The throne room of the Red Feather Citadel, the royal fortress of the city, was an utter terror to be within. Although it was always well lit and made to look welcoming, it was an intentional false sense of security. Sir Ysak Lerren, the tall, young knight who was once a commoner, knew the feeling all too well. He passed by giant stone columns engraved with weaving, twisting designs; his thick, metal greaves clamored against a hard marble floor and his eyes were locked ahead of him.
“Sir Lerren, your arrival is delayed.” The King growled from his throne. “I do not abide tardiness.”
King Garruman sat upon his gilded throne, a golden chair designed to look like a falcon was perched upon it, its wings splayed forward. The lion King was a massive figure, even as advancing age started to faintly appear visible on his visage: muscles hardened by years of battle were barely hidden at all by the royal garb he wore and his eyes still flickered with embers of intensity.
“My apologies, Your Grace...” Ysak kept his head low, averting his king's eyes. “I was having an important discussion with my housemate.”
“Kerrigan.” King Garruman growled. “Your insistence on protecting a known criminal makes me look like a fool for giving you your station. I do not like being called a fool, Sir Lerren.”
“Your Highness, I-”
“SILENCE!” King Garruman roared, cutting Ysak off and rising from his throne. With a vicious growl, he sat back down and leveled his eyes at the shaken knight. “I will not hear anymore of your proclamations of his innocence. The mere fact that I am not arresting you for treason by harboring him is a courtesy to your position.”
“If you would just give him the chance to defend himself, Your Grace,” Ysak protested, even in spite of the royal warning, “He would prove his innocence to you, if not his father's.”
“You sound so sure of yourself, Lerren.” The King growled. “Too sure. Perhaps you are under the effects of one of his poisons...”
“To ask that you allow him the chance to prove his innocence means I am under one of his potions' effects?” Ysak asked. “Ever since you recovered from your own poisoning, you assume the worst in everyone. I am willing to put my position on the line for my friend, My King, but I do it of my own will, not his.”
King Garruman huffed, staring daggers into Ysak's eyes. “You would swear this, on your own life? Fine. You will escort the Crown Prince safely to Arcanos for his... diplomatic mission to the mages.” Those last few words rang with palpable disgust. “You will bring that waste of life Kerrigan with you.”
The color drained from Ysak's face at his king's last command. “Your Grace, you wish Stathos near the loyal line? That seems...” he trailed off, trying to figure out what to say on the matter.
“Oh? So you do not trust him now? You were so adamant that I give him a chance not even a minute ago.” The King replied, venom dripping onto each word.
Ysak stayed silent just a few seconds longer. 'Dammit all.' Ysak thought. 'It's a trick. No matter what I say, I can't win.'
“Well, Sir Lerren?” King Garruman asked again with a very condescending tone.
Ysak narrowed his eyes as he stood up, facing his king directly. “If your son does not return alive, I will throw myself upon my sword directly in your presence, after I execute Stathos myself.”
The king gave a sort of grunting, growling chuckle as response. “No need for such theatrics... you will be executed after I force you to watch his own slaying. You will ensure my son's survival, for your sake.”
“Stathos and his father are innocent men. You will see so for yourself by the Crown Prince's healthy return.” Ysak replied flatly.
“So you say. Begone.” The royal lion commanded.
Ysak bowed before his King and turned to leave. He said nothing to any of the attendants, servants, anyone. He replayed the entire conversation in his head, dreading how he would break the news to Stathos. Would he be happy? Angry? Hurt? These questions racked Ysak's mind as he arrived at his house in the upper ring of the city. With a heavy sigh, he threw the door open... and was met with a familiar smell.
“Stathos? Where are you?” The wolf called out.
“Down in the basement!” An excited reply rang out.
Ysak huffed as he marched towards the basement steps. His greaves were heavy against the tightly packed stone steps, an echoing clang punctuating each movement. The further down he went, the more of the scene was visible to him.
Stathos was standing in front of what appeared to be a bench spanning the whole length of the wall. His blue coat hung on a hook behind him, leaving him primarily in his brown tunic and pants, yet it seemed a heavy black crafting apron was tied around his body. As Ysak got closer, he noticed that his friend also had a pair of goggles around his eyes... and that there were various vials, flasks, and tubes filled with chemicals of various colors.
“...What are you making?” Ysak asked cautiously.
Stathos turned around, holding a bottle in his paw, full to the stopper with an opaque white liquid. The lynx bore a proud smile on his face as he lifted the goggles that covered his eyes.
“I made a potion of vitality.” Stathos replied cheerfully.
“...Not for bed, I hope.” The wolf sighed.
“Wh- No!” Stathos blurted out in reply, blushing bright. “Its a general medicine!” Stathos used his free paw to push a book sitting on the table. “From my father's journal.”
Ysak's brow furrowed a bit as he looked down at the book. The pages displayed a bunch of various diagrams and scribbled notes that he could barely make out. He shook his head and gave Stathos a small pat on the shoulder.
“Are you sure that's wise, considering your position?” The wolf asked.
“Of course it is!” The lynx replied, his brow furrowing in annoyance. “I'm not afraid of the king, or his men, or any of them.” His expression softened before his next statement. “Because you're protecting me. I know you'll not let them take me.”
Ysak stood there for a brief moment after Stathos' speech, words failing him. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
“Yes, well, about that...”
------------------------------------------THE NEXT DAY------------------------------------------
Stathos and Ysak were standing by the gate to the city, an old, rickety carriage at their side. Stathos had the hood drawn on his blue coat, a scowl visible underneath it. Ysak was adorned in his full armor, the red and gold plate freshly polished and shining in the early morning sun.
“I hate this.” Stathos grumbled. “I hate him.”
“You have yet to even meet Prince Kanaris yet, Stathos.” Ysak replied, shooting a glare to his companion.
“He's a royal, that's all I need to know.” The lynx shot back, crossing his arms and turning away.
Ysak sighed and looked down the street, towards the city. From the gate, the sheer size of the city could be gauged: The Red Feather Citadel towered over the rest of the city, tearing the sky at the northern edge of the city, the hill it and the elite part of town rested on creating a sweeping view of brick structures down to eye level; some bore red roofs, some were just stone and brick.
“You act like he'll just magically appear in front of you.” Stathos snarked.
