Warnings: Prince Cailan/Hadrian pairing, lots of kissing and flirtations up ahead.
Many thanks to all old and new readers; additionally, I like to personally thank those who left the reviews.
To new reviewers:
a – I will update more frequently, whenever time permits. Perhaps a weekly update would encourage some readers to review more often?
Slashguy – I romanced Alistair, but only as a female human noble; I tried to do it with my first character, a male city elf, but couldn't. Instead, I went for Zevran! There are two communities with some Alistair/M!Cousland: by the sword (or something like that) and royal bastard. I managed to find a couple of good stories with those two being romantically involved, Grounding and Nole, Nolle, and Nolui being my favourites.
Chapter 9: The King's Visit
1 year later, the King's Visit
It had been a while since the King made his last visit to the Couslands. Ever since he had successfully thwarted the Orlesians out of Ferelden, he was busy dealing with the aftermath. His allies, once friendly with each other as they united under one banner were now bickering amongst each other. Each noble house wanted to have the biggest prize, the largest landholding to fit their egos. Only a few remain ever vigilant of their pride and the Couslands were one of them.
Bryce had been with the King since before he reclaimed the usurped throne of Ferelden. He and Maric were very close friends; some matters that Maric had not told even Loghain about were conveyed to Bryce in a quiet, confident manner. Bryce had no desire in getting between Maric and Loghain with their friendship, but even he had to agree that Loghain's paranoia was uncalled for in a time of peace. The Emperor of Orlais had ceded for a neutral concession, not wanting to risk losing his most prized military sector, the Chevaliers to a bunch of dogs as he had said at that Treaty of Orlais. Thankfully, his daughter, now Empress Celene I, was more open-minded and willing to talk things over with the King of Ferelden. Her willingness was not heeded though by Loghain and the King's personal advisor had suggested the King in keeping a tight rein on the borders of Orlais and Ferelden. Although King Maric did keep a close eye on the Orlesians, he had doubts on whether it was a good idea to further antagonize their strained truce. In fact, the Orlaisens weren't the only culprits in his mother's deaths and Bryce was a personal participant in watching Maric dispatch his foes so cunningly at a false peace conference with the Ferelden nobles. However, Loghain, ever the persistent dog that he was to his Master, hounded after Maric, nipping his heels to direct the course of history itself.
When he received a letter, written by King Maric himself, his heart sank when the King said he would drop by to visit them for a week. Loghain would probably be with him as well and Bryce was not in the mood to deal with Loghain's unwarranted suspicions. He told his family and everyone responsible for the upkeep of his Castle of the King's visit at a meeting in the Antechamber. He made it clear to all the servants and the guards that nothing was to be out of place. Every room had to be kept clean, most especially the King's Suite, reserved only for the King, and the Prince's Chamber. With only a few days to prepare for the King's arrival, everybody was busy cleaning and tidying up the Castle.
The last bit of cleaning, which was the stables outside of the Castle, was just completed when a horn blared in the distance and the guards at the gate responded likewise, lowering the gate that guarded the Cousland Castle. The King and his son, Prince Cailan, rode past through the gate, closely guarded on all sides by their personal bodyguards. Waiting for them at the entrance to the antechamber was the Cousland family, its members dressed in the family colours of blue and silver, with the head of a wolf etched on the men's tunics.
King Maric sharply reined in his horse and his black stallion stopped in its tracks, its head shaking back and forth to show its dislike at being reined in so harshly. It quieted when Maric petted him gently to soothe his horse and he dismounted from his horse with a grace of a warrior.
Hadrian couldn't help but stare at the large man dismounting. This is the King? He's tall! The young Cousland watched the King of Ferelden take long strides to Bryce. The two men in charge of their families shook hands and then patted each other on the backs. Standing next to him was Prince Cailan, a young man in his late teens.
"Ho there, Bryce. Eleanor, it's always a pleasure to see you, " The King kissed her twice, one kiss on each cheek.
"And to you, your Majesty" Eleanor curtsied lowly.
"Come, let us go inside and converse where the air is chill and not so crowded." Bryce suggested and he gestured for the royal duo to follow him into the room. The troupe gathered around the fireplace and goblets of the best wine the Couslands had were served out, even to the young boys. Fergus and Hadrian were busy talking with the Prince Cailan while the adults commenced in having a serious conversation.
