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style='word-wrap: break-word;'></span>","writing":"[b]THE BOY HEROES FROM THE LAND OF ERIK (A Series of Epics)[/b]\n[b]Epic no. 4[/b] - \n[b]Lev’s Tale[/b]\nBy [i]DamiJon[/i]\n\n[b]Chapter Fifteen[/b]\n\n\t“Mmm...Alex?” Markus stirs, opening his eyes when he doesn't feel his companion next to him. He turns quickly, alarmed, relaxing as he sees Alex relaxing in a chair. “Hmm. There you are. Don't do that again. Stay in bed until I wake up. I want you next to me.” His face is stern but softens. He yawns, stretches, and smiles. “I don't mean to sound so harsh. I do want you next to me when I sleep, Alex. But if you have to use the privy, by all means, do so. But return to me.” He sits at the side of the bed. “Understand?”\n\t“Yes, master.” Alex wastes no time immediately returning in place beside him in bed, pulling a pillow up further to rest on and look him in the eyes. “Couldn't sleep well. Nightmares.”\n\tMarkus smiles at Alex, running his hand through Alex's hair. “I'm sorry. Something about last night? Or do you often have nightmares?” He pulls a sash hanging near the head of the bed. Servants enter soon after carrying hot water and clean towels. Two men, a few years older than Alex, set up a copper tub which is quickly filled with steaming water. The older teens leave, with two women remaining behind. Markus climbs into the tub, sighing at its warmth. “A shame you're already dressed. There's room for two.”\n\t“I can always undress again, if you'd like.” Alex moves up on the bed, sitting upright and explaining, “I've had horrible nightmares since I was a wee baby. That's what my parents told me, at least. It hadn't occurred to me until now, but my father will most likely be a commander in the war. Do you think they'll let me be in charge of taking him and his men out?”\n\tMarkus nods. “Join me in the tub. I don't think that would be allowed. You have a keen mind, Alex, but no experience on the battlefield. Your father has years of experience. No, I think it better if you stay by me and learn the art of war, not just the way of steel.” He grins at his own pun. He watches Alex undress, enjoying the gradual revelation of his hairless body. When Alex, steps into the tub, Markus grabs his hips, preventing him from sitting. Leaning forward, he takes the limp cock in his mouth, sucking and squeezing it with his tongue and mouth. As Alex's cock hardens, his master's hands roam over his stomach and chest.\n\t“Ahhh, master. There's servants still in here!” He blushes, playing with Markus's hair as his head falls back in pleasure. Alex begins fucking his mouth, feeling his ears, cheeks, and chin.\n\tHe pauses, keeping his face pressed against Alex's cock and balls, kissing and licking them between words. “Servants? They won't tell. Besides, someone must wash our backs while we're occupied.” He takes Alex deep into his mouth, his nose burying itself in the teen's hairless pubis. On cue, one of the women, a girl really, perhaps 20 years old, takes a sponge and begins washing Alex's back and shoulders, the other servant washes Markus. The sponge has a roughness to it, a pleasant scraping feel as it cleans. Her touch, firm and knowing, compliments the scraping from the sponge. Coupled with Markus' expert attention on his cock, Alex feels very good.\n\tAlex pants and whines, giving into the hands and pleasure he feels as his commander continues to suck and lick him. He puts one hand between his cheeks, then eases a finger into his ass hole. “Don't stop! I'm gonna, gonna fuckin cum!”\n\tMarkus grins as he works on his new favorite cock. He slides up and down, sucking hard, using his tongue, his lips, even his teeth to heighten and vary the sensations for Alex. For a moment, he moves down to Alex's balls, sucking and tonguing them, reaching his tongue as far along the moaning boy's taint as he can. While his mouth enjoys the smooth balls, he holds the hard cock in one hand. He doesn't stroke it, though, instead he squeezes it tightly then relaxes his grip. He tightens each finger around the four inches one at a time, from pinky to ring finger, to middle, to pointer. Relaxing them all, he repeats starting with the index finger this time. After a minute or two of this, he returns the cock to his hot, hungry mouth. “I want your cum, Alex. Give it to me.”\n\t“Yes.. Yes, my Lord!” Alex grunts loudly, almost in a crying sound as he explodes five hard shots of cum into Markus' s mouth. His body reacts and dances back and forth even after he's done, almost falling back into the tub, but is caught last second by the two women, who help guide him back to Markus. Slowly, he slides down, kissing him passionately when they're face to face, then pressing his stomach and chest next to his, kissing his chest and neck softly. “I ... i...” He stops himself. “Thank you.”\n\tMarkus holds Alex close, kissing his face. “I know you do. Don't say it.” He leans back and the servants wash the pair of them, scrubbing and rinsing, leaving man and boy clean and refreshed. When the bath is finished, upon standing, Markus and Alex are wrapped in warm robes and dried before the fire. The servants pull the sash by the bed and a horde of servants begins emptying the tub one bucket of water at a time. Soon, when it is light enough, the two men return and remove it. Markus watches the fire, enjoying its warmth on a cold day. The final touch before dressing, the bathing girls rub Alex and Markus with scented oils, wiping away any residue. Finished, they withdraw with dirty robes and towels in hand. Alex and Markus are alone.\n\t“What now, master?” Alex stands closer to the fire, rubbing the oils deeper into his own body. He walks backwards back into his arms and snuggles his head to him. “Sword fighting, I'm guessing?” He grips his soft penis and flaps it around, playfully hitting Markus's with it. “Just joking.”\n\tMarkus dresses. “We dress. I check for messages or reports that may have come in while we slept. We'll break our fast, then decide how to get to the trial.” He points at Alex. “You shall be by my side for everything.”\n\t“Yes, of course!” He squeezes his arm in delight. “But nothing too filling this time, please. I'm still a little full from last night.” Alex walks back over to the chair and dresses himself in uniform. Where he came from there were no servants to dress or wash him. Even though he feels blessed and thankful for them, he can't help but to naturally feel the need to do basic things on his own.\n\tMarkus watches him. “Are you ready for your first lesson, Alexander?” He crosses to a weapon rack and selects a sword, attaching it to his sword belt. It's the only item a servant does not touch.\n\t“Now? Sure... I'm always prepared.” He stands still, waiting for his approval first.\n\tLooking at Alex, hand on his sword hilt, he crosses the room until he and Alex are face to face. “Follow me.” He heads to the door, letting Alex fall in beside him. He knocks once on the doors, prompting the guards to quickly open them. Markus, Fire King of Cruiberg, walks down the corridor. Two boys, perhaps 12 years old, fall in behind them. Two guards, clad in brown leather armor and carrying spear and sword, their armor and cloaks edged with flame embroidery, follow in the rear. At the top of the stairs, Markus stops. He gestures down to the great hall below. Servants scurry about, sweeping, tending two large bronze braziers in the center of the room and smaller braziers around the edges. One tends the huge fireplace behind Markus' throne. Others polish silverware as the tables are set for breakfast. A dozen of more servants. “What do you see down there?”\n\tAlex follows him, avoiding the servants in fear that he will run into them and interrupt their job. He walks by the table, feeling it at he looks to each of the cauldrons, then to the throne. “I'm not sure what you mean, sir.”