“Well, there's a carriage coming, flanked by more Royal Guards. I'm assuming that's him.” Ysak replied, smiling slightly.
Stathos raised his head and looked in the direction of his friend. An ornately detailed carriage became visible down the main city streets, flanked on both sides by Royal Guards on horseback. Stathos' eyes narrowed at the sight of it, his arms crossing. Ysak stepped forward and gave his fellow knights a respectful salute when they finally approached him and Stathos.
“Good morning, Sirs Alistar, Tegron.” Ysak greeted. “Shouldn't the Lord Commander of the Royal Guard be up at the keep with King Garruman?”
The one Ysak addressed as Tegron, a massive literal bear of a man, shifted on his horse and lowered his head to address Ysak. “Your father was insistent I make sure Prince Kanaris left the city without issue.” He responded in a low, menacing growl.
“Wonderful. He lacks trust in me.” Ysak muttered.
“Don't take it personally, Ysak.” Sir Alistair, a gray fox replied. “His trust in everyone has been shattered since the whole Kerrigan affair.”
“A frame job!” Stathos blurted out.
Lord Commander Tegron fixed Stathos a cold glare and kicked at his horse, the stead carrying the knight towards the young alchemist.
“You had best watch your tongue, boy, lest we take you to the dungeon to be with your traitorous scum of a father.” The bear told Stathos.
“There will be none of that.” A slightly high, smooth voice called out from the carriage.
The two knights who came with the carriage turned to face it as the door opened. A young lion stepped out of the carriage, upon which the two knights that came with him entered into a salute.
The golden hue of the lion's fur shone brilliantly in the morning sun. His mane, a dark, rusty sort of red, was tied behind his head in a ponytail, a small part hanging over his face on the left side. He wore a white, embroidered overcoat over a red vest, with a white undershirt and white pants tucked into brown boots. A golden tiara sat upon his head. Slung over his shoulders were a bow and full quiver of arrows, and grasped in his paw was a rucksack.
“Prince Kanaris, forgive us for speaking out.” Lord Commander Tegron pleaded.
Prince Kanaris gave a small smile and waved his free paw at the two. “Alerius,” He addressed the bear, “Veren,” he addressed the fox, “There is nothing to forgive. You may go on your way now, I will be safe.”
The two immediately nodded at their prince and took off back up the street to return to the castle. The lion walked up to Ysak and Stathos' carriage, tossing his sack in.
“I apologize, your majesty, for the accommodations” Ysak addressed
A confused expression crossed Kanaris' face as Ysak made his statement. “What do you mean?”
“Well, to be inconspicuous, we went with a commoners' carriage.” The wolf replied. “I know you would prefer your own, but-”
“No, this is fine, Ysak. Thank you.” Kanaris responded to his knight. “I do not want to draw unwanted attention on myself. I only want to get to Arcanos, hopefully unmolested.”
“Then I'm driving.” Stathos said flatly.
Kanaris frowned a bit and raised a paw, as if wanting to respond. He took to his silence for now and nodded slowly, stepping into the carriage without a word. Ysak raised a brow and walked over to his friend, placing a paw on the lynx's shoulder.
“I hope this will not be too much for you.” Ysak said.
“Just get in.” Stathos mumbled.
Ysak sighed and nodded slowly. “Very well, if you insist.”
The wolf stepped into the carriage and closed the door behind him. Stathos sighed to himself and kicked at the ground before walking over to the driver's seat. He climbed up into it and grabbed the reins of the horses, snapping them slightly to get the horses going. As Stathos approached the city gates, the guards glared at him, but opened the gates all the same. The lynx watched as the massive wooden doors swung outwards slowly, exposing the wide, sweeping meadow valley that the city overlooked. Setting his eyes on the path, Stathos whipped the reins again, the horses immediately picking up speed.
Inside the carriage, Ysak and Kanaris sat across from each other, looking slightly uncomfortable with their predicament. Kanaris' head was turned towards the window, watching the rolling green hills pass beside them. Minutes passed in silence before Ysak shifted slightly and cleared his throat, then addressed the prince.
“Are you worried, Your Grace?” The wolf asked.
The lion raised a brow and turned towards his knight. “About what, pray tell?”
“Being away from the city on your own for a change.” Ysak replied. “With someone who hates you, no less.”
“I'm not too worried, no.” Kanaris replied. “My correspondence with Arcanos has been nothing but inviting. It is my hope that my trust is well placed, and that we can open an alliance with them... even open up mage training in the kingdom.” He sighed slightly. “As for young Kerrigan... I trust that he will not be so reckless. For your sake.”
The wolf blushed and shifted in his seat, breaking eye contact with the royal lion as his head drifted towards the ceiling. “...Right.”
Kanaris chuckled slightly and flopped back in his own seat. “You don't have anything to be ashamed of, Ysak. You gave him that moment. Even if you didn't fully enjoy it, you still went through with it. That will matter to him more than his own personal... grudges.”
“I hope, at any rate.” Ysak muttered. “I almost regret telling you.”
“I would have ordered you to anyway.” Kanaris chuckled slightly at his comment.
Ysak sighed in response and propped his head against the side of the carriage and looked out the window. Kanaris got a curious look on his face and leaned forward, opening the window and sticking his head through it. He turned to glance up at Stathos, watching as the lynx drove the carriage, his blue coat draped across the roof. The prince cleared his throat before addressing him.
“Have you done this before? We're riding pretty smoothly!” Kanaris called out.
Stathos visibly bristled at being addressed by the prince he hated so. He lowered his head and spoke in a low sort of growl.
“Please stay inside the carriage, Your Grace.” He nearly hissed. “For the sake of your protection.”
Kanaris frowned, his attempt at breaking the ice with Stathos thwarted. He looked forward, noticing a forest coming into view. He felt slightly worried, but brushed it off as he continued to try and speak with the lynx.
“I haven't been this far outside of the city before... have you, Kerrigan?” The Prince asked.
“Once.” Stathos replied curtly. “With Father.”
“Ah...” Kanaris bit his bottom lip. He let a few seconds of silence pass before speaking again. “Are we having to sleep in here, or will we be stopping at an inn?”