"So how is everything back in Denerim?" Eleanor said and she sipped her drink. The King nodded numbly and he absently fingered the gold goblet in his hand.
"Prince Cailan is still taking his mother's death rather hard; however, he's coming along quite well in matters of court, even though he can be a dreamy sort of boy."
"Cailan is a strong lad," Bryce interjected with confidence and his optimism lightened the King's mournful mood. Maric set his drink down on the oak table that was placed next to his chair.
"Yes, he is. Well, Bryce, how are your boys in their weapons training? I've heard good news on their battle prowess."
"You do us too much flattery, your highness,"
"Please, Bryce, we've known each other for years and I've already asked you to stop calling me that. This is a talk between close friends, not king and subject."
"Ah, old habits die hard, your maj-Maric,"
There was a light chuckle and Maric nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, old habits do die hard. It's why I left Loghain at the Castle."
"I have wondered why he wasn't accompanying you," Eleanor remarked on the absence of her friend's advisor. She never liked Loghain but propriety dictates her to act respectfully towards him. She brushed some dust off her skirts before taking a sip of the wine again.
"Would you like to see them, Maric?" Bryce asked of his King, already rising out of his chair and placing the bottle of Antivan wine back into the storage unit, where the other expensive wines were.
"Yes, perhaps Cailan and Fergus will give us a good show? No, how about this young lad?"
The King of Ferelden's gaze reverted back to the young boy who was quietly listening to the conversation between his older brother and Prince Cailan. He was quite shocked to see the boy with gray hair already and Bryce must have caught it for he merely smiled at his King.
"My great grandfather had silver hair when he was younger, as did Fergus. Hopefully, it will darken with age."
"So he's not aging as rapidly as I assumed then?" Only elves had coloured hair, colours that ranged from azule to a charcoal grey. The colours a human could have are the basic three: blonde, black, and brown. The hair would grey with age. His own mother had red-hair but she was an extraordinary woman, of great power and will. He heard from a Chasind Priest that the Gods marked those destined for great things with the colour of blood in their hair or the colour of the moon. He wondered if this would be true of the boy. He was brought out of his musings by another question and found himself nodding, even though he didn't hear the question. Apparently, it was to see if he wanted them to start sparring immediately for the Cousland boys bowed to their sovereign before departing, with Prince Cailan in tow.
"We will go to the training grounds, near the stables. Right this way, your majesty."
Maric sighed again, this time not even bothering to correct his old friend. He merely followed them, glad that for once he didn't have to lead. The trio walked on the causeways that curved around the large estate of the Cousland Castle and ended up near the stables, on the southeast side. The smell of hay, sweat, and oil drifted but the King didn't mind. He was long used to the smells of the stables, even the pungent stench of manure didn't cause him to wrinkle his nose.
There were a few rows of stables, each holding a horse for the soldiers loyal to the Couslands. The Howe family had their own personal stable but Arl Howe and his family couldn't make it to today's occasion due to a prior engagement in the Free Marches. The training grounds were located just further south of the stables and Maric could see that they were well used, the grass stomped on and clumps of dirt dotted the ground.
The boys were found readying their weapons, already fitted in armor. His son, Prince Cailan, stood to the left side, clad in his old silver armor, one that he wore until he turned 20 summers. Standing opposite of his son was the Cousland's youngest heir and Maric was quite pleased to see that young boy was growing into a man decently, even for one with sixteen summers under his belt. Hadrian's armour, although not as nice as Cailan's, still boasted of excellent quality and make. He was very surprised to see Hadrian equipped in heavy chainmail and he turned to Bryce for an explanation.
"Hadrian favours heavy armour," Bryce simply explained, "but don't be deceived by his slowness."
"Very few men can move quickly in heavy armour, Bryce," Maric pointed out his concern, slightly worried that Hadrian would embarrass himself in front of his liege and so soon. His friend gave a light chuckle and there was a wolfish grin on his face.
"Wait and see, old friend," was all Bryce said before the show started.
Maric's worry about his friend's son embarrassing himself soon became unwarranted but he wasn't worried about his son losing. Cailan had won numerous tournaments, thanks to intense training sessions by his father himself and another Quartermaster, Stefanus.
