Arigio for Raph and Mikey's father. Demitrio for Leo's dad. and Benvolio for the grandad

Chapter 1

Demitrio sat in his highbacked chair, listening to his councilors. He was a turtle of many years but a relatively new king, only recently inheriting the kingdom from his father.
 
Turtles live for well over a hundred years. Some have been known to live to see two hundred. So, by turtle standards, Demitrio was still young at sixty.
 
It’s what made them ideal for the role of king. Their long lives mean that they had patience and their children had time to learn before taking over. Despite being new to the throne, Demitrio had sat by his father’s side for longer than his councilors had been alive.
 
They had been discussing the situation to the east. King Benvolio was expanding his borders again, swallowing up a smaller kingdom and setting one of his many sons to rule.
 
He had been slowly expanding his borders for decades. His goal was to unify all the kingdoms under one family, with him as the emperor, whether the other kingdoms liked it or not. He was well over a century old and cunning.
 
“This puts him right at our borders,” Oroku Saki, the army commander stated. “I need more resources if I am going to keep his armies at bay. We need to raise taxes.”
 
“Our kingdom is naturally fortified,” Hamato Yoshi, the trade guild leader argued. “The location of the river and the mountains provide a barrier. Our city is built in a way that makes invasion nearly impossible. You don’t need any more resources. Your job is practically done for you.”
 
He was human, like Saki, and approximately the same age. His family has been serving the king for generations. They oversaw the construction of the city. Which was why he had such confidence in it keeping them safe.
 
While the design was ingenious, it would not protect them from a massive invading army for long. 
 
“Not to mention that our gods protect us,” Tang Shen, the high priestess, added.
 
She was the most beautiful woman Saki had ever seen. Her long, black hair flowed freely down her back and nearly reached the floor. Flawless, ivory skin and a grace in her stride that looked as if she was floating, made it seem as if she had been plucked from the astral plane. And, she was engaged to Yoshi.  
 
Saki scoffed. “The gods. So, it was because King Stephan’s people weren’t praying hard enough that King Benvolio’s armies were able to prevail.”
 
“King Stephan’s kingdom was on the brink of ruin anyway,” Splinter, the king’s ambassador said. He was a brown rat about the same age and height as Saki.
 
Although he was a diplomat, he was also a seasoned fighter. He knew how to move without being heard. Saki hated it. It meant that Splinter could appear, seemingly out of nowhere at any time.
 
Saki had to be careful when making his dealings.
 
“Then why didn’t we invade it first,” Saki wanted to know.
 
“I am not a conqueror,” Demitrio stated. “I have no desire to expand my borders. We have more than we need here.”
 
“King Stephan’s people would have done better under your rule,” Saki argued “and benefited greatly from our resources. You are a good and just king. King Benvolio is far from it. Who knows what atrocities those people are facing now. And, never mind trade agreements. They might have been on the brink of ruin but they were our main source for salt.”
 
“We will find another source,” Yoshi said. “Stretching ourselves thin, by conquering another kingdom, would not better our situation.”
 
“It doesn’t matter now,” Saki snapped, with a wave of his hand. “What matters is our own safety. If Benvolio attacks now, he would win.”
 
“Then it seems that the problem lies with you, Commander.” Demitrio said, his voice deep with anger and a not so veiled threat.
 
“I am the best,” Saki hissed. “But, even I will fail if my hands are tied.”
 
“I will not tax my people more,” Demitrio said in such a way that expressed any further discussion on the topic would not be tolerated. “You are all dismissed.”
 
Saki turned on his heel and stomped out of the council chambers. His trusted general, Hun was waiting for him in the hallway.
 
“How did it go?”
 
Hun was a large man and one of Saki’s best fighters. Young and eager to please his commanding officer, Hun was willing to do anything that was asked of him. Like most of the army, Hun was loyal to Saki.
 
“Our king has refused my request,” Saki answered.
 
He didn’t need to say anymore. Hun knew what to do next. Without a word he set off down another corridor to follow through with the next part of their plan.
 
They were one of the richest kingdoms in all of the land and yet the ruling class lived like paupers when compared to those under Benvolio’s rule.
 
Not anymore. It was time for a new king.
 
…..
 
Saki stood on the high wall surrounding the city and looked out over the horizon. People from the east had been fleeing into the city for weeks, seeking protection. Benvolio’s army, led by one of his sons had started their push into the kingdom. Now they were at the city’s gates.
 
It was an impressive sight to see. Now that it was standing in front of him, Saki had no doubt in his mind that, even with the added resources, there was no way he would have been able to hold them off for long.
 
What was about to happen was inevitable, fighting them would lead to bloodshed. Too bad the others didn’t see it that way. He never really liked them anyway.
 
Yoshi stood at his side, having insisted on seeing it for himself. “What do we do now?”
 
Saki scoffed in response, glaring at the councilor. Now he was willing to listen to what Saki had to say. Too little too late. The army was loyal to him and would do as he commanded. His command was for them to stand aside and do nothing.
 
“Open the gates.” Saki climbed down the steps to meet their soon to be king and Yoshi followed.
 
“What are you doing,” Yoshi demanded. “I don’t think you can reason with them.”
 
The massive turtle entered the city and stood in front of Saki. He was larger than Demitrio, meaning that, since turtles never stop growing, he was a few decades older. He wore leather, studded armor and a metal helmet, and carried a large sword that Hun, despite his massive size, would have a hard time wielding. The straps on his arms were barely big enough to fit over the bulging muscles and looked ready to snap at any moment.
 
“I am Prince Arigio. Son of Emperor Benvolio. I am told that we have an arrangement.”
 
“An arrangement?” Yoshi turned to Saki. “What does he mean?”
 
Saki took a knee. “My men will not try to stop you but that does not mean that you will not be met with some resistance.”
 
“You are a traitor,” Yoshi yelled.
 
In one fluid motion, Saki stood and drove his dagger up into Yoshi’s gut. “And, you are a fool. There is no way we could win against an army this size. Yielding to him will save the lives of many. I do this for the greater good.”
 
Blood seeped from Yoshi’s mouth as he desperately clung to Saki. He tried to speak but choked on his blood.
 
Taking a step back, Saki allowed Yoshi to fall before turning back to Arigio. “I apologize for that, my lord.” He cleaned his blade on Yoshi’s back. “He was one who would have given you the most resistance.”
 
Arigio considered Saki for a moment. “You will lead me through the city?”
 
“I will, my king,” Saki said, lowering his head. “All that I ask in return is that I remain commander over the army so that I can continue to protect my people.”
 
“Having you and your men loyal to me will free this army to continue in my father’s conquest,” Arigio said. “Though I will keep a few personal guards,” he gestured to the large turtle warriors by his side. “I will allow you to remain.”
 
Saki bowed. “Then allow me to show you to your throne.”
 
The city streets, that Yoshi was sure could stop an army, were built like a maze, meant to confuse any outsider. Having grown up in the city, Saki knew them well and led the army on the most direct path to the castle.
 
They were met with little resistance. Saki’s men kept the people off the main roads and out of the way of the invading army. When they entered the castle, it wasn’t until they entered the throne room that they encountered Demitrio’s personal guards.
 
Most of the guards were also Demitrio’s mates and fought hard to protect their king who fought beside them. Arigio’s guards met them head on. Determined to be the one to end Demitrio, Arigio joined in the fighting.
 
One by one, Demitrio’s guards fell and Demitrio was subdued. He struggled against his captures but to no avail. “How can you betray me like this?” he yelled, glaring at Saki.
 
“I do this to save lives,” Saki replied. “My duty is to protecting the people. I will not sacrifice them in a futile attempt of saving your crown.”
 
Arigio knelt beside the body of his one fallen guard. Tears filled his eyes as he closed those of the dead turtle.
 
The turtle family structure was a unique one. To help prevent them from producing too many children in their long lives, male turtles take several other males as their mates and they live in family units with a few females. A king will have his queen as the only female, who only mates with him and his male mates serve as his personal guard.
 
Saki found the whole situation to be unsavory. The thought of bedding another male was repulsive to him. But, at least it kept the turtle population under control.
 
Some say that it was because Benvolio preferred the company of his queen that he ended up with more sons than he knew what to do with and so decided to expand his kingdom to accommodate them instead of allowing them to fight for his kingdom.
 
Getting to his feet, Arigio addressed Saki. “Is there a prince?”
 
“Would you like me to kill him for you?” Saki offered.
 
Arigio shook his head. “Bring him to me. You can kill the queen and anyone else who stands in your way.”
 
“As you command,” Saki replied with a slight bow and then signaled for Hun to follow.
 
In the back of the throne room was a secret door that led to a hidden chamber. As expected, the queen was hiding with her child. Shen was with her, praying.
 
When Saki and Hun entered the room, Shen stood to face them. “Saki, stop.”
 
Saki laughed. “Where are your gods?” Pulling his dagger, he stalked closer to Shen. “Will they save you?” Like with Yoshi, Saki shoved the dagger just below Shen’s ribs, piercing the lung. “Maybe you weren’t praying hard enough.”
 
Shoving Shen aside, Saki approached the queen.
 
The young queen held the small prince to her chest. “Please.”
 
It was the first time Saki had seen the prince, or any baby turtle. As large as turtles tend to get, they start out so small, about half the size of a human baby. It made sense given the fact that the unyielding plastron would not expand to accommodate anything larger.
 
“I’m not going to kill him,” Saki assured her. “Our new king wants me to bring him to him alive.” He reached out for the baby. “Give him to me.”
 
“Why are you doing this?” she whimpered. She was not a fighter, having been a priestess before she had been selected to be Demitrio’s queen. “Why would you betray your king?”
 
Saki glanced down at Shen and shrugged. “Must be the will of the gods.” Turning back towards the queen, Saki plunged his dagger into her neck. Her eyes were fixed on Saki in a state of shock and she let out a small whimper.
 
Saki shushed her as if soothing a frightened child. “Give me the baby before you drop him.” He reached down and lifted the small bundle with one hand as the queen’s arms went slack. “This is going to be a mess to clean up later,” he said to Hun as he pulled the dagger from the queen’s neck.
 
“That’s what the servants are for,” Hun replied flatly as they turned to leave the room. “Below me.”

Once they were back in the throne room, Saki wasted not time presenting the baby to Arigio. “The prince.”

Arigio considered the baby, it looked even smaller in his large hand. “Did you kill the queen?”

“I did,” Saki said, nodding his head. 

He was expecting the new king to kill the child by simply crushing it in his hand. But, instead, he knelt next to Demitrio and showed the baby to him. “I want you to know that your son will live,” Arigio stated. “He looks to be about the same age as my son. He will make a good play companion and whipping boy. My son might even take him as a lover, unless he loses interest in him. Then, I will have to kill him.”

Knowing his end was near, Demitrio stared intently at the ground and gave no reply. Arigio pulled a dagger from his belt and plunged it into Demitrio’s neck, moving it and twisting it slightly. “Have we taken care of all who might resist,” he asked Saki. 

“All but one,” Saki replied. “A rat, named Splinter is unaccounted for. He held the position of ambassador. It’s possible that he is away.”

“A rat was your ambassador?”  This surprised Arigio, which was to be expected. Rats were usually assassins, utilizing their natural stealth and flexibility. To have one as a public and political figure was unheard of. 

“He is dangerous,” Saki warned, “like any rat. I would highly recommend that your guards say alert.”

“Noted.” Arigio nodded and then turned his attention to the baby in his hand. “I forgot to ask the child’s name.”

Saki shrugged. “They hadn’t had the naming ceremony for him yet. I was never told.”

“I’ll call him Donatello,” Arigio said and handed the baby over to one of his mates. “Get the staff in here to clean up,” he said to Saki. “My queen has been with us on this campaign, sleeping in a tent and I’m sure she is eager to see her new home and a proper bed.” He waved his hand around to indicate the bodies. “She doesn’t need to see this when she arrives.”

“I will make sure that it is done quickly,” Saki promised. 

“My men will take care of the one that is ours,” Arigio said, looking down at the body. 

“Of course,” Saki replied with a bow. 

“Tomorrow, the people will meet their new king and queen,” Arigio said. 

“I will do all that I can to insure that the transition goes smoothly,” Saki said before leaving the king to oversee the cleanup. 

……

Splinter stood on a balcony that overlooked the city and saw the army approaching. It was no surprise to him that Saki had betrayed them. There wasn’t much time. 

Running back inside, Splinter made his way down to the temple, where they kept the orphans. There he found the turtle baby that had been abandoned on the doorstep of the castle.

It wasn’t uncommon for the poor to abandon their babies at the castle. The temple priestesses would raise them to be servants. Often it was a better life than being raised poor, on the streets. 

Unfortunately for this little one, his life could be coming to an end. He was approximately the same age as the prince and Splinter intended on switching them out and escaping with the prince. 

It didn’t take much to convince the young queen to hand over her child. “Cradle this one as if he were your son,” Splinter instructed her. “They must believe it is the prince if this is going to work. I will do all that I can to see that you and the king are avenged.”

Escaping with the child proved to be a greater challenge that he had originally thought. Saki’s men surrounded the castle to prevent anyone from leaving. Splinter’s skills were put to the test as he stalked through the shadows to safety. 

He knew Saki would look for him so he couldn’t hide anywhere in the city. Even the surrounding country was not safe. 

He followed the river north until he reached the forest at the foot of the mountains. Hidden among the dense growth and rocky terrain there was a small village that even the king was unaware existed.   

It was the village of Splinter’s birth and it was there that he intended on raising and training the prince. He will be the first ever non-rat to be trained by one. 

Splinter entered the village without challenge, though he knew he was being watched. Despite its vast size and many occupants, it looked like nothing more than a patch of overgrowth. The homes could only be seen if one knew what to look for. 

Splinter shared his home with his brother Gravel. Since they both tended to travel, the home was hardly ever occupied. When he entered he found that his brother had been there no less than three months ago. It would be a while before he returned. 

Settling into his favorite chair, Splinter looked down at the baby. “I am forever your loyal servant, Prince Leonardo.”

Chapter 2

He was never allowed to forget who he was or that his being alive was thanks to the mercy of the king. Raised as the prince’s whipping boy and personal companion was a fate worse than death. If it weren’t for the eternal damnation suicide would have brought him, Donatello would have killed himself long ago. 

Maybe one day his tormentors would take it too far and the gods would grant him his place in paradise. Until then, he would endure. 

His life wasn’t without joy. Prince Raphael’s tutor was kind and was one of the few who had never resorted to whipping him for the misdeeds of the prince. Hun, on the other hand….

Donatello hissed in pain as he shifted in bed. He was on a thin mat on the floor but that wasn’t the reason he was uncomfortable. It was hard to find a comfortable position after taking a switch to the back of the legs. 

Hun was Raphael’s weapons’ instructor and Raphael had been a little too flippant during practice that morning. As a result, Hun took out his frustrations on Donatello. 

It hurt to move. The open wounds pulled and Donatello knew that it would be worse in the morning. 

“Would you stop,” Raphael complained from his bed. “I can’t get to sleep with all this noise.”

“I’m sorry,” Donatello hissed. 

“What is the matter?” Raphael demanded, sitting up to glare down at Donatello. 

“The sores on the back of my legs are making it difficult to get comfortable,” Donatello stated. 

Lighting the candle on his night stand, Raphael got up and crossed the room. “Whippings have never given you problems before.”

“I’ve never received one from Hun before,” Donatello argued. “The others usually do one leg, once. Hun did both, multiple times. No matter how I lay, it hurts.”

“Let me see.”

Donatello was hesitant but knew better than to argue. Fighting the pain, he got to his feet, turned around, and with trembling hands, removed his pants. 

Raphael knelt to examine the makeshift bandages. “Tuck your tail any tighter and it will be in your ass. Relax. I won’t touch you there.” Pulling down slightly on the bandage, Raphael lifted the candle higher to inspect the wound. “Your flesh is warm. That’s not good.” Standing, he felt Donatello’s face with the back of his hand. “The warmth has not spread.”

Raphael walked across the large room and opened the door. There were always servants and guards at the ready at any given moment. They would stay up all night just in case the royal family wanted something. 

Donatello could not hear what was said aside from the common, “Yes, your majesty,” reply. As they waited in silence, Raphael used his candle to light the mounted lanterns. 

It wasn’t long before there was a gentle knock on the door. 

“Come in,” Raph called out as he blew out his candle. 

Nevio, King Arigio’s whipping boy growing up and the one who had taken care of Donatello during infancy, entered the room. “Your majesty.” He bowed to Raphael before beginning his approach towards Donatello. “I understand you have some deep lashes?”

“Hun whipped me today,” Donatello answered, struggling to hold back his tears. Though he could speak freely around his caretaker, Donatello had to remind himself that Raphael was still in the room. Saying the wrong thing would get him in trouble.

“Lie down,” Nevio instructed. “I’ll tend to them.” Nevio was the only one who understood what Donatello was going through. He was also the son of a conquered king, taken as a child to serve the new king’s son. 

Like Donatello, his legs were covered in old scars, lashes that Arigio had earned for him. Though Arigio eventually took him as a lover, being a slave, he was never raised to the ranks of a mate. While Arigio’s mates led a pampered life, Nevio slept on a pallet on the floor with the rest of the servants. 

It was a wonder that he had managed to maintain a pleasant disposition. There was almost always a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eyes. How was it that he wasn’t dead inside?

Nevio tended to Donatello’s wounds. The salve he used stung at first, it took everything Donatello had not to cry out, but the pain faded, leaving a dull ache. 

“What is going on?” The booming voice of the king had Donatello frozen in terror. “Why has my son summoned you to his room?”

“Donatello needed me to tend to him,” Nevio replied in an even tone as he carefully wrapped Donatello’s legs. “Your weapons’ master has a heavy hand.” Giving Raphael a sideways glace, Nevio smiled. “It seems that the young prince did not wish to lose his servant to a fever and had requested that I do what I am permitted.”

“Is it bad?” Arigio asked. 

Nevio shrugged. “I’ve had worse. Your father’s weapons’ master also had a heavy hand and you liked to try his patience.”

“Don’t forget your place,” Arigio warned. 

“Never do,” Nevio smiled as he put away his supplies.

“Do you really care so much?” Arigio asked the young prince and knelt next to Donatello. Placing his hand at the base of Donatello’s carapace, Arigio forced his finger under Donatello’s tail. “Don’t fight me.”

His finger pressed against Donatello’s entrance. The pain if it caused Donatello to tense and whimper. Arigio hummed with displeasure. “You haven’t had him yet.”

Removing his hand, Arigio considered his son. “Are you not interested in him?”

“I don’t know,” Raphael mumbled, uncomfortable with his father’s question.

“At your age you should be having sex,” Arigio stated. “If you don’t want him, we can do a call out so you can select a mate and I will take him.” He looked down at Donatello and ran his fingers over Donatello’s cheek. “He turned out prettier than I thought he would.”

“Arigio,” Nevio said, “he’s too young.”

Arigio lashed out so quickly that Nevio barely had time to react. The back of Arigio’s hand connected with Nevio’s face, sending him to the ground. “Your place,” Arigio roared.

“My apologies, your majesty,” Nevio said as blood fell from his lips. 

Donatello moved to comfort his caretaker but his hand was snatched away before it made contact. Arigio lifted him as if he weighed nothing and tossed him on the bed. Turning to Raphael, he said, “Have him tonight or I’ll take him in the morning.”

“He’s hurt,” Raphael argued. 

“He is a slave,” Arigio hissed. “Your pleasure is all that matters.”

Unable to maintain eye contact, Raphael looked at the ground. “Yes, father.”

“You’re done here,” Arigio said to Nevio. “Clean yourself up and get back to bed.”

“Yes, your highness,” Nevio said as he collected himself off the floor. 

Arigio took a few deep breaths to settle his anger before turning back to Raphael. “I will check him in the morning.” He did not wait for Raphael to reply before storming out of the room after Nevio. 

Raphael stood, looking at Donatello. “I don’t want to lose you to him.”

Try as he might, Donatello could not stop the flow of tears as Raphael joined him on the bed. Closing his eyes, he tried not to think about it. 

“You have to lower your tail,” Raphael said as he poured olive oil on his fingers. “Or we could not do this and you can go to my father in the morning.”

The thought of being with Arigio was enough to motivate Donatello to part his legs and lower his tail. It wasn’t much of a choice but staying with Raphael was preferable to being with Arigio. 

Raphael was generous with the oil, pulling his finger out every few seconds to add more. Donatello had to admit that he hadn’t expected Raphael to take his time. He made what was expected to be a painful experience, nearly painless. 

Raphael’s finger occasionally brushed against a spot inside Donatello that sent shockwaves to his core. Donatello’s body started to react to the stimulation and it wasn’t long before his penis emerged. 

Biting his bottom lip, Raphael grabbed it with his oil slicked hand and gave it a few solid tugs. There was a needy look in his eyes as he admired its length. 

With a heavy sigh, Raphael moved between Donatello’s legs and added more oil to his cock before placing his tip at Donatello’s well stretched entrance.  

“Wow,” Raphael grunted as he pushed into Donatello. He took care not to push in too deep to avoid grinding against Donatello’s tender legs. 

He struggled to last longer than a few staggering thrusts. Trembling, he let out a soft cry and came inside of Donatello. He sat back on his feet, looking down at Donatello while he settled his heavy breathing. Judging by the look on his face, he didn’t seem satisfied at all. 

The thought of failing to please Raphael had Donatello in a sudden panic. Maybe the prince was considering letting his father had him after all. 

Raphael reached out, paused for a moment and then grabbed hold of Donatello’s penis. Donatello gripped the sheets and gasped as Raphael jerked him off. 

After a few moments, Raphael straddled Donatello’s hips and lowered himself down. The tight warmth of Raphael’s inner walls took Donatello’s breath away. He couldn’t believe what was happening. 

Raphael road him hard, taking in the entire length of Donatello’s cock. The shock from the unexpected act coupled with the pain in his legs, helped Donatello last long enough for Raphael to climax again. The sudden clenching of Raphael’s rectum around his cock overruled all other sensations. 

It was the first orgasm for Donatello and it left his body numb. For a brief moment he was in a state of bliss. The pain in his legs quickly snapped him back to reality. As the euphoria wore off, it left behind a sickening sensation. 

“You can’t tell anyone about this,” Raphael mumbled, looking down at the pillow next to Donatello’s head. “Not even Nevio.”

“Your father…,” Donatello started but Raphael interrupted him. 

“Will be checking you in the morning, not me.”

“I won’t say anything,” Donatello promised. 

“Good,” Raphael replied and then got up to blow the wall lanterns out. “You can say in the bed, if you want. Maybe you’ll have an easier time getting comfortable and we can get some sleep.”

Donatello didn’t think he could get up even if he wanted to. “Okay.” 

With the last of the lanterns extinguished, Raphael crawled back into bed. In the dim moon light, Donatello swore he saw a glimmer of moisture on Raphael’s cheek. 

…..

He was never allowed to forget who he was or that it was his duty to avenge his father. Every day of Leonardo’s life was spent training, learning how to hide in the shadows and to kill. Though Leonardo would never be able to be king, at the very least, they could get their revenge against the ones who so callously killed King Demitrio. 

Another thing that Leonardo was never allowed to forget was that rats were loyal to no one. They were assassins and thieves, selling their services to those who could afford it and never choosing a side in a conflict. The fact that Splinter had sworn loyalty to a king made him an outsider to his own people. 

When Leonardo asked Splinter why he had gone against the nature of rats and sworn loyalty to his father, Splinter told him that it was because Demitrio showed him mercy but did not go into details. 

“A man like your father, deserved my loyalty,” Splinter told him. 

“Why must I be the one to take revenge?” Leonardo asked as he sharpened his sword by the fire. “You loved him so much, why don’t you do it?”

“He was your father,” Splinter replied. 

“I never knew him,” Leonardo argued. 

“The reason for that is because Arigio killed him,” Splinter pointed out. “Aside from that, I am too old to do it. I had difficulties escaping when you were a baby and that was sixteen years ago. My body will no longer allow me to do it, so you must.”

Leonardo checked the edge of his blade. “What will happen after?”

“Prove your skills with this and the others will accept you,” Splinter said. “You will be the first turtle assassin. You will be added to the network and sent out on missions. And, I will finally have peace.”

Leonardo sighed and placed his blade in its scabbard as he stood. “Very well. If it will help you find peace, I will do it.”

It wasn’t the first time Leonardo had gone into the city surrounding the castle. He had run the roof tops many times at night, just for fun, mapping out the streets. He knew his way through the city better than anyone. 

Today he was hiding out in the open. Turtles were common in the area. His sword and dagger were hidden among the loose folds of his over sized attire. He looked like the youngest son of a simple farmer wearing hand-me-down clothes, sent to the city to fetch supplies. No one paid him any attention. 

He found himself a place to hide until dark. Shedding his baggy clothes to reveal the dark colored ones underneath that made him appear as nothing more than a shadow. 