Stathos sighed and closed his eyes briefly to collect himself, only opening them again once he was ready to speak.“The village of Marlo is another hour away or so. It's small, but its inn, The Red Dragon, is famed in the region.” The lynx paused again, then smirked. “If you actually knew about your people, shouldn't you have known that, Prince?” He asked, every word dripping with venom.
Kanaris scoffed in offense. He gave Stathos a small glare in silence, before finally retreating his head back into the carriage. Ysak, seeing the lion cross his arms, shifted slightly.
“Talk went well?” The Knight asked his prince.
“We will be staying in Marlo tonight, in an inn called The Red Dragon.” Kanaris replied, still audibly annoyed from Stathos' question.
“Ah! I've been there!” Ysak chuckled slightly. “All sorts are seen in that place. They really try to get you drunk.” Ysak blinked a bit and raised a brow. “Is that really the closest inn?”
“Apparently. This is all new to me.” Kanaris replied.
Ysak nodded and went back to watching the scenery outside. After a half hour, the carriage finally entered the forest. As they made their way into it, Ysak took to explaining its scenery to Kanaris.
Although the prince knew its name, Leyran Forest, he did not know much else about it. The forest itself was massive enough to hide three settlements within its depths. Marlo was the largest of them, near the western edge of the forest. Farther east, in the heart of the forest, was the hamlet of Deepwood, and at the northern edge was a small town called Edge.
“Just... Edge?” Kanaris asked.
Ysak nodded. “They are a blunt people.”
“No kidding.” The lion mumbled.
“Oh, look, Your Grace!” Ysak exclaimed as his head went back out towards the window. “We've arrived in Marlo!”
Kanaris looked out the window, but dared not poke his head out, as they passed under a massive wooden gateway with the gate risen. The town they entered was mostly made of dark stone and the same wood as the gate: a rich, golden sort of brown. Torches and lanterns were visible on every building and along various points on the town's wall. The cobblestone paths that cut through the town were flanked by lit fences. A few people could be seen running too and fro as they made their way through.
“So which of these buildings is The Red Dragon inn?” Kanaris asked.
“We're actually approaching it.” Ysak explained. “It's this two story one with the fountain out front.”
Ysak pointed out for the Price, who looked out the window on Ysak's side. The building looked unassuming for the most part, only slightly bigger than most other buildings in town. What made it stand out was the painted sign above its door, bearing a crimson dragon's head, open in a roar, the inn's name embossed beneath it.
When the carriage finally came to a stop, Ysak was the first one to step out. His shining red armor seemed to be drawing a crowd, which Ysak definitely noticed. He rubbed the back of his head, feeling uncomfortable as he walked to the other side of the carriage.
“You look uneasy, Ysak.” Stathos said as he hopped out of the driver's seat.
“This is my first time out here since my knighthood... I don't know how the outer towns view the crown...” The wolf admitted.
“I shouldn't be surprised.” Stathos replied, curtly. “You've lost connection to your roots since then.”
“That's not really fair to me.” Ysak replied in a growl.
Stathos shrugged and made for the door of the inn, letting the conversation end on that note. Ysak grumbled to himself and opened the door for the Prince. As Kanaris stepped out, the crowd's murmuring grew noticeably louder.
“It's crown prince Kanaris!”
“What's he doing all the way out here in Marlo?”
“Probably here to collect taxes on behalf of his father again.”
Kanaris heard all the muttering and sighed, raising a hand to the crowd. They immediately silenced, which put a smile on the prince's face. He cleared his throat and turned to face the crowd directly.
“People of Marlo, fear not any ill intent or trouble from the crown. My companions are on our way to Arcanos to arrange an alliance and we are going to be spending the night here at this inn. I wish not to cause any trouble and I hope to see the goodness of this town and you people.”
“And we can trust you?!” One of them called out.
Ysak moved to step forward, but Kanaris put an arm in front of the Royal Guardsman as he continued.
“I'm not asking you to. I know my father is not perfect, but he is not standing before you. I am.” The lion sighed. “Allow me this: let me prove myself with my own actions and I assure you that you will see a good man.”
The prince's words seemed to pacify the crowd, as they quickly dispersed after that. Ysak sighed deeply and shook his head.
“You know that could have turned deadly if any of them wished it.” Ysak told Kanaris. “You're lucky you're a good speaker.”
Kanaris shrugged. “Believe it or not, that was me half-assing things.”
“I can believe it, actually.” Ysak chuckled slightly.
Kanaris shot Ysak a sort of offended-but-not-really look as the two made their way towards the inn. The door had the same dragon head design carved into it, framed with ironwork. Kanaris went to open the door, but Ysak cut him off, insisting to go in first. Kanaris seemed to want to protest, but relented, letting Ysak walk in first. The knight pushed the door open and walked inside, motioning for the prince to follow him.
Immediately upon entering the main part of the inn, they were accosted by a cacophony of various activities. Bad singing, good singing, bad instrument playing, raucous laughter, conversation, drunken ramblings, all of it assaulted their ears all at once. Kanaris could only stare on in complete horror, his eye visibly twitching.
“You... absolute madman.” Kanaris gasped. “What even is this?”
“This is The Red Dragon, Your Highness.” Ysak replied bluntly.
“This is...” The prince closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, his face looked slightly more determined. “Fine. This is fine.”
Kanaris scanned the tavern floor carefully, peering through all the drunkards, musicians and braggarts. His eyes locked onto a familiar lynx sitting at the bar, his blue coat nearly touching the floor. The lion started to make his way briskly through the massive crowd, eager to get to the bar as soon as possible. Ysak followed quickly behind, slightly uneasy. When they finally reached Stathos, the lynx was halfway through a tankard.
“Ah, Kerrigan, there you are!” Kanaris greeted as he took the seat next to the lynx.
“That better not be beer.” Ysak warned.
Stathos sighed in annoyance and shook his mug a bit. “No, Ysak, it's a drink they have here called 'root beer'. Richer taste with no alcohol, I'm told.”
“Oh, what a relief.” Ysak sighed.
Kanaris shifted in his seat slightly before clearing his throat. “Excuse me, barkeep.”
The barkeep, a massive lion with more haggard looking fur than Kanaris and massive girth, stepped forward and eyed the prince carefully. “You a royal or something, kid?”
Kanaris nodded slowly, slightly intimidated by the man's massive frame. “Um... y-yes, I am Crown Prince Kanaris... of the very kingdom in which Marlo exists.”