His son had the height and experience over Hadrian. Being three years older than his opponent, it was slightly unfair of him to be fighting someone as inexperienced as Hadrian. Perhaps Fergus would have given a better show.
His brother was good; no, he was very good, considering how long he's holding out against Cailan's merciless parries and thrusts.
There were a few times that Cailan had knocked his opponent to the ground with his shield but Hadrian managed to roll away from potential finishing blows and he would distract the Prince with an odd movement before standing back up again. The two boys went at it for four full rounds, each lasting three minutes each. Both were tired, Cailan having won the first and third round, with Hadrian winning the others. Maric watched the fourth session end with Hadrian slamming Cailan with his own shield, which was dropped earlier. The blonde Prince found himself lying on the ground, the business end of a sword pointing above his throat. The King hoped that Cailan would have the grace to yield and he was pleased to see Hadrian offer a hand to his son. Hadrian was brought up quite well in the Cousland household. Like his brother, he had good sportsmanship and did not think it to be beneath him to offer a helping hand to a downed partner.
He clapped his hands quite enthusiastically, showing the others around of his approval of the sparring sessions.
"Wonderful. Bryce, you were not joking about your son's skills. He must attend the upcoming tournament. Yes, absolutely."
The Summermere Tournament occurred on the evening of the 7th day of the season, with the weather being slightly warm but not overbearing in heat. The grounds would have time to dry and harden into packed dirt, safe for both humans and horses. Initiated by King Calenhad himself, the Tournament was an alternative to war; Almarri tribes didn't have to wage war on each other just to show off their might. They could do so safely in an event where bloodletting was controlled and where all tribes were treated with respect under the same rules. The upcoming tournament was to be in its 100th year and King Maric made special arrangements for it. Unfortunately, due to the violence of the Tournament, an age restriction was placed on it and Hadrian would still be too young to participate, as Bryce pointed out.
"Hadrian only just reached his 16th summers. The minimum age of a participant is 18 springs."
"Posh, Bryce. There have always been exceptions, especially when they have talents." Maric waved off his friend's concern and the King walked towards the youths. He laid a large hand on Hadrian's shoulder and bestowed a paternal grin.
"You've done well, Hadrian. As proven to me through this display, I invite you to participate in the Summermere Tournament,"
The youth's eyes grew bigger at being given such praise by his sovereign but he composed himself enough to bow his head. Maric smiled at the youth's manners and he regarded his son Prince Cailan, who had an odd twinkle in his eyes.
"Cailan. It looks like you will have a fierce competition this time," Maric said to his son, smiling wistfully at the blonde Prince.
"Yes, father. May I have a go with him again?"
"Hmm? Oh I see. We've had four rounds and you are tied. You never liked ties," Maric observed and he stepped back to where he originally stood with the others.
"Do what you like boys," Maric said over his shoulder, heading back to the castle with the other men following directly behind him. "Be sure to bathe and meet us in the dining room afterward."
Maric trusted his son enough not to hurt Bryce's lad and he had a feeling that perhaps with him watching, Cailan unconsciously fumbled out of anxiety and nervousness. The tall King then recalled that odd twinkle in Cailan's eyes and he had a feeling that his son wanted some alone time with Bryce's son. He didn't survive the Orlesian occupation and also throwing them out of Ferelden just using brute strength. To outwit those Orlesian bastards, one had to be equally intelligent if not more so. Lucky for Ferelden, Maric was a very smart man and a very observant one at that. Nothing escaped him, not even Loghain's aspirations to tie himself closer to the throne. Yes, he knew what went on inside his best friend's head but he hoped it was out of love for him and for Ferelden that Loghain's ambition came into being. Thus, he acknowledged Cailan's trysts with other nobles. Did he approve of it though? No, not really. Ferelden needed heirs to the Theirin throne. He told Cailan to keep things under wraps and he had full confidence that his boy was just going through a phase, like any other noblemen. He himself had fancied a hard body, especially when there was no woman to be found in the dark caves of the Deep Roads. However, he passed through that phase as soon as he saw Rowan. He just hoped that Cailan didn't overstep himself in his old friend's household.
Prince Cailan watched the crowd leave before facing his opponent.
