len frowned worried; it appears that the kid was in more danger than he initially thought.
"I tried to fight him down in the South where he is creating an army of meta-humans to conquer our lands. I went with my army and tried to stop him. I wasn't scared then and that almost cost me dearly."
"Why?" – Leonard asked impressed by the courage of the kid.
"I made a mistake, I underestimated his power, I thought I could win in a duel so we fought and he easily broke my spine, he beat me up so badly that Cisco, Wells and Caitlin had to rescue me. There we saw that Caitlin's powers… the cold…could slow down Zoom and stop him. They saved me but I almost died and I remained unconscious for three days and then I couldn't walk for a week. "
"And you think he is coming to Central Kingdom and then to the Winter Realm?"
"Yes he wants to conquer Central Kingdom first, probably because we are in the middle. Then he will come to the north and then to Starling Kingdom. He wants to rule everything."
He looked over at the young prince, the kid was clearly afraid of Zoom.
"But I think we have other options a part from the marriage to forge a new alliance…"
Len sighed. "Thank you Barry, but it is too late for me to withdraw from a marriage…the High Council is expecting me to marry a strong suitor and hopefully create a strong union and they think you are the best option. Lisa, for more noble reasons, also thinks the same."
"And what do you think Len?" – inquired Barry curious.
The King exhaled. "I believe so too." – he admitted feeling guilty, he really wanted Barry but a part of him was telling him that the kid deserved something better.
Barry nodded and smiled. He remained silent watching the King's face.
"But I am a broken man. I would never make you happy Barry and I don't want to hurt you." – Len repeated.
"I think that choice is mine to take."
Len huffed. "What a stubborn prince."
"I want you Len." – Barry confessed leaning forward and blushing madly. "I wouldn't be getting in a loveless marriage because I am starting to have feelings for you. I didn't come to the north looking for love or happiness, I came here looking for an alliance and a way to stop Zoom, but when I saw you I… I thought that maybe my fate was going to change for the better… I now you are not ready for all of this and I understand, but I'm willing to wait for you and try this out."
Len eyes widened and swallowed hard trying to hide his emotions.
"Are you sure? This won't be easy Scarlet, I'm not easy to deal with."
"Nothing in this world worth having comes easy."
The King agreed surprised. He really wanted the prince but he was really afraid of loving again, of hurting the kid and losing again someone he loved.
"I know you don't feel for me anything yet…"– added Barry mortified but smiling. "And it's fine for now… I also know that we started with the left foot…so please think about it, I promise I won't leave tomorrow, I will remain for the rest of the week here and wait for your decision and maybe we could also get to know each other better, you could give me a tour in the city and we could talk about how Central Kingdom could help the Winter Realm and how can you help me fight Zoom."
Len nodded thinking that he had already made his decision, he wanted Barry no matter what, but he will wait for the week to pass to announce that he was going to choose the handsome young prince of Central Kingdom as his fiancé.
"Thank you Scarlet. I will think about it"
"I'm really glad we finally talked." – said Barry smiling shyly feeling some of his tension fade away.
"Do you want to go back to the party?" – asked Len feeling that maybe Barry deserved a little fun and a cheerful setting with his friends.
"No I want to stay here with you." – answered Barry nervously. "I mean if you wish to stay here with me…"
"I would love that."
The King smiled warmly at the young prince and Barry felt his heart start beating fast even for a speedster. He was in awe. It was the first time he saw Len smile like that and towards him. He leaned forward timidly staring shyly into the King's azure eyes. The King was so handsome and strong. Barry leaned forward closing his eyes and nervously kissed the King. The kiss was slow and soft, it was chaste and comforting in ways words would never be. Barry felt how his world and doubts faded away. He wanted to be Len's. His heart fluttered inside his chest; feeling his lips against the cold lips of the King. Their breaths mingled and slowly Barry backed away. The prince hesitantly looked up at Leonard worried.