With his face straight and unmoving, the barkeep let out a small grunt. “Welcome to Marlo, then, Your Highness. What do you want?”
Kanaris looked towards Ysak and Stathos, shrugging slightly. “What do you two think? Dinner?”
“I could eat.” Ysak replied.
“Order whatever, I guess.” Stathos replied.
“Splendid!” Kanaris replied. “Your finest cuts of steak for me and my friends, please. With whom do we speak about renting rooms?”
“Me. I own the inn, as well.” The lion grumped. “We don't have the biggest room available, only two of our basic, commoner rooms.”
“No worries, then... I suppose I need to experience one night as a commoner, to understand the experience.” Kanaris replied.
Stathos let a scoffing laugh escape his mouth as he turned towards Kanaris, glaring at him. “One night alone will not give you that experience, Your Grace.”
The barkeep showed no reaction to Stathos' flaring anger as he continued to address the lion. “45 gold. 15 per person. Your carriage will be unloaded by my ward once you pay. Did any of you want to be roomed together?”
“Room me with Ysak.” Stathos replied, motioning to the wolf.
Ysak rubbed the back of his head and nodded slowly. “Yes, put us together.”
Kanaris reached into the satchel on his hip and produced a small pouch. He undid the string tying it shut and poured some coins onto the bar. After counting each one out, he pushed a pile towards the burly lion while returning the rest to the pouch. “Here, there's 60... a little extra for dinner, and a tip.”
The barkeep snatched the coins up and went into the kitchen. Kanaris took a seat to the immediate left of Stathos, with Ysak seating himself left of the prince. As Stathos was the only one to have actually ordered a drink, Kanaris and Ysak were handed water. They sat mostly in silence for a while, drinking and taking in the atmosphere.
When the steaks finally came, Ysak ate like he hadn't eaten anything before. Stathos made a comment on it, to which the Knight replied that wearing such heavy armor works up an appetite. Kanaris was very careful and clean with his eating, the product of his royal upbringing, while Stathos was somewhat messy, but kept things relatively to his plate.
Once dinner was done, a group of ruffians approached the group, recognizing Kanaris as a royal. After some mild harassment that Ysak tried to stop, the truth of their arrival was made clear: they had heard Kanaris could sing, and wanted to perform with him. Surprised, but not against it, the prince agreed.
The prince cleared his throat before addressing the crowd that he was about to perform with the musicians and hoped they thought him a good singer. After hearing the crowd laugh, he nodded to the band and began:
“Why did you trick them in the lands beyond?
How much wealth do ye then abscond?
‘Know not their own worth!’ I here ye say,
Before they charge with intent to slay.”
“Escape you did and then you met
A maiden fair with fur of red.
To a chamber with intent ye take her,
Only to meet her brother’s sabre.”
“When will your luck change for the better?
When shall ye b’come a wealthy settler?
I hope it soon, lest I hear of you
That you fell to the taste of a poisoned brew!”
“Three years later you finally found
A sack of gold beneath the ground!
Finally wealth did come to you:
Honest! Fair! And easy too!”
“No longer do you go to lands beyond,
To take their treasures then abscond.
‘A whole life unlucky ends!’ you shout.
Indeed, no more, now the Wealthy Stout.”
Shockingly, the crowd earnestly cheered the prince’s performance, causing a smile to erupt onto his face. Kanaris paid the band a fair sum of money as he returned to Ysak and Stathos at the bar.
“That was beautiful, Your Grace.” Ysak nodded.
“It was… fine.” Stathos huffed. “You cut out a couple verses though.”
“Well, ‘The Unlucky Stout’ is ten verses.” The lion chuckled. “You can’t expect that I’d want to sing the whole thing.”
As if to interrupt, the barkeep knocked on the countertop and pointed up towards the ceiling.
“Rooms are ready now. Prince Kanaris,” The burly lion addressed the younger, thinner one, “You're at the end of the hall. You two-” he then pointed at Ysak and Stathos. “Are halfway between the Prince's room and the stairs. Those are the only two rooms I got.”
“That... that is fine.” Kanaris replied with hesitance. “No one has been particularly burdensome yet, but it might be best to retreat to our rooms before anyone does.”
Ysak nodded in agreement and lead the group up to the second floor. Ysak and Stathos made their way halfway down the hall, stopping at what they assumed was their door. The prince bid them adieu and made his way to his own room. Upon opening the door to their own…
“This kinda sucks.” Stathos muttered.
While their luggage had been handled with care, it seems the same amount of care did not go into their bed, which seemed to be dressed by just tossing sheets upon it. Their further observation was even more troublesome: only one bed for both of them.
“Well, we have to sleep together.” Ysak huffed, starting to work his armor off. “It will not be the end of the world, right?”
“Of course not.” Stathos replied, genuinely smiling for the first time since they left the capital. “I’m with you. The only way this could be awful is if the bed is literally made of stone.”
“Gods, I hope not.” Ysak replied.
The wolf left his fully stripped armor in a neat pile in the corner of the room and opened his luggage to change into his sleep clothes. Stathos did the same, folding his clothes and putting them onto the rickety chair in the corner of the room.
Although they both climbed into bed at the same time, Stathos found himself unable to go to sleep after nearly an hour of trying. He slowly sat up and sighed, holding his head. He looked around the room and let his eyes fall upon it: his dagger.
‘It’d be too easy. Make it look like a ruffian, do it in his sleep.’ Stathos thought. He looked at Ysak’s sleeping form and shook his head violently. ‘I can’t. Not everything he’s done for me. Kanaris doesn’t deserve that fate.’
“He has to know that it was me to do it to him.”
The lynx whispered his deadly affirmation then made a hasty exit, snatching the dagger the dagger from its sheath and making a quick exit. Stathos slipped himself into the prince's room, his movements made to be as quiet as possible, even making sure the door opened slowly to prevent it making noise. He crept over to Kanaris' bed, looking the sleeping prince over. His eyes were, his chest heaving.
“Your father took my own from me...” Stathos whispered, slowly pulling the dagger from behind his back. “Now, he will know the pain of losing his own family.”
He lifted the dagger high, his hand tight, unshaking. Right as he was about to bring it down...