Settling in, Leonardo closed his eyes and entered into a meditative state that allowed him to rest while remaining aware. He waited until it was well past dark when only the lowest of citizens were still awake, peddling goods and services that were either illegal or questionable. 

Now the fun would begin. 

Without as sound, Leonardo made his way through the city, staying in the shadows. He slipped past sentries with ease as he made his way through the castle grounds. 

Like the city, the castle was built for defense. Secret passageways snaked through the interior and, judging by the level of dust within them, had been forgotten. Despite the fact that it was his first time in the castle, Leonardo knew them well. Splinter had made sure of it. 

He had checked several rooms before finding the one he was after. Drawing his dagger, he crept his way to the bed, ready to slit the throat of his slumbering victim. 

The light of the waning moon shone through the high window, illuminating the young prince’s face. He was the younger of the two, named Michelangelo. A backup just in case something happened to the first. 

Clutching the dagger, Leonardo stood over the prince ready to strike but hesitated. He wasn’t able to bring himself to do it. 

The young prince opened his eyes and even in the dim light the bright blue seemed to sparkle like a well-polished sapphire. They filled with fear as soon as he realized he wasn’t alone. 

“Are you a ghost?” He glanced quickly at the dagger. “Are you here to kill me?”

Leonardo didn’t answer. He didn’t trust his voice. There was something about the prince that caused his heart to hammer in his chest. 

Stepping back, Leonardo fought with himself over what to do next. He wanted to stay. The longer he stayed the greater the chance of getting caught. Then there was the fact that he was there to kill the prince. If he left, the prince would see how he entered the room. 

Michelangelo’s blue eyes narrowed as he studied Leonardo’s face. “Why would a ghost be younger than when he died?”

Leonardo must have made a face because Michelangelo sat up to explain. “You look just like the former king, only young. Who are you?”

“What is going on?” King Arigio’s voice echoed down the hall. 

As Michelangelo’s attention was turned to the door, Leonardo raced out through the secret passage. 

Chapter 3

Leonardo took his time returning home. He was not ready to face Splinter.

The task of killing another turned out to be a harder one to fulfill than he had thought. He had loved everything about his training up until that point. He thought he was ready to move forward, to be an official part of the clan. 

Now, he questioned everything. 

If he could not follow through with killing the son of the man who had killed his father, how could he ever expect himself to be able to execute a contract? He could not bring himself to that level of detachment.

He returned to his hiding spot to retrieve his disguise. As he dressed, he wondered what his life would have been like as a simple farmer’s son. Honest work with and honest skill that benefited many. 

Sitting in the dark, Leonardo contemplated his options. Part of him loathed the idea of returning to Splinter. But, where would that leave him? He had no other skills but the ones meant to kill. And, if he defected, the Rats would not hesitate to seek him out and kill him to protect their secrets. 

Faced with no other option, Leonardo headed home. 

He trudged along the outskirts of the forest to admire the stars before having to enter under the thick canopy. He never took the same path or a direct path when returning home. A worn path was a guide, so there could never be one. 

Despite his training, Leonardo always made a point to pass by his favorite spot in the forest, the upside-down tree. 

The tree had somehow taken root on the underside of a cliff face. Growing down and out towards the light, the tops of its branches reached the ground and spilled out in every direction. Judging by its size, it had to have been hundreds of years old.

He had climbed it many times to get to the top of the cliff where a small spring sat. Some of the tree’s roots could be seen at the bottom of the clear pool. Leonardo found it to be a marvel of life’s persistence. 

If the tree could survive and thrive in such a strange and difficult situation, so could he. 

A rustle of leaves behind him pulled him from his thoughts. Drawing his dagger, he turned to see what it was. 

A pure white stag stepped into a clearing and the area seemed to brighten with his presence. Majestic antlers branched out high above his head. The steady, grace of his movements led Leonardo to believe that it was no ordinary stag. 

He had never seen anything so beautiful. A little unsure, Leonardo bowed to him while tucking the dagger back into its sheath. If it was a forest god, it would not be wise to offend him. 

It took his breath away when the stag gestured in kind and Leonardo swore he saw him smile before bounding away back into the thicket. 

In a state of disbelief, Leonardo made his way through the small, hidden village and into one of the many entrances of his home. 

“Leonardo?”

“Yes, Splinter, it’s me.”

Splinter entered the room followed by three other rats. The excitement from seeing the stag left him as a lump formed in Leonardo’s stomach then moved to his throat. 

“Well?” Splinter prompted. 

Leonardo began to remove the farmer’s disguise. “I could not do it.”

One of the other rats huffed. 

“He is not the first to have difficulties going through with their first assassination,” Splinter stated, glancing over his shoulder to glare at the offending rat. 

“No, he is not,” another rat agreed, taking a step forward. “But the fact that he is not truly one of us means that he has to be better if he wishes to be accepted.” He regarded Leonardo. “Why could you not kill them?” 

“I made it to the chambers of one of the princes,” Leonardo said. “I was ready to kill, until I saw him. Then it all became too real. I could not bring myself to do it. He is innocent.” He decided it would be best not to mention the fact that the prince had woken up. 

The rat who had huffed before, scoffed. “We are not to judge innocence or guilt. We are hired to kill, so we kill.”

“I cannot be so cold,” Leonardo said, looking down at the ground. “I cannot kill someone simply because someone else believes they should die. He has wronged no one.”

“Your father wronged no one,” Splinter said. “But he was killed so what he had could be taken.”

“The prince did not do that,” Leonardo argued. “His father did. Send me to kill just the king and I will do it.”

“The king must know that his legacy will not go on,” Splinter insisted. 

“Enough,” the third rat interrupted. “It’s better this way. We need to stay out of politics.”

“He’s right,” the second stated. “We only allowed this political assassination to be his test because it was one of personal revenge and knew it wouldn’t really change anything in the long run. Now that the boy has proven that he doesn’t have what it takes to be one of us, we need to decide what to do with him.”

“I will not reveal any of your secrets,” Leonardo said. 

“That isn’t our only concern,” the third said. “Not only do you know our secrets, you know our skills and, frankly, you’ve mastered them quite well, aside from your unwillingness to kill.”

“Then, he can teach,” Splinter offered. 

“I don’t know if anyone will send their child to be trained by an outsider,” the first said. 

“He was raised here,” Splinter argued. 

The third shook his head. “He is still an outsider.”

“What are my options,” Leonardo asked. 

“We don’t know yet,” the second said. “This is unprecedented. The leaders of multiple clans are coming together to decide.”

The pit in Leonardo’s stomach filled with despair. If they decide that he is too much of a risk, there was no way to stop them from ending his life. There was nowhere he could hide. They would find him. 

“We will let you know,” the first said as they exited. 

Splinter regarded Leonardo for a moment before saying, “Come eat.”

Leonardo followed Splinter into another room where a plate with fruit, cheese, and a small loaf of dark bread waited. As Leonardo tore into the bread, Splinter placed a small bowl with three boiled eggs next to the plate. 

Boiled eggs were Leonardo’s favorite, especially when they were cooked enough to solidify the whites while keeping the yolk creamy. 

“They were supposed to be a reward,” Splinter said as Leonardo reached for one. 

“I’m sorry,” Leonardo said, picking up one of the eggs. “I didn’t want to say this in front of the others but, I saw a white stag, in the forest as I made my way back tonight. I don’t think it was what it appeared to be.”

Splinter sat down in his favorite chair as he pondered Leonardo’s encounter in silence. His schooled expression showed nothing of what was going through his mind. After a while, he sighed and looked into the cold fireplace. 

“Perhaps you made the right decision.”

…..

“Wake up.”

Raphael’s gruff voice pulled Donatello from the best sleep he had ever had. The bed was comfortable and he wanted nothing more than to stay just a little longer. 

“It’s morning,” Raphael said, nudging Donatello. “My father will be here soon. You have to get back to your bed. He can’t find you in mine or he might beat us both.”

That was enough to snap Donatello out of his sleepy haze. He shifted to get up and was met with pain. The sores on the back of his legs weren’t the only things that hurt. Looking up at Raphael, he felt his face flush as he remembered the events of last night. 

The door opened and the king stepped through. “He’s still in your bed.” Nevio followed him inside but stayed back, waiting. 

Raphael jumped out of bed and hastily pulled on his pants. “We exerted ourselves to the point of exhaustion. I was too tired to care that he had fallen asleep before going back to the floor.”

“Good,” Arigio said with a wide smile. “But, don’t make a habit of it. Never let him forget his place.”

“Yes, father.”

Arigio nodded to Nevio. “Go on.”

Rushing over to the bed, Nevio knelt next to Donatello. “Are you alright?”

Donatello nodded. “I’m a little sore.”

“That’s normal.” Nevio flashed Donatello a knowing smile. “Did he use the oil?”

Donatello nodded. 

“Good,” Nevio said with a sigh of relief. “In time, it will no longer hurt in the morning. You might actually start to enjoy it.” 

“I doubt it.” Donatello reached out and gently touched the deep bruise on Nevio’s cheek. Tears filled his eyes and he wondered how Nevio could still be smiling. 

“I’m fine,” Nevio reassured him. “I’m here to tend to you. Let me see how those wounds are healing up.”

 “What is that smell?” Michelangelo blurted out as he entered Raphael’s room. “And why is father’s slave messing with Raph’s slave?”

“Nevio is tending to Donatello’s wounds,” Raphael said, punching Michelangelo in the arm. “Don’t be stupid.”

“Don’t hit your brother,” Arigio warned. “What you smell is the scent of sex.”

Michelangelo made a face and then looked at Raph. “Was he willing?”

“He is a slave,” Arigio said. “He doesn’t need to be willing, just obedient.”

“Everything looks good,” Nevio said as he stood and collected his things. “The muscles will feel tight for now but once you get moving, the pain will dissipate.” 

“The two of you go help with breakfast,” Arigio said before turning to leave. “I have a busy schedule today and I don’t want things delayed any longer.”

“Yes, your highness,” Nevio said. “Come, Donatello.” 

Donatello quickly dressed in his simple slave attire and followed Nevio to the kitchen. 

They were met with a sweltering heat the moment they stepped inside. In the winter, the heat of the kitchen was welcome but in the midst of summer it was almost unbearable. 

Donatello went to his station, checking and tasting items that were meant to go to the princes. The plates were not to leave his sight. Anything added would have to be sampled. This process insured two things, that the food was good enough to be served and that there was no poison. 

He would have to sample everything again at the table when he delivered the food. 

Nevio was responsible for the king and queen. Two other slaves tended to the plates of Arigio’s mates. They did this with every meal. The four of them were the best fed slaves in the kingdom. 

“Raphael doesn’t like any brown on his eggs,” Donatello said after looking at one of the plates. “And the yolks look too set. These are over cooked.”

One of the kitchen hands pulled the plate aside while another got to work preparing two more eggs. 

Once the meal was finished, the four slaves left the kitchen together, pushing carts laden with food. Each cart had enough food to feed a small family and the majority of it would return to the kitchen, untouched.

Donatello served Raphael first. He ladled some porridge into a bowl then added cream, candied nuts, and honey. Before placing it down he took a bite, placing the used spoon into a bucket. Michelangelo liked his porridge with butter, sugar, and berries. Donatello had to admit that he liked Michelangelo’s better. 

Their plates with eggs, sausage, bread, fruit preserves, and cheese were placed down while they ate their porridge. Donatello went through several utensils, sampling each item. By the time he was done, he was full. 

He stayed close while they ate, remaining ready to serve them or to clear emptied plates. 

When the princes were finished with their meal, Donatello cleared the table and rushed the dishes and leftovers back to the kitchen. 

“No complaints from the princes,” he announced as he left the cart. He didn’t have the luxury to linger. 

He met up with the brothers in the wash room. Aids were there, tending to them while they soaked in their baths. Fortunately, this was one task that was not left for Donatello and it gave him a few moments for himself. 

Stripping himself, Donatello took the opportunity to bathe using a bucket of water and a scrub brush. A clean set of clothes was waiting for him and a fox child took his dirty clothes to be cleaned. 

Donatello then went into the connected room to inspect the clothes that had been set out for the princes. They were going to be sitting with their father at court later and needed to be dressed properly. They needed to look regal but not in their finest. 

He switched out a few items, either because he knew that the princes had out grown them or did not like them. Everything had to be in pristine condition, nothing could show any sign of wear, so he looked over every inch. 

Michelangelo was the first to be sent in to be dressed, giving Raphael more time to be pampered. He saw the clothes and smiled. “I love this one. The fur is so soft.”

After Michelangelo put on all that he could himself, Donatello got to work. Michelangelo studied Donatello’s face while he helped him get dressed. “So, you and Raph had sex?”

“Yes, my lord,” Donatello replied while he worked on some fastens. 

“Were you willing,” Michelangelo asked. 

“I am a slave,” Donatello said, wishing he could ask the prince to stop moving so much. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It does to Raph,” Michelangelo said. “He’s told me before that he didn’t want it to be forced. He wants a willing partner. He seems upset, so it makes me think that you weren’t willing. But, I don’t know why he would force it and he won’t tell me.”

“It’s not my place,” Donatello said. 

“I command you to tell me,” Michelangelo said, emphasizing his order with a stomp of his foot. 

“It was because of your father,” Donatello told him. “He said that if the prince did not have me, then he would take me for himself.”

“No wonder he’s mad,” Michelangelo mumbled. “His choices were, lose you or force you, two things he never wanted.”

“You’re all done,” Donatello said as he finished with the last buckle. 

“Don’t be mad at Raph,” Mikey said as he shifted to test the fit. 

“I am not given that luxury,” Donatello stated. 

“Yeah.” Michelangelo sighed and headed for the door. “I’ll see you in the court room. Father tells me that a rabbit is coming in today. I hear they look like rats with long ears.”

“A rabbit?” That was interesting news. There were no rabbits in Benvolio’s empire. They live in a land across the vast ocean. Travelers and traders tell stories about them but Donatello has never seen one. “That would be interesting to see. Do you know why they’re here?”

“Father didn’t say,” Raphael said as he entered the room. “He just told us that we were having an audience with one and not to stare.”

“We both know father was directing that last part more towards me,” Michelangelo said as he headed out the door.

“Is this alright,” Donatello asked, gesturing to the ensemble. 

Raphael sighed. He hated formal attire, preferring his hunting or training gear. “That will do.”

The formal attire looked like warrior gear but was more ornate and lacked practicality. The leathers were soft, instead of sturdy and was trimmed with fine, soft pelts. The only thing worn that was battle ready were the weapons. 

Raphael’s weapon of choice was a pair of double headed battle axes that he wore across his back. Not easily accessible if he were to enter into a fight. They were more for show. 

“We need to put in an order for new arm belts,” Donatello said and he pulled the belt tight around Raphael’s bicep. “This one is on its last notch.” The size of Raphael’s arm was both impressive and frightening. The thought of him striking Donatello caused his cheek to hurt. “It’s not too tight, is it?”

“It will do for now,” Raphael said. “Are you done?”

“Yes, my lord.”

Raphael tested the fit. “I hate wearing this shit.” He looked at himself in a long piece of polished metal. “But, father insists and I can’t go against his wishes.”

“Are you alright, my lord,” Donatello ventured to ask. “You seem out of sorts.”

“I’m fine,” Raphael said, keeping his eyes on his reflection but abruptly turned away. “Let’s go.”

“Yes, my lord,” Donatello said and followed Raphael. 

Chapter 4

Michelangelo stifled a yawn, earning him a sideways glare from his father. They had been sitting in court for several hours, listening and passing judgements on disputes that could only be settled by the king. Most concerned land rights or trade deals and a few cases dealing with criminals. 

There was a crowd gathered. A bunch of busy bodies with nothing more to do during the day than to see what they can gossip about tomorrow. 

Arigio sat in a large chair with Raphael and Michelangelo in smaller seats on either side of him. Donatello stood with Nevio, behind the royal trio and several other servants stood at the ready to be summoned at a moment’s notice. 

The princes’ teacher, April, sat at a small, nearby desk to take notes. She used a special form of shorthand that she could later elaborate on for record keeping. 

A noble family of humans, a man, his wife and their daughter, stepped forward to stand in front of the king.  The daughter was being comforted by her mother. A human commoner in shackles was dragged up by guards and forced to kneel a few feet away from them. 

“This man attacked my daughter,” the noble man said. “He violated her, forcing himself on her.”

The king looked the girl over. “Did he?”

She nodded in response. 

“Are you sure this is the man,” Arigio asked. “I do not want to condemn one man to the fate that should befall another.” 

“It was him,” the girl sobbed, keeping her eyes down.

Arigio then turned to the prisoner. “Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

“I touched her breast,” the man said with a touch of fear in his voice. “She was coming on to me like a harlot. I had no idea she was a noble’s daughter.”

Arigio growled and then turned to Raphael. “That was as much of a confession I need. For his crime the punishment is either life in prison or death. You can decide.”

Raphael leaned back and thought. “I think we should let the victim decide. She also has the option of asking for mercy and a lesser sentence.”

Arigio’s eyes narrowed slightly but he said nothing. 

“Death,” the girl said without hesitation. “He took from me something I can never get back, my peace of mind.”

“Death it is,” Arigio said and gave his son a measuring glance. “Raphael, kill him.”

Stone faced, Raphael stood and drew his dagger. “Yes, father.”

“I don’t deserve death,” the man yelled as he struggled against the guards. “Please don’t do this. I didn’t know! She was coming on to me.”

“Ignorance does not excuse you from the law,” Arigio said.  

The guards held the man’s head back as Raphael pulled his blade across his throat. The floor was covered in sand for this very reason. 

As the man struggled to breathe the guards released him, allowing him to fall to the floor. It didn’t take long for the life to drain from him. Servants rushed forward and lifted the body into a wheelbarrow and then shoveled the blood-soaked sand on top of him. 

Another team added more sand and smoothed it out while the body was carted out a side entrance. The evidence was erased before Raphael was able to clean his dagger and return to his seat. 

One of the nearby human slaves fainted, the try of goblets she was holding clattered to the floor. The crowd gasped as all eyes turned to her. Arigio turned to see who it was but said nothing. Other slaves hastily collected her from the floor and carried her away. 

As the nobles were being escorted from the room, the announcer introduced the next to appear. “Miyamoto Usagi is here to request land for his people.”

Michelangelo perked. “Isn’t that the rabbit?”

“Tact,” Arigio warned under his breath. “You are royalty. People are supposed to be in awe of you, not the other way around.”

A servant opened the door and a white rabbit stepped into the court. He walked up the narrow path, through the crowd to stand in front of the king and bowed. It wasn’t a deep bow but was more than just an inclination of the head, revealing that the rabbit saw himself as greater than a commoner but not quite a noble.

“I come from across the sea with my people,” Usagi said as he stood erect. “We have fled our war-torn country and now seek refuge here. At the moment, we live on boats but that cannot last. I am told that you have farm land that you might be willing to allow my people to settle.”

“I do,” Arigio said. “The field can be flooded for rice and there is an orchard full of plum and apple trees. It will support livestock and is close to a trade route. It is also close enough to the ocean that the village could support fishermen.”

“The locals in that village will welcome us?” Usagi asked. 

“There are no locals.” Arigio stated. “The village is vacant. There was a plague nearly seven years ago. Wiped out the whole village. The priestesses assure me that the area is clear of both the illness and vengeful spirits, and that a water spirit has moved into the river.”

Usagi lifted an eyebrow. “A spirit?”

Arigio nodded. “Do you not have them where you are from?”

“We do,” Usagi said. “The ones that dwell in the water are known as Kappa and are not pleasant.”

“I assure you that this spirit is good,” Arigio said. “I can have a priestess teach you and your people about our different spirits.”

“I do not expect you to give up land for nothing,” Usagi said. “What is your price?”

Arigio smiled. “You would be correct. For start, you and your people would have to pledge loyalty to me as your king and my father as the emperor. Some will be required to join the guard.”

“That will not be a problem,” Usagi assured him. “My people are accustomed to monarchies.”

“Second,” the kind continued. “You will obey our laws and pay respect to our gods.”

“That is understandable,” Usagi replied. 

“I have been told that you call yourself a bodyguard,” Arigio said. 

“I am.” Usagi nodded. 

“Good,” Arigio said. “My brother’s kingdom has seen a rare influx of young girls while my kingdom has seen too few. For you to have the land, I will need you and a handful of men to escort a caravan of young boys to my brother’s kingdom on the other side of the empire and then return with a caravan of girls. You will get all the food and supplies you will need from each kingdom as you travel.”

“That will take months,” Usagi said. “My people cannot live on the boats for that long, many of them will die before I return.”

“They can have the land in good faith while you perform the task,” Arigio said. 

“Thank you,” Usagi said, bowing a little deeper this time. 

“If you fail,” Arigio said, his tone dropping, “your people will pay.”

“I understand,” Usagi said. 

“Oroku Saki will give you the details,” Arigio said, indicating the commander of his army. 

Understanding that he was being dismissed, Usagi followed Saki out of the court. 

The remining cases were simple land disputes and arguments over who had what rights. For the most part, the king was settling petty squabbles between nobles. 

When he dismissed the court, Arigio remained sitting. It was apparent that he wasn’t done but he did not wish to handle the matter in front of the gathered crowed. 

“Where’s the slave that made a scene,” he asked as soon as the court room was cleared. 

The young woman was led by the high priestess, Karai, to stand in front of the king. 

Arigio glared down at her. “Give me one reason why I should not have you whipped within an inch of your life?”

“Please, your highness.” Karai stepped forward. “She did not know it at the time but she passed out because she is pregnant.”

“Who gave you permission,” Arigio demanded. 

“I did not choose it,” the slave sobbed. 

“She was forced, your majesty,” Karai clarified. 

Arigio thought for a moment. “If you did not willingly participate, why did you not come forward sooner?”

“Because I am a lowly slave,” the woman said, keeping her eyes on the ground, “and the man who forced himself on me is a member of the guard. He said he was in his rights to have me.”

“Ah.” Arigio nodded his head in understanding. “Do you know who it was?”

“Hun, your majesty,” she answered. 

“Bring Hun,” the king ordered, sitting back in his chair, his eyes never leaving the slave. 

They didn’t have to wait long. Hun entered the courtroom and strode up to stand before the king. “You summoned me, your majesty?”

“Did you take your pleasure with this slave,” Arigio asked, indicating the young woman. 

Hun looked her over. “I’m not sure, I have had so many. She’s pretty enough, so I might have.”

“She says that you did,” Arigio stated, “and that she is now carrying your child.”

“Is she sure it’s mine,” Hun asked. 

Arigio looked at the woman, expecting an answer. She nodded. “I was a virgin before and have not been with any other. There is no other possibility.”

“Is she old enough to be married,” Arigio asked. “It’s hard to tell with humans.”

“Barely,” Raphael answered. “Though they do tend to marry young, they usually wait until they are at least eighteen.”

Arigio turned his attention back to Hun. “Since she is pregnant with your child would you like for me to allow you to marry her? It wouldn’t be the first time I released a slave at the request of a member of the guard.”

Hun shook his head. “Never desired a wife or children. I prefer to take my pleasures from the slaves.”

Arigio leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he thought. “From now on, take your pleasures from the slaves I have assigned to servicing such needs and not from the ones here in the palace.”

“Yes, your highness,” Hun said with a bow. 

“You may go,” Arigio said and went back to considering the slave. “What to do with you? We still have to deal with the fact that you drew unwanted attention to yourself. You are fortunate that I do not kill children.”

“I like her, father,” Michelangelo said. “She tends to me often and I like having her around. She has a beautiful singing voice. Please be merciful. She one of my favorite slaves. Let me keep her.”

“I told you not to pick favorites or get attached,” Arigio said. “They are fragile creatures that don’t live very long.”

“I know,” Michelangelo whimpered, “but I couldn’t help it. Please don’t take her away from me.”

“She will be easily replaced,” Arigio argued. 

“I don’t want another one,” Michelangelo pouted, “I want her.”

“Very well,” Arigio sighed. “I will indulge you in this. The slave will continue to work while she carries and when the bastard is born it will go to the priestesses. For the distraction in court today she will receive ten lashes.”

“Father,” Michelangelo pleaded. 

“Five,” Arigio said. “That is final.”

The girl gasped as two guards grabbed hold of her and forced her to her knees. Tear filled eyes looked to Karai for help but the priestess turned way. 

An old fox with a bamboo cane stepped behind her. The first lash drew a heart wrenching scream from the young woman. Michelangelo winced and his eyes filled with tears but Raphael sat stone faced like his father. 

With each following lash, the girl’s cries weakened. By the time the fifth one landed, she had blacked out. The thin fabric of her dress, bloodied and tattered, fell from her torso. The guards released her and she slumped to the ground. 

“Take her,” Arigio said with a wave of his hand. As the salves took her away, Arigio stood. “Go see to dinner preparations. It’s been a long day and I am ready for a hot meal.”