\n\tHe sweeps his hand indicating the whole of the great hall. The doors have been opened by two more servants. A mix of soldiers, tradesmen, merchants, even a farmer or two file in and begin filling in the two arms on the U-shaped tables. Servants brings them each a bowl of hot water, some of them showing the guests that the water is for washing their hands. A second group enters from a door that must be tucked beneath the stairs. These men and women wear uniforms or badges of office. Nobles, persons of learning, honored guests, these people fill the base of the U, to either side of the throne. “Servants. Many servants. That one there, see him?” He points to the man standing by and tending the fire. He stands awkwardly.\n\t“Yes.” Alex curiosity continues to grow. At first, it seems bizarre that he would have so many different people with such random jobs walking around his house. Does he truly use all of them or are they simply for show? Maybe he gives them a job because it's better for them to work for him then live out on the streets. He walks back over to his master, standing to his side.\n\t“Every person needs a purpose. They NEED one. To give them ambition, courage, hope.” He starts slowly down the stairs. The servants all stop and fall to one knee. The common guests all stand and face the stairway, also falling to one knee. The more noble guests stand, but they kneel as well. Markus descends slowly, talking with Alex as if the two of them are alone. “I don't need a man to tend the fire. One servant could probably tend all of the braziers and the fire. But that man was a soldier when I was a boy. On a trip somewhere, I've forgotten where or why, he was in my entourage when we were attacked. He was wounded, had a terrible limp. He couldn't fight.” Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he walks slowly towards his throne. There's no empty chair for Alex. “My father, his commander, discharged him with a few coins and a thank you. When my father died and I came into my inheritance, before I became King, I had the man found. He was living in a hovel with his son and family. Probably ten people in a three room hovel. This man who had done his duty protecting me had nothing but a mattress on a stone floor. I gave him the job of tending my fireplace. I gave him purpose. He lives here in the castle. He gets food and a small room of his own. He sends some of his wage to his son, letting them live better. I give them all a purpose. As a Lord it was my duty to my household. As Blood King, it is my duty to all my subjects.” Reaching the throne, he stands as a guard pulls it out. Before he sits, Markus looks to his right. An officer stands, smiling. From his uniform and boots, it's clear he's a cavalry commander. Markus smiles back at him. “Is there word on Gelfang?”\n\tThe man's smile wavers and disappears. He loses color in his face and begins to sweat. He lowers his face, staring at the stone floor. “My King, I am sorry, but the healers could do nothing. We put him down last night. I beg forgiveness, Your Majesty.”\n\tMarkus nods and looks at Alex. He leans close and whispers. “Who is standing in this room? Take that as a sign.”\n\t“Uhm...” Alex looks around, watching as some tend and clean glass windows, the floors, tables, and other memorabilia. None of them look as if they're being forced to work or displeased at all. It's as if they're proud to do the most menial things for him in the castle. Once in a while, a child or two runs through, playful and happy, allowed to roam and be as free as they'd like. “There are families?” He looks to the guards and officers, then to the warriors up front. “You don't mind if your men or young or old, as long as they have experience.” Then he walks halfway through the room and spies into another. It's a grand library with four workers inside. They're translating letters, navigating maps, reading through certain books on philosophy and war. He walks back over to his side, staring to the wall and doorway out of the castle.\n\t“Only you and I. Every person here has noticed. Some are trying figure out who you are and what you are. Some see you as a rival or threat. Some are just curious.” He sits. The servants resume their work, the guests retakes their seats. As the cavalry officer is about to sit, Markus touches his arm. “Oh, Captain Melchiore, you're in Alexander's chair. I'm sure he doesn't mind and since you do have a report to write about what happened to Gelfang and what steps you'll be adopting to make sure that such a thing never, ever, EVER happens again, and since I want that report before we leave this morning, you'll be better served to take breakfast in your quarters.”\n\tMarkus grins at the man, who nods his head. He looks at Ale, for a moment, hatred crosses his face. “Of course, Your Majesty. I . . . I only came this morning to give you the news in person.” He bows and backs away from Markus before turning and striding quickly out of the hall. Some of the guests snicker.\n\tMarkus stands, and pulls out the commander's former chair. “For my Alexander. Sit, relax.” As Alex sits, Markus snaps his fingers and points at the plate and serving ware the captain had used. A servant quickly removes them, replacing them with a fresh place setting.\n\tAs the pair eat, the King keeps a hand on Alexander's thigh. Breakfast is as light or as heavy as each guest desires. Some opt for pancakes drenched in butter and jam, other for fruit and bread. Markus breaks his fast with boiled eggs, toast, fruit, and a small bowl of oatmeal. He check that Alex is enjoying the food and that it is to his liking. He points out other guests, giving Alex some insight into the members of Markus' court and following.\n\tAlex fills a bowl with oatmeal, then more with fruit, and a small steak to please his master in case he's offended by him not filling himself up. He eats quietly and with all manners, such as he learned growing up. By the time his plate is finished it appears as if there were nothing on it. He scoots the oatmeal over to himself, then smiles and asks, “Who is Gelfang?”\n\tThe man sitting on Alex's right, chokes on a fig, coughing and reaching for his water. Markus tenses at the question. “Gelfang was one of my finest stallions. A rare mix of speed and strength. I had hopes that he could sire more like him. Paired with the right mare, his sons might have been tremendous!” He sits back in his throne, sighing. “It was not meant to be. He'd taken ill for some reason and the captain had assured me that it was a minor ailment and that he'd soon recover. He did not. I found out last night when we returned from dinner. I will let the captain fret and worry for a few days, then transfer him to a less desirable post. He'll either take the challenge and seek to prove himself again, or quiver and shake and never sit with us for breakfast again.”\n\tAfter breakfast, the guests leave quickly. A small batch of letters is delivered, and Markus goes through them quickly, making quick notes and issuing orders. “Part of ruling is paperwork. No escaping that.” He stands and exits the main hall. Standing on the steps in the castle courtyard, he regards the weather. It is cold, grey, and looks as if it my rain. He looks to Alex. “Well, our choices are clear. Horse, boat, or magic. What say you, Alexander.”\n\tAlex walks to him in glee, twirling around for a short moment in excitement. “A boat!”\n\tMarkus laughs, a warm hearty laugh. Genuine. He watches Alex twirl with a huge smile. “Very well.” He looks around, calling out to a middle-aged man, a bit portly and red-faced, with long, gray muttonchops. “Castellan! Have the yacht prepared. We leave for the trial as soon as it's ready to travel. Have lunch packed. And bows and arrows.” He looks at Alex. “We may as well see how good you are with a bow while we're out and about.”