"Fifth round. May the best man win," Cailan said to his partner, who wordlessly picked up his weapon and shield. Not very talkative in battle, is he? Cailan thought when his body crouched low in an offensive stance. Seeing his partner position himself in an equally offensive stance as well, Cailan charged at him, using an entirely different tactic than before. Hadrian was surprised by this and the blonde Prince took advantage of it by pressing in his attacks. Prince Cailan brought up his shield to halt a sword thrust and parried Hadrian's longsword. He quickly smashed the shield in Hadrian's face, causing his sparring partner to stumble backwards in a daze. With his opponent's balance lost, the prince went into a low stance and kicked the boy's feet out from underneath. Hadrian landed with a loud thud and the breath was knocked out of him. Stars temporarily swam in front of him and when they cleared, he saw a sword pointed at him, its tip dangerously close to his throat. Cailan's brown eyes were sharp and seemingly merciless. For a moment, Hadrian thought this young Prince was going to kill him for besting him in the preceding rounds. His worry was unfounded though when Cailan gave him a warm smile and offered a hand instead. He was helped to his feet and was brought a little too close to Cailan, his breath coming out in soft whispers next to his cheek. Hadrian's eyes widened in shock and darted to the side, trying to see if anyone else was watching. He knew that the King had already left the training grounds, walking and conversing with his parents. However, the entire training grounds were left empty and bereft of humans. Only the sounds of horses nickering and naying to each other could be heard.
"I had heard stories of your prowess," Cailan whispered softly in his ear. " And of your preferences. But somehow there are none to be found about your other less known skills." A hand gently groped the poor teenager and he let out an unmanly squeak before pushing Cailan away with his hands.
"Your highness is too kind to say so," Hadrian managed to say without stammering but he could feel his face reddening and his ears felt too warm for his liking. "Pardon me, but I-I must take my leave now."
"Well now, it seems as if I struck gold," the Prince murmured and he watched the slowly disappearing back of his sparring partner. Nobody had ever refused his initial advances and this person had. He was quite intrigued by the young Cousland and vowed that the Cousland would be his, one way or another.
-o0o-
Prince Cailan thought that he was going to be hard-pressed in convincing Cousland to bed with him. He never thought it would be this difficult.
By the Maker, he loved being challenged but not like this and there was an urge to just take what he wanted. However, there were two things that stopped him. One, he may be Prince of Ferelden but he was still a visitor at someone else's home and slaking his thirst would be an act of defiance and disrespect to the owner's hospitality. If anything was constituted as rape with the Cousland's youngest, his father would not only beat him with a paddle made out of whitewood (which really hurts), but his reputation would be absolutely ruinous. The last thing the blonde needs is someone to view him not only as an arrogant prince, but a dishonourable one that just takes what he wants. Secondly, as equally strong as his urge to just take the Cousland was a desire to see that smile on the face, to look at the eyes that would sparkle out of laughter and joy. He often sees Hadrian laugh and cajole with his friends. Sometimes, the young teenager would see him in turn, but would quickly avert his gaze, as if he didn't want Cailan to notice his blush. Cailan did and that spurred his efforts even more. His partner was interested in him but he was hesitant and the next day Cailan knew why.
He was sparring with a couple of junior squires of Highever, the future Knights of the Cousland when a young man came by to talk with a redhead. The redhead very politely asked Cailan if they could take stop and the blonde Prince acquiesced to his request. The two lads chattered amongst themselves quite profusely, all the way from the sparring grounds to the showers. He was just about to put on his tunic and pants when he overheard a very interesting conversation. He looked over to the benches and saw the two boys conversing with one another. The redhead was toweling his hair, saying,
"Did you know that the Prince is regarding Hadrian very closely as of late?"
"Yes. I've heard tales of his regales with the other lot of nobles. Hear tell that he's quite good with his hands and that's not just from swordplay."
The redhead winked at his partner, who blushed at the insinuation. The other boy began to dress.
"Well, he better watch out because his brother's very protective with Hadrian, especially after what happened with him and that Howe's kid, Nathan."
"It's not as if he can't take care of himself though."
"Yeah, were you able to see that match between him and the Prince? Just amazing!"