“Yes, your highness,” Nevio said and urged Donatello to follow him. 

Leonardo’s jaw hurt from clenching it so hard to keep from crying out. It took every ounce of restraint not to rush into the court room and kill Arigio for what he had done. The rats’ indifference was nothing compared to Arigio’s. 

Staying in the hidden corridors within the castle walls, Leonardo decided to follow the two young princes. The fact that the king and his guards were ignorant to these halls made them a spy’s dream. 

Each chamber had a way to watch and listen in on the unsuspecting occupants. Leonardo wanted to get to know the royal family himself. At the moment, he didn’t like them very much and was beginning to regret the failed assassination.

The two princes stood in silence while slaves removed their ornate attire. It disgusted Leonardo how they would put on such a show. All this pageantry just to feel superior.  

“Leave,” Raphael ordered once it was all put away. 

The slaves scurried from the room in fear, knowing that a simple mistake could lead to a beating. 

The brothers stood in silence for a while. Then, Raphael cried out and punched the wall. 

“Don’t!” Michelangelo moved to stand in front of his brother. “If you bloody up your knuckles, father will ask questions.”

“I knew that if I had chosen imprisonment, father would not have been pleased,” Raphael said through gritted teeth. “I didn’t think that spoiled noble would condemn that man to death.”

“You tried,” Michelangelo soothed. 

Raphael leaned on Michelangelo as he fought to hold back tears. “Why did he have me do that? That man didn’t deserve to die.”

“He’s training you, like grandfather trained him,” Michelangelo said. 

“I don’t want to be like him,” Raphael whimpered. “He’s evil. I hate him.”

“I know,” Michelangelo said, pulling his brother close. “Calm down. If father catches you like this, he’ll beat you. Please.”

“Thank you, for what you did for Olivia,” Raphael mumbled as he returned his brother’s embrace. “If I had tried….”

“I can get by with more than you can,” Michelangelo said. “Might as well take advantage of it. I wasn’t lying when I said she was one of my favorites. I could listen to her sing for hours.”

“Me too.” Raphael pulled away from Michelangelo and took a few deep breaths to regain control. “He’s gonna wear me down eventually. He’s going to break me like grandfather broke him.”

“I won’t let that happen,” Michelangelo promised. 

“I don’t know if you can stop it,” Raphael said, locking away his emotions. “I die a little more every day.”

Leonardo sat down, overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. It seemed that everyone suffered under the rule of King Arigio, even his sons. 

Chapter 5

“Your Majesty?”

April stopped her lesson and attempted to get Raphael’s attention. He was staring, blankly down at the table. 

“Your Highness,” April tried again. 

Donatello, one of the few servants allowed to touch the prince, moved forward so that he could tap him on the shoulder. But, before he reached the prince, the taskmaster, Aaron, struck Donatello on the leg. 

The lash hit just below the still tender wounds caused by Hun just a few days ago. Donatello fell to his knees, crying out in pain. 

This snapped Raphael out of his trance. “Why did you strike him?” he demanded. 

“You were not paying attention,” the Aaron said. 

“Don’t strike him again,” Raphael ordered. 

Aaron smiled. “Your fathers orders trump yours, Your Majesty. They whole point of a whipping boy is for him to be whipped when you misbehave. If you do not want him struck, stay on task.”

“You strike him again, I’ll plunge my dagger in your face,” Raphael said, getting to his feel. 

“Your… father…,” Aaron stammered as he shied away. 

“Isn’t here,” Raphael said and pulled his dagger out. “Leave.”

Aaron backed out of the room, turning only after he was safely out the door, to run down the corridor. 

April remained silent throughout the whole ordeal. Watching as Raphael helped Donatello to his feet. Whenever Donatello chanced a look at her, he could see the concern on her face. She waited until Raphael was seated again before continuing her lesson. 

As she taught, her eyes continued to dart towards the door and Donatello knew why. It was guaranteed that Aaron had gone straight to the king to repot what had happened. There will be consequences for Raphael’s actions. 

When the lecture was over, Raphael grabbed two books from the shelf and headed out of the room. As he followed Raphael, Donatello’s eyes met April’s for a moment. There was no mistaking the worry on her face. 

Doing his best to ignore the pain in this leg, Donatello silently kept pace with Raphael. They passed through the kitchen, where Raphael helped himself to whatever food was out. None of the staff dared to tell him no. 

Raphael placed the food into a nearby empty sack, grabbed a jug of cider and then continued on his way. The kitchen led out to the garden. Servants stopped their work to watch the prince pass. Some of their faces expressed curiosity, most fear. 

They eventually made their way to the stables. Raphael’s stoic features softened into a smile as he approached his favorite chestnut mare. 

“Saddle her up,” Raphael ordered. “And a mule for my servant. I want to go for a ride.”

“Yes, your highness,” the stable master, Casey said as he pulled one of the finer saddles down. “Get the mule,” he ordered one of the boys who had been mucking out one of the pens. 

Donatello watched Casey work to make sure it was done right. 

“You just come from lessons,” Casey asked as he tightened a strap. 

“Yes,” Donatello answered with a nod. 

“How’s Ms. O’Neil?”

“Well.”

“I had asked the king if he would allow us to partner,” Casey said, grinning a little. 

“What did he say?”

“That he would consider it.” Casey took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “She’s a bit higher up than me. He might prefer her to be with someone who’s smart, like her, and not some lowly horse keeper.”

“Neither of you are slaves,” Donatello pointed out. “You’re free to live your own lives.”

“True,” Casey said. “But, it would not be wise to go against the king’s wishes and take his sons’ teacher. Not if I want to continue to have a job as the stable master.”

“Why would my father be against it,” Raphael asked as he fed his horse one of the apples he had taken from the kitchen. 

“Humans give live birth,” Donatello said. “The pregnancy and delivery are taxing on them and can be fatal if complications arise. Even if everything goes well, it would take her away from her teaching duties for a while.”

“I have plenty of time to learn what I need to learn,” Raphael stated plainly. “If having a baby makes her unable to teach for however long, in the grand scheme of things, it won’t matter. I will talk to my father.”

Casey bowed, deeply. “Thank you, your majesty.”

“The mule is ready,” the stable boy said, handing the reigns to Donatello. 

“As is your horse,” Casey added. “Would you need anything else, your highness?”

“No,” Raphael said as he mounted his horse. 

They traveled for a while, riding out along the edge of the forest. The sky was clear enough that the tops of the mountains could be seen in the distance.  

Legend said that the dragon god lived at the highest peak but no one has ever been able to climb it to find out. Some believed that the deep rumbling that sounding like boulders falling down the side of the mountain was actually the dragon. 

Donatello wasn’t sure what to believe. If the gods and spirits did exist, they didn’t seem to care about him. 

They stopped next to the lake at the base of a waterfall that fed into the river that cut through the forest. After tying their mounts under a large tree, Raphael sat in a shady spot and opened his sack of treats. 

Donatello remained standing, ready to attend at a moment’s notice. When Raphael pulled out a small hand pie, Donatello reached his hand out for it. 

“I doubt it’s poisoned,” Raphael said. 

“If it is and you die from eating it, I would have to report your death and my failure to the king,” Donatello said as a matter of fact. “A quick death by poison is by far preferable to what your father would do to me.”

“If I die, you could run,” Raphael argued. 

“That’s laughable,” Donatello said. “I wouldn’t get very far and my punishment would be far worse.”

“Then you can eat what remains of the pie and die as well.”

“That would be suicide and lead me to eternal damnation.”

“Fine,” Raphael sighed and handed over the pie. “If you’re going to take a bite of everything before I eat it, you could at least sit down.”

Donatello did as he was instructed and situated himself on the soft grass before taking a bite. It was a savory pie. The crust was made with herbs and a strong cheese and was filled with a mixture of meat and mushrooms. 

“You’ll like it,” he said, handing it back to the prince. 

Raphael handed Donatello one of the books. “Here. Read.”

“You grabbed these for me to read,” Donatello asked, taking the book. It was on properties of math and how they apply to warfare. 

“I’ve noticed you trying to read over my shoulder,” Raphael said. “You wanna know what’s in the books so bad, there you go.”

“Thank you.”

Raphael finished the rest of the pie in a few bites. “My father’s gonna be pissed.”

“I know,” Donatello said softly, not needing Raphael to clarify. 

“I just got so mad and I wasn’t thinking,” Raphael said. “I hope…, whatever happens…, I don’t lose you.”

Not knowing how to reply, Donatello stared intently down at the book. When he looked up, Raphael had leaned in closer. Their beaks were almost touching. 

Donatello didn’t dare move back. “Your highness?” 

“You can call me Raph when we’re alone,” Raphael whispered. 

Donatello chanced the smallest shake of his head. “I don’t want to get in the habit of it and say it when we are not alone. I don’t want to forget my place.”

“I would never hit you,” Raphael said, moving in closer. 

“But, your father would,” Donatello whimpered. 

Looking down, Raphael backed away. “I guess you’re right.” He pulled another item from the bag and handed it over for Donatello to try. “It’s best not to get too familiar.”

Donatello accepted the round pastry and bit into it. “You wouldn’t like it,” he said past the small bite. “It has rose.”

“Must have been something mother requested,” Raphael said, looking off towards the waterfall. “You can have it.”

“I don’t like rose either,” Donatello said. 

“Then throw it into the forest for whatever creature would want it.”

Donatello turned towards the forest, ready to toss the floral pastry into the foliage, when he froze in fearful wonder. There coiled at the forest’s edge was a long white dragon. If memory served him right, and judging by the dragon’s length, it was the spirit of the river. 

“Your highness,” he whispered. 

“What,” Raphael asked turning to look at Donatello. 

“In the forest,” Donatello choked out. “Tell me you see it too.”

“Them,” Raphael corrected. “In the trees.”

Tearing his eyes from the dragon, Donatello looked up to see a phoenix watching him. “Do you think they want the pastry?”

“I don’t know,” Raphael said. “I’ve never seen a spirit before. Try giving it them.”

Donatello looked at the small pastry in his hand. “I don’t think there’s enough. Do spirits eat?”

“You’ve been to all of my lessons with me,” Raph hissed. “You know as much as I do on the subject. The important question is, are they here for me or you?”

“You’re the prince,” Donatello said. 

“You were supposed to be,” Raphael reminded him. “Maybe they would prefer you sitting on the throne and are here to give you a way to do that.”

The phoenix began to ruffle its feathers as it started to glow brighter. It wasn’t long before the intensity of the light became too much for them to look at. Shielding his eyes, Donatello looked away. When the light faded the spirits were gone and so was the rose pastry. 

….

Leonardo stood before the council of clan leaders. They had made their decision on his fate. He wasn’t sure if the fact that it was decided quickly was a good or bad omen. 

Splinter stood off to the side to observe. 

“Rats hold a particular reputation,” one of them said. “While some of us can change our appearance to pass as another species, it is not an easy feat.”

“While you may not be assassin material,” another said, “you do have an advantage over the rest of us.”

“Turtles are abundant,” added a third. 

“You can mix with them and gather information,” the first one concluded. 

“I can remain with the clan,” Leonardo asked. 

The second nodded. “As a spy.”

A wave of relief washed over Leonardo. “Thank you.”

“We want you to find a way into king Arigio’s court,” the third said. “There you will gather tactical information of the nobles.”

“I don’t know if that will work,” Leonardo stated. “It appears that I resemble my father. Someone is bound to recognize me.”

“How do you know this,” Splinter asked. 

“The night you sent me to assassinate the royals,” Leonardo said. “The young prince woke. When he saw me, he thought I was my father’s spirit come to take revenge.”

“You can alter your appearance enough to hide the resemblance to your father,” one of the clan leaders said. “You have that skill.”

Leonardo bowed. “Then I will do as you order. I will find a way to join the staff.”

“No. The king has done a callout so the prince can select his first lover,” the second said. “Make sure you’re selected.”

Leonardo’s heart leapt into his throat. “You… you want me to be the prince’s lover?” He had thought he would work in the kitchen or baths, not something so… intimate. 

“Several clan members have and are posing as lovers to gain access to information,” the first point out. 

“It would put you close to the royals,” the third said. “And, in turn, with the nobles.”

“It’s as good as done,” Leonardo said, not really sure how he was going to pull it off. Part of him suspected that they didn’t actually want him to succeed. 

“You are dismissed,” the first said. 

Leonardo knew better than to linger. Bowing deeply, he backed out of the chamber. His mind raced, frantically trying to come up with a way to end up as Prince Raphael’s lover. 

An image of Michelangelo flashed in his mind. Did he have to be Prince Raphael’s lover? Maybe he could both feed his desire to be closer to the younger brother, while fulfilling the mission. 

Not waiting for night, Leonardo disguised himself and made his way towards the castle. He hid in plain sight among the servants, taking the first opportunity to slip into the hidden passageways. 

He was starting to like it there, among the cobwebs and dust. There was a sense of belonging. 

He was still close to the exterior when he heard a commotion. Curiosity got the better of him and he headed over to see what was going on, observing the situation from within the walls.  

The king was in the stables, yelling at Prince Raphael. 

“You do not threaten my servants,” the king yelled. “Over a slave!”

“I did not want him whipping Donatello,” Raphael argued. “He’s still healing from the lashes he received from Hun. Donatello was already moving to get my attention. The lashing was unnecessary.”

“I don’t care,” Arigio growled. “He is a slave with little value. The mule would sell for more.”

“But, he is my slave and I….”

“He is mine!” Arigio back handed Raphael in the face, sending him to the ground. “You own nothing until you are king! Keep disappointing me and that will never happen. I have another son. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, father,” Raphael said, keeping his eyes on the ground as he got to his feet. 

Having seen enough, Leonardo backed away before turning to head deeper into the castle. The prospect of being Raphael’s lover had caused Leonardo’s stomach to turn before, now his stomach felt like it was filled with rocks. One wrong move and the king would send him to the ground. 

“How long have you been spying on my family from inside these walls?”

Startled, Leonardo spun around to find Michelangelo in the passageway with him. He was holding a small candle that did very little to light the area. 

Holding up the candle, Michelangelo tilted his head slightly and narrowed his eyes. “You did something. You look different.”

“Disguise,” Leonardo answered plainly. 

“Why?” Michelangelo shrugged. “Not too many people know what the former king looked like.”

“Oroku Saki would know,” Leonardo stated. 

“I don’t know,” Michelangelo said thoughtfully. “He says we all look alike to him.”

“It would be wise not to trust anything that man says,” Leonardo said. 

Michelangelo shrugged. “I like him.”

“Then you’re being deceived.”

“He’s there for us,” Michelangelo argued.

“Only because it suits him,” Leonardo said. “If he thought he would come out better by putting a knife in your back, then he would. He betrayed my father, he would not hesitate to betray you.”

“He saved lives by surrendering,” Michelangelo said. “My father was ready to kill thousands.”

Leonardo let out a deep sigh and shook his head. “Saki may say he acted in the interest of the people but he does not do anything unless it benefits him. Keep that in mind the next time he offers you anything. Try to see how it would benefit him.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Michelangelo smiled. “I’m glad we’re talking. I have so many questions.”

“As do I,” Leonardo said. 

“Follow me,” Michelangelo said as he passed Leonardo. “There’s a hidden room this way. We can get to know each other a little better.”

“You know your way through these passages,” it was as much an observation as it was a question.

“I am the second hatched son,” Michelangelo said as a matter of fact. “While I hold some value, I am mostly ignored. I found my way into these passageways when I was five and I’ve been exploring them ever since.”

“You never told anyone?”

“I told Raph but I’m not going to ruin having this all to myself by telling anyone else.”

“How do you know what my father looked like,” Leonardo asked. “I thought your father destroyed everything.”

“There are portraits of him in the hidden rooms,” Michelangelo answered. “My father doesn’t know about them. Your features are a strong family trait, by the way. I’ve seen five generations of portraits and there is not much difference between them. Me? I look like my grandfather, the emperor, while my brother looks like our father, who looks more like his mother.” 

They walked in silence for a moment before Leonardo spoke again. “I have been observing your family from these hidden passageways, ever since I decided not to go through with the assassination, to make sure I made the right decision.”

“Did you,” Michelangelo asked, pausing to look over his shoulder. 

“I’m leaning towards, yes,” Leonardo replied with a small smile.  

A wide smile spread across Michelangelo’s face. “Good.” He pushed open a hidden door and led the way into a secret room. “This is my favorite room in the whole castle.”

Leonardo closed the door behind them while Michelangelo moved around the room, lighting lanterns. It was small and surprisingly not as musky as he had expected it to be. Narrow slits in the wall to the outside allowed airflow and a little light, without giving away any evidence that the room was there. Specially placed mirrors reflected and enhanced the light.

There was a small desk pushed against the wall, covered in writing material. The ink had gone dry long ago. There were shelves with books and the portraits Michelangelo had mentioned hanging on the wall. 

“They’re journals,” Michelangelo said. “They are a history of the kingdom told by the ones who had ruled.” Reaching up, Michelangelo pulled down one of the journals. “This is the first one.”

He handed the book to Leonardo. “The first king, Leonardo, fought off an infestation of evil spirits to get this land. The Hart of the Forest helped him.”

“Heart of the Forest?” Leonardo opened the journal and skimmed through the pages. 

“You know,” Michelangelo put his hands up next to his head to resemble antlers, “a ten-point buck. A hart, the forest spirit.”

“I saw him,” Leonardo said, looking up from the pages. “That night…. When I was on my way back home.”

One again Michelangelo smiled. “Doesn’t surprise me.”

“I never really believed in spirits before that,” Leonardo confessed. “I thought they were just made up stories to frighten or comfort children.”

“They’re real,” Michelangelo insisted. “And, they can do wonderful things.”

“Then why did they allow the invasion? Why didn’t the spirits protect my mother and father?”

“The same reason The Hart of the Forest couldn’t clear the evil spirits off the land on his own,” Michelangelo said. “They have their limits. They need the help of the mortals as much as we need them.”

Leonardo opened the book to the first page. “The spirit, that my ancestor defeated, was called The Shredder, the demon of blades.”

“A destroyer,” Michelangelo added. “You read about what he did, he lived up to his name. He tore up the land to the point that nothing could live here.”

“Spirits never die,” Leonardo said. “I wonder what happened to him.”

“Hard to say for sure. Hopefully, he’s moved on. You can stay here and read the books if you want,” Michelangelo offered. “Learn about your family.”

“I would love to stay here,” Leonardo said, “but living within the hidden halls of the castle is not all that appealing. Though, the idea of being close to you is.”

“That would be nice,” Michelangelo agreed. “I just realized that I don’t know your name.”

“I guess I was named after him,” Leonardo said, looking down at the book.

“Royals tend to do that,” Michelangelo said. “How did you survive? I have my theories, I want to know if I’m right.”

“Splinter escaped with me and put an orphan in my place,” Leonardo answered. “He raised me, trained me.”

“I thought as much,” Michelangelo said. “So, he really was loyal to your father.”

Leonardo nodded. “It was a life debt.” Deciding to be honest with Michelangelo, Leonardo looked him in the eyes. “The rats want me to stay here as well as a spy. They want me to gather information on the nobles.”

“Okay,” Michelangelo said. “How do we do that?”

“You father sent a callout,” Leonardo said. “In two days young turtles will gather so your brother can choose one for his lover. Maybe you can request one as well and select me. That way I can get access to the nobles who try to gain the favor of the royal family through their lovers.”

Michelangelo shook his head. “I don’t get to have a lover. One day I will be sent to one of my cousins to be a lover.”

“I was afraid of that,” Leonardo said. “Then I have to find a way to attract your brother and be his lover.”

“You have to,” Michelangelo asked sounding hurt. 

“I already failed my first mission to kill you and your family,” Leonardo said. “If I fail this one, I have no idea what the rats will do to me.”

“This sucks,” Michelangelo said. He thought for a moment and then began to smile. “Maybe…. I know Raph doesn’t want a lover yet but knows better than to say as much to our father. I can talk to him and tell him to pick you, then you can use the passageway that connects our rooms to come to me. That way, we all get what we want.”

“Would your brother agree?”

Michelangelo nodded. “Once he gets back from his ride, I’ll talk to him.”

“He is back,” Leonardo said slowly. “I was watching him in the stable before you arrived.”

“Why do I get the feeling there’s something unpleasant,” Michelangelo asked. 

Leonardo nodded. “Your father hit him pretty hard.”

“I have to find him,” Michelangelo said and turned to run out of the room. 

“I’ll stay here,” Leonardo called after him. 

The door close and Leonardo was alone. Not knowing how long he was going to have to wait, he sat at the desk and started reading. 

Chapter 6

Donatello walked with Raphael back to the prince’s room. The prince was a little wobbly on his feet but managed, no, insisted on walking there unassisted. If he was anything like his father, he was stubborn. 

When they reached the room, Raphael slowly sat down on the bed. His hand covered the cheek where his father had struck him. 

“Do you feel dizzy,” Donatello asked. 

Raphael carefully shook his head. 

“Let me look at your jaw,” Donatello offered, kneeling in front of Raphael. “Do you taste any blood?”

“No,” Raphael said through closed teeth as he lowered his hand.  

“That’s good,” Donatello said. “That means you still have all your teeth.” He gently ran his fingers down Raphael’s jaw. “I’m surprised there isn’t more swelling.”

“It doesn’t hurt that bad,” Raphael said, testing his jaw. 

“You’re lucky it isn’t broken,” Donatello said. “I thought, for sure that your father had knocked you senseless.”

“I’m just glad he didn’t take you from me,” Raphael said. 

“You never should have threatened Aaron,” Donatello said as he felt along the cheek bone. 

“You’re right,” Raphael said, keeping his eyes locked on Donatello’s. “I shouldn’t let them know how much… I…,” he pulled his eyes away and looked at the ground. “I should pretend to not care. Maybe then they will stop using you to punish me.”

Donatello lowered his hand and studied Raphael’s face. He could see the sorrow. “I am also glad that your father didn’t send me elsewhere. Staying here, with you, is preferable to anywhere else.”

Raphael looked into Donatello’s eyes and there was a spark of hope in them. Raphael leaned in a little and Donatello’s heart began to race. The hope in Raphael’s eyes had turned into desire. 

The moment was broken when there was a knock on the wall. They both stood and turned in its direction as the hidden door cracked open. “Raph?”

“Mikey, what’re you doing,” Raphael demanded. “What have I told you about sneaking into my room like this? Why didn’t you just come through the door?”

Michelangelo stepped into the room, shutting the hidden door behind him. “I was already in the hidden passageways when I heard the news.” He rushed towards Raphael and began scanning his face. “Where did he hit you?”

“Here,” Raphael said, pointing to his cheek. 

“There’s nothing there,” Michelangelo said in astonishment. “He must not have hit you that hard.”

“It was hard,” Donatello said. “Sent the prince to the ground. I didn’t think he would be getting up for a while.” As he replayed the scene in his head, Donatello plopped down on a hard chair and then immediately stood back up. 

“Are you alright,” Raphael asked. 

Donatello stood in disbelief for a moment before sitting back down. “It didn’t hurt. I had stood back up, reflexively, expecting it to hurt, before I had even realized that there was no pain.”

“None at all,” Raphael asked as he approached. 

Donatello shook his head. 

“Let me see,” Raphael offered. 

Donatello’s eyes shot up to Michelangelo, nervous about dropping his pants in front of the young prince. Michelangelo must have picked up on the apprehension and turned around.

“I won’t look.”

Turning, Donatello lowered his trousers so Raphael could inspect his wounds. 

“They’re gone,” Raphael said in disbelief. 

Donatello ran his fingers where the scabs once were to find only smooth skin. “They are.”

“I am seriously fighting the urge to turn around and look,” Michelangelo said. “How is it possible for Donatello’s wounds to just vanish?”

“The Phoenix is known to heal,” Donatello offered as an explanation as he pulled his pants back up. 

“Phoenix!” Michelangelo spun around. “What Phoenix?”

“We saw two spirits earlier today,” Raphael said. “While we were out by the waterfall.”

Michelangelo’s face lit up. “Two?” he squeaked. “What was the other one?”

“A long dragon,” Raphael answered. 

“Mizuchi!” Michelangelo got so excited he danced in place. “You saw Mizuchi, the river spirit? And, the phoenix… that’s Suzaku!”

“They didn’t tell us their names,” Raphael said slowly. “Why do you think their names are Mizuchi and Suzaku?”

Michelangelo froze, thought for a moment and then said, “I read it in a book.”

Raphael’s eyes narrowed. “What are you hiding?”

“Nothing…,” Michelangelo replied. 

“Where did you find this book,” Raphael asked. 

“In the royal library,” Michelangelo lied. “You’d be surprised what information you could find in there if you took the time to look.”

“What did you read about them,” Raphael demanded. 

“Mizuchi is the spirit of the river that runs through the forest,” Michelangelo said. “Born from the waterfall and the lake. He traveled out to the sea to bring the first settlers here.”