\n\tThe older man bows, and rushes off, shouting his own orders. Within minutes, servants are standing by, holding baskets and one with two bows and two quivers of arrows. Markus leads his group down through the courtyard out through a small gate in a separate wall from the main entrance. A winding stone stair descends to the shore of a lake. There, a long, broad boat wait, oars up at attention.\n\tAlex patiently waits for everything to be set, then studies the bow and arrows, taking it and pretending as if he were to cast one to a target. He hands it back to one of the servants, then steps onto the boat, moving the hair out of his face as he looks out at the sea. It's not anything spectacular, but he's always had a fascination with lakes, rivers, and the ocean. He hopes to one day travel the world, maybe conquer some of it if the motivation is there, but 'saving' Cruiberg is of his current concern. \n\t“Lovely.” Alex runs his hands along the side of the boat, walking around and trying to kill time. “If we go out to hunt, I'd like to show you how good of an aim I really am. While I may be human, I have gifted senses. My great-great-great grandfather was a wind mage and some of that still runs through me.” The wind brushes against his skin. He holds out an arm, watching as a small whirl of visible, dusty air swirls around in it, then he places his hand down. “I'm the only living one in my bloodline that can manipulate air, though. But that's all I can do. Quite boring, to be honest.”\n\tOne of the boatmen bows and informs Markus that they're prepared and can depart at Markus' pleasure. Markus nods and climbs aboard, turning back and offering Alex his hand to help him into the craft. “The lake may get a little choppy if the winds kick up.” As Alex steps down into the boat, Markus tugs on his hand, causing Alex to lose balance and fall into Markus' arms. He holds him there for a moment before kissing him deeply. Still holding his hand, he leads Alex to a small, canopied area where he sits, patting next to him for Alex to join him. “Oh, there's nothing really boring about you, Alex.”\n\t“Nor you, my... Lord.” Alex blushes and takes his seat. Time seems so still right now and yet the nature of this peace unnerves him. Everything is set in motion, but he's still afraid that one of his pawns won't get a chance to play along. He shuts his eyes for a quick second, sending another prayer to the war Gods for Aldan's safety, then looks back out at the lake, letting his thoughts drift into it at ease. “I'm sort of anxious, seeing Rakshahas again. Klaus and Jeremy are fine, they don't worry me at all, but with that other one... That wild card. Well, that's what makes him so successful.”\n\t“His ruthlessness helps as well. Unpredictable, willing to do anything to pretty much anyone.” As he speaks, the boat pushes off from the dock. The rowers begin to pull on their oars and the boat picks up speed. “He also has a large, experienced army, and the gold to hire and equip whatever they need.”\n\t“Mhmm.” Alex nods in agreement, smiling devilishly. “I'm still a bit tired. Is there any way I could lay in your arms for a moment? Or…” He lowers his voice, becoming more self-conscious coffee works as well.\n\tMarkus wraps an arm around Alexander, letting the young teen cuddle up against him. The boat is making impressive speed adding to the force of the chill wind. Markus has blankets brought and he and Alex are soon blanketed together. “Sleep, Alex. It's a two-hour row, at least.” He leans back, closing his own eyes, still holding Alex.\n\tAlex allows himself to sink into his arms, shutting his eyes, and meditating the sound of the water clashing with the boat. As the one he loves plays with his hair and helps calm him down, he finally falls to sleep, not a nightmare like the hundreds he's had in a row before. In the dream, he's with Markus and they're somewhere out in the forest in battle gear, venturing to a pond, and fishing for a dinner together. His erection grows noticeable as his sleeping body lays on top of Markus, one hand unconsciously touching himself. For a short moment, Markus hears the boy call out his name under his breath, then it's no more, just his soft breathing.\n\tWatching the boy sleep and dream, Markus adjusts the blankets so that they're both comfortably covered. Listening to the boy breathing, he's reminded of the beauty of simple pleasures. He likes the cold weather. He likes it more now that has Alex to snuggle close with. He leans down, sniffing Alexander's hair. Sighing, he thinks about the trial and the potential fallout from the guilty verdict. Then the war beyond. His hand drifts down, resting on the warmth of Alex's package. For a time, thoughts of war and doom are pushed aside by the welcoming warmth of his new boy.\n\tAt first, Alex is inviting the touch, but when Markus grabs him too firmly, he awakens, fighting the mess out of his eyes. He stretches out his arms and gazes lovingly at the man holding him. “Coffee before we make way to the trial?”\n\t“Coffee!” Markus orders one of the servants, who sets to brewing a fresh pot right away. “We're almost there. It's a short ride from the docks to the palace. We should be there shortly after high-sun.”\n\tAlex sticks out his tongue and thumb, measuring the time with it by putting it over the rising sun. “I want to train every day, if possible. Be as prepared for the war as I can be, you know.”\n\t“Haha! How are you with a sword now?”\n\t“Well...” He thinks for a second, remembering that he had defeated his brother in almost every duel they had. “I'd say I could take on a Hathor commander on my own, which is pretty good, right? When I was in the prison, they had me sent to the bottom level and had ten or twelve of their most professional guards on watch over me. I escaped and knocked them all out with my hands still chained together. They came at me with swords, maces, axes, daggers, all in a confined hallway that was barely lit. I used to spar with some of the lieutenants over there and they would have me do all sorts of weird things, such as forcing me to use only one hand in case I lost an arm, make me fight with a fifty pound bag over my shoulders, fight in pure darkness, stop swords with my hands.”\n\t“That sounds impressive. Are you certain they weren't taking it easy on you? Guards sometimes do that. especially if they've been paid. Perhaps we can spare sometime today.” He looks out over the lake. “Not at the palace. Too many observers who would make notes of mistakes or tendencies. I think we can find a way for a match or two, though.”\n\tThe servant brings the coffee. It's good, but not as good as the temple coffee back in Harath. Markus sips his, still holding Alex close staring forward over the lake. As they sip, a town emerges on the lakeshore. Built on an incline, the town is large, rising away from the shore. Some distance from the town, High King Hallewell's palace looms over the town, it's dark walls and towers of black stone offering a sharp contrast with the bright town and lakeshore. Markus points. “Ten minutes, I think. There it is, Alexander Steele. The Palace of High King Rhys Hallewell. High King of Cruiberg. Mortal enemy of your people and their king.”\n\t“--Were my people. Harath are my enemies too.” He stands up, folding his blanket and putting it over the chair as he walks to the end of the boat and sips from his coffee cup. The tower is much more modern and remarkable than the one he grew up seeing and living around. That castle could crumble at any day, but Harath is too concerned with keeping tradition and historical relics alive. The High King's castle is a remarkable work of art even from far away.