“Your father will never be free then, Stathos.”
The lynx's eyes shot wide in terror as the voice spoke. His eyes were locked upon those of the prince, Kanaris' eyes meeting his in an unflinching stare.
“Why do you care?” Stathos asked. “Why?! Your father threw mine in the cells without even giving him a trial! You must agree with him, you have to, as his son and heir!”
Kanaris eyed him for a few seconds without saying anything in response. Stathos fumed in silence, waiting, the dagger still lifted high.
“No, actually.” The young lion finally replied. “I tried to counsel my father against arresting Lynos. I believe he should have gone through an investigation. Stathos, I believe your father to be innocent. If you do this, no one will think he is, because you won't be.”
“Liar!” Stathos growled.
“Then do it.” Karanis replied flatly, eyes locked firmly on Stathos, his voice sharp and authoritative. “My words are true, but if you want to throw your chance at freeing him away, then go ahead.”
The words pierced through Stathos like a freshly sharpened sword. He was prepared to take Kanaris' life to hurt the king, to avenge his father. Instead, the prince told him that not only did he believe him, but that he was being impulsive, yet again. The lynx fell to his knees, dropped the dagger, and hung his head.
“Forgive me, Kanaris, I...” Stathos started to cry. “I am a fool. This is not the first time I have thought of violence to avenge my father's arrest.”
Upon feeling a hand touch his shoulder, the lynx looked, seeing the Crown Prince standing over him, a concerned look on his face.
“I understand your pain, Stathos, even if you think I don't. But if you can't let go of this anger, if you let it control you...” He shook his head. “Your father does not want that outcome for you. What father would?”
Stathos sighed and picked the dagger back up, looking at it. He closed his eyes and promptly set it on the table next to the Prince's bed. Kanaris sighed and gave the lynx a comforting smile, sitting back down on his bed.
“Come, sit with me. We can talk.” Kanaris said.
“My prince, I don't deserve your company.” Stathos replied.
“I think you do.” The Prince replied.
Stathos sighed and took a seat next to the Prince, keeping his eyes locked on the floor below him. Kanaris bit his bottom lip and rubbed the back of his head.
“So...” The Prince began, “I often speak to the Royal Guardsmen. If they're going to be guarding my life, I feel I should trust them on a personal level. Sir Lerren, he...” The Prince trailed off slightly. “Might have mentioned the... escapade that you roped him into.”
The lynx's face stole into an expression of angered shock. “He told you about that?!”
“Not directly, at first.” Kanaris shook his head. “But my curiosity got the better of me, so I pressed him. He says he didn't really... enjoy it, though. Is that true?”
Stathos turned away from the prince as he spoke. There were several seconds of awkward silence permeating the room before the lynx finally replied.
“Y-... yes, Your Highness.”
Kanaris smiled and placed a paw on the lynx's shoulder. The fur on Stathos' back stood up from the contact as he turned towards the prince.
“Poor thing... if you want, you can have an experience with someone who would enjoy it...” Kanaris told the other male.
Right away, from the tone of voice, Stathos knew exactly where Kanaris was going with the statement and pushed himself away from the prince.
“Y-you're the Crown Prince! You can't possibly mean that!” Stathos replied in pure, angered disbelief.
“Except I do.” Kanaris replied. “You're right; I am the Crown Prince. I have a responsibility to my father.” His muzzle immediately bore a wicked grin. “But when have you ever seen me with a woman?”
Stathos gulped with a bit of apprehension and shook his head slowly. “...Guess not.”
The Prince chuckled to himself and extended a paw. “So, what do you say?”
------------------------------------------YSAK & Stathos' ROOM------------------------------------------
Ysak stirred and slowly opened his eyes as he woke. Due to being a wolf, his eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness to reveal a shocking truth to him: he was alone. The wolf's eyes shot open wide and he bolted upright in the bed. A scan around the room gave him another worrisome detail: the dagger Stathos had sheathed to his belt was missing! The wolf quickly scooped himself out of the bed and grabbed his sword, drawing it from its scabbard and scowling.
“Dammit, Stathos...” Ysak cursed under his breath.
With a heavy sigh, the wolf made his way out of the room, his feet booming heavily and rapidly against the wooden floors of the hallway. He approached the door to Kanaris' room and grabbed onto the handle. Feeling that it was unlocked, he pushed the door open and ran in, sword drawn.
“Your Grace, I-!”
The wolf stopped and stared at the scene he had interrupted. Stathos had, mercifully, not done the Prince in. However, both his and Kanaris' garments were thrown onto the floor. Stathos was sitting on the edge of the bed with his legs spread, while Kanaris was kneeling on the floor, between them, with his muzzle pressed against the lynx's groin. Upon hearing the door be thrown open, the Prince quickly pulled his head off of Stathos' cock in shock.
“Sir Lerren!” Kanaris nearly shrieked. “What are you doing?!”
“What am I-?” Ysak was incredulous at that point. “I thought Stathos was going to kill you!”
“Well...” Stathos began. One look to Kanaris and he shook his head. “Clearly not anymore.”
Ysak just stared at the both of them for an agonizing moment before letting out a massive sigh and throwing himself against the wall, leaning against it.
“So, what, you two were gonna mate?” The knight asked.
“Indeed.” Kanaris replied bluntly. “I was going to let Stathos take me, as a show of good faith. However, now with you here...”
Even though the Prince's voice trailed off before he finished, Ysak picked up immediately on what he meant and let out a very audible groan, placing the back of his head to the wall.
“You really expect me to have relations with you, Your Grace?” Ysak asked.
“No, no.” Kanaris waved a hand dismissively. “I wish to see how you mate with Stathos, to see how good you are.”
Ysak went into a hacking fit of coughing as he nearly choked on the breath he just took. He stared at the two naked forms on the bed for a brief moment, then violently shook his head.
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, this is insanity. He hates your family to the point of wanting to kill your father and now you have him willing to let you see him in such a manner... and now you're stepping aside because you want to see me lay with him?”
“Yes.” Kanaris replied, again blunt like a maul.
“Ysak, please.” Stathos spoke up, pleading. “I know you don't like it... but I do. If you won't do this for him... then won't you, for me?”