"Well, he's not called the Wolf of Highever for nothing, Lloyd," the redhead guffawed out, already having put on his riding pants and top.
So, he was involved with that Nathan character? Another secret of Rendown Howe. Prince Cailan mused as he silently watched the pair take up their dirty clothes in their hands and stroll out of the showers. Prince Cailan's mind worked overtime, trying to formulate a plan that would encourage Hadrian to be with him. Perhaps he should slow down in his advances and just wait it out.
-o0o-
It appears that good things do happen to he who waits as Cailan found out over the week of observation and interaction. His father had left for the Dragon's Peak Bannorn to oversee a dispute between the vassals of the Bann. He promised to return and finish visiting with Bryce. The two men were childhood friends after all and seeing Bryce for only two days wasn't long enough for the King apparently. Prince Cailan was left behind at the Cousland Castle and the blonde, who would usually protest at being stuck in another noble's house, was surprisingly overjoyed. This did not escape his father's notice, however, and King Maric made a mental note of this. He would talk about this after dealing with the vassals.
To Cailan's good luck, it was Hadrian's birthday and he had already planned something special for him. He invited Hadrian to go walk with him in the woods and he expected for a refusal. When Hadrian agreed to it, Cailan's heart burst with excitement but he kept himself composed. His excitement could be misconstrued as an eagerness to take Hadrian somewhere private and do the nasty, which for some reason, the blonde Prince did not want Hadrian to consider that. Explaining his action to his brother, Fergus, was another story. They were just about to head out when a male voice called out to them. Both recognized the timbers of the voice and Cailan inwardly cursed at the sight of Hadrian's brother running towards them, a suspicious look in his eyes.
"Hadrian, I thought you were going to get ready for the party Mother setup for you."
Much to Cailan's credit, Hadrian sighed heavily and fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fergus, the party is not until the fourth hour for the Moon. It's only three hours past midday."
"You are clearly going somewhere with his highness though."
Damn, I forgot how intelligent Fergus is. Cailan cursed to himself but he still kept a smile on his face.
"I am. We'll be going to the woods. Don't worry, I won't take him near the Clearing."
Clearing? What is he talking about? Cailan got lost in the conversation between the two brothers. Fergus apparently noticed his confusion for the older brother suddenly embraced the younger one and was whispering something in a low voice, too low that Cailan couldn't hear what he could be saying. The older teenager let go of Hadrian and pinned the Prince with a cold and knowing glare.
"Be safe out there, you two. Both fathers would be furious with me if you two got lost in the woods. That's if I'm still alive from mother's ranting."
Without further ado, Fergus bowed to the Prince and headed towards back to the castle. Several guards looked on at the strange scene but as soon as Prince Cailan laid accusing eyes on them, they had a sudden urge to continue their duties. There was a soft giggle and Cailan was shocked to find that it was the boy beside him who made that girly sound.
"And what is so funny, Hadrian?" Cailan asked of his partner, already walking ahead of him and not wanting to see the cute flustered face.
"Ah nothing. It's just so funny that every time I'm alone with someone, Fergus would stop and interrogate the poor guy."
But I thought you were a virgin…could he have been with someone so soon after that conversation? A feeling of jealousy rose up and Cailan's heart raced at the thought of someone else touching his intended. He was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed Hadrian stopping beside him and taking his hand in his own.
"Don't go that way," Hadrian whispered softly to him, "that way is the Clearing."
"Hmm?"
Cailan saw that there was indeed a nice pond up ahead of them, surrounded by large oak trees. There were no animals there, none of the usual lot that would come to the pond for some sustenance. No birds chirped around them and the Prince grew concerned at the lack of life in the area. Hadrian apparently wasn't as indicated by him heading to the left path that wound its way away from the Clearing and heading more in a westerly direction, more towards the castle actually. Usually Cailan would be curious in strange places, wanting to discover if the lore around them would be truthful and not fantasy. The odd silence that hung over the Clearing gave off an ominous feeling and he much rather be with Hadrian than by himself in a strange part of the Breckland Woods. The two lads stopped talking but Hadrian was walking closer to Cailan than before. It felt like they had walked for the whole day when they finally stopped in another area, with a huge oak tree rising far above them. Its many branches provided them shelter should the Maker decide for the rains to come through and bless the world.