“And, Suzaku?” Raphael prompted. 

“He’s the spirit of healing,” Michelangelo said. “You see his symbol on every certified medical professional in this area. It’s one of the few things from the old kingdom that survived father’s purge.”

Raphael crossed his arms over his plastron. “If father purged it all, how do you know about them? Where did you rally find the books?”

“In the hidden tunnels,” Michelangelo admitted. “You’d be amazed at the things I find in there.” He thought for a moment. “I wonder what they wanted with you. The fact that they healed you is a great honor. It was powerful enough to keep you from getting seriously hurt when father hit you.”

Raphael rubbed his cheek. “I didn’t think about that. I thought the blessing was just for Donatello since he….”

Raphael’s voice trailed off as he looked up at Donatello. He didn’t want to say that Donatello was the rightful prince. 

“Yeah…,” Michelangelo said and then snapped his fingers, eager to change the subject. “Oh yeah!” He looked up at his brother. “I have some other news for you.”

“Good or bad,” Raphael asked. 

Michelangelo shrugged. “All depends on how you look at it.”

“So…, what is it,” Raphael asked. 

“Father sent out a call for you to select a mate,” Michelangelo said. 

“Of course he would,” Raphael said. 

“But…, here’s the good news,” Michelangelo said with a smile. “There’s a farm boy I like and you can select him.”

“A farm boy,” Raphael said eyeing his brother, “you like? And, you want him to be my lover?”

Michelangelo nodded and then started to shake his head. “Not, really. I can’t have a lover but if you take him as yours he can come to my room through the hidden hallways. Father will think you have a lover and I get to have him. It’s a win win.”

“You want to give access to the secret halls to this farm boy?” Raphael voiced his concerns. 

“Yeah,” Michelangelo said with a nod. 

“Are you nuts?” Raphael roared. 

Michelangelo’s smile dropped. “What?”

“You don’t think that maybe this boy is taking advantage of you so he can leave the farm and live a nice cushy life here in the castle?” Raph pointed out. “Or worse, wants to gain access to the castle to hurt our family? There are a lot of families out there still loyal to the old king.” 

Michelangelo shook his head. “No. He’s not like that. He doesn’t want to hurt us.”

“Really?” Raphael scoffed. “Really? People only see the crown, Mikey. They only want to be near us because of what they think they can gain. Or, they take advantage to gain access. They either want to use us or kill us.”

“Just let me have this,” Michelangelo argued, his eyes filling with tears. “You’re not ready for one yet and I want this one. This can work.”

“You know it won’t last,” Raphael said. “One day you’re going to be sent away to be with one of our cousins or father will insist I get another one and this farm boy will have to stay with me.”

“I know,” Michelangelo said softly. 

Raphael sighed. “Fine. If I’m gonna have to pick one anyway…. I’ll need to see him so I’ll know who to pick.”

“I’ll go get him,” Michelangelo said as he rushed over to the hidden door. “I’ll be back shortly.”

When the door closed, Raphael turned to Donatello. “You’ll be able to stay quiet about this?”

“I have nothing to gain by telling anyone,” Donatello stated. 

“I suppose,” Raphael said, looking away. “This is stupid. This guy is using Mikey, one way or another.”

Donatello thought about what Raphael had said to Michelangelo and it made him see what his anger had kept him blind to. Despite being royalty, Raphael had very little say over his own life and finding someone to trust was hard. It’s a strong possibility that he will never find someone to love him for who he is and not his title. Donatello almost felt sorry for him. 

Michelangelo returned with the farm boy. He looked to be about their age, maybe a little older. He came from good stock. Clear complexion, well built, as expected for someone who does manual labor, with beautiful grey-blue eyes.  

“This is Leonardo,” Michelangelo said. 

Raphael looked him over. “You understand what you’re getting yourself into?”

“Michelangelo has explained it,” Leonardo replied. 

“You cannot be seen being affectionate to him at all,” Raphael stated. “This whole situation is temporary. A few years, at best.”

Leonardo nodded. “I understand. I know it’s all fleeting but I want to spend as much time with Mikey as I can.”

Raphael’s jaw clenched for a moment. Donatello couldn’t tell if it was out of anger or jealousy. “Fine. I’ll select you. Now leave before someone comes in and finds you here.”

“Thanks, Raph,” Michelangelo said as he ushered Leonardo back through the hidden door. “I owe you big time.”

Looking distraught, Raphael climbed into his bed. “I need to lie down for a while.”

“Is there anything you need from me, your highness,” Donatello offered. 

“No,” Raphael answered, turning his back to Donatello. 

“Then I will wait until there is,” Donatello said, taking a seat. 

“He called him, Mikey,” Raphael mumbled. 

“Your highness?” Donatello prompted. 

“Never mind,” Raph replied. 

….

Leonardo stood with the other young turtles who had answered the callout. There were quite a few. Some, he had to admit, were quite attractive. While others, even if the decision hadn’t already been made, wouldn’t have stood a chance. 

Raphael took his time looking them all over, making a show of it. Wise move. He didn’t want to make his selection too early. His father would suspect that he didn’t really care or that something was amiss. 

They had made eye contact for a brief moment in the beginning. The subtle way the prince’s eyes narrowed told Leonardo that he had been recognized. 

Leonardo wondered why Raphael seemed so angry. 

Donatello stayed back but also followed the prince, ever ready to serve. Leonardo watched him for a while and wondered how different he would have been if Splinter hadn’t taken him. He couldn’t imagine what life would have been like. 

“Would you like more than one,” the king asked, sounding irritated. 

There was a subtle shift in Raphael’s expression and then he feigned a sigh of indifference. “This one,” he said, pointing to Leonardo. “I like his eyes.”

“Yes,” Arigio said as he moved closer. “There’s something familiar about them.”

Leonardo felt a swell of panic. Would the king recognize the similarities to Demitrio’s features, despite the disguise? Was his memory that good?

“Would you like him for yourself,” Raphael asked dryly. 

Arigio chuckled. “No. He is yours.” He turned to two turtles who had been standing close by. “Take him back to the palace and have him ready by tonight.”

“Yes, my king,” one of them said before beckoning for Leonardo to follow. He was a large turtle with dark green skin, riddled with scars. He looked every part a warrior. 

The other one was slightly smaller but equally menacing. Arigio’s lovers double as body guards so it made sense that they would be formidable. 

“My name is Paolo,” the other one said as they walked, “and this is Lorenzo, King Arigio’s first selected.”

“We are going to get you familiar with your new life,” Lorenzo said. “There will be a grace period as you learn but you will be expected to act a certain way and preform specific duties.”

“Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t all lounging around in a pampered suite while mingling with the nobles,” Paolo said with a smile. 

They entered the castle and the first place they headed to was the wash room. Lorenzo pointed to the steaming tub of water and waiting slaves. “First and foremost, you will be clean and presentable. You will bathe every morning with the princes and their slaves will tend to you.”

The pair watched Leonardo expectantly. Taking the hint, Leonardo removed his clothing as he moved towards the bath. A slave stopped him before he could enter and hastily took his measurements. She was done in a matter of seconds and Leonardo was allowed to enter the bath. 

The slaves scrubbed his shell with course brushes and washed his body. When they were done they toweled him off and then rubbed him down with scented oils. 

The slave who had taken his measurements waited for them in another room. She had clothes set out. “Do you have a preference,” the slave asked. 

“The blue one,” Leonardo said and reached for the garment. 

“The slave will dress you,” Paolo said, causing Leonardo to retract his hand. “The outfits can be difficult to fasten in some areas, so it is best to simply have the slave do it all.”

“I will no longer be dressing myself,” Leonardo asked. 

“You will have casual attire before your bath and before bed,” Lorenzo said. “But, when you are dressed for the public eye, you will be dressed by a slave.”

As Leonardo was dressed and the slave altered the outfit to fit him just right, Lorenzo and Paolo ran down a list of etiquette dos and don’ts. It was almost difficult for him to keep from laughing when they told him that part of his duties would be to befriend and gather information on the nobles. 
 
They spent the better part of the day, touring the castle and meeting important people. The entire time, Lorenzo and Paolo were correcting Leonardo’s behavior. There was a way to address people of higher stature that was different from the way to address people of lower stature. 

“Do not touch your food until the prince’s slave has sampled it,” Lorenzo said as they headed to the dining hall for lunch. “You don’t need to talk to him. If you don’t like something, just don’t eat it. He will learn your preferences in time.”

“I’m not allowed to talk to him,” Leonardo asked for clarification. 

“You can,” Paolo said. 

“Don’t know why you would want to,” Lorenzo added dryly. 

“There are some rules you have to follow with him,” Paolo said. “You need to remember that he is Prince Raphael’s slave first and foremost. You cannot give him an order that contradicts the prince’s.”

“Sex with that slave is also off limits unless the prince allows it,” Lorenzo said. “As far as slaves go, he is higher ranking. The lower slaves are fair game though. They are usually never given official tasks by the royal family.”

“The queen’s slaves are completely off limits,” Paolo added. “Don’t even talk to them.”

It was all a lot to take in at once. 

They entered the dining hall and Lorenzo pointed towards where Raphael was sitting. “There’s the prince. His slave will tend to you now.”

“Thank you,” Leonardo said as the two turned to take their places next to the king. 

Taking the empty seat across from Raphael, Leonardo chanced a glace at Michelangelo. The younger prince was beaming. Raphael, on the other hand, was a little more stoic. 

Donatello set a plate full of food on the table and proceeded to take small bites from each item, switching out his utensil with each bite. Leonardo watched Donatello, unsure if he was supposed to take the plate or wait for it to be handed to him. 

“There’s a set amount of time before he can pass you the plate,” Raphael said before biting into the roasted leg of some animal. “Poison tends to work within a few seconds, so the slaves count to thirty before handing the food over.”

“Has anyone been poisoned,” Leonardo asked, looking around to see several other slaves sampling food. 

“There was one time someone poisoned father’s wine,” Michelangelo said. “Fortunately, it was a weak poison and the priestesses were able to save Nevio and three of the slaves. We lost one. The priestesses say it’s because he was a smaller human that the poison affected him more.”

“That’s terrible,” Leonardo said as Donatello slid the plate to him. 

“We’re not supposed to feel bad for slaves,” Michelangelo mumbled. 

The meal was richer than anything Leonardo had ever eaten and he knew better than to eat too much of it. He would need to give his system time to adjust to it. Even the baked apple for dessert was more decadent than the simple ones Splinter had made him by the fire. It had been cored, stuffed with nuts, drizzled with honey and topped with cream. 

As good as it was, Leonardo could only manage a few bites before his stomach started to protest. 

“I’m sure you didn’t eat like this out at your family’s farm,” Raphael said with a smile. 

Leonardo chuckled. “The meals I ate were simple. Rarely did we have meat.”

“Now that you’ve been here a while, have you started to regret your decision yet,” Raphael teased. “You may be in the lap of luxury, but your life isn’t going to be completely pampered.”

“I’m used to work,” Leonardo replied. “I don’t think I would have done well if all that was required of me was to lounge around all day, doing nothing. I would have gone stir crazy.”

“There are other things you are required to do,” Raphael said in a serious tone. “Things my father has ways of knowing if they happen or not. Things we will discuss when we are in private.”

“I understand,” Leonardo replied and his stomach began to ache from more than the richness of the food. He knew what the price was implying. Ready or not, he was expected to be intimate with the prince. 

The problem was, he knew next to nothing about sex. 

…..

Chapter 7

After lunch, Leonardo wanted nothing more than to bask in the sun and nap. Fortunately, for him, that was entirely possible since it was something most nobles did right after lunch. He just wasn’t sure it would be a good idea. He had a job to do and the rats would not be pleased if he neglected it. 

He was walking with Donatello back to Raphael’s room, when something occurred to him. “Aren’t you supposed to be with the prince at all times?”

Donatello shook his head. “Prince Raphael is in private lessons with Master Saki. The things he learns, I am not allowed to know. Besides, I have my own lessons to attend.”

“You think it’s wise to leave the prince alone with someone like Saki,” Leonardo asked. 

Donatello stopped and considered Leonardo. “What do you mean by that?”

Leonardo shrugged, doing his best to hide his deep seeded hate. “He did betray the last king. Personally, I would find it hard to trust someone like that. I cannot understand why the king would.”

“What Master Saki did, spared the lives of hundreds,” Donatello stated. “My father’s forces would have been wiped out if they had tried to fight back. He’s a hero.”

It took Leonardo a moment to remember that Donatello believed himself to be the son of the former king, when in fact he was just a decoy. “You hold no bitterness towards him,” Leonardo pressed. “What he did resulted in the death of your parents.”

“The outcome would have been the same for us, regardless of his actions,” Donatello said before continuing down the corridor. 

They arrived at Raphael’s room and Donatello opened the large ornate door for Leonardo. “This is larger than my family home,” Leonardo said without exaggeration, noting the newly added bed. “I’m not accustomed to such luxury. I don’t think I will ever get used to it.”

“You will,” Donatello said as he pulled the curtains back and indicated the new bed. “That was brought in just for you. As the prince gets more lovers, more beds will be added. You will sleep in yours unless invited to sleep with the prince.”

“Where do you sleep,” Leonardo asked.

“There,” Donatello said, pointing at the pallet on the floor. 

“There?”

“I am a slave,” Donatello stated. “Being that I am the prince’s slave, my bed is more comfortable than what a kitchen slave would have.”

Leonardo continued to look at the pitiful excuse for a bed. Even his bed back in Splinter’s hut was of higher quality. When he looked up he saw Donatello looking at him. 

“Some of the king’s lovers had that same look of pity in their eyes when they first arrived,” Donatello said. “It didn’t take long for it to fade. If there is nothing more you need, I have duties elsewhere.”

“I don’t need anything,” Leonardo replied, shaking his head. 

Donatello bowed slightly, “I will take my leave,” and then headed for the door. 

……

Donatello loved his time with Nevio. It was the only time he ever felt at peace. The limited education Donatello was allowed, aside from what he was able to glean from Raphael’s lessons, came from his caretaker. 

One of the most important things Donatello was required to know was medicine. Along with the priestesses, he would be responsible for the prince’s health if he were to ever fall ill or was injured. 

His thirst for knowledge had him eager to learn all that he was allowed. Nevio often praised him over his fast progress. 

Donatello was practicing his technique on suturing a wound on a freshly slaughtered pig, when the king entered the room. He and Nevio were on their feet as soon as they heard the door open. 

“My lord,” Nevio said with a deep bow. “Please excuse the mess. Is there something you require?”

Arigio walked over to Donatello and grabbed hold of his chin, tilting Donatello’s face up to look at him. “It’s not often that my son is away from his favorite slave. I wanted to take the opportunity to see what it is that is worth protecting.”

“The prince can be possessive of his belongings,” Nevio offered. “You were no different.”

“I remember” Arigio said, glancing at Nevio. “I also remember my father teaching me a lesson about that.”

“I remember you swearing that you would never be like your father,” Nevio stated. There was a twinge of fear in his voice that caused Donatello’s blood to run cold. Fear kept his eyes locked on the king. 

“I almost died,” Nevio said, his voice soft and full of sorrow. “Please, don’t do that to Donatello. I know you only see him as a slave but I love him.”

“You and my son both need to learn not to get attached to property,” Arigio said through gritted teeth as he shoved Donatello to the ground. 

Donatello cried out as his carapace slammed on the hard, stone floor. Panic and confusion flooded his mind and his only thought was to escape. He flailed and kicked in a feeble attempt to get away.  

The next thing he knew the king struck him so hard that his head hit the ground and it sent him into a daze. He could hear shouting but it was all a mumbled mess, drowned out by a loud ringing. 

He was somewhat aware of what was happening but unable to fully process. His body was unable to respond. All he could do was cry. There was so much pain and then nothing. 

……

Alone in the room, Leonardo decided to test the bed by pushing down on it. The top cushion was plush, with a lot of give. Good for a turtle’s hard carapace. 

Curious, he sat on the bed and then shifted to lie on his back. He was amazed at how well his carapace was cradled. Back home, he could never get comfortable on his back and always had to sleep on his side or stomach. This was bliss. 

That nap was starting to sound really good. 

The hidden door opened and Michelangelo’s head peeked through. “Oh, good, you’re here.”

It took all of his will power, but Leonardo managed to get off the bed. “Donatello dropped me off. I guess I’m not expected to do anything for now.”

Michelangelo shook his head. “They’ll give you a while to get adjusted before they start your training.”

“Training?” Leonardo tilted his head. “”Was that not training this morning? I’m still trying to process all the rules of etiquette.”

“Yeah,” Michelangelo said with a forced smile. “You will be expected to fight along side Raph if the need for it ever comes up. Your training will be with Hun in fighting techniques.”

“Good,” Leonardo said, knowing he would have to do his best to hide the abilities he already had. “It will help keep me active. Otherwise I’ll get fat and lazy.”

“Come on,” Michelangelo said, gesturing for Leonardo to follow. “Let’s spend some time together. We won’t have many opportunities later.”

“I’d like that.” Leonardo followed Michelangelo through the hidden door. It wasn’t long before Leonardo realized that Michelangelo had taken them down a different path. “Aren’t we going to the library?” 

“Yes,” Michelangelo replied. 

“This is a round about way to get there,” Leonardo pointed out. “Why didn’t we go the way we went last night?”

Michelangelo paused and looked back down the corridor. “I don’t know.” He stared to head back that direction but stopped and turned back around. “It’s better if we go this way.”

“Why?” Leonardo asked. 

Michelangelo stopped and thought for a moment. “I don’t know. I just don’t want to go that way right now.”

Leonardo looked down the corridor. “Don’t you think that’s odd?” Needing to find out what was going on, Leonardo started to walk back but Michelangelo grabbed hold of him. 

“Please don’t go that way.”

“Why not,” Leonardo pressed. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know and it’s starting to frighten me,” Michelangelo admitted. “Please, you can find out later.”

“But, whatever is keeping you from going down that path is happening now,” Leonardo pointed out. “It wasn’t there before and it might not be there later.”

“Please.” Michelangelo pulled on Leonardo’s arm. “Not today. Other than tonight, we might not get another chance to be alone for a long time.”

Against his better judgment, Leonardo allowed Michelangelo to pull him further down the ‘safe’ path. He didn’t know what it was about the young prince that held such a power over him. 

They spent what time they could together in the hidden library. For most of that time, they talked, getting to know one another. Michelangelo was far more intelligent and compassionate than the spoiled, naive little prince persona he had adopted. 

Some of their time was spent kissing. Awkwardly at first. Once they figured it out, it was more enjoyable than Leonardo had imagined and it stirred a need within him that he had never felt before. They didn’t dare take it any further at that time. It would have to wait for that night. 

There were times of comfortable silence where they spent their time snuggled together, reading the journals of the past kings. It was the history Leonardo would have learned if Arigio hadn’t invaded. It was his only remaining connection to his lineage. 

Leonardo looked up from the book in his hand to watch Michelangelo. As messed up as everything seemed to be, at least there was some good. 

…..

He was staring at the wall but didn’t know why. It took Donatello a moment to realize that he was lying on his cot with a cool cloth against his head. It did nothing to ease his pounding headache. His mind struggled to piece together why he was there. 

Though he could hear the low murmur of voices, it took him a while before he could make out what was being said. The first voice he recognized was the king’s. 

“Will he be able to work tonight,” Arigio asked, his voice pounding though Donatello’s scull. 

“Hard to say,” Nevio answered softly. 

Donatello shifted his legs in an attempt to look up at his caretaker and a jolt of pain shot up his spine, causing him to whimper. More pain flared as his body and mind regained awareness in a rush. He didn’t have to ask what happened, the pain he suffered told him all he needed to know. 

Nevio pushed something into Donatello’s mouth. “Chew. It will help dull the pain.”

Forcing his injured jaw to work, Donatello chewed the herbal bundle. The numbing effects were almost immediate. 

“You’re going to be okay,” Nevio soothed as he ran the cool cloth across Donatello’s head. “There was very little tearing.”

He didn’t want to be okay. He would have preferred to be dead. 

“Try to stand,” Nevio said. 

Donatello shook his head. 

Tears in his eyes, Nevio leaned in close. “You need to. If you can’t perform your duties tonight you will be replaced.”

“Where will I go,” Donatello managed to ask, his voice a harsh whisper. Being reassigned might actually be an improvement. 

“You’ll be given to Hun,” Nevio answered, dashing any hope of something better. Death would eventually come but only after many years of suffering.

With Nevio’s help, Donatello managed to stand. The drugs had managed to numb the pain but his head was still spinning. Leaning heavily on Nevio, they walked around the room. 

“I’ll leave you with a few bundles of herbs to get you through the rest of the day,” Nevio said. “I’ll include one that will help you get through the night, if the prince allows you to take it. Hopefully, by morning, you will be doing better.”

“I’ve given you more than enough time to tend to him,” Arigio said “You have duties to attend to.”

“Yes, your highness,” Nevio said and reluctantly left Donatello’s side. “I will see you at dinner.”

Somehow, Donatello managed to stay on his feet. For the first time, he looked over at Raphael who stood staring blankly at the ground. When the door closed, Raphael looked up but said nothing, the same stoic look on his face. 

……

When Leonardo and Michelangelo headed back to Raphael’s room, they took the normal route. Whatever had kept Michelangelo from it before was now gone. It still ate at Leonardo that he did not go to investigate. It would have been something of value to the rats. 

Raphael and Donatello were already in the room when they entered. Donatello was assisting Raphael with getting dressed. 

“You need to be dressed for dinner,” Raphael said without looking at them. “I hope there aren’t any telling scents on the two of you. Father is… not in the best of moods today.”

“We didn’t do anything,” Michelangelo replied waving it off. “I know better.”

“Good,” Raphael said, turning to look at his brother. “I’d hate to see you at the receiving end of father’s wrath.”

“I brought your clothes in here,” Donatello said to Michelangelo as he finished buckling the last belt. “Master Leonardo, I will dress you last.”

“You don’t have to use the ‘Master” title,” Leonardo insisted. 

“Yes, I do,” Donatello replied. He finally turned enough so that Leonardo could see the welt on the side of his face. 

Michelangelo must have noticed it too. “What happened?”

“Father,” Raphael answered. Leonardo could see the emotional struggle within him. “We don’t fret over the well being of a slave. Now stop gaping at him and let him do his job.”

All the joy drained from Michelangelo. With a solemn nod, he allowed Donatello to dress him. 

After dressing Michelangelo, Donatello helped Leonardo. As he worked, it was apparent that he was struggling with keeping his balance. Leonardo wanted to do something, anything to help but knew that it wouldn’t be received well. 

The outfit selected for Leonardo was higher quality than anything he has ever worn but still not as luxurious as the princes’. He felt strange wearing them almost guilty, like he was betraying his true self. 

“How often do we chance clothes each day,” Leonardo asked. “I’m not used to wearing more than one outfit a day.” 

“We’ll change as many as my father desires,” Raphael answered, flatly. 

Surprisingly the formal attire allowed a wide range of motion. It made sense given the fact that Leonardo was also expected to act as the prince’s bodyguard. 

He looked at Donatello. Deep down he felt responsible. He wasn’t sure how but he was determined to somehow free him. 

…..

It hurt to walk. Every agonizing step sent tendrils of pain lacing up his spine. His head pounded and all he wanted was to lie down but the thought of becoming Hun’s slave kept him going. He interacts with Hun’s slaves on a regular basis, it would not be an improvement. 

Entering the kitchen, Donatello stumbled forward, catching himself on the counter. Lacey, one of the cooks in charge of the evening meal rushed to him. 

“What happened to you?”

“The king wanted to teach Prince Raphael a lesson,” Donatello answered. “He beat me and he… he uh….”

“Oh, you poor child,” Lacey soothed. “That monster cares nothing for us.”

“Watch it,” Donatello warned. “You don’t want to be punished.”

“I’ve been punished plenty,” Lacey said with a sad smile. “My baby girl hanged herself this morning. I guess she couldn’t handle the shame.”

Donatello felt a wave of sorrow for Lacey. Her daughter was the young girl who had passed out during court. “I am so sorry.”

“She was all I had,” Lacey said, her voice taut with emotion. “Don’t you let it do the same to you.”

“We don’t have time for this,” one of Arigio’s slaves said as he began loading his cart. “The royal family just sat down. We need to get the food out to them now.”

Donatello started loading up his cart, selecting from the wide assortment of dishes when he noticed something was down in the cooling well. “What’s for dessert?”

“Rose custard,” Lacey replied. “The queen requested it. I’ve sweetened it with a special honey. It’s very sweet.”

“But, the princes…,” Donatello started to protest. 

“I’m well aware,” Lacey interrupted, waving her hand. “That’s why I made them short cakes with strawberries and cream.”

“Thank you,” Donatello said as he made his way toward the dining hall. 

…..