Ysak stared at his childhood friend after that plea. He wanted to say no, he felt he should say no, for everyone's benefit. Yet, as he opened his mouth to do so... he closed it again, finding it impossible to do so, after the recent turn his friend's life had taken. He sighed deeply and forced a smile for his friend.
“Very well.” Ysak replied. “But I beg of you, please don't turn this into a trend.”
“O-oh! Of course! Just... thank you, Ysak!” Stathos exclaimed, smiling wide.
Ysak shrugged and gave a brief nod as he fiddled with the hem of his tunic. Kanaris chuckled and stood up, walking over to his loyal knight and grabbing onto his tunic, slowly pulling it up the wolf's body. The lion turned towards Stathos and motioned him over.
“Come, let's undress him together.” Kanaris suggested.
Stathos practically leapt off the bed and scampered over to Ysak as well. He licked his lips and knelt down in front of his friend, undoing the band that held the pants up, allowing the lynx to grab onto the waistband and pull them down, exposing the wolf's groin to the elements. Ysak shivered slightly as he let the other males get him naked. Kanaris smiled and nudged Stathos gently.
“Go ahead and work on his bits, Stathos.” Kanaris directed. “I'd like to do something else to help now... if you'll let me, of course.”
“Go ahead...” Stathos huffed.
The lion smiled and backed away from the pair of them and observed them for a moment. Stathos had practically thrown himself at Ysak, his muzzle plunging over Ysak's cock, the lynx hungrily working that length. Ysak bit his bottom lip to avoid saying anything. Stathos was good, to be sure, but he was a male, to which the wolf did not feel any sort of attraction. The wolf looked down and met Stathos' eyes, giving him a look of... uncertainty.
In the meanwhile, Kanaris had positioned himself low behind the lynx. While Stathos helped himself to Ysak's length, the prince had... other ideas. His paws smacked themselves against the lynx's golden-brown rump cheeks, spreading them slowly.
“Don't mind me, Stathos, you just keep going.” Kanaris commanded, with a playful smack.
Kanaris didn't either notice or pay any mind to the lynx's eyes glancing down at him as he moved on. The lion spread Stathos' cheeks, licked his lips, then immediately plunged his muzzle between those plump pillows, his tongue making immediate contact with Stathos' tailhole, pushing directly against the tender ring as he began a vicious tongue assault upon it. Kanaris let out a small, but noticeable purring as he ate the other feline out, which Ysak picked up on.
“You must... do that rather often...” Ysak huffed.
Kanaris glanced up at Ysak and shot him a knowing wink as he continued his assault on Stathos' backside, spreading the lynx's cheeks further to allow his tongue to work past the fleshy ring and lap at his insides. Stathos blushed brightly and gasped sharply on Ysak's member, his tongue pressing against the wolf's cock as his muzzle pushed further along the meat. The lynx's paws clasped onto Ysak's hips as he continued, his entire shivering from Kanaris' work behind him.
Kanaris' eyes closed as he slurped loudly from his rimming of the other male, his paws rolling Stathos' cheeks. It was clear that the prince had pretty much lost himself to his craft at this point. The lion's tongue wriggled and swirled inside of Stathos, while he reached down and grabbed onto his erect length and started to stroke vigorously. His muzzle continued its hungry work until a voice reached across his ears.
“Y-you should probably stop, Your Grace...”
The prince's eyes shot open again and he slowly pulled away, chuckling slightly as he wiped his muzzle clean. “Heh... you're right, Stathos... I think you're good and ready for him back there...”
“As is he.” Stathos chuckled slightly, giving Ysak's throbbing wolfhood a tight squeeze.
“...Wonderful...” Ysak muttered. “Alright, pick... um... your position?”
Stathos nodded quickly and practically threw himself onto the prince's bed, laying on his back and lifting his legs, leaving his ass to just slightly sit off the edge of the bed. Ysak approached Stathos and sighed slightly, rubbing the back of his head as he looked the lynx over.
“I... um... alright then.” He stammered out.
“Oh, come now, Ysak, just get it over with!” Kanaris called out, giving a chuckle.
Ysak practically seized up at the teasing command from his prince. He looked down at Stathos and saw the wanting in his eyes. With a heavy sigh of resignation, Ysak angled his dick towards the lynx's tailhole and slowly pushed his length into him. Stathos let out a gasp as he felt his friend's length spread his backside, his ears flicking slightly. Kanaris watched his loyal knight push into his friend and chuckled to himself.
“There you go... really give it to him, Sir Lerren.” The lion mused.
“I would... prefer not to be coached, Your Grace...” Ysak nearly whined, glancing at the lion.
“Yes, yes, very well.” Kanaris waved a paw dismissively.
Ysak shook his head and focused his eyes back at Stathos. He felt his cock continue to sink into his friend's hole as his hips pushed forward. He noticed how heavily Stathos' ivory-tinted chest rose with each breath he took, his eyes shut tight, as well as how Stathos' muzzle seemed to be letting out a constant purr. Ysak gave a slightly strong push to finish hilting into his friend, his hips grinding against the lynx's bottom and grunted. If Stathos wanted this so bad, then who was he to deny that?
“Th-thank you, Ysak...” Stathos purred out.
The wolf's cheeks went red hot with embarrassment. The knight shifted slightly and slowly started to pull himself back, giving a quick, if somewhat clumsy, slam back in, repeating this until he had the building blocks of a firm rhythm going into the lynx.
“Heh, don't mention it...” Ysak replied. “Quite literally...” he added as a muttered whisper.
Kanaris chuckled to himself at the knight's comment, his paw gliding along his cock as he gazed upon the sight of his loyal Royal Guardsman taking his dear friend's ass. An idea began to form in his head... he had offered to let Stathos plow him earlier, in order to show the lynx that he could trust him. Therefore...
Stathos' eyes shot open as he felt something rub up against the tip of his length. Upon lifting his head, he saw the form of the prince looming over him, straddling his body, the lion's cheeks brushing against the lynx's meat as he grinned down at the other male.
“I want to help you still, if you'll let me, Stathos. Permission to ride?” Kanaris asked.
Stathos chuckled to himself and shook his head slowly. “I swear, you greedy royals...” he replied in a faux-mocking tone. “Granted, Your Highness.”