\n\tMarkus joins him at the bow. “Not all Harathi are your enemies.” He raises a finger when Alex starts to object. “No, don't lie. That serves neither of us. Steps are being taken, Alex. Steps that will make you mine forever.”\n\t“What do you mean?” He faces him, confused and baffled. “I'm already yours.”\n\t“Yes. But not only mine.” He finishes his coffee. “Don't worry.”\n\tThey stand together quietly as the boat pulls closer and closer, finally easing into a slip. Guards clamber onto the dock, followed by servants. One of the servants unfurls Markus' banner, a golden crown wreathed in flames. A small wooden box is opened and presented to Markus. He takes the coronet from within. handing it to Alex and ducking his head to allow Alex to place it on Markus' head. “Place the coronet and we are ready.”\n\tAlex takes delicate care with the crown, putting it into place carefully. As he lets go, his eyes squeal, afraid that he's done it wrong. Only the king in Harath wears a crown, so he's had no real expertise on them at all. He waits for a look of approval, then glimmers with a smile as he follows him off of the boat. “So handsome...” He slaps his mouth, not meaning to let that compliment slide out.\n\tMarkus frowns at Alexander. He arches an eyebrow. “You have something on your face. Right here.” He leans in, kissing Alexander. Pulling back with a smile, he winks at the boy. “Oops. Missed it.” He grabs Alex's neck and pulls him into a deeper kiss. “Got it that time. You first.” He gestures to the dock.\n\tAs soon as Markus pulls away from the second kiss, his mouth hangs open in awe. Other guards and servants see it, but they act as if it were nothing, because to them all that matters is his job. And yet, Alex can't help but to blush. He doesn't feel as if he's worthy of his love. It's too much for his weak, fragile heart to handle right now. He holds his hand for the moment, then asks, “Would the other kings mock us if they saw you kissing me or me holding your hand?”\n\tMarkus smiles again. He leans close and whispers. “Not within sword's reach the wouldn't. I expect some comments. I probably shouldn't have done that. Now, sadly, you're a target.” Once on the dock, the group waits. Soon a knot of men approaches, heavily armed and armored. They stop at the edge of the dock, one of them approaching and kneeling. He lowers his eyes, then looks at Markus and speaks.\n\t“Your Majesty, Fire King, welcome to Bryeb. The High King awaits your attendance.” Markus gestures for the man to rise. He stands. “We beg the honor of escorting you to the palace.”\n\tEscorted by the High King's soldiers, Markus' entourage makes their way into the town. Though he doesn't hold Alex's hand, he does point out places of interest. A café that features the most exotic food, which Markus points out with some disdain. A sword maker of some skill. A tailor whose work is exquisite. A coffee shop that makes demon quality coffee, due a demon slave held by the shop owner.\n\tAs much as Alex admires the architecture on places that are pointed out to him, he can't help but to note the lack of diversity. Everyone here is human, except for some slaves. He wonders to himself, 'Can I really do any good to this kingdom? Even if I play my cards right and win this hand, will these people accept change?' He wonders if Markus despises non-humans like the others, thinks of them of deserving less rights than humans, or simply does what he must because of the order he's been bestowed. \t“The kingdom is very well kept clean, very nice.” Alex speaks less and spends more time observing the culture and people.\n\t“Ha! Wait until the rains come. The streets turn to black mud. I find the capital boring. It's somewhat lifeless.” He calls out to the commander of the escort. “Captain, we'll be stopping for coffee.” Without waiting for a reply, Markus heads into the coffee shop. It is small and dark, the wood is dark, there are few lamps, the interior seems lost in gloom. Peasants stand aside as Markus enters, stopping at the counter. “I'll have something strong, something sweet. And my friend will have. . . “ He gestures for Alex to order. Alex places his order and the clerk retreats to a back room. He hears muffled voices and after a few moments, the clerk returns with the coffee. Markus pays in gold, though the bill is only in silver. He returns to the street and the entourage marches on.\n\tAlex's coffee is total black, nothing more or less, dark chocolatey flavors that make him sweat among the cold temperatures. Once finished, he hands off his cup to a servant. “I'm fully awake now. To be honest, I was just being nice. The capital is very boring.”\n\tMarkus nods. “That's why I want Harath and it's capital for myself. If I can bring them the discipline of our people, with a little bit of their. . .” He searches for the right words. “Liveliness?  Imagine that, if you can.” The rest of the trek to the palace is quiet. There are guards at the main, but they do not delay or challenge the arrival. The courtyard bustles with activity, horses are being brushed and cooled. Wagons are being unloaded. The other Kings have travelled longer distances with larger entourages that now must be unpacked and housed. Only Markus resides close enough to return home in less than a day.\n\tMarkus, Alex, and a group of two guards and two servants are shown to a small suite of rooms where they are asked to wait. The others are all here. We're the last to arrive. Markus sits near the fireplace, making curious drawings on paper. Some he saves, others he burns. “Had we time, I think I'd fuck you for a while, Alex. How would you like that?”\n\tAlex takes his seat by the fire, squeezing the arms of the chair as his erection grows back. “Right before a trial? I don't know... Maybe. It would really turn me on to watch you slaughter the convicted man.” He makes a devilish face and licks his lips.\n\tMarkus grins. “I hope not. Despite all that I know of you, there's part of you that is still. . .innocent? Untarnished may be a better word. Don't lose that, Alex. Don't become a mindless, bloodthirsty creature in place of being a man.”\n\t“Stay a boy, I know...” He rolls his eyes. “I was only joking.” Alex stares around the room, biting on an index finger as he waits for the guards to return. “I must ask... What do you think of the non-humans that we're at war with?”\n\tMarkus shrugs. “I don't hate them. Not like Rakshahas, not even as much as the others.” He chuckles. “Do you know why there's a demon coffee-slave in the town? Because the High King is amused at how much that bothers Rakshahas. The coffee give the veneer of a reason, but it's to get under Rakshahas' skin.” His face grows serious. “Demons are dangerous. Their powers can be exceptional. It's only their philosophy that keeps them from waging war on all humanity. What happens if one of them rejects that philosophy? And if that one convinces others to join him? No, that's too much of risk with their present numbers. They need to be culled. The anthros I don't care about. They're abominations, some say. I don't care. But they resist, so they must be destroyed. Did you have any friends back in Harath that were demon or anthro?”\n\tAlex shakes his head. “No, not really. None as true friends of the least. They're just like normal folks over there, maybe even better than the humans in terms of manner. It doesn't bother me to fight alongside you and the others against them. They're my enemies now, but maybe not for the same reasons as for you all. They're associated with Harath. And I despise Harath. I WILL…” He raises his voice. “Have the King’s head, along with the rest of the commanders and my family.” He calms himself down, rubbing Markus's hand for a moment until the anger has vanished.\n\t“Why do you hate them so? What did they do to you?”