Content Warning:
This arc contains depictions of toxic relationships, emotional abuse, manipulation, cycles of abuse, drugging (love potions/ spells), physical torment, and psychological trauma, implied sexual content, Please proceed with caution if these themes may be triggering for you. Your well-being comes first.
Inside the barn, the farmer introduced himself to be Gantlos, and stood with an imposing presence. His strong build and unwavering demeanor made it clear he was a man of substance. Ogron,swiftly began with his usual charm, attempted to win Gantlos over.
"Gantlos," Ogron began smoothly, his eyes glinting with calculated intent, "I must say, your reputation is as formidable as you are. We would greatly benefit from someone of your strength and independence joining our cause. You see, I'm a great ruler, but I wish to expand my power further—"
Gantlos's expression remained neutral, and his response was curt. "I'm not interested. I have my own life here."
Ogron attempted to when the sturdy man over with words wrapped in honey, but the farmer simply wasn't interested. And oddly enough, that made the king want him more. This man was a challenge, and the king gushed over it.
Anagan watched from the side, feeling a growing pang of jealousy as Ogron's flirtatious charm seemed to slide effortlessly over Gantlos. The king's smile and easy manner only made Anagan's discomfort more pronounced.
Ogron, ever attuned to his little rabbit's shifting emotions, leaned closer with a predatory smile. "Is something troubling you, Ana? You seem quite distracted. What's wrong my little rabbit?"
Anagan's voice was taut with frustration. "I don't see why you need to be so... forward with him. It feels like you're…like you're trying to make him fall in love with you ."
Ogron's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice dropping to a silky whisper. "Is that so ? You think I'm a fool playing love games? I assure you, Ana, l don't desire him. I'm merely persuading him. You should understand that some things require a bit of charm."
His tone took on a sharper edge as he continued, "But if it makes you uncomfortable to see me so... engaged with someone else, perhaps you need to consider why that is. Don't you trust me, little rabbit?"
Anagan's cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and hurt. "It's not about trust. It's about respect. I just don't want to be made to feel like I'm less important."
Ogron's smile didn't waver, but his eyes were cold. "Ah, I see. You're feeling a bit overshadowed. Don't worry, Ana. I assure you, my interest in Gantlos is purely strategic. You're my little rabbit, my priority."
As Gantlos walked toward the fields, Ogron followed with a graceful but determined stride. "Do consider my offer. Even if you decide against joining us, think about the opportunities."
Anagan remained behind, seething quietly as he observed the king's relentless pursuit. When Ogron finally returned, his face was alight with satisfaction. Ogron and Gantlos seemed to speak forever, even if it had only been a few moments. The king almost jumped for joy as he walked back.
"He'll think it over," Ogron said, almost with a sneer of triumph. "Isn't it wonderful to have someone so strong-willed and independent in our midst?"
Anagan's silence was heavy, the weight of jealousy and frustration mingling with a deep-seated sense of inadequacy. Anagan felt powerless to confront it. The king's charm left him feeling more like a pawn than a partner.
As they prepared to leave, Anagan's quiet, conflicted demeanor contrasted sharply with Ogron's cheery disposition. The king's ability to manipulate and play on his insecurities only served to deepen the growing rift between them.
———
The carriage rocked gently as it trundled back along the dirt path toward the cottage. Anagan sat with his back turned to the king, staring out the window. The scenery passed in a blur, but his mind was fixated on the events of the day. He couldn't shake off the growing frustration and hurt.
Ogron, seated opposite him, noticed the silent tension. He leaned forward with a false air of concern. "Ana, is something troubling you? You seem unusually quiet."
Anagan's jaw tightened. "It's nothing."
Ogron's expression hardened. "Come now, don't play games with me. I saw how you reacted back there. You were upset, and I want to know why."
Anagan took a deep breath, struggling to maintain his composure. "It's just... you were so focused on Gantlos. It felt like you were making a fool of me."
Ogron's eyes narrowed. "Making a fool of you? That's an interesting interpretation. I was simply trying to recruit someone valuable for our cause."
Anagan's voice rose despite his efforts to stay calm. "But it felt like you were more interested in flirting with him than considering what I might think or feel."
Ogron's lips curled into a patronizing smile. "Ana, dear, you're reading too much into this. It's not about you. It's about our mission. You know that, don't you? I thought we were past this juvenile stage."
Anagan's eyes flashed with frustration. "I just want to be treated with respect. I'm not a child to be ignored or belittled."
Ogron's irritation flared. "Oh, so now I'm belittling you? How convenient. It seems you're the one having a temper tantrum."
The accusation stung, and Anagan's fists clenched in his lap. "I'm not having a tantrum. I'm just trying to express how I feel."
Ogron's gaze turned cold, his tone sharp. "Well, if expressing your feelings means causing a scene, I think you need a reminder of your place."
The king's hand moved swiftly, cupping Anagan's face and forcing him to look up. His eyes were filled with a dangerous glint. "Perhaps this will calm you."
Anagan tried to pull away, but Ogron's grip was unyielding. "Let go of me. This isn't fair ogr—"
Before he could finish, Ogron's lips crashed against his in a forceful kiss, one laced with the same intoxication. Anagan's resistance crumbled as he was engulfed in a dizzying haze. The king's hands roamed with a possessive grip, reveling in the control he had over Anagan's disoriented state.
As Ogron finally pulled back, he gushed at the dazed expression on Anagan's face. "There, that should help clear things up."
Anagan's thoughts were a muddled haze. He struggled to find coherent words, his mind clouded by the lingering effects of the kiss. The king watched with a satisfied smirk as Anagan's confusion played out.
"What's wrong, Ana? Are you having problems expressing yourself?" Ogron's voice dripped with a mocking tone, yet there was a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Anagan tried to speak, but his words were slurred, and his thoughts were scattered. "I... I don't know what..."
Ogron chuckled softly. "There, there. Just relax. We'll discuss this later when you're feeling more like yourself."
As they arrived back at the cottage, Anagan was barely coherent, lost in the euphoric haze left by the king's kiss. Ogron's satisfaction was clear as he watched his little rabbit's struggle to piece together his thoughts.
Anagan stumbling into the cottage, still a bit dazed, he couldn't even remember anything that happened— not the king bathing him or dressing him or even putting him to bed, all he remembered was a warm feeling, a feeling of not being able to think about anything except how much he loved the king. And as he drifted to sleep, he could barely hear his mind warn him that something was very very wrong.