The lion chuckled and licked his lips, placing his paws upon Stathos' chest as he angled himself so that he felt the point of Stathos' engorged meat poke at his tailhole, upon which he immediately set himself down, letting out the faintest of moans as he impaled himself onto Stathos' lynxhood. Once the lion had fully seated himself upon the other feline, he then ground his rump against Stathos' groin, his tail curling up slightly.
“O-oh my, you're surprisingly hefty, Stathos.” Kanaris purred. “Perhaps we might have to visit often, once we're back home...”
“P-perhaps you should visit...” Stathos huffed.
Ysak cleared his throat and bucked hard into Stathos. “Would you two mind discussing this after I'm gone, please?”
“O-oh! Of course, Sir Lerren!” Kanaris replied, chuckling nervously. “Let us, um... continue then.”
Kanaris shrugged slightly as he started to push and slam his body along Stathos' member. Unlike the hesitant, straight Ysak, Kanaris was starting off well into it, his movements slow, but expert and purposeful. He locked his eyes upon Stathos' as he bucked himself, moaning out and shivering. He grabbed onto his lion pride and stroked it eagerly for a brief moment, only to have his paw knocked away from it, replaced with a light brown one instead...
“Let me, Kanaris...” Stathos purred.
Kanaris blinked at the lynx's willingness to work him, but smiled at it. “As you wish...”
Ysak, as this happened, kept his thrusts going. Knowing Stathos would not be too pleased with simple slow movements, sped up, holding onto his friend's legs tightly under his arms as he bucked his cock firmly into the lynx, his hips making audible smacks against Stathos' ass, his member throbbing inside that tight passage. He closed his eyes and leaned forward. Maybe he could pretend, for a moment, that he was having relations with a beautiful woman instead.
'No.' The wolf quickly shook the thought out of his head. 'That wouldn't be fair to Stathos.'
The wolf panted heavily as he placed his paws on the edge of the bed, his hips bucking hard and firm against Stathos' body as he sped up again. Mostly, it was wanting to finish as soon as possible, but there could be no denying the hint of lust that crept on through.
Kanaris, as it were, was enjoying his bouncing session on Stathos' body, the lion throwing his head back and blushing bright as he took the lynx for the ride of a lifetime, his maw hanging open in pleasure. His dick oozed precum onto Stathos' paw as the lynx worked him, the lion's body shaking in pleasure.
“L-let me know if you want me to go faster, Stathos...” Kanaris chuckled between a few moans, “I'm not quite at full speed...”
“M-more...” Stathos purred out in pure ecstasy.
“Y-you... mmfff... got it...” Kanaris huffed.
“Both of you!” Stathos called out, practically begging.
Ysak's eyes went wide at the outburst. He couldn't even say it was unbecoming of his friend, given his current lot in life and his past actions. The wolf grunted and gripped at the sheets and closed his eyes in thought before opening them again.
“You want more? Ok then... Please onto something, Your Grace...”
Kanaris grinned and pressed his body down some more, wrapping an arm around Stathos' side as the wolf gave the request. Ysak, upon seeing the prince's new position, slowed his thrusts to a near stop. This respite was only fleeting, as Ysak quickly thrust right back in. His new rhythm was rapid, rough and quick, his tail flailing about behind him as his hips pistoned into Stathos.
The instant the new tempo started, Stathos' body arched up and he gripped the sheets under him. Each thrust elicited moans, purrs, gasps and mewlings from the lynx, his eyes screwed shut as his knightly friend went to town on his ass, each thrust audibly echoing in the room. Stathos free paw clung to the sheets as this went on, his face flushed a deep orange from his blush. He felt his cock sputter and throb as Kanaris worked himself along it, pre leaking out of it.
Kanaris was still being shaken by Ysak's mighty thrusts, yet it was not as bad as it could be, if he wasn't holding onto Stathos. The lion was mercilessly slamming himself down onto Stathos' body as fast as his muscles would allow him. His hot breaths brushed against Stathos' body as he panted out, being stretched and worked by the lynx starting to take its toll on the poor lion.
“I... I fear... ahhh!! That I will not... last much longer, S-Stathos...” Kanaris managed to shiver out.
“M-m-me either!” Stathos stammered out.
The lynx's body was shivering in its entirety at this point, his paw pulling and beating at the bed as he got worked. His tongue hung out of his mouth and his ears were pressed down against his head, with his hair a mess over his face and draping the bed. Stathos started to thrust his body back against Ysak's, which in turn caused him to push up into Kanaris. He felt his muscles starting to tense with the approach of his orgasm, but refused to stop.
Ysak huffed and grit his teeth as he continued to pound and slam into Stathos' ass, the wolf squeezing the lynx's legs harder as he felt his body get close to his tipping point. Ysak's breaths gained a more forceful, gruff tone during this point, every thrust inching him closer and closer. Sure enough, his mouth jolted open, and...
“G-gods, here it comes!” He called out.
One last, powerful thrust connected with the lynx's body. Stathos' eyes shot open when it happened. He felt it as Ysak's load shot into him like jets of water; spurt after spurt of hot seed flowing into his body. The lynx squeezed his legs against Ysak's body, bringing the wolf's body closer to his own in the process.
“A-ah, yes!” Stathos moaned out. “Thank you... Ysak!”
Kanaris chuckled lowly from his perch astride Stathos' dick. The lion was very eager into his movements at this point, wanting to milk the lynx for all he was worth. The prince huffed and purred, his tail curling around Stathos' thigh as he felt the lynx's body shiver and pulse under him, the lion's length throbbing in the other male's hold.
“Mmnnfff... d-don't forget about me now, Stathos...” Kanaris huffed out.
“Heh... A-as if I could...” Stathos moaned.
Kanaris winked at Stathos and scritched at his chest, his fingers digging into the fur expertly. Stathos was already dangerously close as is, so dealing with this last added bit of work from the prince seemed to do the lynx in right then and there! With a moan that almost sounded like a roar, Stathos' hips bucked up one last time into Kanaris. Stathos twitched as he felt spurt after spurt of his release shoot into the lion, as deep as he could get.
The royal lion bit his lower lip as he felt Stathos load him up. Unlike the knight and the young alchemist, he wanted to have some manner of vocal control when he finally let loose. The lion looked down at his lionhood, feeling a tight pressure build up around it as Stathos' paw had not yet released it. The lion's paws tightened into fists on Stathos' body as he felt himself get put on the edge. Despite his best efforts, his mouth opened to let out a sharp gasp as he released.