Much like lunch, supper consisted of large proportions of rich foods. While he ate, Leonardo chanced a glance over at the king and noticed that his personal slave also had a bruise on the side of his head. 

The royal family was well known for their violence, it wasn’t just Arigio. Emperor Benvolio murdered his own family to gain the throne. He didn’t kill all of them. Purity of the royal bloodline was important to him so he spared a few of his cousins, enslaving most while marrying one. 

Offspring of his cousins were selected to marry his sons. Arigio was one of the few to gain a wife from one of the conquered kingdoms. Since she had been the daughter of the slain king, she was worthy enough.  

If Leonardo had been a girl, and if Splinter hadn’t taken him, his fate would have been the same. He would have been raised, pampered and primped to be Raphael’s queen. The thought of it churned his stomach. 

When the dessert trollies were brought out, the queen beamed with delight. “Are you boys sure you don’t want to try the custard?”

“No thank you, mother,” Raphael replied.

“There’s a new flavor to it,” Arigio pointed out after taking a bite. He looked up at Nevio. “You did try this?”

“Yes, your highness,” Nevio replied. “I sampled it in the kitchen and again before serving it to you.”

“It’s heavy on the honey this time,” the queen pointed out. “Maybe they added more since you like honey so much. It’s a good combination of our favorite sweets.”

Donatello set a bowl full of cake, strawberries, and cream in front of Leonardo. For a moment, Leonardo debated on requesting the rose and honey custard instead. In the end, his stomach didn’t care for either. The richness of the meal wasn’t sitting well. 

“You look like you need some fresh air,” Raphael said to Leonardo. 

“I’m not used to eating like this,” Leonardo admitted, placing his hand on his stomach. “I don’t think my stomach had fully recovered from lunch.”

Raphael stood. “We’re going for a walk in the gardens.”

“Have a good time, son,” Arigio said with a wide smile. 

“Donatello, will you take Michelangelo back to his room and prepare my room for tonight.”

“Yes, your highness,” Donatello replied, looking as if he could pass out at any moment.

“I want to go for a walk in the gardens,” Michelangelo protested. 

“Let Raphael have some time alone with his new mate,” Arigio interjected. 

“But…,” Michelangelo tried to argue. 

“Go to your room, Mikey,” Raphael insisted. 

“Fine,” Michelangelo pouted and followed Donatello. 

The cool night air in the gardens helped Leonardo tremendously. He walked along side Raphael in silence for a while. He looked up at the sky but the surrounding torchlight made it hard to see the stars. 

“If you do anything that insights my father’s wrath against my brother, I will personally slit your throat,” Raphael said, keeping his eyes up to the night sky. 

“Is that why you wanted to bring me out here alone,” Leonardo asked, looking at him.

“We needed the opportunity to talk without my brother here,” Raphael said, nodding his head. 

“I have no intention of doing anything that will bring harm to Michelangelo,” Leonardo stated. “I care deeply for him.”

“Do you?” Raphael turned his head to look at him. 

“Yes,” Leonardo said sincerely. 

“You have to submit to him tonight,” Raphael pointed out. “My father is expecting to find you naked in my bed tomorrow morning. He will have you checked, if not by Nevio, he’ll do it himself. You understand that, don’t you?”

“I do,” Leonardo replied with a slight nod. “But, at the same time I don’t. I know nothing about sex.”

“A farm boy who knows nothing about sex?” Raphael scoffed. “How’d that happen? I thought they learned faster than anyone.”

“We didn’t have livestock,” Leonardo answered. “Only a few chickens and ducks. Our farm was mostly rice fields.”

Raphael raised a suspicious eye ridge. “Your father never thought to tell you? You’re old enough.”

“His teachings focused more on work,” Leonardo explained. This statement was the only part of his made up backstory that was true. “I guess he thought he had more time. He wasn’t expecting me to run away.”

Raphael nodded his head accepting the explanation. “Lucky for you, Mikey has had classes on sex since he’s expected to know what to do when he’s sent off to one of our cousins.”

“Then I will let him take the lead,” Leonardo said. 

With a sigh, Raphael turned back towards the castle. “Let’s get this night over with.”

Chapter 8 

Donatello walked with Michelangelo to his room. The entire time, Michelangelo pouted over Raphael going off with Leonardo alone. “It would look suspicious if you went with them,” Donatello reminded him. 

“I know,” Michelangelo groaned. 

Donatello held the door open for the prince and then helped him to undress. Donatello wanted nothing more than to lie down but he had to fulfill his duties. 

“Do you need anything else from me?”

Michelangelo shook his head. “No. I can manage the rest on my own.”

“Very well, your majesty,” Donatello replied, bowing, before taking his leave. 

Taking slow, deliberate steps, Donatello made his way to Raphael’s room. His head still pounded and his body ached. Silently, he prayed that whatever residual magic had helped Raphael heal quickly would also help him. 

When he opened the door, he was not surprised to see that Michelangelo was already there, pacing the room. 

“When do you think they will be back,” Michelangelo asked the second Donatello closed the door. 

“I do not know,” Donatello replied, leaning heavily against the door while he waited for the room to stop spinning. 

Closing his eyes, Donatello took deep breaths in an attempt to fight off the urge to expel the contents of his stomach. When he opened his eyes again, Michelangelo was standing in front of him. 

“Did my dad hit you that hard?”

“He did more than just hit me,” Donatello mumbled, unable to keep eye contact. 

Tears filled Michelangelo’s eyes. “I am so sorry.”

Finding Michelangelo in the room might not have been a surprise, but when he came up beside Donatello to help him to his cot, it was entirely unexpected. It was against all rules of edict but Donatello was too tired to protest. 

“I really am sorry,” Michelangelo said as he helped Donatello lie down. 

“You shouldn’t,” Donatello replied, waving Michelangelo away. “Don’t fuss over me, it will anger your father.”

“I don’t care,” Michelangelo argued. 

“You won’t be the one punished for it,” Donatello pointed out. 

Nodding his understanding, Michelangelo backed away. 

Unable to tolerate another moment of pain, Donatello popped another herb bundle into his mouth and rested his head on his pillow. The bitter taste told him it was stronger that the ones he had taken before. 

He was unclear how much time had passed; the herbs left his mind in a fog. When he heard the door open, he carefully sat up. “Do you need anything from me, your highness?”

“Not at the moment,” Raphael replied before turning to Michelangelo. “Do you have oil?”

Michelangelo shook his head. 

“Take mine,” Raphael said, pointing to the bottle of oil on the bedside table. “Make sure Leonardo brings it back with him.”

“I will,” Michelangelo agreed as he ran over to collect the bottle. 

“What… what’s the… uh… oil for,” Leonardo asked, sounding a little uneasy. 

Raphael chuckled. “You’ll find out soon enough. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for it.”

“He’ll be back before dawn,” Michelangelo stated, grabbing Leonardo by the hand and leading him towards the secret door.

“Don’t take more than a few hours,” Raphael called after them. 

The door closed, leaving Raphael and Donatello alone. 

“I will help you undress,” Donatello said as he struggled to get to his feet. 

“I can do it,” Raphael said with a wave of his hand. 

“If I cannot perform my duties,” Donatello argued, “the king will send me to Hun.”

“My father’s not here.” After a momentary struggle, Raphael managed to undo one fasten. 

Donatello walked up to Raphael and brushed his hands away. “At this rate, it will be dawn before you’re done.”

Raphael watched Donatello in stunned silence for a while before saying, “Did you just…? I don’t know if I should laugh or be insulted.”

“Over what, your highness,” Donatello replied. “What did I do?”

Raphael cupped Donatello’s cheek and looked him in the eyes. “My father hit you hard. Otherwise you wouldn’t be so blunt with your words.” 

“I took some medicine,” Donatello said, unable to keep eye contact. 

“That also explains it,” Raphael meekly replied. “I swear I will never do what he did.”

Donatello paused in his work. “Nevio said that your father swore the same thing, when he was young.”

“I don’t want to be like him,” Raphael choked out. “I will not be like him.”

“You will be,” Donatello mumbled as he got back to work. “You’re just like he was.”

“How would you know,” Raphael demanded with a scoff. “It’s not like you knew him in his youth.”

“Nevio tells me stories,” Donatello said. “He allowed himself to love the king and still does, despite everything. I won’t be so foolish. No matter how endearing you are now, you’ll end up just like him. I can’t love someone like that. I won’t”

“I probably won’t ever be king,” Raphael said. 

“Despite his threats, your father’s not going to kill you,” Donatello said. 

“It’s not my father I’m worried about,” Raphael replied. “My grandfather killed his family to gain power, and he will not live forever. His sons are no different. My father is already plotting ways to kill his brothers to become the next emperor. No doubt, my uncles are all doing the same. My father will either succeed or he will fail and we will all die.”

“Maybe you’ll be made a slave,” Donatello replied. “That’s worse than death.” Donatello removed the last article of clothing and set it all out in the hall for another slave to collect and clean. Closing the door, Donatello turned to consider Raphael. “Something’s been bothering me.”

“What is that,” Raphael asked as he pulled on a pair of soft slacks.

“How did you know that you would like it…, that way,” Donatello asked. When Raphael gave him a quizzical look, Donatello clarified. “You know…, the way you had sex with me. Have you been with someone else?”

Raphael shook his head and sighed. “After I was taught what to do, I practiced on myself. I wanted to make sure that I knew what I was doing so I wouldn’t hurt y… the one I was with. It turned out, I liked it.”

“That makes sense,” Donatello said, his mind and body feeling groggy and numb. “I guess.” At least the pain had subsided. “Is there anything else you need from me?”

“Lie down before you collapse,” Raphael said. “I hope whatever magic that helped me heal is still lingering enough to help you.”

“I was hoping the same,” Donatello said, tumbling into his pallet. “I don’t know how long things like that last.”

Raphael knelt next to him and helped him get situated, pulling the thin sheet over him. “If I become king and manage to keep my promise to not be like my father, will you be able to love me then?”

“Yes,” Donatello whispered as he closed his eyes.  

“Then I will fight harder,” were the last words he heard as sleep set in. 

……

“I hope we’re not going to the library,” Leonardo said, his voice sounding loud even though it was barely a whisper. “I don’t think I can do… what we’re supposed to do with the portraits of my ancestors watching us.”

Michelangelo let out a nervous chuckle. “I don’t blame you. I set up another room that sits on the other side of my room’s fireplace.”

When they entered the room, Michelangelo used his candle to light an oil lamp in the corner. The mirrors in the encasing reflected and amplified the light from the flame enough to fill the small room. 

There were blankets and pillows arranged on the floor of the otherwise barren room. 

“What now,” Leonardo asked. 

Michelangelo set the bottle of oil on the floor next to the pillows. “We disrobe.”

Even though he didn’t know what to expect, the thought of being naked with Michelangelo was arousing. That arousal caused Leonardo to hesitate. He wasn’t sure how it would be seen. When he saw that Michelangelo was also aroused, it put his mind a little more at ease and he was able to remove the remainder of his garments. 

“You are a sculpted beauty,” Michelangelo said as his eyes roamed over Leonardo’s body. Leonardo flushed with both embarrassment and excitement while he admired Michelangelo. 

The need to be closer had Leonardo rushing to close the gap between them. Their erections brushed against each other as he pulled Michelangelo into a kiss, eliciting a churr from them both. 

Mouths pressed together, they started moving their lips and eventually added their tongues. His body was on fire and demanding release. Grabbing both their erections, Leonardo did the only thing he knew to alleviate that need. 

Breaking the kiss, Michelangelo let out a soft churr and lay his head on Leonardo’s shoulder. The warmth of Michelangelo’s breath against his neck and the sound of his whimpers, spurred Leonardo on. 

Michelangelo gripped Leonardo’s shoulder and gasped. “Leo….” His cock throbbed against Leonardo’s as his warm seed flowed from his tip and it wasn’t long before Leonardo’s was added to the mix. 

“That’s… not what we were supposed to do,” Michelangelo said in good humor, backing up and looking down between them. 

“Sorry,” Leonardo replied, releasing his grip. “I got a little carried away.”

“It was a good way to break the tension,” Mikey quipped and flashed a bright smile. 

It still amazed Leonardo with how smitten he was with him. “So, what are we supposed to do?”

“Lie down,” Michelangelo instructed, pointing to the makeshift bed. 

Leonardo nodded. “Okay.”

As he settled on the bed, Michelangelo sat down next to him and picked up the oil. “Part your legs and lower your tail.”

The euphoric high that had been brought on just moments ago was fading quickly as Leonardo started to connect the dots. Lack of experience did nothing to keep Leonardo from figuring out what was going to happen and he wasn’t sure how he felt about the idea. He couldn’t bring himself to lower his tail and he had to fight the urge to bring his knees together. 

“I promise, it will feel good,” Mikey said as be poured oil onto his fingers. “Don’t you trust me?”

Steeling his nerves, Leonardo nodded his head and lowered his tail. Michelangelo’s finger touched his anus and it took all of his willpower not to pull away. Michelangelo ran his finger in a circular motion, along the outside first. 

His muscles reacted by clenching and releasing almost rhythmically. It was strange but not entirely unpleasant. Then, Michelangelo pushed his finger inside, causing Leonardo to hiss and clench. 

Propping himself up on his elbows, Leonardo looked at Michelangelo. “Ow.”

“Just relax,” Michelangelo instructed. 

“Relax?” Leonardo concentrated on his breathing in an effort to get his muscles to unclench. “I don’t know how this is supposed to be… ah….” His words were cut off by a sudden sensation that stole his breath away. 

Michelangelo flashed him a knowing smile. “I told you.”

Michelangelo moved his finger and Leonardo was once again overcome by the sensation. Laying his head back on the pillows, he closed his eyes and savored the new experience. “This is good,” he mumbled. “Strange but good.”

His erection grew but he decided not to do anything with it yet. He wanted this to last for as long as possible. If he touched himself, it would be over all too quickly. 

When Michelangelo pulled his finger out, Leonardo’s head shot up again. “Why’d you stop?”

“Just moving on to the next step,” Michelangelo said, stroking his cock while moving between Leonardo’s legs. 

“That’s a lot bigger than your finger,” Leonardo pointed out. “Is it going to fit?”

“Stay relaxed and it will go in,” Michelangelo replied. 

Clinching the blankets, Leonardo focused on his breathing and did his best not to tense up. There was some discomfort as his muscles were stretched to fit Michelangelo’s girth, causing his grip on the sheets to tighten. 

“More oil,” Leonardo requested, finally understanding what Raphael meant when he said he would be grateful for it. 

Michelangelo added more as he carefully worked his way in deeper. By the time he was fully embedded, the pain had subsided to a dull ache. Leonardo released his grip on the blankets and willed his body to relax. 

Leaning down, Michelangelo kissed his lips and smiled, “The hard part’s over,” then started to rock his hips. “This is the fun part.”

The new sensation of having something inside him was strange at first but then it started to feel good. That glorious feeling was returning but this time Leonardo did not deny his cock some attention. 

Whatever pleasure center Michelangelo was stimulating inside him greatly enhanced the sensation in his erection. It was better than anything he had ever managed for himself. He almost forgot to breathe. Then he couldn’t, when every muscle tightened as his orgasm struck. 

A kiss on the lips brought him out of his blissful stupor. He had never felt so good. “I can get used to this,” Leonardo said, looking up into Michelangelo’s eyes, that seemed to sparkle in the dim light. 

“We have to do this as often as we can,” Michelangelo agreed resting his head on Leonardo’s shoulder. 

Leonardo ran his fingers though the puddle of his sperm on his chest. “I need to clean myself off. I’m… sticky.”

“Leave it,” Michelangelo mumbled. “More evidence for my father to find in the morning.”

Leonardo cringed. “You want me to return to your brother’s room, covered like this?”

“It’s not the best part of all this,” Michelangelo admitted with a shrug as he sat up. “It’s only for tonight. Once my father is satisfied, believing that Raph has taken you for a lover, he’ll move on to other things.”

“I hope so.” Leonardo got to his feet and collected his clothes from off the floor. “I’m not looking forward to walking into your brother’s room like this.” He started to redress but Michelangelo stopped him. 

“Might as well go back naked,” he said while collecting his own things. “Drop your clothes on the floor and climb into Raph’s bed.” He picked up the bottle of oil. “Don’t forget to take this. I’ll find a way to get a bottle in here for us next time.”

Accepting the bottle, Leonardo turned it a few times in his hands. “I wish we could stay together a little longer.”

“Me too,” Michelangelo said with a sad smile. “But, we can’t risk falling asleep. If you’re not in my brother’s bed tomorrow morning….”

“I know,” Leonardo said. “Still….”

Michelangelo pulled Leonardo into a tender kiss. When they parted, Michelangelo pressed their foreheads together. “We’ll have more time together.”

“It will never be enough,” Leonardo stated, kissing Michelangelo one more time before pulling away. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“I’ll try to keep from smiling like an idiot,” Michelangelo quipped, his bright smile retuning. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Leonardo said, making it harder to leave. 

The walk back to Raphael’s room was bitter, sweet. There was still a level of euphoria from being with Michelangelo but having to leave him hurt more than he imagined it would. 

Leonardo looked through the hidden panels into Raphael’s room before opening the secret door. He wanted to make sure that he wasn’t going to walk in on anything. Raphael was lying in his bed and Donatello was down on his pallet. 

Entering the dimly lit room, Leonardo risked a quick glance towards Donatello. It was enough to determine that he was still breathing at least. 

“Leave your clothes on the floor and get into my bed,” Raphael said, sitting up. “Do you have the oil?”

“Here,” Leonardo replied, handing it over. 

“Did you use it,” Raphael asked, taking the bottle. 

Leonardo nodded.

“Good.” Raphael poured some oil into his hand and then reached under the blankets. “I need to apply some to myself to further sell the lie.”

“Makes sense,” Leonardo said, dropping his clothes to the floor as he made his way to the bed. 

Falling into the royal bed, Leonardo let out a soft sigh. He had no idea such comfort could even exist. But as he lay there, he started to feel a wave of dread wash over him. He looked over at the prince. He couldn’t pin point the reason but there was something about Raphael that made him uneasy. 

Chapter 9

Leonardo woke up to the sound of Raphael thrashing in his sleep. Unsure what to do, Leonardo got out of bed. He watched as the prince suffered a nightmare and a since of unease filled Leonardo once again. 

It was still night and the sliver of the waning moon did nothing to illuminate the darkness. Donatello didn’t stir, the drugs keeping him in a heavily sedated sleep. 

Leonardo jumped when Raphael sat up in bed with a start. Then, with a trembling hand, rubbed his brow while working to get his breathing under control. 

“Are you alright,” Leonardo asked after a few moments. 

Raphael’s head spun around as if he was surprised Leonardo was there. It quickly faded and was replaced with a subtle annoyance. “Just a nightmare.”

“Must have been bad,” Leonardo observed. 

“Nightmares are never good,” Raphael replied in a dry tone. Getting out of bed, Raphael walked over and knelt down to check on Donatello. The tenderness in his touch and the look in his eyes hinting that he truly did love him. 

A knock on the door had Raphael quickly pulling his hand away and jumping to his feet. 

“Your father,” Leonardo ventured to guess. 

Raphael shook his head. “My father wouldn’t knock.”

Grabbing a pair of loose-fitting trousers, Raphael slipped them on while he made his way towards the door. “Who is it?”

Following suit, Leonardo quickly pulled on a pair of trousers. 

“Oroku Saki,” the commander of the guard answered through the door.

“Why are you at my door this late,” Raphael demanded as he opened the door.

“Forgive me, your highness.” Pushing the door the rest of the way open, Saki entered the room with a detail of men. “Grab the slave.”

Saki’s men rushed in and grabbed Donatello. As he was being pulled from the room, Donatello woke and began to panic. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better. Please.”

“Stop this,” Raphael barked. 

“Your father’s orders,” Saki stated. “You cannot override them. He has demanded that every slave that was in the kitchen be brought in for questioning. This includes yours.”

There was panic in Raphael’s eyes. “Why?”

“You father and those who had eaten with him, including his slaves are all violently ill,” Saki replied. “You and your slave are not and we need to find out why.”

“Have you checked on Mikey,” Raphael asked. 

Saki shook his head. “Not yet. Being the oldest, you were our top priority.”

Taking Saki’s candle and then pushing past him, Raphael raced down the hall to his brother’s room. Not bothering to knock, Raphael threw the door open. “Mikey, are you okay?”

Leonardo caught up to Raphael in time to see Michelangelo sit up in bed and rub his eyes. “Why are you yelling?” he whimpered. 

“Are you alright,” Raphael said as he entered the room. He placed the candle on the bed side table and began looking his brother over. “How do you feel.”

“Tired,” Michelangelo answered, barely able to keep his eyes open. 

“He seems to be okay,” Raphael said, looking over his shoulder at Saki. “What’s going on? How is my father ill?”

“We are still unsure what has caused it,” Saki stated. “All we know is that they are all ill. They are experiencing hallucinations, their hearts are pounding irregularly, numbness, weakness, and blurred vision. We need to find out the cause, which is why we are going to question each slave that was in the kitchen.”

“Bring the slaves to the courtroom,” Raphael ordered. “I will question them their first. I don’t want to lose an entire kitchen staff to your methods of interrogation on and error or the actions of one who could be acting alone.”

“Yes, my prince,” Saki replied with a slight bow before turning to leave the room. 

“What’s going on,” Michelangelo asked as he got out of bed. “Who’s sick?”

“From what I understand,” Raphael answered, “mother, father, father’s mates, and his slaves are all affected. It must have been something they ate that we did not.”

“I want to see mother,” Michelangelo whimpered. 

Raphael shook his head. “If it is an illness, I do not want you to contract it. We can only assume that it is the work of foul play. Until we know for sure, I want you to stay away.”

Michelangelo nodded his head in agreement and together they made their way to the courtroom. 

Slaves stood together under heavy guard on the sand floor. With a single word they could all be executed on the spot and no one would think lesser of Raphael for it. 

Raphael walked up to his father’s throne and stood looking at it for a moment before turning to sit. Michelangelo took his seat to Raphael’s left while Leonardo stood behind the throne to the right. Saki sat himself in the throne to Raphael’s right. Raphael gave him a sideways glance but said nothing. 

Raphael’s eyes drifted over slaves gathered in front of him. “Is this all of them?”

Saki looked up at Hun, who nodded in response. “Yes, your highness,” Saki stated. 

The slaves were in various stages of emotional duress. Donatello was trembling in fear, tears streaming down his cheeks. Crumpling to the floor, he began to grovel. “I’ll do better. Please.”

“Stand up,” Raphael ordered. “I need to ask you some questions.”

“Anything, your highness,” Donatello whispered as he stood. 

Raphael looked across all the slaves. “Do you know why you are here?”

Heads bowed, they all shook their heads in response with a chorus of, “No, your highness.”

“My father, mother, my father’s mates, and their slaves are all ill,” Raphael stated. “It is believed that it is something that they had eaten. If it was, we need to find out what it was.”

“Your majesty,” a priestess entered the courtroom and bowed. “My apologies for the intrusion. I was ordered to bring updates to master Saki.”

“Out with it,” Raphael ordered. 

“The queen is dead,” the priestess said, keeping her eyes to the ground. “She started having fits then stopped breathing.”

“Mother?” Michelangelo rasped, doing his best to control his emotions. 

“Thank you,” Raphael said, doing a better job at keeping his emotions in check. “Return to your duties and continue to keep us updated as needed.”

“Yes, your majesty,” the priestess said, maintaining her bow as she walked backwards out of the courtroom. 

He closed his eyes for barely a moment and when he opened them again, he was looking at Donatello. “I know slaves tend to protect one another. But, keep in mind, my father’s slaves were also affected. This includes Nevio.”

Donatello’s eyes were full of fear and sorrow, and his body trembled, looking to be on the verge of collapse. He was still suffering the effects of the abuse he endured earlier. Despite it all, he stood, eyes locked on the prince. 

“I need to know everything that my father had eaten that we did not,” Raphael said. 

Donatello looked to the side in thought and then back up at Raphael. “The only thing that even I did not sample, your highness, was the honey and rose custard because I knew you would not like it.”

“Who made the custard,” Raphael asked, keeping his tone steady while Michelangelo was openly crying. Leonardo felt ill. He had considered requesting the custard. 

Donatello glanced over at a female slave standing next to him. “Lacey.” 

All color had dropped from the woman’s face. She was trembling with fear but there was a defiance in her eyes. 

“Is the custard the reason my mother is dead and my father is ill,” Raphael demanded. 

Lacey shook her head. “I won’t say.”

“Yes, you will,” Saki replied and then leaned toward Raphael. “Allow my men to interrogate her, my prince. They will get you your answers.”

After a slight nod from Raphael, Saki gestured to his men. The guard moved forward and seized Lacey. She didn’t fight, as they led her from the room. Raphael stood. 

“I’m going to see my father.

“May I see Nevio,” Donatello pleaded. 