\n\tHe bickers, looking away and at a painting, then remembers his manners and answers Alex to his eyes. “My parents have always had it out for me. Maybe it's because I like men or I had health issues when I was child... I don't know why, but they always hated me. Whenever they started fighting, they looked at me and used me to let go of that aggression. And my brother, he was given everything, loved, so much more handsome than I. Taller, stronger, full of himself, and an athlete as well. I'd beat him in every draw and my parents would punish me for it, said I'm not fit to be a commander for the king, or squire. As for the king... I grew up with his children and family. They teased me when I was a sick boy, before I grew healthier. It was their hatred towards me that made me so vigorous into studying the art of battling. One of the kings daughters...” Alex looks away, rubbing the temple of his forehead. “She.... Never mind it.”\n\t“One of the great things about being one of the five kings is that no one gets to tell me \"never mind\"... Finish your story, Alex.”\n\tHis face droops and his eyes water up. “It was when I was in the hospital. My heart had stopped beating when I was five and I was pronounced dead for a whole hour, then they were somehow able to bring me back to life. It were another four months before I could recover from the troubles with my heart. As I was saying...” The boy pauses, clears his throat. “I was just a six year old boy and she was an adult. She wanted to be a healer and supposedly helped me, but in return for my life, she would... Touch me, put herself on me. Make me do things. Gross things.” He wipes away his tears and sits up. “A guard had witnessed what happened to me and we spoke to my parents. We were going to bring it to the king and have her be given justice. Shortly after, the king had the guard executed for crimes he never committed. I remember when he spoke to me, the King himself, telling me that I would never go into the high ranks for the lies I had committed and if I ever brought a lie out again, I'd be dead.” Alex laughs, but the atmosphere he brings is serious and dreadful. “And to think I almost did! No, of course not... There's always hope, right? That's what lead me to you... And now you know why I hate my family and the king. Why I will have my vengeance on them.”\n\tMarkus sits in silence for a moment, staring at the fire. He stands, standing next to Alex, resting a hand on his shoulder. “The rest of you - outside. Now.”\n\tThe guards and servants bow and hasten to obey, leaving Alex and Markus alone. Markus kneels down next to Alex, taking the boys face in his hand. He wipes the tears from Alex's cheeks, leaning forward and kissing each of his eyes. “Does she yet live?”\n\tAlex nods. “She will most likely be there in the war. They'll need skilled healers out there.”\n\tRunning his hands through Alex's hair, he kisses him again, on the lips. “If we capture her, I will give her to my most skilled torturer. We will crush Harath, it's king, and his family. You will rule the city in my name, Alexander. You will found your own dynasty.”\n\tAlex stands up, taking his hand and kissing it, then waiting for their eyes to connect before he kisses him as well. They stand there, alone, but together. “In my name” he repeats to himself in thought. “To have your last name replace mine, to be yours forever. I love you, Markus.”\n\tMarkus Yorem, Blood King of Cruiberg, holds Alex close. “I know you do, Alex. I treasure that knowledge. But if I love you, you become a target for each of the other kings, for any who would seek to take my throne. You don't understand the danger you'd be in. And there is still the other. . .”\n\tAlex nods. “Yes... I understand. It's fine. I can keep it secret, just allow me to remind you of those three words from time to time when we're alone, okay?”\n\t“When we're alone.” He stands, filling and draining a goblet of water. He's about to call for the servants, when he stops. He fills the goblet again, and takes it to Alex. “You look thirsty, my love.” He grins at Alex as he hands him the goblet.\n\tAlex drinks from the goblet with both hands, only pausing when he needs to catch his breath. Otherwise, he drinks all of the water down. It didn't even occur to him until now that Markus had referred to him as his love for the first time. He immediately blushes, tensing up and almost dropping the expensive goblet when someone knocks, mentioning that the trial is soon to begin.\n\tMarkus stands. He closes his eyes and rocks his head left and right. “The best thing for you is to simply listen. If anyone asks you a question, answer in as few words as possible. Prepare yourself, it's liable to be . . .brutal.”\n\tThe pair are led to the Great Hall. Rows of benches fill most of the hall, holding perhaps one hundred observers. Men, mostly, dressed as warrior and fighters. Guards stand against the walls, their black-bladed halberds menacing as they stand watch. As he scans the crowd, ALexander notes that none of the gallery have any weapon larger than a dagger. No swords or axes. No great hammers or mauls. No spears or bows. The warriors talk amongst themselves, the whole hall enveloped in a steady, low murmur.\n\tAlex and Markus are taken to a side room. Already there, finishing a stein of beer as they enter, is King of Fire Rakshahas Cane. His black leather armor is studded with metal rivets, each sculpted as a small skull. He carries his favored weapon, a large, black-bladed sword. His long hair, black and gray, is tied in a pony tail. He glares at Markus with his one good eye, the other eye marled and useless since a young age when a half-brother's assassin missed with a killing strike. HIs glare dissolves into an unnerving smile. “Well, if it isn't Markus Yorem, Whelp King of Blood. And his latest. . .? He looks at Alex, up and down as if he's judging a prized turkey as it hangs. “Toy? Apprentice? Squire? Clerk? Whore?” He laughs.\n\t“Squire, m'lord”. Markus answers. He smirks at Rakshahas. “This cold weather must be playing the hells with your arthritis and rheumatism.”\n\tCane glares at Markus and burst into a huge laugh. “If I liked you less, Yorem, you'd pay for that. Stiff with the cold or not, I think that I could still manage any other man in the kingdom. When Rhys finally dies, perhaps we'll see which of us is the better man.” He sighs and stomps his feet. “Gods blood! Why the delay? We're all here. Let's get this damnable trial over with.” He jostles Markus with a push on the shoulder. “We've a war to fight!” He pours himself more beer and stands near the fire, warming his backside as he watches Alexander and Markus.\n\tAlex chugs down an entire beer, slamming it down, and giving a long glare to Rakshahas. A few moments later, the two brothers, Jeremy and Klaus, enter the room and sit beside them. Both are young and in their early thirties, long blonde hair tied in ponytails and kept clean. The older of the two, Jeremy, has with him a long sword almost as big as him. Alex judges that it's about his weight, too. The younger one, Klaus, seems less excited, more observant like him. He takes a liking to him and makes small talk, but soon realizes that he's not too interested in speaking. Jeremy interrupts the two. “Never in my life would I imagine a Steele on our side. Oh, how the tides change! I know we've already spoken of your work when we first met a few days ago, but I must say again, good job. Good job.” Jeremy pours him a beer himself, then orders a servant to grab more.\n\t“It was simple, really... If I hadn't been found, I would have taken more out, but one must make some mistakes in order to learn from them.” Alex takes this beer a little easier, sitting up more in his chair and avoiding Rakshahas eyes. “I have a plan that I'm working on to take out the Harath King, but it's still in the developing stages. Might take a few hundred more revisions.” The boy chuckles a bit.