"Hadrian, what was that?" The Prince asked his partner, his eyes still taking in the majestic form of the tree that stood before him. The tree had a trunk that was wider than three men lying next to each other, from head to toe. Hadrian came by to stand next to the Prince, also looking up at the tree, although with reverence.
"You don't know, your highness?"
If it were anyone else, Cailan would have taken this as an insult to his learning. However, it was Hadrian and he didn't want to scare away the poor boy with his arrogance. Instead, he merely nodded to answer the question.
"I thought everyone knew of the tale. Even the squires in training know of this legend."
"Please, don't rub it in," Cailan said in an exasperated tone. He was a well-learned boy, as expected of the heir to the throne. In fact, his father complained that he spent too much time with his nose in the book instead of training every hour of the day, both in battle and in court. He read of many tales and folklore that surrounded Thedas but he never heard of this Clearing on the Cousland lands.
"A long time ago, my ancestor had saved a wolf here. It was a Blue Wolf, in fact, and in return the Blue Wolf bestowed a boon to him and to his descendants. My ancestor honoured that boon but several years later, he was betrayed by a jealous lover and was killed right there, in that Clearing. There didn't use to be a pond there,"
Hadrian told the Prince and he shivered, causing the Prince to embrace him tightly and try to warm him up. The teenager gave him a warm smile and he continued:
"His death was greatly mourned by everyone, but more so by the Blue Wolf he had saved. It was told that the pond was created out of my ancestor's blood and no one could tread there. Anyone who did was never heard from again. To avoid any more accidents, my Father literally warned everyone, from us to the peasants living off the land that the Clearing was off limits, on pain of death. "
"By the Maker, I've never heard of this before. You would think that a list of missing persons would raise questions and start wild rumours."
"Well, there were a few rumours that got out but somehow something bad always happens to those who gossip about the Clearing."
"Wait, we're talking about it,"
Cailan wasn't afraid of anything but who could fight a ghost?
"Don't worry. Nothing happened to the Couslands for some reason. It's as if we're spared for some reasons."
A gentle smile from Hadrian reassured him and he relaxed a little more. He sat at the bottom of the trunk, pulling Hadrian with him. Again, Hadrian did not try to shy away from him and Cailan was glad for this. He was starting to tire of the boy's nervousness but anything was worth him being attentive by Hadrian.
He was just about to relax when something poked him in the ribs and the Prince remembered that there was a purpose in him being alone with Hadrian. His hand reached around his waist and pulled out a yellow flower, with purple markings in the centre.
"Umm...I got something for you, for your birthday."
He offered the flower to Hadrian who took it in trembling hands. The boy didn't say anything except stare at the flower with wide eyes. The Prince started to panic when Hadrian still didn't say anything, not even a 'I'm not a flower type of guy.' He intrinsically gave up on this whole seduction plan and was about to get up when a hand stopped him.
He looked back and saw Hadrian giving him that smile, the one reserved for him especially. Maker's breath, maybe I'm the one being seduced here!
"Do you know what flower this is?"
The question was asked in a very soft tone and Cailan wondered if he offended the poor lad.
"This is Lupus Solaris, the Sun of the Wolf."
"Oh, I...I didn't know that..." Moron! You should have researched on that before giving it to him!
Cailan mentally kicked himself for not doing that. Now, Hadrian's going to think he's a moronic idiot Prince.
"Don't worry about it. It is a very rare flower, very rare. In fact, I'm surprised you were able to find it in the first place. Where did you find it by the way?"
Hadrian usually didn't talk very much, except when surrounded by close friends and family. The fact that he uttered more than a sentence shocked the Prince. Perhaps there was a good thing going for him.
"I actually found it by that pond you mentioned. I had no idea it was the Clearing until you told me just now."
"Wait, you've been to the pond itself? Did you see anything?"
"Whoa, whoa! One question at a time!"
Cailan's hands were in front of him in a gesture to slow the Cousland down. The barrage of questions stopped and there was a soft laugh.
"No, I didn't see anything; I wish I did." The Prince shivered, recalling the coldness, the lack of life in that area. He really had wished he saw something, anything that indicated life still lingered there.