Raphael nodded but Saki intervened. “The rest of the slaves should remain detained until we are sure of their involvement.” 

“You can keep the others until you know for sure but I know Donatello would not do anything that would result in his mentor’s death. He’s coming with me.” Raphael led the way out of the courtroom. After giving orders to his men, Saki joined them and remained by Raphael’s side as they made their way through the castle. 

“They have worsened,” Karai said as they approached. She was standing just outside the open door. Moans and rancid smells emanated from the room. “Two slaves and one of the king’s mates have died after having a series of fits.”

“What about my father,” Raphael asked, bringing his hand up to cover his nose. 

“He is incoherent,” Karai replied. “I do not believe he is aware of what is real and what is not and has had a few fits of his own. Have you learned the cause?”

Raphael shook his head. “Not entirely. A kitchen slave had poisoned his food but we do not know what kind of poison she had used.”

“It’s unlike anything I have ever seen,” Karai admitted. 

Saki nodded in agreement. “All the poisons I know of, work quickly. In light of this new poison, we are going to have to change the way things are done.”

Raphael took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Whatever happens, my grandfather will need to be informed.”

“Of course,” Saki said. 

“I will return to my duties,” Karai said, bowing deeply. “If you will excuse me.”

Following Karai, Raphael looked into the room and then quickly turned away. “Donatello, come with me,” he said. “Everyone else wait here.”

Raphael and Donatello entered the room, leaving Leonardo and Michelangelo alone in the hall with Saki. Leonardo’s self-restraint was put to the test. Not only did he yearn to comfort Michelangelo but he wanted to send a dagger into Saki’s chest. 

….

The smell was overwhelming but Donatello was determined to see Nevio so he swallowed the lump in his throat and followed Raphael into the room. When it came to the needs of the ill, the priestesses did not discriminate. Though Arigio was in a better bed, the slaves were being tended to in the same manner as the king.  

“Nevio,” the king mumbled, his eyes focused on nothing. “My love.”

Raphael went to sit by his father while Donatello walked over to kneel next to Nevio. He tried to get Nevio’s attention but whatever had caused this illness had also addled his mind. 

Through the din of the ill and the priestesses, Donatello could hear the sounds of Raphael weeping. His own tears fell as the thought of losing Nevio overwhelmed him. Every time Nevio had a fit, Donatello feared it would be his last. 

The windows had been opened in an attempt to alleviate the stench. Golden rays of sunlight filled the room as the sun began its morning climb. 

It was nearly noon when the king drew his last breath. Being the largest, he was the last to die. Still, Donatello could not leave his mentor’s body. 

He glanced over to Raphael. At some point, Michelangelo had been allowed to enter the room and was sitting on the other side of their father’s bed. He could only assume where Leonardo had gone. 

More time passed and they did not move. It hurt too much. 

Saki entered the room and stood at the foot of the king’s bed to address the princes. “It was the honey used in the custard,” Saki stated. 

“The honey?” Raphael asked, turning his attention to Saki. “What kind of honey does this? What was in it? How did she get it? Did she act alone?”

“The honey is made from bees that gather from one kind of flower not known in this land,” Saki said. “It had been given to her for the purpose of killing the royal family. Apparently, the death of her daughter drove her to act early.”

“Did the rabbits give her the honey?” Raphael asked. 

Saki shook his head. “I had assumed that as well but the slave said that it had been a crocodile who had given her the honey.”

“A crocodile,” Raphael practically spat. “Send warning to my uncles and grandfather. Use your fastest carriers.”

“Already done, your majesty,” Saki replied with a slight bow. “I pray they arrive on time.”

“After all this time,” Raphael said, shaking his head. “The crocodiles are moving against us.”

“They are as long lived as turtles,” Saki pointed out. “I’ve heard that they have maintained their royal line.”

The history was well known. Even the lower class knew it. Generations ago, the land was ruled by a crocodile monarch but he was overthrown by several families of turtles. The land was then divided between them where they each ruled. After hundreds of years, Benvolio decided that the land should be reunited under one monarch again. It took him nearly a hundred years to do it. 

“Is the slave still alive,” Raphael asked. 

Saki nodded. “She is.”

Raphael looked down at his father’s corpse. “Put her in a cage.”

Donatello swore that Saki was fighting the urge to smile. “I will put her in one myself,” Sake said, managing to keep his tone even. 

“Make sure all can see her,” Raphael added. “I want to make an example of her.”

“Of course,” Saki replied, his voice as smooth as silk. “Is there anything else, your highness?”

“Send a summons to the rabbits,” Raphael stated, his tone growing dark. “We haven’t eliminated their involvement in this. We need to find out if they are working with the crocodiles before my grandfather arrives.”

Saki inclined his head. “One will be sent out right away.”

“That is all,” Raphael said, keeping his eyes fixed on his father. 

Saki bowed deeply before backing out of the room. 

Chapter 10

The priestesses worked well into the evening, preparing the bodies for the memorial by washing and dressing them. Only the king and queen will be put on display for the people to pay their respects. There they will remain for three days as the ceremonial pyre was set. The king’s mates and servants’ bodies were set to be cremated in the morning. The destruction of their earthly forms will help ease their path to paradise. 

It had been hard for Donatello to leave but now that Nevio’s body was being taken from the room, he sought out the prince. He needed to get away from the stench of death. 

Raphael had left the room midafternoon and spent several hours privately with Oroku Saki. It was close to dusk when Donatello found him in his room, standing out on the balcony that overlooked the courtyard. 

Taking a deep breath of the cool, clean air, Donatello looked out in the direction of Raphael’s fixed gaze. 

In the distance a cage was hung and inside was Lacey, naked but with a blanket. There she will remain until nothing remains. It wasn’t a method that was often used. Only the most horrendous of crimes were punished this way. 

She will not die from dehydration or starvation. Food and water will be supplied to her daily, along with a knife. The point of the cage was to torture a person until they took their own life, so that they would be denied entry into paradise. 

Nights were warm enough that there was little chance of her succumbing to the elements. The cage was guarded by two soldiers at all times to make sure no one could give her a merciful death. If she endured long enough, she would eventually die, but no one ever did. The longest anyone had ever lasted was a month before they slit their own throat with the knife. 

Donatello turned away from the courtyard and looked at Raphael. The recent events were weighing heavily on him. He looked as if he was dead on his feet. 

“I never wanted to kill anyone before,” Raphael said, keeping his eyes on her. “I know my father could be cruel but I still loved him. She deserves to suffer. At the same time, I hate that I put her in there.” Tears filled his eyes and his grip tightened on the rail. He turned to look at Donatello. “She killed innocents, like Nevio, just to get to my father. Doesn’t that make you angry?”

Looking back out over the courtyard, Donatello sighed. “It hurts that Nevio is dead, but I can’t really feel much beyond that. I don’t want my grief to consume me like it did her. I can’t wish death on her.”

“She was going to do it anyway,” Raphael said as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. “Even before what happened with her daughter. She agreed to it months ago. Her grief only had her acting early. The plan was to kill my entire family; my grandfather, my uncles, my cousins, and everyone who dined with them all at the same time.

“The date she gave Saki is more than a month away. Plenty of time for messengers to reach the other kingdoms within my grandfather’s empire. Those who are working with the crocodiles will be dealt with.”

“Do you think there will be a war,” Donatello asked. 

Raphael shrugged. “I don’t know. This was a cowardly plan by the crocodiles. Cowards don’t go to war.” He turned and headed back into his room. “I want to check on Mikey, make sure he’s okay. Go to the kitchen and grab him something simple to eat, meet me in his room.”

“Yes, my prince,” Donatello said with a slight bow. 

In the kitchen only one oven was burning so that the slaves could keep fresh bread on hand. Donatello grabbed a loaf and an assortment of cheese and fruit. When he entered Michelangelo’s room, it was empty, so he waited. 

……

Leonardo had stood out in the hall with Michelangelo and Saki until a priestess came out to escort Michelangelo in and Saki left to check on the progress of the interrogation. Left alone and with nothing else to do, Leonardo decided to head back to Raphael’s room. 

He stood looking at the bed, contemplating sleep then thought better of it. He knew sleep wasn’t possible at the moment. Not after being so close to death. He needed a distraction.

After grabbing a candle, he made his way through the hidden halls to his father’s library. He selected a journal and began to read. Hours passed and by the time he was halfway through the third book, the sun’s rays began to shine through the small window. 

He had to set the book aside, unable to believe what he had just read. He needed time to process and decide what to do with the new information. Exhausted, Leonardo leaned forward and, with his elbows on his knees, rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. 

The door opened. Leonardo looked up in time to see Michelangelo enter the room. The dark circles under Michelangelo’s bloodshot eyes were a sure sign that he had been awake and crying all night. 

“My father is dead.” Staying by the door, Michelangelo asked, “Did you have something to do with this?”

Leonardo shook his head. “I did not.”

“The rats?”

“They don’t work like that,” Leonardo assured him. “If they assassinate, it is done quickly and without sacrificing innocents. What was done to your parents and the others was….” He struggled to find the right word to describe how he was feeling. 

Giving up, Leonardo got to his feet and walked towards Michelangelo. “I almost requested the custard. If it wasn’t for the fact that my system isn’t used to such rich foods, I’d also be dead.”

Michelangelo sighed and leaned in, accepting Leonardo’s offered embrace. “Do you know anything about the honey?”

“What honey?”

Michelangelo pulled back and looked up into Leonardo’s eyes. “It was the exotic honey in the custard that killed them. Lacey got the honey from the crocodiles, or their supporters.” He looked down and shook his head. “I’m not really sure about all the details.” He looked back up at Leonardo. “Do you know anything about the crocodiles’ plans?”

Leonardo shook his head. “I will ask the rats what they know tonight when I give them my report.” He pulled Michelangelo into a warm embrace. “For now, try to get some sleep.”

“I don’t know if I can,” Michelangelo whimpered, his voice muffled against Leonardo’s chest. “Every time I close my eyes, I see my dead mother.”

“I’m sure once you lie down you will fall asleep,” Leonardo said as he guided Michelangelo to the lounge sofa. After moving the book, he coaxed Michelangelo to lie down. 

“I don’t know if I’ve read that one yet,” Michelangelo said. “You’re reading through them fast.”

Leonardo smiled and admitted, “I skipped to my father’s. It’s the last one he wrote before… he died.”

“Learn anything interesting,” Michelangelo asked while doing his best not to yawn. 

“He didn’t love my mother,” Leonardo said with a shrug, looking down at the book in his hand. “It was an arranged marriage. The one he wanted was too low in stature to make a fitting queen. That didn’t stop him from having a secret affair.”

“Kind of like what we’re doing,” Michelangelo said sleepily. 

“Seems like it,” Leonard said with a smile and looked back up at Michelangelo. 

Sure enough, almost as soon as he settled, he was asleep. Leonardo sat himself down on the floor next to the sofa and continued to read. 

He was almost done with the book when the door opened and Raphael entered the room. His eyes narrowed for a moment and Leonardo was sure that Raphael was going to start accusing him of conspiring against the king but then he smirked. 

“That one’s an interesting read.”

Closing the book, Leonardo got to his feet. “You’ve read it?”

Raphael nodded. 

“I found them an interesting way to pass the time,” Leonardo said, doing his best to sound nonchalant. “I can’t sleep. The history of this kingdom is fascinating. Did you know it was never part of the crocodiles’ empire?”

“I know.” Raphael’s eyes drifted up to the painting of Demetrio. “You look like him,” he said, keeping his tone hushed so not to wake his brother. Bringing his full attention back to Leonardo, Raphael smiled. “Is that why you’re here, because you think you have a right to be here?”

Though his heart was hammering in his chest, Leonardo did his best to appear calm. Setting the book on the table, he shook his head. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Don’t lie,” Raphael warned. “I’ve read the book. I know about the mistress, the bastard, and the king’s promise. She was supposed to leave you as an abandoned baby with the priestesses. You were meant to be a pampered servant for Donatello. Only my father invaded first. She had to kept you and now you’ve figured out a way to worm your way into the palace. Don’t tell me she never told you.”

“She told me.” Leonardo decided it was best to run with the story Raphael believed to be the truth. “But there was never a plan. I was raised as a farmer and I was happy. I never cared to live here. My work brought me to where I could meet Michelangelo. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him.”

Part of that was the truth. 

“You’re lucky I read the book,” Raphael stated. “Saki also noticed the resemblance to Demetrio despite your attempt to hide it, and he was growing suspicious. He believed my theory that you want nothing more than what was originally promised but don’t be surprised if he ends up keeping a closer eye on you.”

“If it weren’t for my feeling towards Michelangelo, I would be more than happy to return to my life on the farm,” Leonardo lied. The rats wanted him in the palace by any means. “He’s the only reason I have to stay.”

“He won’t be here for much longer,” Raphael said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I’m too young to take the throne. My grandfather will come with one of my older cousins or an uncle. I don’t know what will happen to us. You still want to stay?”

Leonardo let out a deep breath and nodded. No matter what happened, no matter how much he heated it, the rats expected him to stay. He would have to figure out a way. 

Shaking his head, Raphael let out a humorless chuckle. “You’re an idiot…. Or, in love.” He shrugged. “Same thing.” He looked at Michelangelo and there was sorrow in his eyes. He looked at Leonardo again. “I wish you could just take him away from here.”

“If I did,” Leonardo dared to ask. 

“My grandfather would have you hunted and killed,” Raphael said as a matter of fact. “Help me get Mikey back to his room.”

“Does Donatello know,” Leonardo asked before Raphael could wake Michelangelo. “About me?”

“I told him he has a bastard brother after I read it,” Raphael replied with a nod. “But he doesn’t know it’s you. I only just recently figured it out and he’s never seen the portrait of Demetrio.”

“Figured out what,” Michelangelo asked as he woke up, stretching. “What time is it?”

“Close to dusk,” Raphael answered. “As for your first question. I figured out that your lover is the bastard son of the former king?”

“He’s the what?” Michelangelo looked from Raphael to Leonardo and back again. “The king had a bastard?”

“Demetrio had a mistress and sired a bastard with her,” Raphael said. “You spend how much time in this room and you never noticed how much Leonardo looks like him?” He chuckled and shook his head. “I always thought Donatello looked a lot like him, but Leonardo is almost an exact copy.”

Leonardo was still getting to know his father’s face and he had rarely ever seen his own. Looking up at the painting of Demetrio, he could see the resemblance Donatello had with him. How was it that he had never noticed it before? 

“I should have read the journals faster,” Michelangelo groaned. “Now it feels like the ending has been ruined.”

“You’ll live,” Raphael said and offered Michelangelo a hand up. “Time to get back to your room.”

Accepting his brother’s help, Michelangelo got to his feet. “You and Donatello are brothers.” He looked at Leonardo as if he was studying his face for the first time. “I guess you do kind of have a family resemblance. He must have gotten his coloring from his mother.”

They took Michelangelo to his room where Donatello was waiting. He helped Michelangelo change into fresh night attire and then sampled each item on a small platter of fruit, bread and cheese. After waiting a few moments, he passed the platter to Michelangelo, who sat himself in the large armchair by the fire. 

“We discovered that Leonardo is your brother,” Michelangelo said before stuffing cheese and apple into his mouth. It wasn’t the way Leonardo would have preferred to tell him but at least it was out of the way. 

Donatello looked Leonardo over. “You’re the bastard?”

“Apparently,” Leonardo replied. 

“Lucky,” Donatello said fatly before turning to collect the dirty clothes. He walked to the door as he spoke. “Leave the platter just outside the door when you are done. Someone will collect it.”

“I will,” Michelangelo said and then took a bite of bread. “I was a lot hungrier than I thought.”

“You haven’t eaten since supper last night,” Leonardo said, walking over to kiss the top of Michelangelo’s head. “Try to get some more sleep.”

Raphael joined Donatello at the door and turned to Leonardo. “You take the passage back to my room. We still need to keep up appearances. If you thought my father was strict, just wait until you meet my grandfather.”

The mention of his grandfather had Michelangelo stopping mid bite. “How long do you think it will take for him to get here?”

Raphael shrugged. “A few weeks, depending on his haste and the size of his traveling party. A month at the most.”

“What do you think is going to happen to us,” Michelangelo asked. 

Raphael shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Tears fill Michelangelo’s eyes. “I’m not ready to go to Gabriel yet.”

“There is nothing I can do,” Raphael said. “It would be best if we did as grandfather wishes.”

Placing the bread on the plate, Michelangelo got to his feet and passed the plate to Leonardo. “I’m not hungry anymore.” He walked to his bed and fell into it. “I didn’t think things could get any worse.”

Raphael walked over and sat on the bed next to his brother. “We don’t know if you will be sent to him yet. Don’t let yourself get worked up over things that haven’t been decided.

“No one will be focused on you tomorrow,” Raphael said doing his best to smile. “You and Leonardo can spend some time hiding out together in the hidden rooms. Make the most of the time you have remaining.” He got up and took the plate from Leonardo and set it on the bedside table. 

“Try to eat some more and then get some sleep.”

“I’ll try,” Michelangelo mumbled. 

He kissed Michelangelo on the cheek and then got up. “I’ll see you back in my room,” he said to Leonardo as he headed towards the door. 

Taking that as his cue to leave, Leonardo reentered the secret halls. As he made his way back to Raphael’s room, he heard voices in the distance. Taking a slight detour, he headed over to listen in. 

“Raphael has to be king,” Saki said in frustration. 

Leonardo looked through the small peephole and saw Saki sitting, petting a golden fox that was sitting in his lap. Hun paced the room, coming in and out of Leonardo’s view. 

“That bitch has potentially ruined everything,” Saki growled. 

“You’ll just have to convince the emperor that the prince is ready to rule,” Hun stated. 

Saki sighed and scratched the fox between its ears. “I hope the emperor is one who can be easily persuaded.”

“If he isn’t,” Hun asked. 

Saki’s frown deepened. “I don’t know. I’d hate to have to throw everything away and start over. It took so long to get this far.”

“Whatever happens,” Hun said, “you always manage to figure things out.”

“Until the emperor gets here, we will continue as normal,” Saki said, looking down at the fox. “If we have to adjust our plans we will.”

“I will get things ready for tomorrow,” Hun said before taking his leave. 

Leonardo continued to watch Saki for a while. When a slave entered the room and things started to take a more intimate turn, Leonardo decided that he wasn’t going to get anymore information. Besides, he needed to get back to Raphael’s room before the prince grew impatient. 

Later he would sneak out to report to the rats. He now regretted not taking that nap earlier. It was going to be another long night. 

Chapter 11

Leonardo waited for Raphael and Donatello to fall asleep before sneaking out. He was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep but he needed answers. How much did the Rats know? Did they have plans to support either side of the conflict, or were they going to remain neutral? 

The forest was dark but Leonardo knew it well enough to make his way through. He was not alone. Though he did not see them, someone was watching him. It was the way of the Rats.

In the hidden village, the Rat elders were waiting for him in the middle of a clearing. There weren’t many open spaces in the forest. Most were small so not to look out of place. This one was usually used for ceremonies. 

“I’m sure you already know that the king is dead,” Leonardo stated. 

“We do,” the head elder replied. 

“Did you have anything to do with it,” Leonardo heard himself asking before he had the chance to stop himself.

The head elder’s eyes narrowed. “We did not. You know we do not operate in such a way. Innocents are never used, or killed in the process of our assassinations.”

“Did you know that Donatello is my brother,” Leonardo asked, looking them each in the eyes for some kind of reaction. They were hard to read but he could pick out a few tells. Judging by their subtle reactions, they did not know. 

Splinter shook his head. “How is it that you discovered this?”

“My father’s journals,” Leonardo replied. “There are journals that go back as far as when the kingdom was founded. My father was in love with a simple farm girl. She left Donatello with the priestesses so that my father could select him to be raised as my pampered servant.”

The head elder looked at Splinter. “The fact that you lived in the palace and did not know means that he must have gone through great lengths to keep it secret.”

“I knew of the farm girl,” Splinter admitted. “The fact that he continued to see her does not surprise me. He had a tendency to be foolish when it came to his emotions.” He eyed Leonardo. “A trait you share.” 

“Prince Raphael has read the journals,” Leonardo said, ignoring the slight jab. “He believes that I am the bastard. As does Saki. I’ve decided to allow them to continue to believe it.”

“Do you believe that Saki had something to do with the death of the king,” one of the elders asked. 

Leonardo thought for a moment then shook his head. “No. Though, he is plotting something.” 

One of the elders crossed her arms over her chest. “Do you really believe that or has Splinter’s prejudice swayed your opinion of him?” 

“I witnessed him telling Hun how Lacey’s actions have put his plans in jeopardy. He was visible angry over it. I don’t know what he is planning but I do not believe he is working with the Crocodiles.” Leonardo turned his attention to Splinter. “Did you know of the Crocodiles’ plans to retake the empire?”

“We knew nothing of it,” the head elder insisted. “However they are organizing their efforts, they are doing it without alerting our spies.”

“What was used to kill the king,” another asked. 

“Honey,” Leonardo answered. “It comes from another land and causes a slow, agonizing death. From what I have been told, she was supposed to serve it to the royal family on a specific date and that other slaves across the empire have been given the same instructions. Have any of you ever heard of it before?”

“No,” the head elder answered. “But we will see what we can find out.”

“The fact that you, with your network of spies, knew nothing of this is a bit terrifying,” Leonardo admitted. 

“We agree,” one of the elders replied. 

“Do you believe there are those among your ranks who have sided with the Crocodiles,” Leonardo asked. 

Splinter thought for a moment before nodding his head. “It is possible and would explain why we did not know.”

“We will look into it,” the head elder stated. “You are to remain in the palace by any means necessary. The Crocodiles have to be getting help from someone. Even the smallest bit of information could end up being crucial.”

“Does this mean that the Rats are opposed to the Crocodiles regaining control of the empire,” Leonardo asked. 

The head elder shook his head. “Who rules the empire does not concern us. What we seek is information.”

“To what end,” Leonardo demanded. 

“It is not your place to question why we do what we do,” Splinter replied, chastising Leonardo. “Maybe one day you will earn the answers to all of your questions but for now you prove your worth by following orders.”

Leonardo stiffened, casting his eyes to the ground. It took him a moment before he could unclench his jaw. “Forgive me.”

“If you have nothing more to report,” the head elder said, “we will take our leave.”

“There is one more thing,” Leonardo said before the elders could leave. They each watched him in silence as they waited for him to continue. “I had overheard Raphael and Donatello telling Michelangelo that they had seen Mizuchi and Suzaku and that Suzaku had healed their wounds.”

The elders looked at one another in silent conversation then the head elder nodded. “Thank you, Leonardo. The information you have given us today does hold considerable value.”

He knew they were not going to tell him what it was that held considerable value or why and knew better than to press for the information. It was best to remember his place. Leonardo bowed deeply. “It is my honor to serve.”

He waited for the elders to leave before approaching Splinter. “Do they really not care who rules the empire?”

Splinter shook his head. 

“Why were you loyal to my father,” Leonardo asked. “You never told me.”

“I was a child, when I first me your father.” Splinter smiled and his eyes focused on nothing as he recalled that day. “He was already a man at that time. He and his friends had entered the forest for some hunting. My job was to make sure they did not enter our village.”

Leonardo nodded his understanding. The ones following him in the forest earlier were Rat children I training. As a child he had been assigned to track and lead others through the forest while staying hidden. It was a method of training for the Rats’ youth. 

“The Hart of the Forest was also watching your father that day,” Splinter continued. “At the time, I thought he was there to protect the creatures of the forest. I had never seen The Hart before and I was in awe of his beauty.

“As you know, dark spirits are everywhere. They like to make trouble and they try to expose us whenever possible.”

Once again Leonardo nodded his head, knowing all too well the lengths a mischievous spirit can go to make trouble. A Kappa had occupied a small lake that was fed by a trickling of water from down the mountain. When Leonardo was small, the Kappa had lured him to the water and tried to drown him. 

Splinter had managed to save him with the help of three others. It took five priests to catch the Yokai. It now sat in a sealed jug on Splinter’s mantel. 

“A Tengu knocked me out the tree and I landed on the ground in front of your father.” Splinter held up his arthritic hand. “I was badly injured by the fall. Demitrio stayed with me while one of his friends rode back to the palace to fetch a priestess. 

“The king had come with the priestess and his guard with the intention of capturing me, to be interrogated, so that they could learn the secrets of the Rats. Demitrio stood up to his father that day, insisting that my wounds be treated and I be allowed to leave.

“I saw The Hart nearby, also watching the event unfold. That was when I knew he was there for your father.”

“Did my father ever see him,” Leonardo asked. 

Splinter nodded. “After he became king, he saw The Hart. He only shows himself to those who are worthy.”

Leonardo scoffed. “If The Hart found something worthy in my father, why didn’t he do anything to help him when the land was invaded.”

“Spirits do not interfere in the lives of mortals,” Splinter explained. “They only step in when mortals need help when dealing with demons or dark spirits.”