\n\t“Feh!” Cane snorts derisively. “We've wasted months on the fool dark mages and their plans for an ultimate weapon. We should already be in the field, marching on E'hbel. Not holding a trial for some sniveling failure. I hear tell their great weapon was defeated by a 'prison guard'! A turn-key! Not even a real warrior, and he thwarts their master plan.” He spits into the fireplace. “We should execute Yakras and move on. Slit the throats of another half dozen as a lesson to the rest. Simple, easy and on with the war.” He pauses, smiling like a child who knows a great secret.\n\tJeremy nods. “You and me both... I've wasted too much time back here. If I don't start killing back in the forest in the next few days, I'll have to find prisoners to kill myself.” His brother whispers something into his ears, and then they both go quiet.\n\tAlex quietly asks Markus. “What takes them so long? Is the trial going to take this long too?”\n\tMarkus shrugs. “Impossible to say. It could be over in a few moments, but I don't think Rhys would have us all here if he didn't want something to come out of the trial. It would have been within his powers to simply execute Yakras. Prehaps he wants the Dark Mages who remain to feel that they won't be targeted.”\n\tWhen Markus finishes, Alexander notices the others watching him. As Markus drifts to the sideboard for water, the other kings keep their focus on the young man from Harath. It isn't long before Alex begins to feel uncomfortable. Thankfully, a young man enters the room after knocking twice. He's little older than Alexander, but his face is badly disfigured, burned and badly healed.\n\t“Your Majesties.” He bows deeply. “The High King is ready to begin. My Lord of Fire, Cane, precedence is your choice.”\n\tCane nods, spitting again into the fireplace. “As it should be, boy. Start with the whelpling and his pet Harathi.”\n\tMarkus bristles, but says nothing. The scarred boy looks at the other kings. “Very well, Your Majesty. King Markus, followed by King Klaus, followed by King Jeremy, and then yourself, King Rakshahas, and finally High King Rhys. If you're all prepared?”  The assembled kings all nod. The scarred boy exits leaving the door open. A somewhat effeminate looking man stands at the door. He bows to the kings, then holds a hand out to them, signaling stop. Markus moves near the door. Looking at Alex, he gives his final instructions. “Stay behind me and to my left. Don't react too visibly to anything.”\n\tHe waits. Alex can hear a horn and the crowd in the great hall goes silent. A lone voice speaks, loudly. It's difficult to make out what is being said. The effeminate man looks at Markus, nodding and gesturing that they should enter the Great Hall. \n\tEntering the Great Hall, Markus strides confidently towards the far end. The gallery all stand, remaining silent. He marches to witness pit, set before all five thrones, stopping in front of the empty High Throne. He bows to the High Throne, Alex follows suit. A huge guard, nearly seven foot tall, armed with a huge axe, clad in blackest plate armor, appears behind the High Throne and descends the steps until he stands just above Markus. Markus nods to the warrior and unstraps his sword, offering it to the black knight. The knight says nothing and makes no move. Markus reattaches his sword. The black knight looks at Alex, his blue eyes almost looking through Alex.\n\tAlex stays as quiet and composed as possible, following every direction given to him. He sits down in a lower chair by his master. Following suit, the brothers come in at the same time, taking their seats as well. Alex peers his eyes back to where the effeminate man once was. 'If he ever hits on me again, I'll kill him' He thinks to himself. Finally, Rakshahas enters and takes his seat. Shortly after a group of guards march a dark mage, Yakras, in an all black robe to a seat at the center of the great hall. Yakras. His legs and arms are chained and sealed with a magic that permits him from breaking free. Sitting behind him, two other dark mages take seats - Raethum, a four hundred year old mage, and Epirael, younger, but still one hundred years old. One of the guards pulls down Yakras hood, revealing his shaven, ugly face, covered in warts with pale, sick eyes. The other two take off of their hoods. Raethum seems as if he's still a young adult, while the truly younger one looks like a young adult. While Raethum looks wise and experienced, the man beside him is built much like Rakshahas, just short of the ponytail and black hair. The guards stand in position around them.\n\tLast to enter is High King of Cruiberg, Rhys Hallewell. As he is announced, the assembled crowd begins to stamp their feet. Markus and the other Kings rise. Rhys is led into the chamber by a grizzled, powerful man. The man wears a sleeveless tunic, showing massive biceps as he carries the Sword of the High King, Trueborn. Trueborn is a fabled weapon, forged eons ago by the greatest smiths humanity has ever offered forth. Stories say that a mere touch of its blade can reduce an anthro or demon to ashes and cause other non-humans to write on the ground in agony for days.\n\tBehind his sword, Rhys Hallewell strides, all the arrogance and power of Cruiberg concentrated in one man, He wears the robes and furs of the High King, no armor. His crown is of black iron, a great central spike pointing upwards from the center of the forehead, two lesser spikes on the right and on the left. Shimmering at the base of each of the five spikes are five dazzling diamonds, the light from torches and candles seemingly magnified from each of them. The strength of his presence obscures the fact that Rhys is over sixty, his hair mostly gray and his face lined with the scars of age and worry more than battle. He is followed by two page-boys, thirteen or fourteen years old, each with dark hair and dark eyes, but pale skin. They look nearly identical. As Rhys take the High Throne, the boys kneel by either of his knees, the sword bearer stand to his right, slightly behind. The gallery stomps and stomps, the very stone of the Hall trembling at their power.\n\tRhys holds up his hand and everything stops. It's as if all sound has fled before his command. He slowly lowers his hand, and the crowd sits. A man in blue garb steps forward and speak to the Five Kings of Cruiberg.\n\t“Assembled Kings, High King...before you stands Yakras, Adept of the Dark Order. He is charged with treason. If found guilty, the only sentence allowed by our law, BY CRUIBERG LAW.” He yells those words to the crowd before turning back to the kings. “The only sentence is death.”\n\tRhys taps the boy on his left on the shoulder. The boys stands and descends half way down the steps. “Yakras! Step forward!” As Yakras moves forward, with all the grace and dignity that he can bring to bear, the other boy stands and joins his brother. They both point at the Dark Mage and the second boy commands. “State your plea and make you defense!”  They both lower their arms and head back to Rhys, The closer of the two flashes a quick smile at Alex. Or is it at Markus?\n\tAlex smiles back at the boy, feeling his own erection grow. It's uncomfortable, because he knows that he is to be taking the situation seriously, not like it's some peasant ball party.