Hadrian seemed pensive and the Prince wondered that maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. Something inexpressible crossed his features briefly before the boy straightened up from his leaning posture against the tree and he stepped closer to the Prince, easily closing into his personal space than was proper.
"I'm...I'm not quite sure...if this is right..." The boy bit his bottom lip and his eyes turned downwards, too shy to face the fair blonde. The last time he felt this way, he lost his lover and he didn't want to lose anyone else. The Prince standing right in front of him was perhaps not the right choice of a lover but every time he gazed into those mossy green eyes, he felt his will weakening and his body yearned for his touch. Where did this feeling come from? It had been almost two years since he last saw Nathan and just as long since he had any physical relationships. It's not as if he hadn't had any offers from visiting nobles or even some of his father's personal bodyguards, discrete as they were. He didn't feel the need to just whore himself out to every warm body that wanted him. He wanted something out of a relationship, something more than just a quickie.
"Hadrian?" The Cousland youngest startled, almost flinching when a gentle hand cupped his cheek. He looked up and found his thoughts flying out of the window when those same green eyes stared back at him, their smoldering depths almost causing him to tremble. He closed his eyes and leaned into the caress, eliciting a soft gasp from the Prince. Before he could do anything else, he felt something soft press against his lips. His eyes flew open only to shutter close as strong arms embraced his body and brought them closer to another warm body. The kiss deepened and a wet tongue teased his lips, silently begging for entrance. When Hadrian's lips parted, the tongue skillfully slithered inside and Hadrian couldn't help but moan as Cailan explored the hidden caverns that he had been yearning to explore ever since he first laid eyes on the youngest Cousland.
Cailan began to push his lover against the tree and before Hadrian could protest at the rough handling, a pair of hands began to undress him. Cailan's mouth moved from his lips and traveled downwards, nipping and sucking the divine skin that was displayed to him. Moans drifted to Cailan's ears and he smiled when Hadrian gasped as he bit gently into a pert nipple. Another soft moan was elicited out of the boy when the hurt was smoothed over by a firm tongue. So responsive! I wonder if he's still a virgin, if maybe Nathan had already taken him...
With that thought in mind, he stopped his ministrations and was amused to hear a quiet whine when he did. He stood up from his kneeling position and kissed Hadrian again, passionately, the thought of someone having already taken him causing him to become more rough with the kiss, more demanding.
"C-Cailan! W-w-wait! Mffphh!"
Cailan had always been a considerate lover and Hadrian would not be the first one to break that record. He pulled back and once again, became fully aroused at the flustered face.
"Tell me, Hadrian. Has anyone taken you yet?" The question brought a deeper rouge to the boy's cheeks and Hadrian turned his head away, too embarrassed to answer his question. The action alone told the Prince his answer and he laughed quietly to himself, causing Hadrian to bestow him an angry scowl.
"This-this is no laughing matter!" Hadrian stuttered angrily.
He didn't want the Prince to think him weak. He was the best in the sword and shield department, and forerunner to being the best in the two-handed sector. He was strong in his social skills and his diplomacy tactics was almost unmatched. However, when faced with this devastatingly handsome Prince of Ferelden, it seemed as if his mind just dumbed itself and he couldn't think of anything smart to say.
"No, this isn't a laughing matter," Cailan said huskily, his eyes holding those of his counterpart's in a steadfast but heated gaze. "I've never taken a virgin before and I don't want to hurt you."
Hadrian's eyes became as wide as saucers at the implication in Cailan's voice and he shuddered. Taken? That's painful! Nathan did the first part, with his fingers, but we never got around to the last part.
"It's getting late though," Cailan stepped back, allowing Hadrian to breathe. He offered a hand to his partner and there was a genuine smile etched on that handsome face. "Your mother will be waiting for us and that should give you plenty of time to think about this."
Hadrian placed his slightly smaller hand in Cailan's and the pair made way back to the castle, fully aware that they were standing much closer to each other and they didn't mind each other.
-TBC-
A/N: I was going to add a lemon scene but wasn't sure how many people would like to see that happening between Prince Cailan and Hadrian. Besides, this chapter is quite long, as promised. However, if anyone wants a hot scene between those two, review and say yes, please! Otherwise, the next chapter will just skip over that part and continue on with the story.