The first shot went long, plastering itself into Stathos' bangs, the next one onto the bridge of Stathos' muzzle. Each consecutive shot continued to land on the poor lynx, until it finally died down. The end result was a trail of white down the lynx's creamy-hued front, leading from his brown hair down his chest, belly and ending in a few leaky droplets on his paw.
His orgasm finally subsiding, Stathos flopped back onto the bed, panting heavily. His paw that had been manhandling the prince dropped down besides him... followed by the prince, on top of him! Ysak, meanwhile, pulled himself out of Stathos and staggered back, nearly falling to the floor as he did. Kanaris rubbed Stathos' sides gently \tand lifted his muzzle so as to address the lynx.
“So, Stathos... glad you didn't kill me after all?” Kanaris asked, grinning slightly.
“Sh-shut it...” Stathos replied, slowly opening his eyes and blushing madly. “But... yes, I am...”
Ysak stared down at the two in disbelief and shook his head slowly, slowly regaining his composure and crossing his arms.
“I can't believe it... I really can't.” He huffed. “You went from literally about to earn a one-way trip to the dungeons to... this.”
Stathos chuckled slightly. “I mean... he's good with his mouth...”
“Oh, you have no idea, Stathos.” The prince chuckled. “But, come on, we have to clean you up.”
The lion slowly pulled himself off of Stathos and sat up. As Stathos tried to sit up as well, Kanaris pressed a paw against him, bidding him to stay down. Realizing that his bag was a bit too out of reach, he turned to Ysak.
“Sir Lerren, a towel please.”
Ysak huffed and walked over to Kanaris' bag, bending over to rifle through it. As he was doing this, Kanaris nudged Stathos.
“Look at that.” The prince chuckled. “All that knighthood training really toned his body well... especially that ass.”
Stathos blushed and smiled sheepishly as he admired his friend. “Indeed it has... Planning on getting him to... submit, are we, now?”
Ysak could be heard muttering some sort of curse under his breath as he brought a bright white towel over to the bed and held it out for Kanaris. The lion chuckled and took the towel from his knight.
“Please,” Kanaris smirked. His paw shot out and grabbed Ysak's cock firmly, “You and I both know that this is what we really want.”
Ysak jolted into a rigid, upright posture as his prince grabbed his wolfhood. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. “May I please get dressed now, Your Grace?”
“After me and Stathos. I wish to ogle you more.” Kanaris teased. “I'm certain young Kerrigan does as well.”
Stathos chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. “Well, I certainly wouldn't be... opposed, but you don't have to do that.”
Kanaris shrugged and took a whole pawful of the towel as he started to clean Stathos' body. “As you wish. You can dress, Ysak.”
Stathos laid back and let the lion clean him up, letting out the occasional chuckle as he felt tickled by where the prince was scrubbing him. Occasionally Kanaris would give certain parts of Stathos' body a quick lick just to really make sure he was “clean” there. After making sure he was thoroughly cleaned up from the night's events, Kanaris leaned over him and smiled.
“I could go another round or two, to be honest.” the prince said. “But I probably shouldn't keep you. Ysak probably wouldn't actually sleep until he knew you were back with him.”
“You're probably right.” Stathos huffed, sitting up. “I'm sorry, though... about-”
“Don't worry about it.” Kanaris waved a paw. “I know what it must be like. I'm the son of the man who had your father imprisoned and wants nothing more than to see you join him in chains.” The lion placed a paw on the lynx's shoulder. “I promise you, with all my heart, that I am not my father. We will figure out who really tried to poison the king and get your father free.”
Stathos sniffled a bit, feeling his eyes start to water. He threw himself at the prince and hugged him tight. The gesture caught the prince off guard, clearly unused to such a feeling. He blinked in surprise as he tried to come up with a response. He chuckled and pat Stathos on the back reassuringly.
“I mean it. I'll work with you to see it through.” He nodded. “Plus, the occasional hookup?”
“For sure!” Stathos nodded excitedly.
“Wonderful.” Ysak interjected, clapping his paws together. “I will do whatever I can to keep protecting Stathos from King Garruman in the meanwhile.”
Kanaris nodded and gave Stathos a small little nudge. “Especially since I hereby officially charge you to as of now.”
Ysak saluted his prince with a small smile at those words. He offered Stathos a paw to help him up. “Alright, Stathos, we've kept the prince up for too long now.”
Stathos nodded and took Ysak's paw, standing up and gathering up his clothes. “Indeed, I suppose.” The lynx turned towards Kanaris as he started to get dressed. “Don't expect me to bow to you or anything like that, you know.”
“Expected.” Kanaris nodded.
Stathos smiled and finished getting dressed. After the two of them bid the prince a good night, Ysak and Stathos made their way back to their room. Upon making it back, Ysak relit the oil lamp on the night-table to give them some light, then clasped Stathos on the shoulder. The lynx looked up in confusion.
“I'm glad you came to your senses, Stathos. I really would have hated having to arrest you.” The wolf explained.
“Well... it wasn't easy.” Stathos sighed. “I wasn't kidding about his skills.”
“Oh, I don't doubt that.” Ysak replied. “Sometimes words are better weapons than actual weapons.”
Stathos looked down at the dagger he was holding for a few seconds, then nodded in agreement, reaching over to return it to its sheath.
“Yes... he completely disarmed me... then made me actually kind of like him.”
Ysak smiled slightly. “I can tell. Now, let's get to bed... we still have a long journey to Arcanos ahead of us.”
Stathos nodded slowly and made his way to the bed. “Right...” He stopped and briefly turned, giving Ysak a peck on the cheek. “Maybe one day, you'll understand the 'elusive deeper meaning' behind all this.”
Ysak blinked in surprise. Stathos was referring to the letter he wrote to the lynx from after their first sexual encounter. The wolf nodded a bit and sighed as he set his sword back against the wall.
“One day, maybe.” He replied.
Stathos blushed slightly at his friend's comment and slipped into bed, claiming the side facing the window as his own. Ysak soon joined him, pulling the covers over them both and dousing the light.
“Good night, Stathos.” He said.
“Good night, Ysak.” Stathos replied.",
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