\n\tYakras stands and walks as much as he can with his shackled feet up five steps, then speaks loud and clearly. “I, Yakras, adept of the dark order, have been at the service and loyal to Cruiberg for three hundred years. It was me who lead the first attacks on E'hbel, to Chantlisty, and Vargon. If it weren't for my expertise, tens of thousands of elves, demons, anthros, and the like would still be alive today. Many of you weren't alive two hundred eighty years ago when our kingdom came under attack by terrorists, DEMONS that ravaged us for years, killing hundreds of women and children. It was I who proposed their banishment and genocide from the kingdom, I who killed their leader, and helped bring a new order to the kingdom to protect the underprivileged humans that live here. I worked with a fellow dark mage, a spy who lives in Harath, and we took it upon ourselves to learn the power of the ancient black spirits sealed away five miles below E'hbel. We had great success with the first trials, even used the power of the spirits to inflict damage on elven tribes, leading to the death of hundreds of elves. Now, it is true that the dark mage was killed in Harath, but one must also note the success of this attack! A fourth of their Kings castle was destroyed. More than a hundred guards were killed by the dark mages possession of a demon and that of our people living in their communities. Now THAT is a success.”\n\tMarkus stands, bowing to the High King. He descends a pair of steps, his hands clasped together behind his back. He looks at each of the kings, then back at Alex. Finally he faces Yakras. “Correct me if I am mistaken, but isn't it true that before this great 'success', Harath was not aware of our preparations for war? Or of our network in their capital?”\n\tYakras shakes his head. “None of that is my fault. It is of fault that the dark mage in Harath didn't seal away the information we kept with magic.”\n\tOne of the dark mages, Epirael, laughs for a split second, which echoes through the hall.\n\tMarkus takes a step towards the mage, Epirael. “You have something to add, Epirael of the Dark Order?”\n\tEpireal stands and speaks with anger. “We have been voiceless as Yakras has wasted time planning his so-called attack to turn the humans of Harath against the demons through, what he says, proxy... All of this time spent wasted when we could have taken E'hbel by now!”\n\tMarkus nods gravely, taking two steps towards his throne. He turns back to the accused. “Remind myself and the other Kings, weren't we promised that your plan would bring Harath to its knees? Cause chaos and destruction, leaving hundred, thousands dead? Their army crippled?”\n\t“Hundreds did die.” His voice is lower, more defeated. He knows that he stands no chance.\n\tThe older dark mage behind him, stands, and yells, “Hundreds of Cruiberg spies and civilians have been imprisoned due to the foolishness of this man and his, his FRIEND, who left our people to live in his riches. All who will be executed by Harath. And what is to happen to the immigrants from Cruiberg living there? Will they lose their heads too?”\n\t“We can make safe passage for them to return here.”\n\t“AND HOW WILL WE DO THAT?” Raethum sits down.\n\tMarkus returns to his seat, shaking his head sadly. Rakshahas stands, he bows to Rhys, barely nodding his head to the other kings. Klaus and Jeremy shift in the thrones, casting withering looks at Rakshahas. He ignores them, turning his attention to Yakras. “Who was it that uncovered your compatriot in Harath? Who defeated your 'ultimate demon weapon' and killed not one, but two dark mages? Was it the mighty Champion of Harath?” He smiles. “No. It wasn't, was it? Wasn't it a prison guard? A jailer? Some half-drunken rat-buggerer who thwarted your plan? Who even now has become a hero to the people of Harath. That can't be right. Can it?”\n\tYakras corrects him. “He was no mere prison guard or ordinary warrior. This was the man that killed the Vampire Count of Stigmartz.”\n\tA murmur goes through the crowd. Rakshahas seems surprised for a moment before hiding his astonishment. The High King stands. “Are you certain?”\n\tYakras nods. “He killed a man said to be impossible to kill. Broke into his castle himself and fought the dead. If you underestimate him, he might kill you as well.”\n\tMarkus stands quickly. “And you've brought us to his direct attention? Was that part of your plan to bring Harath to its knees? To turn a Vampire Slayer against us?” He gestures dramatically. “Tell us, what is your plan now, Yakras?”\n\t“My plan is to correct my wrong-doings - find safe haven for those Cruiberg still living in Harath. To fight alongside you in the war and kill as many demons as I can to rectify what couldn't be done there. Trust in me and I will never disappoint you ever again.” As much as he tries to hold it together, his arms shakes and he feels a pit in his gut.\n\tRakshahas sits. He crosses his legs, tapping his signet ring loudly against the arm rest of his throne. The High King sits, deep in thought. Rakshahas speaks without standing. “You've sent assassins after this man, the Vampire Killer?”\n\t“No, I have not. Not as of this moment.”\n\tAlex sighs, rolling his eyes. He knows that the assassins are most likely already on their way to find and kill Aldan at any moment. In his mind, they'll be dead before they ever reach him.\n\tRakshahas smirks.” Oh? So if I were to tell you that I know you've dispatched assassins, you would deny it? In front of all of us? Two, as a matter of fact. Sent within hours of learning of your failure. Hoping to distract from your failure and incompetence by dangling a dead vampire slayer in front of us.”\n\tMarkus leans over to Alex and whispers. “Hoping to buy his own life with the life of Aldan of Harath.”\n\t“Yes, Yes! I have lied.” Yakras raises his shackled hands smiling. “I'd thought that I'd have him dead by the trial and would be able to bring the news with me here.”\n\tMarkus stands quickly. “So, having failed with your ultimate weapon, and drawn Harath into war, you thought to inspire them further against us by assassinating their hero-savior without even a word to any of the Council of Kings? Not a word to any of us?” He looks at the other kings, then out to the gallery. “Tell me, did you instruct your assassins to leave our battleplan with the body, signed in our names, with directions to each of our castles for their assassins?” Several in the crowd chuckles and laugh.\n\tYakrus is broken up, unable to find what words he needs to say to buy himself out of it.\n\tRakshahas stands. “Guilty. I've heard enough. Guilty. I call for a verdict.” He sits.\n\tThe man in blue, rushes to the witness pit. “A verdict has been called for by the Fire King... Are there any others who wish to give evidence?”\n\tThe brothers shake their head and both answer, “Guilty.”\n\tMarkus stands. “Guilty.”\n\tRhys stands, waving the man in blue away. “Guilty. As High King of Cruiberg, I sentence Yakrus, Adept of the Dark Order...” Very subtly, Rakshahas moves one hand, smirking. The High King, looks at Rakshahas and then turns to Markus. “The Blood King shall pronounce sentence...”\n\tThe crows murmurs. Rakshahas seems very pleased. The brother kings are surprised, but quickly compose themselves, watching Markus with keen interest.\n\tMarkus faces the crowd. “I sentence Yakram, on behalf of the HIgh King and my fellow Kings, to be peeled for not less than 10 days. Furthermore, his acolytes shall be put to the torch, his arcane library and equipment given to the Dark Order, his personal lands and holdings seized for the High Crown, except for a half-portion for each of the Council of Kings. His children shall be made slaves, split among the five crowns. I shall take first choice.” Markus pauses for a moment, trying to make sure he hasn't forgot anything. Satisfied, he finishes. “This is the will of the Council of Kings. This is the will of all Cruiberg.” He sits as the crowd stamps their feet.\n\tYakrus falls to the ground, begging and crying for his life. “No, no no no! You must not do this!”\n\tRaethum rises. “If it is allowed, I ask to be given his duties as the new maestro and Epirael as my advisor.”