Leonardo thought for a moment before asking. “Then why would they step in to heal Raphael and Donatello’s mortal wounds?”

Splinter’s eyes filled with worry. “That is a good question.”

…..

People showed up in droves to see the bodies of the king and queen. A few of Raphael’s closer uncles and cousins also showed to pay their respects, and stayed so that they could be there when the emperor decided who would get the kingdom. Many of them were already looking the castle over as if they expected it to go to them. The banter between them left no doubt that they were willing to kill each other over it if needed. 

With several royals in the castle, the slaves worked tirelessly to cater to their every need. 

To display that Raphael was ruthless enough to be king, Saki suggested that the children of the slaves be the new tasters. Some were as young as three. 

“What better way to insure the slaves don’t poison the food than if their own children are the ones to eat it,” Saki said when he presented the idea to Raphael. 

“I’m sure grandfather will be impressed,” Raphael agreed, his tone lacking any emotion. 

That was the hardest part for Donatello, watching Raphael shut down. It was as if he had given up and allowed darkness to take over. Donatello never left his side. Mostly because he felt safest there, out of the reach of Raphael’s uncles and cousins. 

The Rabbits sent their clan leader, Kenichi to court in response to the summons. Saki and the priestess Karai were also in attendance. When asked about the honey Kenichi’s ears flattened in fear. 

“Your reaction worries me,” Raphael said, glaring at the rabbit. “Did you have any part in my father’s death?”

Kenichi shook his head. “We would never do anything against your father. He was our salvation.”

“Then why are you so frightened,” Raphael asked. 

“I know where the honey comes from. We fled our lands because of the cruelty of the Snakes,” Kenichi replied. “That toxic honey was one of their favorite means of torture.”

Saki, who sat at Raphael’s side, leaned forward in interest. “Tell me everything you know about this honey.”

“In small doses, it causes hallucinations,” Kenichi said. “It would be force fed to prisoners. Their addled minds would have them babbling information. Sometimes, if too much was given, the would slowly die.”

“Is there any treatment,” Karai asked. 

Kenichi shook his head. “None that we have found.” He turned his attention back to Raphael. “If the honey is here, then there is a chance that the Snakes are here as well.”

Raphael turned his attention to Saki. “Could the Snakes be working with the Crocodiles?”

“Possibly. I will send word,” Saki said to Raphael. “My men will be on the lookout for snakes and this information will be shared so that guards in the rest of the empire will also know to be on the lookout.”

The Rabbit clan leader was allowed to return to his village. Though he did not have to fear retribution from the kingdom, it was plain to see that the knowledge that she Snakes were close by would keep him up at night. 

The days bled into one another and before they knew it, the emperor’s herald appeared at the palace gates to announce the emperor’s pending arrival. An hour later, the emperor entered the court room. 

Donatello had never seen a turtle older than Arigio before. Seeing the emperor reminded Donatello that turtles never stopped growing. Though the emperor was old, he was not frail. In fact, he looked as if he could take out the whole army on his own. He towered over everyone else. Even Hun looked small when standing next to him. 

Raphael stood in front of the thrones on the top step with Donatello right behind him, ready to serve. Raphael’s uncles and cousins stood off to the side but still is a position of honor to the left, behind the thrones. Michelangelo stood on Raphael’s right, one step down. Saki stood at the base of the steps to Raphael’s left, his pet fox sitting obediently at his feet. Aside from the few servants who lined the walls, there was no one else in the court room. 

Benvolio was accompanied by personal servants, including a couple of mates who looked to be less than half his age, judging by their size. And, judging by their features, looked to be related to him in some way. 

The fact that the emperor took members of his own family into his bed made Donatello’s stomach churn. He was reminded of the fact that Raphael and Michelangelo were one of the rare royals who were not a product of inbreeding. 

The emperor also had his personal guards. Cats and Foxes were the main species who populated the region where the emperor called home. A war-scarred, tan, one eyed Cat walked next to the emperor along with a mix of Cats and Foxes. 

“I saw the woman in the cage,” Benvolio stated as if talking about the weather as he approached Raphael. 

“Her crime warranted no less,” Raphael replied just as coldly. 

Benvolio nodded. “Agreed. I am amazed that she is still alive. I was under the impression that humans were weak.” He turned his attention to Saki. “You are the commander of the royal guard?”

“I am,” Saki replied with a deep bow. 

“This is Hob and Ninjara.” The tan one-eyed male cat and a brown female fox stepped forward as they were introduced and then bowed. “You will tell them all you have learned so far. Their people will take care of the investigation into the assassination of my son and the conspiracy against my empire.”

“Of course,” Saki replied. “I am at your command.”

“If you would come with us,” Hob said, gesturing towards the exit. 

As they left, Benvolio turned his attention back to Raphael. “You are as beautiful as your father was.” He considered his grandson for a moment and then his eyes fell on Donatello. 

Having the emperor’s attention on him filled Donatello with fear. All the stories Nevio had told to him filled his mind. Benvolio was cruel to slaves. They were nothing more than property to him. 

“It’s damaged,” Benvolio stated, returning his attention to Raphael. 

“Father’s doing,” Raphael replied. “It was recent.”

“Why do you keep it?” He sneered a bit as his eyes narrowed. “You’re not attached to it like your father was to his, are you?”

“No,” Raphael stated flatly. “But this one has been with me for a long time and knows what I need without asking. I would rather have a damaged slave than have to train a new one.”

“Yes. Training one up right can take time,” Benvolio agreed.

“Despite the damage, he is pleasant to look at. Maybe after I decide what is to become of this kingdom, the two of you can return with me.” When Benvolio’s attention once again fell on him, Donatello was filled with such an overwhelming feeling of terror that he urinated on himself. The look of horror and disgust that overcame Benvolio’s face had Raphael turning around. 

He glanced down at the puddle at Donatello’s feet. The schooled and stoic expression faded for a moment into absolute sorrow. 

Regaining control, Raphael balled his fist, ready to strike. 

Donatello passed out before the blow could be dealt. 

Chapter 12

Leonardo stood in one of the secret passageways, high above the courtroom, watching the arrival of the emperor. He was there for information. Any small detail could be useful to the Rats. Even if it wasn’t or his assignment, he would want to be there. Their fates would be decided by Benvolio. 

He had been told that Benvolio was large but to see it was almost terrifying. Despite his age, there was nothing about him that said, old. He had many decades of life remaining before he died of natural causes. 

Everything seemed to be going well until Donatello passed out. Leonardo’s stomach flipped with fear. The emperor would not such an act slide. 

“Clean this up,” Raphael bellowed. 

Servants rushed forward. One lifted Donatello while others scooped up the soiled sand and replaced it. The work was finished in a matter of seconds. 

Raphael glared at the servant holding Donatello. “Strip it down, clean it off, and chain it to my bed. I will deal with it later.”

“It should be beaten,” Benvolio hissed. 

Raphael shifted his gaze to his grandfather. “I will take care of it. It is my slave.”

“You still want it after that?” Benvolio sneered. “You are as sentimental as your father.”

“Are you accusing me of loving my slave?” Raphael scoffed. “Love is for the weak. As I’ve said before, it’s obedient and well trained, that’s hard to replace. It knows what I like.”

Benvolio considered his grandson for a moment before speaking. “I will admit that I have slaves that get away with more thanks to their… skills.”

“It has skills,” Raphael said, the tone of his voice carrying heavy implications. “It is well worth it.”

Nodding his understanding, Benvolio smiled. “One day you will have a bed mate that pleases you more and the value of that slave will drop.”

“Until that day, I intend on keeping it.”

“If you’re allowed,” Raphael’s uncle scoffed as he walked forward. “Once father decides who will run this kingdom, you will be sent to be someone’s mate. There is the chance that the one you are sent to won’t let you have a personal slave. I know I wouldn’t.”

Raphael turned to glare at his uncle. “There is no reason I can’t be king. I am the next in line.”

Raphael’s uncle laughed. “You’re still a child. There is no way father would name you.”

“I have not made any decisions yet,” Benvolio said, ending the argument. “Nor will I make my decision today. It has been a long journey.” He turned his attention to Raphael. “I would like a bath before supper. Join me.”

“Of course,” Raphael replied, bowing.

The tone in Benvolio’s voice and the slight tremble in Raphael’s left Leonardo with an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. When Raphael’s uncle moved to speak, Benvolio cut him off. “Raphael and I will be alone.”

Together they exited the courtroom, followed by several servants. As they made their way to the bath, Leonardo followed through the passageways. 

He had to make his way down a narrow flight of stairs to get back down from the high spy chamber of the courtroom. The forgotten passageways were dark and unkept but free of debris. There was no worry of injury himself as he made his way through the dark. The dampness in the air told Leonardo he was nearing the baths. 

A larger tub had been filled for the emperor, steam and fragrance filling the air. They were already in the bathroom when Leonardo had arrived and peered through the small spyhole. 

Benvolio stood with his arms out as slaves removed his armor. The armor and clothes will be taken to be cleaned but his weapons would remain in the room with him. Leonardo had a feeling that the emperor was never without them. 

“I’ve visited many of the kingdoms within my empire,” Benvolio said as he entered the bath. “This is the only one with a bath as luxurious as my own.”

“Father had exquisite taste,” Raphael said. “It also helps that this is the richest kingdom within the empire.”

He moved towards a smaller tub but Benvolio gestured for Raphael to join him in the larger one. “Leave us,” he ordered as Raphael slipped into the tub. 

The slaves rushed from the room, leaving Raphael alone with his grandfather. Leonardo knew it was for more than to have a private conversation. The way Benvolio was looking at Raphael left no doubt what he desired. 

“You are as beautiful as your father was,” Benvolio said, cupping Raphael’s cheek and running his thumb across his lips. “He was always a favorite of mine. It pained me to send him so far away. If you come back with me, I would let you keep that slave for as long as you like.”

“As much as I love you and as tempting as that is, I want my kingdom,” Raphael insisted. “Besides, if father’s suspicions are correct, Donatello has to stay or the demons will return. It is another reason I am so determined to hold on to the slave. I’m not willing to risk it. Part of me fears that anyone else you would put on the throne would be foolish enough to kill him.”

Benvolio grunted as he thought, while his hands explored Raphael’s body. “There is the belief that the spirits blessed the bloodline of the first king of this land and that they are needed to keep the demons away. I remember your father’s worry when that fishing village was plagued with demons. He believed that when he conquered the kingdom, he broke the protection spell.”

“Donatello had fallen ill during that time,” Raphael said as a matter of fact, seemingly unfazed by his grandfather’s touch. “It was after father ordered Donatello get the care that he needed, the demons were defeated. It seems that the belief is true. Father was a fool to damage Donatello so severely.”

“Your father was a fool but I still loved him dearly. He didn’t appreciate my affections,” Benvolio said, sounding hurt. “I gave him everything he wanted but he still pulled away from me.”

Raphael kissed the palm of his grandfather’s hand. “I would never pull away.”

When Benvolio leaned in to kiss Raphael, it was more than Leonardo could bear to see. With is stomach in knots, he turned away and headed back down the tunnels. 

It was one thing to hear about Benvolio’s incestuous depravities but to see him express such desire for his own grandchild made Leonardo ill. He wanted nothing more than to get as far away from there as possible.

Leonardo turned down a corridor that led to Raphael’s room and almost collided with Michelangelo. “You don’t want to go down that way,” Leonardo warned, blocking Michelangelo’s path. 

Tears filled the younger turtle’s eyes as he shook his head. “Our father warned us about our grandfather. It’s the reason he wanted this kingdom, to keep us as far away from him as possible. There was a lot wrong with Father but at least he never wanted to….” Michelangelo wiped his eyes and cleared his throat. “And now Raph….”

Leonardo looked back over his shoulder. “He didn’t seem to object.”

Michelangelo shoved Leonardo against the wall. Stunned by the sudden shift in Michelangelo, Leonardo could only stare at him in disbelief. He had never seen him so mad. 

“Raph doesn’t want to be there,” Michelangelo said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “He’s gotten really good at doing things he doesn’t want to do and hiding his detest. That whole conversation with our grandfather was an act. He’s doing everything he can to keep us safe.”

“I’m sorry,” Leonardo said. “I don’t even want to think about what he’s having to endure and, sadly, there’s nothing you can do to help him now. Not without enraging your grandfather and ruining everything Raphael is working for. It would be best if we wait for him in his room.”

Michelangelo nodded and allowed Leonardo to lead him back to Raphael’s room. They walked in silence. Michelangelo would occasionally look back over his shoulder, worry for his brother etched on his face. 

They entered the room to find Donatello, stripped and shackled to the foot of Raphael’s bed. He was sitting on the floor, clutching the bedpost, eyes downcast as he awaited his fate. He didn’t look up when they entered. 

“They stripped me of my clothes and dumped water on me then dragged me through the halls. I’m going to die. I don’t want to be put in the cage. I’d rather it be quick. Let me have a quick death.”

“I think Raph convinced our grandfather to leave you alone,” Michelangelo assured him as he kneeled down in front of him. “He’ll have to do something but I’m sure he will make it look worse than it really is.”

Donatello’s eyes lifted enough to look at Michelangelo. “How? After what I did in front of the emperor.” 

“By acting like a spoiled child who doesn’t want to lose his favorite toy,” Leonardo stated. “He also used superstition and the threat of losing the richest kingdom in the empire to a demon invasion. It was a good act. If I didn’t know him better, I’d say he only saw you as thing.”

Donatello shook his head. “That won’t work forever. Whoever he is sent to will have the final say over my fate.”

“Raph is arguing to keep the crown,” Michelangelo stated. “Saki is inclined to fight for him as well.”

“Your uncles….” Donatello started. 

“Will do what my grandfather tells them,” Michelangelo said. 

“Did they leave a key for those things,” Leonardo asked, looking around the room.

“It would be best to leave him here until Raph returns,” Michelangelo said. “I hate it but if anyone were to enter the room and see that he had been released, it would cause us more problems. We will have to keep up the act until they leave.”

“And if the emperor decides to give the kingdom to one of your uncles or older cousins,” Donatello asked. 

Michelangelo shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“There is always running away,” Leonardo offered. “We could escape and get as far away from here as possible.”

“We would be hunted,” Michelangelo said. 

The sound of the door opening ended their conversation. Standing up, Michelangelo quickly moved away from Donatello. They relaxed a little when Raphael entered the room alone. His attire was different than what he was wearing when he received his grandfather. 

Closing the door, Raphael leaned against it and slid to the floor. “Get out.”

“No.” Michelangelo rushed over to kneel down next to his brother. “We’re not going anywhere.”

Raphael briefly glanced up at Leonardo. “I don’t want him seeing me like this,” he mumbled to Michelangelo. 

“He’s part of this now,” Michelangelo insisted. “Let him in so he can help.”

“What can he do,” Raphael argued. 

“Help you maintain your lies,” Michelangelo offered. 

“I feel like I’m going to be sick,” Raphael said, his voice shaking with raw emotion. 

“You don’t have to hold it in anymore,” Michelangelo soothed. “Not here. Not with us.”

“I can’t fall apart now.” Raphael shook his head. With a few deep breaths he pushed down his emotions. “I don’t think I would be able to put it all back together if I did. I need to get through this first.” Raphael looked up to see Donatello still chained to the bed. “Where are the keys?”

Donatello pointed with his chin towards a large desk against the wall on the other side of the room. “They tossed the key on your desk.”

Steeling himself, Raphael got to his feet and made his way over to the desk. “I was able to do everything grandfather wanted. Hopefully it was enough.”

Donatello watched as Raphael made his way toward him. “Whoever dressed you did a terrible job of it. Was it one of your grandfather’s slaves?” A soft smile spread across his face. Despite his own pain and fears, he was doing what he could to lighten the mood. 

“I dressed myself,” Raphael said as he knelt down to unlock the shackles. 

“That explains a lot.,” Donatello teased. 

Raphael managed a laugh. “It just shows how much I need you.”

“I’m sorry I made things more difficult,” Donatello said as a fresh set of tears fell from his eyes. “Nevio told me of the things your grandfather did to your father. I’m sorry if my actions had anything to do with him doing any of those things to you.”

Raphael shook his head. “Things would have played out the same either way. Grandfather loved my father, more than a father should love his son. As long as I give hm the affection he wants, he won’t lash out and I will get what I want. Sucking it up and finally giving grandfather what he wanted was how father was able to get this kingdom.”

As the chains fell to the floor, Raphael turned his attention to Michelangelo. “There’s something you have to do, Mikey.”

“I don’t want to do anything with grandpa,” Michelangelo whimpered. 

Raphael shook his head and go to his feet. “He doesn’t desire you. But you have to make him believe that you and I have been together.”

Michelangelo’s eyes went wide and his mouth moved as he tried to find his voice. “What?” he said in a squeak. “What do you mean when you say, together?”

“I’m trying to keep you here,” Raphael explained, “with me. I know that the thought of going to one of our uncles or cousins makes you sick. So, I told him that we have been… intimate with one another for a while now but that we had to keep it secret since we knew our father would not approve.”

“I can do that,” Michelangelo said with a nod. “As long as we don’t have to actually do that.”

Raphael forced a smile. “I will do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen. I will keep his attentions away from you.”

Michelangelo rushed forward to hug his brother. “You’re always looking out for me. I will make all this up to you one day.”

“I would do anything to keep you safe.” Raphael kissed the top of Michelangelo’s head. “Get changed. It’s almost time for supper.”

“Shal I go to the kitchen,” Donatello asked. 

“Act hurt,” Raphael said. “Make it believable.”

“That won’t be difficult,” Donatello said. “I’m still not fully healed from what your father did to me.”

For the first time since entering the room, Raphael looked Leonardo in the eyes. “Can I trust you not to screw this up? Our lives depend on your ability to maintain a lie.”

‘You have no idea,” Leonardo thought to himself then nodded. “I will do as you command.” 

Chapter 13

To say that he was frightened would have been a massive understatement. Donatello knew that the emperor was not a forgiving man. Giving up a small prayer to the gods, he limped his way to the kitchens and hoped everyone would believe his act. It wasn’t entirely an act. He was still recovering. 

The already sweltering kitchen was packed full of cooks and slaves who had accompanied Raphael’s uncles and grandfather. Every one of them were running around, making sure that the meal met their respective masters’ preferences.

Donatello kept his head down, doing his best to avoid the visiting slaves while, at the same time, listening in to their conversations. Any information he can glean from them might prove to be valuable to Raphael. 

Of course, they were all trained to do the same, so Donatello watched what he said around his fellow slaves. 

In accordance to the new rules, Donatello was followed out of the kitchen by a few small children. They had all proven themselves to be well behaved and didn’t mind tasting the wonderful foods that were meant for the royal family. 

To them, it was a treat. Their innocent minds didn’t fully understand why they were chosen to eat from the plates of the royals. All they knew was, if they behaved, they got to eat better than they ever had before. 

The emperor sat at the head of the table with his wife, mates and children sitting to his left and Raphael’s uncles and cousins sitting to his right. There were several other turtles who were obviously related to the emperor sitting with them, though Donatello could not tell where they sat on the twisted family tree. 

Donatello did his best to keep himself focused on the familiar task of serving Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo. As long as he didn’t let himself think about the emperor, he would be alright. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself. 

“I had a meeting with Oroku Saki today,” Benvolio said as he cut his steak. “I am impressed with the amount of information you have been able to gather in such a short time.”

“The threat was against the empire as a whole,” Raphael replied. “I had to act quickly.”

One of Raphael’s uncles scoffed. “Why would the humans side with the crocodiles? Foolish creatures.”

“They are short lived,” Benvolio stated. “Even their eldest were not yet born during the time the crocodiles ruled, so they don’t remember their cruelty. The kingdoms are doing far better now. This very kingdom was plagued by demons when the crocodiles ruled the empire. They never tried to cleans it. It was a turtle who cleared this land and built the kingdom.”

“Now it is one of the richest kingdoms,” another Raphael’s uncles added then gave Raphael a piercing sideways glance. “Far too important to the empire to be left in the hands of an inexperienced child.”

“It took my father nearly a decade to figure out how to properly run this kingdom. I have learned a lot from him,” Raphael argued. “An outsider would take years to learn what I already know and to build the trust of the nobles. This kingdom would once again suffer a loss during that time.” 

“Enough,” Benvolio said. “Your bickering won’t sway my decision one way or another.”

“It took centuries for the kingdom to become rich enough for the crocodiles to take notice,” Michelangelo stated. “Generations had passed before they tried to take it.”

“You know your history,” Benvolio said with a smile. “I was born here. My grandfather was the head of one of many large turtle clans that had settled after the land was safe. They came to escape the crocodiles. They were content here for a long time. When the crocodiles tried to take it for their own, the clans came together and fought them. 

“They didn’t stop at simply protecting this kingdom.” Benvolio shook his head. “After seeing the horrors the people suffered, under crocodile rule, they decided to liberate the empire. My grandfather was the one who overthrew the crocodile emperor. He had every right to claim the empire for himself. 

“But he was foolish,” Benvolio sneered. “When the other clan leaders demanded they be rewarded for their contributions to the revolution, my grandfather caved in and split the empire in to several kingdoms. A kingdom for each clan. It took me nearly a century to right that wrong.”

“And you succeeded where the crocodiles failed,” Michelangelo said. “You added this kingdom to the empire.”

“As it should be,” Benvolio replied. 

Michelangelo nodded. “The crocodiles would have lost this kingdom if they had managed to take it.”

One of their cousins side eyed Michelangelo. “How so?”

“Someone with the blood of the first king needs to be in the kingdom in order for the demons to stay away,” Michelangelo stated. “I doubt the crocodiles would have kept the king’s descendants alive.”

The cousin looked at his father. “Does that mean we would have to keep the broken slave?”

His father snorted. “It’s just stories. The slave is not needed.”

“Not worth the risk,” Benvolio said. “Arigio believed the stories.” He considered Donatello for a moment while he chewed. “You should see if one of the farmers would be willing to have their daughter mate with your slave. Offer the family some silver for their troubles. A small handful will be more than they would see in a lifetime. If you are lucky you can get a boy and a girl out of her and then breed them when they come of age. That way you keep the bloodline here as slaves.”

“That is a good idea, grandfather,” Raphael agreed, though Donatello could tell that the idea disgusted the prince. “It would be even better if the first egg hatched a girl. Then Donatello could breed again with its daughter when it came of age.”

Benvolio’s face lit up in approval. “If the gods are good. A daughter on the first try is very rare.” 

Donatello’s stomach churned. 

After the meal, Raphael spent several more hours with his grandfather, touring the castle and the grounds. Fortunately, Donatello was given leave to clean and tend to other tasks. He was grateful that he didn’t have to follow the emperor around. 

It should have been relatively stress free. However, it was not. Donatello noticed that the other slaves seemed to be keeping their distance or giving him the cold shoulder. When they talked, they kept their conversation short and simple.  

Though he felt that he already knew the answer, Donatello asked, “Why are you guys so mad at me?” He was sure they were still angry at him over turning Lacey in. 

“The fact that you pissed yourself and passed out in front of the emperor and you’re standing here. If any of us had done that, we’d be dead,” one of them said. 

At Donatello’s surprised expression, another slave scoffed. “And the fact that you’re too stupid to realize the kind of power you could have over the prince.”

“I am just a slave,” Donatello argued. “I hold no power at all over the prince.”

“We all know how much he wants you but that you continue to reject him,” another said. “He’d have to love you to put up with that. You can use that to your advantage. It doesn’t matter how you really feel. Make him believe you’re in love with him and fuck him whenever he wants it. Then you can subtly suggest ways to make life better for all of us while he’s in a good mood.”

“The emperor hasn’t made his decision yet,” Donatello pointed out. “We don’t know who our king will be or where we’ll all end up.”

“I suppose you are right,” the first slave replied as he walked away. “But, think about the position you will be in if he does become king. You would be the head of all the slaves in the castle.”

“And, think about this,” the second slave said. “How long do you think it will be before he grows tired of waiting and what do you think will happen to you once he does?”

Donatello stood in stunned silence as the other slaves left. He had no idea that his relationship with Raphael was so well know but at the same time, he was not surprised. Slaves were observant and were often ignored. Even Donatello had a tendency to forget they were there from time to time. 

What they had said to him struck a chord. He had no desire to try to sway Raphael in any way but the thought of Raphael growing tired of Donatello rejecting him, had him worried. What would happen to him when the prince lost interest? 

The thought continued to plague him as he made his way back to Raphael’s room. When he entered, he found Raphael standing by the window, looking out. 

“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting,” Donatello said, bowing deeply. 

“I haven’t been here long,” Raphael replied. He looked and sounded drained. Stepping away from the window, he allowed Donatello to undress him. “I don’t know how much longer I can take all of this.”

“I know it’s stressful,” Donatello said, doing his best to sound sympathetic. “It’s the not knowing that’s the hardest part. Hopefully his excellence will make his decision soon.” 