"I'm so sorry Len. I shouldn't have done that…"
The King saw how Barry took a step backward and a he saw a swirl of emotions reflected in the young's prince face. Regret, shame, lust and desire. He smiled feeling confident and grabbed the kid by the back of his neck and pulled him closer. The first kiss was a good warm tease, the kid was cute but he wanted more… much more. Leonard leaned and crushed their lips together roughly, it wasn't an innocent kiss, it was hot and fiery, passionate and demanding. Barry was shocked and smiled into the kiss, he couldn't even think straight; he just wanted to melt in to Len. He grabbed Len's blue coat for support and pulled him closer. The King felt every doubt he had obliterated. He wanted the prince to be his. Barry submissively tilted his head to the side and Len seized the opportunity to deepen the kiss properly, lips demanding. Len couldn't avoid felt smoldering heat deep inside of him, he wanted Barry, his grip on Barry's neck tightened gently yet firm and he crushed their bodies together until both of them were out of breath. A smile grew on the prince's face, as they pulled apart.
"Len…"
Barry was entranced and his face was flushed. Hazel eyes full of lust and pleasure.
Len swore amazed at the sight. The kid was beautiful. If this was a dream he didn't want to wake up… but he was taken away from his dream when Barry turned around to face the stairs and they heard steps approaching quickly. Suddenly General Mark Mardon appeared with a frown.
"Your Majesty." – he said with a short courtly bow. "Prince Bartholomew…"
"What it is Mark?" – asked Leonard annoyed with the interruption.
"A letter just arrived." – the General said handing a scroll with a red seal to the King and Barry noticed that the heraldic symbol was two snakes and a sword.
"It's about that matter we discussed earlier."
Leonard nodded and Barry felt the tension in the air.
"Barry, I think you should go to the party, I need to attend this matter urgently so I will go to my studio…I promise I will join you and Lisa later." – explained Len and Barry nodded concerned.
The King, the General and the Prince returned briefly to the castle. It was late at night and the moon was already at the zenith of the black vault above. They walked quickly through the palace gardens silently until they stopped in front of the arched entrance to the ballroom.
"Barry, enjoy the party you deserve it..." – said Len with a forced smile, something was definitely off. "I promise I will be back soon."
Barry nodded and saw how Leonard walked away quickly from the party followed by General Mardon, they were clearly troubled and he sighed thinking that he had never seen that heraldic crest before. Maybe he could ask Lisa of Sir Martin Stein later.
"Barry! There you are!" – Cisco yelled.
The prince turned and saw Cisco laughing with the Princess. They were walking towards him. He smiled.
"Let's go inside, you look like you need a drink…or two… or four."
Barry laughed. "You know that drinks don't do anything to me."
Cisco rolled his eyes. "Well then come and dance, show them your moves."
"I decline…" – said Barry feeling his face turning red.
"Oh Barry come on is my birthday, dance with me…"- added Lisa grinning. "I am already traumatized with Cisco's movements. You can't possibly be worse."
Barry laughed remembering how tragic was to see Cisco dancing or Caitlin singing.
"Your wish is my command My Princess…"- said Barry taking Lisa's hand guiding her to the center of the ballroom, followed by Cisco who couldn't stop laughing. "Damn who gave Cisco wine?"
Barry smiled, he was feeling so glad with the turn of events, it seemed that the handsome and strong coldhearted King was willing to give him a chance and help him against Zoom. He was finally seeing everything with a new light, with hope… and maybe he wasn't fated to be alone anymore. Maybe Thawne wasn't right after all. He saw that Caitlin and Ronnie joined the dance followed by Oliver and Felicity and he finally felt at home and safe. The only thing missing for his night to be completely perfect was to see Leonard again.
Hi guys! Sorry for the long wait! I'm back! :D
Okay this chapter finally has some comfort for Barry and Len and also a little happy ending!
Yay they finally kissed! But be warn for the next two chapters, there is going to be a lot of angst and trouble. Things are going to get really dark pretty soon.
So i hoped you enjoyed this new chapter! Let me know what you think! Feel free to comment and leave a review or feedback! Follow & fave this story for more updates! Thanks to everyone who has commented, read and bookmarked this story. You're the best! :D Thank you! If you see any typos let me know!
Ps. I am still in shock with the season finale of The Flash! :O
Ps. Updated! Some minor changes and i fixed some typos! :P Hope you enjoy!