Once undressed, Raphael picked up the loose slacks he usually slept in but Donatello stopped him before he had the chance to put them on. “How about a nice massage to help ease some tension,” Donatello offered. “It will help you sleep better.”

“I would like that,” Raphael admitted with a sigh. “I doubt it will help me sleep. Not unless you have a way to rid me of my nightmares.” 

“I wish I knew how.” Donatello directed Raphael to the bed and then collected some sweet scented oils from across the room. By the time he returned with his selection, Raphael was lying face down on the bed. 

Starting with Raphael’s shoulders, Donatello kneaded the tight muscles with some lavender scented oil. A lump formed in his throat as he debated on what he should do. His conversation with the other slaves still weighed heavily on his mind. How far was he willing to go and was it really worth it? Though he hated to admit it, part of him didn’t want to leave Raphael. Maybe he could fake it if it meant staying where he was. 

Making up his mind, Donatello switched to Raphael’s legs. He started with the calves and slowly worked his way up. As he got closer to Raphael’s butt, the prince lifted his head a little to look back at Donatello. It was hard to read him but there was no sign of protest. 

Donatello dipped his fingers down along Raphael’s inner thigh and then turned his hand to slide them along the underside of Raphael’s tail. This elicited a gasp from the prince. Carefully, Raphael shifted then turned over on his back to look directly at Donatello. 

His golden eyes watched Donatello. His expression was one of curiosity, desire, uncertainty, and a little bit of fear. 

Resting his hand on Raphael’s lower plastron, Donatello leaned down for a soft kiss. 

Raphael returned the kiss with gusto and parted his legs.  

Without breaking the kiss, Donatello reached down to circle his still slick finger around Raphael’s tight hole. Raphael churred, bucking his hips causing his growing erection to brush against Donatello’s arm. 

Taking that as a sign to continue, Donatello pressed his finger against the muscles and they relented. With steady strokes he pushed his finger in deeper until he reached Raphael’s prostate. Then he moved the tip of his finger in slow circles, applying gentle pressure. 

He original plan was to simply finger Raphael until he climaxed but Raphael started to tug at Donatello’s clothes. His own erection growing uncomfortable, Donatello was more than obliged to take them off. He removed his finger from Raphael long enough to strip, still managing to maintain the kiss. 

He could hardly believe how much he wanted it and Raphael’s needy moans only added to his desire. Though it was not his intention, it was like a flood gate had been opened. The need to be inside him was overwhelming. 

Finally breaking the kiss, Donatello coated his shaft with oil and joined Raphael on the bed, settling between the prince’s legs. There was no doubt that Raphael wanted it just as badly. His eyes were locked on Donatello’s cock as he anticipated being penetrated. 

There was little resistance as Donatello pushed inside. The soft warmth surrounded his cock, eliciting a deep churr, enticing him to go deeper and drowning out all sense. He gave into his primal desire and began to thrust, not holding back in the slightest. 

Grabbing Donatello’s biceps, Raphael held tight. His head rolled back against the pillow as he let out a deep moan. The sudden tightness that accompanied Raphael’s orgasm was more than Donatello could bear. With a grunt, he finished, pushing in as deep as he could go. 

When it was done, he opened his eyes to look down at Raphael. As soft smile spread across the prince’s lips as he let out a content sigh. For the first time, in a long time, his eyes sparkled.

“Feel better,” Donatello whispered, causing Raphael’s smile to widen. 

“Yeah,” he replied with a nod. “I feel like a weight has been removed from my soul.”

Sitting back on his feet, Donatello took in the sight of Raphael. “I’ll help you get clean.”

He started to get off the bed but Raphael stopped him. “It’s alright. Lie down with me.”

“If you’re sure….” Donatello settled down next to Raphael with his head resting on the prince’s shoulder and was asleep as soon as he shut his eyes. 

…..

The emperor and his uncles followed Raphael as he did his duties running the kingdom. They sat silently while Raphael dealt with the court and then the council. The emperor wanted to see if Raphael could handle the kingdom and his uncles were waiting for any slight error. 

What was surprising was that Raphael didn’t seem to mind at all. He went about his daily duties in good spirits. He looked well rested. The dark circles under his eyes were gone and there was a lightness to his step. Leonardo even saw him smiling. Genuinely smiling. And for the first time, Leonardo saw just how beautiful he really was. 

It was like a dark cloud that had been hanging over him had been blown away. But, as far as Leonardo could tell, nothing had changed. Their situation was still unknown. 

“You will be king,” Benvolio said unceremoniously to Raphael after three days, as they were served their supper. “We will have to coronation ceremony tomorrow and then you will marry Venus, three days later.” He indicated the young, quiet girl who had been sitting next to his wife at every meal. 

The girl looked to be no older than thirteen. Her eyes stayed fixed on the food in front of her. “She’s a bastard,” the emperor stated. “Born to one of my wife’s handmaidens but Venus is of my blood and will be able to keep the bloodline pure enough.”

“Thank you, grandfather,” Raphael replied. “I am deeply honored.”

Though Raphael was thanking his grandfather, Leonardo could tell that he was anything but grateful. He hid it well but Leonardo was trained in how to read people. He could see the hidden pain and disgust. 

Being king wasn’t something that he wanted but it was better than the alternative. 

Leonardo looked at Venus. She didn’t look any more pleased with the arrangement than Raphael. She almost looked like she was going to be ill. At least she was pretty and held no signs of inbreeding. Must take after her mother, because she looked nothing like Benvolio. 

Looking across the table, Leonardo’s eyes fell on Raphael’s uncles. They all looked livid. Whatever hopes they had of taking this kingdom for themselves or for one of their sons was gone. If Raphael was right about the nature of his family, he had made a few enemies today. Ones who will most likely invade the moment Benvolio dies. Next to being the next emperor, this kingdom was the most desired. 

The coronation was held the next day, in front of the highest-ranking nobles who were able to attend. There were some who were away tending to their estates. They will not be pleased that they had missed such an important occasion. At least the majority who were there looked pleased that Raphael was going to be their king. 

Leonardo wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or not. He still didn’t know these people all that well yet and he couldn’t tell if they were pleased Raphael was their king because they believed in him or if it was because they thought they would be able to take advantage of the fact he was young and inexperienced. 

Benvolio himself placed the crown on Raphael’s head and then declared that, until Raphael sires children, Michelangelo would be schooled to be his heir. This was a relief. At least for a while, Michelangelo was safe. 

The assembled nobles applauded in a modest manner that was appropriate for court. Each family came up one at a time to congratulate Raphael and to pledge their loyalty to him. 

After the coronation, Raphael stepped out onto a balcony to present himself to the people waiting below. They cheered for their new king. However, looking out among them, some of their cheers were empty. They cheered because they felt they had to, not because they loved him. There was a reason the crocodiles were able to find supporters. 

The days leading up to the wedding where hectic. A royal wedding could not be a simple affair. No. It was to be a grand event. Slaves worked tirelessly to make all the preparations. Not just the palace slaves, but the slaves belonging to the nobles were also being run ragged. New gowns had to be sewn, gifts had to be acquired. The wedding would be a chance for the nobles to make alliances and try to gain favor from the new king and his young queen. 

Many of the lower nobles will present their young daughters to Venus in hopes they will be selected to be part of the young queen’s inner circle. To be in the queen’s inner circle would mean a better chance of a good marriage. Even the nobles out in the countryside were racing to get to the palace on time. 

Taking advantage of the chaos, Leonardo slipped away. With everyone busy preparing for the wedding, no one paid attention to him. 

Beyond the gates, he climbed a large, sturdy oak with dense foliage. The thick branches continued for several feet and he managed to climb quite high before he questioned whether or not one would be able to support him. 

Looking around, he made sure no one had spotted him. 

He was high enough that he could look out and see Lacey. The poor woman was still alive. She was clutching the knife in her hand, so he knew that she was at least contemplating ending it. Part of Leonardo was grateful she had lasted this long. He hated that she was suffering. 

There wasn’t much he could do for her but there was one thing. He could spare her any more suffering. 

It had taken him longer than he would have liked to gather the tools he needed. The poison and the dart needed to look as if they came from the crocodiles. Leonardo had to research their preferred methods of making the darts and materials that would be available to them and their supporters. 

Blow darts were a tool used by the toads, a long time supporter of the crocodiles who had chosen to be exiled with them over surrender. They would harvest venom from small frogs and weaponize it. It was no surprise that Splinter had a supply. 

Loading the dart into the pipe, Leonardo got himself ready for what he was about to do. He had to remind himself that he was helping her by sparing her suffering and saving her soul. He had never killed anyone before. It felt odd that his first was one of mercy. 

Nerves were getting the better of him. If he was caught, he would be taking her place, but he was determined to do it. 

One last deep breath before raising the pipe to his lips. One quick burst of air sent the dart to its target, imbedding it in her thigh. 

Lacey reacted to the sudden pain with a start but made no sound. She sat up and started to reach for the dart in her leg. 

Leonardo didn’t wait around to watch the venom take effect. He knew it wouldn’t take long. After making sure he would not be seen, Leonardo quickly climbed down from the tree and made his way back into the castle. 

He hid the pipe along the rafters in the tunnels and then, after making sure his clothes were tidy, made his way to a gathering of nobles in the gardens, blending in as if he had been there for a while. 

Hours passed before the nobles started whispering. Then the news spread like wildfire. “The salve has finally taken its own life,” one of them said in a hushed tone, to the small group containing Leonardo. “I hope the priestesses are able to keep it from haunting the castle.”

Curious, Leonardo slipped away from the party and into the hidden passageways. He was sure the venom he had used would work fast. She wouldn’t have killed herself if she knew she was already dying, would she?

He heard the low murmur of voices as he neared the area where the priestesses would tend to the body before disposing of it. They had to make sure that Lacey wouldn’t return as a vengeful spirit since suicide would prevent her from entering paradise. 

“There’s no reason for anyone to know the truth,” a man said in desperation. 

“We’re dead if the king finds out,” another man added. “Please….”

“But the crocodiles…,” a woman’s voice said. 

“The military is already looking for the crocodiles and their supporters,” the first man interrupted. “They are already aware of their presence here. This information would change nothing.”

Leonardo looked through a small peephole to see two guards talking to the Hight Priestess Karai. The body of Lacey lay on a nearby table, ready for the ceremony.

“Saki would know that there is an assassin in the area who is capable of getting by the two of you,” Karai argued. “If someone with that much skill is in the kingdom, none of us are safe.”

Leonardo chastised himself. In his determination to spare Lacey anymore suffering, he potentially sentenced the two guards watching her to death. He had hoped they would believe she had died in her sleep.

“We already know that they have assassins who use this method,” the second guard argued. 

“Then why weren’t you watching for one,” Karai asked. 

The two guards looked at each other and then the first one answered. “We never imagined that one would come to kill the slave. We were only watching for other slaves or peasants, sympathetic to her, to come and spare her the curse of a suicide. People like that don’t tend to have any skills at all.”

Karai thought for a moment as the two men waited with bated breath. 

Before she could speak, Saki stepped out from around a corner. “If word that the crocodiles risked an assassin to spare a slave eternal damnation got out…, it could draw more people to their side…. Maybe it would be best, this not get out. You will be spared but you better not slip up again.”

Visibly shaken the guards struggled to find their voice. “Thank you,” they managed to say in unison, bowing deeply. 

Leonardo was able to breathe a sigh of relief. 

Chapter 14

It was amazing how quickly the wedding had come together. Leonardo had thought that the emperor had asked for too much in the time frame given, and that there would be several slaves paying the price of failure. But they had managed to pull it off in the most spectacular way. 

If someone had told him it had been thrown together in less than three weeks, he wouldn’t have believed it. The grand hall had been decorated in silver and white. Large quantities of food had been prepared for the all-day affair. 

Nobles from across the kingdom filled the immaculate and expansive room to the brim. Almost all of them were in attendance. It was standing room only. And it was all for a presentation after a long wedding ceremony that they could not attend. 

As with all turtle marriages, the ceremony itself was private. Even Michelangelo was not allowed to attend. 

Raphael and Venus were alone in a room with the High Priestess and the emperor. It was a traditional ceremony of prayer with many rituals to bring good luck and protect against demons. 

The nobles mingled while the ceremony took place. A quartet of musicians played softly in the background, barely audible over the murmur of many voices. 

Donatello stuck next to Michelangelo as the young prince made his rounds. A child accompanied them to sample any of the food Michelangelo wanted to eat. Some of the nobles expressed their approval of the new system of using the kitchen slaves’ children to test the food. Many planned on implementing the new method in their own homes. If any were appalled, they didn’t dare to show it. 

Several turtles were in the crowd. Some of the younger males flirted with Leonardo in hopes of gaining his favor. They saw him as a way to get into Raphael’s harem. Others set their sights on Michelangelo, hoping to be the first to be added to his. 

Though Leonardo had not expected it, it was no surprise to see some rats mingling in the crowd. Of course, they were in disguise, managing a more canine appearance. They all had their own reasons for being there. Many of the kingdom’s nobles were being watched. 

The ceremony had started mid-morning. By late afternoon, Leonardo was ready to call it a day, but he was nowhere near done. He had double duties to both the rats and Raphael. He needed to use the opportunity to build relationships. 

Just as the evening bells began to ring, the doors to the hall opened. The crowd parted, making way from the door to the throne platform at the other end. 

Priestess Karai stepped through the doors first to announce the newly wed king and queen. The gathered nobles all dropped to one knee as Raphael and Venus walked up the path. Heads remained down as Benvolio followed. 

The large throne was reserved for Benvolio. Raphael sat to his grandfather’s right and Venus sat in the throne to Raphael’s right. There was another throne to Benvolio’s left that was eventually occupied by his wife. 

Nobles got in line to present gifts and pledge their loyalty. This continued well beyond nightfall. By the time they were done, Leonardo was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. 

As customary with young brides, Venus will have her own room and live a pampered life, until the two of them are at a reasonable age to start having children. Raphael wasn’t expected to see much of her outside of meal time for the next few years. 

Leonardo couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be married to a stranger. He felt sorry for them. 

Doing his best to stifle a yawn, Leonardo bid farewell to the last nobles to depart. With his duties done, he was finally able to make his way to the king’s bedroom. 

Now that Raphael was king, he had been moved to the much larger room that had once belonged to his father. Michelangelo had also been moved into the room since it was now believed that he was one of Raphael’s lovers. At least the new arrangement will make things easier on all of them. 

As soon as Leonardo entered the room, Michelangelo grabbed him and pulled him into the hidden corridors. 

“Mikey, I’m tired,” Leonardo complained. 

“This will only take a minute,” Michelangelo promised. Leonardo was amazed at the young prince’s level of energy after such a long day. 

“What are we doing,” Leonardo demanded. If it was sex Michelangelo wanted, Leonardo wasn’t sure he’d be able to stay awake for it. 

Michelangelo grinned. “You’ll see.”

They reached their destination and Michelangelo pressed his ear to the wall while signaling for Leonardo to stay quiet. 

Leonardo could hear softly spoken voices coming through the wall and as he got closer, he understood what Michelangelo was up to. He was spying on the new queen. Crossing his arms over his plastron, Leonardo frowned at Michelangelo. “What are you doing?”

Michelangelo shushed him. “I’m trying to get an idea on how she feels about all of this. This is the first time she has been alone with her servant since she arrived. I need to know if she’s gonna be on our side or grandpa’s. Now be quiet so I can hear.”

Leonardo looked inside the room to see Venus with her personal servant. The servant was a female white fox named Alopex. Judging by the way she was dressed she was not a slave. The way she carried herself showed that she was of noble birth and most likely the daughter of someone close to the emperor. 

“He seems nice,” Alopex offered. 

“Nice?” Venus practically squeaked in disbelief. “He seems nice to you? He has children testing his food for poison.”

“I can tell by the way he watched them eat that it wasn’t something he took joy in,” Alopex said.

The way she moved and looked around the room as she did, led Leonardo to believe that she was also highly trained in combat. She was a servant and a body guard, and has probably been with Venus for many years. 

“There’s no way you can put a positive spin on this,” Venus said in defeat. “I’ve married my nephew. Our children are going to turn out like my brother and sister’s son, Rollo.”

Venus sighed as she wiped away tears. “Maybe if I’m lucky, my father will die before we are old enough. My brothers will start a war over the kingdoms and the one that conquers this kingdom will kill me.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Alopex said while she watched Venus fling herself on the bed. 

“I don’t want to live this life,” Venus cried into her pillow. 

Michelangelo nudged Leonardo’s arm to get his attention. “I think they’ll be on our side,” he said with a wide grin. “I’m gonna go in and say high.”

“Now?” Leonardo sputtered in surprise. 

Before Leonardo could do anything, Michelangelo was already tapping on the hidden door to the room.

Venus sat up in bed, hastily wiping tears from her eyes as Alopex went to check the door leading out to the hall. She stepped out, moving her head from side to side. “There’s no one here.”

Michelangelo pushed the hidden door open a crack. “Because I’m here. May I come in?”

“Were you spying on us,” Alopex demanded, closing the main door.

“Yes,” Michelangelo admitted as he entered the room. “I need to know if you could be trusted.”

Leonardo followed him in and closed the hidden door behind them. 

Venus scoffed. “You were spying on us and the question is whether or not we can be trusted?”

“I had to know how you felt.” Michelangelo smiled at Venus. “There is a lot at stake here. It’s good to know that we all share the same feelings about this arrangement.”

“Really,” Venus asked with a skeptical look on her face. She looked him in the eyes, her expression a mix of defiance and fear. “The king beds his own brother. Why should bedding his aunt not appeal to him?”

“Because it’s a lie,” Michelangelo stated. “He made grandpa believe that to protect me, so I can stay here. He convinced him to name me as heir. He originally expected you and Raph to start having children right away. He bought us all time.”

Venus looked away in thought. “I don’t know.”

“Why don’t you come with us and talk with Raph,” Michelangelo offered. “You’ll see that his private self is way different than what he presents to the public or the emperor.”

“This can wait until morning,” Leonardo offered. “I’m sure the queen is tired.”

“Talking to Raph will help ease her mind so she will be able to sleep better,” Michelangelo argued. 

“He’s right. I wasn’t going to be able to sleep anyway.” Venus sighed. “Okay. I’ll talk to him.”

“You won’t regret it,” Michelangelo said and opened the hidden door. “It would be best if we keep the meeting a secret though.”

Michelangelo and Venus walked side by side through the hidden halls with Leonardo and Alopex walking a few paces behind them.  

“I can tell you are a fighter,” Alopex stated. 

Leonardo nodded, deciding that he had no reason to hide it. “I’ve been trained.” Not wanting to give her the whole truth, he added, “I am one of the king’s lovers. That means that I am also a body guard. I have been training with the guard since I was selected.”

She glanced at him sideways, narrowing her eyes but said nothing. If she didn’t believe him, she did not say anything. 

“You seem well trained as well,” Leonardo said. 

Alopex lifted her chin slightly and smiled. “I come from a long line of warriors, loyal to the emperor. I have been trained since birth.”

“How would you train a baby,” Michelangelo asked, looking back over his shoulder. 

“We have our ways,” Alopex replied. 

…..

It was the first time since the death of Arigio that Raphael had been in the king’s bedroom. It was now his bedroom. All of his father’s old furniture has been removed and burned. Every piece in the room now was new. 

The room was larger than some noble houses, contained several beds and even a second story. The largest bed in the center, with privacy curtain all around was his. There was a pallet at the foot of his bed meant for Donatello. Raphael assured Donatello that he had no intention of letting him sleep there once the emperor was gone. 

There were seven other beds in the room, the more luxurious of them was intended for Michelangelo. Several wardrobes and weapons racks lined the walls. A set of large, plush chairs sat near the fireplace that was big enough to roast two full sized pigs.   

Raphael took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I hate this.”

“My king?”

At Donatello’s inquiry, Raphael turned to look at him. There was a sign of sorrow in his eyes. “So formal? Even when we’re alone?”

Donatello looked at the ground. “Old habits are hard to break.”

“I understand,” Raphael said with a soft smile. “Life is changing for all of us. We will all need to make adjustments to it. Things should start getting better once the emperor is gone.”

Donatello nodded in agreement. “We will all be able to relax a little more. And then you will be able to start running this kingdom how you see fit.”

“Within reason,” Raphael stated. “If I do too much or go against what my grandfather deems as right, it could all be taken away in a heartbeat. All of this would have been for nothing.”

“Just don’t turn into your father,” Donatello pleaded. 

“I don’t plan on it,” Raphael said. He moved closer to Donatello and gently reached out for his hand. “I want you to love me, not fear me.”

Donatello didn’t have the heart to tell Raphael that he did fear him. It was a deep seeded fear that made it difficult to love him, though not impossible. There was something there but Donatello had never been in love before so it was hard to tell for sure what those feelings were. 

“You should want that for all your people,” Donatello said. “Everything would be so much better if you were loved, instead of feared.”

“Like your father was?” Raphael’s responding laugh held no humor in it. “It might be too late for that. I’ve already done some dreadful things.”

Shaking his head, Donatello placed a soft kiss on Raphael’s lips. “It’s not too late. Trust me. All you have to do is show them how great you can be.”

Raphael pressed in closer to reengage the kiss and then deepened it. It wasn’t long before Donatello took the lead. With every passing moment they were together, Donatello could sense Raphael begin to relax and submit.

“You can start,” Donatello whispered between kisses, “by no longer using children to sample your food.”

Raphael nodded as they continued to kiss. “I only did that for grandfather. Once he’s gone, it will go back to the way it was.”

Unfastening Raphael’s pants, Donatello reached down between flesh and fabric to play with Raphael’s tail. Raphael trembled in anticipation, moaning into the kiss. 

Donatello could have asked for anything in that moment. There were so many things he was ready to suggest, so many ways to improve the lives of the poor and the slaves. He circled his finger around the tight hole, hidden under Raphael’s tail. 

“Bed,” Raphael whimpered. “Please.”

They stayed pressed together, ravishing each other’s mouths as they made their way to the bed. By the time they were close enough to pull the curtains aside, Raphael was kicking his pants off and tugging Donatello’s down. 

They fell onto the bed. Raphael pulled Donatello down on top of him, parting his legs. He let out a soft needy moan while he stroked Donatello’s swelling cock. “I want you. Now.”

Raphael’s need fueled his own. After quickly coating himself with oil, Donatello pressed inside. It took some effort to get past the tense muscles. Even more to keep from losing it the moment he was surrounded by the tight warmth.

Concentrating on his breathing, Donatello pushed in as deep as he could go. “You’ll be a fair king,” he said, shifting his hips. “A just king.”

“Yes,” Raphael grunted. 

There was a dim candle, protected by glass, mounted on the headboard. It supplied enough light so that they were not fumbling in the dark. It highlighted Raphael’s face beautifully. The look on his face was one that was rarely seen, one of pure joy. 

The sound of the door opening caused Donatello to pause and Raphael to clamp down around him. The muscles were so tight, he couldn’t pull out. He was grateful for the curtains around the bed. 

“Raph?” Michelangelo called out. 

“Busy,” Raphael called back. “Just stay on your side of the room. We’ll be quiet.”

“I don’t know if I can do this with Michelangelo in the room,” Donatello whispered. 

“This is why we have the curtain,” Raphael whispered back. “I’ve put in an order to get Mikey a bed with curtains too so he and Leonardo can have some privacy. We’ll have to get used to it being like this. That or set some sort of schedule.”

“You gonna be long,” Michelangelo asked. 

“It will take longer if you keep interrupting,” Raphael snapped back. 

“Sorry,” Michelangelo replied. 

Closing his eyes, Donatello did his best to not think about the fact that Michelangelo was out there. He kept his movements steady and focused on the feeling. When he opened his eyes again, he saw Raphael looking up at him. It made his heart swell and he realized that he was happy. It was a surprising realization. 

Leaning down, he reengaged the kiss. It was salty and sweet, sloppy and perfect. They finished together, Raphael’s warm ejaculate coating both their plastrons. They were a sweaty, sticky mess and neither of them cared. 

When Donatello’s cock softened enough to slide out, he slid to the side to lay next to Raphael while still maintaining the kiss. Eventually the kiss slowed as exhaustion set in. They lay together, face to face as they drifted off to sleep. 

“Raph?” Michelangelo called out again. 

“What,” Raphael groaned in response. 

“Can we talk?” Michelangelo asked. 

Raphael sighed as he sat up. “It’s been a long day and I’m tired. I want to sleep.” He pulled the curtain aside enough to look through. “Can it wait until morning? What the hell, Mikey!?”

Donatello had been on the verge of falling asleep but Raphael’s sudden outburst had him scrambling out of the bed. It was an ingrained response. His heart raced with fear. Then he saw what had caused Raphael to react. 

The young queen and her servant were sitting in the chairs next to the fireplace. In a panic, he jumped back on the bed and simply waited for his king’s orders.