\n\t“All of the Kings stand.” Rhys speaks. “The sentence shall be carried out immediately. Execute his wife as well. Have her drawn and quartered by slow horse. Raethum, as you wish. Do not follow his example. Oh, and select two of your order to be burned at the stake. A lesson not to compound mistakes. Choose at random. We are concluded.” The High King leaves the same way he entered. Rakshahas moves down to the crowd laughing with some of the assembled observers. Yakrus is taken away, still begging for mercy for himself and his wife. Markus leads Alex back to the waiting room, asking for wine and food to be brought. They are joined by the brother kings, Klaus, and Jeremy.\n\tAlex waits for a moment, taking in all that has just happened, and chugs the warm beer that the young brother left for him. “Well... Your people sure have an interesting way of dealing with traitors.”\n\tJeremy laughs at him, politely. “Go to see Yakrus in a week. A boy like you from that liberal kingdom of yours, you'd starve yourself after seeing what's done to him.” Klaus begins to drink heavily on his own in silence. His brother hits him on the shoulder. “I think it's time we start gathering our plans for battle as soon as we can. We have a lot of work to do now that Harath knows some of our plans.”\n\tThe alcohol is hitting Alex now, resulting in a depressive, somewhat drunken state that's noticeable in his face. Even with the spies he knows about in this kingdom, there's no way he can sabotage his position to save Aldan. He fights back his own tears, then stiffens his face to look as normal as he possibly can.\n\tMarkus drinks wine, eating lightly at fruit and cheese. “You don't know what peeling is, do you, Alexander? Basically, the Dark Mages and our torturers will takes Yakrus and submerge most of his body in a tank of some brew that the mages have. It softens a man. Once every 12 hours, they'll take him out and peel off the outer layer of skin. He'll then spend an hour in a solution they've made that will heal him, in the sense that he won't die, but which enflames every nerve ending on the new layer of skin. Ten days. That's 20 layers peeled off.” he sips his wine. “If he dies, they have ways of bringing him back just enough to keep going. It one of our more fiendish and cruel punishments.” He pops a date into his mouth. “Now, slow horse drawing and quartering. You know mostly what that is. Horse tied to each wrist and ankle, all four pulling in different directions. Usually, the ropes are coiled and the horse gallop away, popping off the limbs. Slow horse, means the ropes start taut and tight. The horses are led away, slowly. Pressure and pain build and build and the limbs go one by one. Most last two, even three.”\n\tAlex inevitably sinks into his chair, wondering if he's made a grand mistake coming here or not. “Harath banned the act of drawing and quartering people hundreds of years ago. That isn't to say that I've seen my fair share of blood before.”\n\tMarkus shrugs. “It's effective. We have very few criminals.  Even fewer who repeat their crimes.” He watches Alex carefully. “As do the brothers.” Alex easily feels their eyes upon him.\n\tJeremy breaks the silence. “So, you will be going to war with us, right? You've never fought in one before, have you? Maybe you should be with Rakshahas for the first few battles so that you can learn to stomach it all.”\n\tKlaus adds on. “War isn't like the training that you grew up with. Anything can happen. You can be the most skilled fighter on the planet and die to a simple arrow. Small things like that. There will be times when you're cornered by thirty men or more and have to figure a way to kill them all and survive. War is more about death than it is about survival unless you're like one of us. Before you go into a battle, you must always be ready to die. When you leave, you leave everything behind...”\n\t“I have nothing to leave behind. No family. No one. I once died when I was a child and when I woke up... I was deader than that. I've never been to war before, but I think my heart was crafted for it.” Alex places one hand to where his heart is, then sits up.\n\tMarkus allows himself a faint smile. “Klaus, Jeremy...speaking of Rakshahas. He's going to urge an attack on the E'hbel settlements. We need, and I think you'll both see the wisdom in this, to block that line of thinking. E'hbel can wait. Are we agreed on that much?”\n\tJeremy nods. “It would be... Quite foolish to attack them first. Every attack we've done has failed in every single man dying. There are other ways to go around this.” \n\tKlaus simply responds. “Agreed.”\n\t“Good. Between the three of us, we may be able to prevail upon King Rhys to follow a different plan. Think on this. We move as two forces. Two kings move towards Harath, two kings move on the villages in Raythorn Valley. That may draw some of the strength from E'hbel. From Raythorn to Varn Ra. Again, that should draw out some of the forces from E'hbel. With the High King's forces added, that would be the time to strike for E'hbel.” Markus pauses, looking from one brother to the other.\n\tJeremy smiles, thinking it over in his head. Without asking for permission, Alex intervenes, “Harath and Aigua both know and feel the stress of Cruiberg's presence in the forests that have been slowly overtaken. So far, there attempts to stop the attacks have proven worthless. That has been the major success so far, so it would make perfect sense to take down Raythorn with the same tactics. They're closer to E'hbel.”\n\tThe older brother nods. “The boy has a point. We wouldn't necessarily even have to worry about bringing all of our men out for an attack like that. Move the attacks that are closer towards Harath towards E'hbel while Raythorn is taken, then stress the anthros and demons so that they're forced to bring their people to save those in Raythorn. That's where we would take a good deal of them out, weakening Varn Ra as well. Take both of those, then we might have a chance in E'hbel.”\n\t“Agreed.” Jeremy laughs at his brothers simple response.\n\tRakshahas bites. “Markus and I will be the ones to slaughter the villages of Raythorn. We'll end them brutally and violently so that the people of E'hbel know to be afraid of what's to come. When we kill them all, I want to see the fear in their faces as they take note of their end. They have no more presence in this world. We will kill them all.”\n\tKlaus finishes a beer, then faces Rakshahas. “You can't kill all of them though. Then they won't send out help for those people. Take out a majority of the villages, leave the others hostages, kill the men, enslave the children, use the women for our pleasure. That will bring them.”\n\tMarkus nods. “That is what I suggested. I think that Rakshahas is correct. My forces team with his. You two angle towards Harath, drawing out their armies and protection our flanks. Once we've taken Raythorn, Varn Ra, and E'hbel our flanks will be secure and we can menace Harath from their north or east.”\n\tAlex can't help but to laugh and notice something they're missing. “You've forgotten about one of the most important game players here. If we focus too much of our energy on Harath, we forget about Aigua.”\n\tAll four kings look at the boy. Rakshahas glares. Klaus and Jeremy seem equal parts bored and surprised. Markus frowns for a moment. “Easily enough remedied. We delay any military response they consider by sending emissaries to negotiate peace.” He paces around the room. Rakshahas grumbles and moves to stand in front of the fire, spitting into it. As his phlegm hisses and crackles, he glares at Alex. “Fuck the Aiguans. What are they going to do? Send the brigades of buggered boys to stop us? Half-breeds and anthros. . . they won't be able to stop fucking their mothers and sisters long enough to stop us. If they try, by some miracle, if they try, their warriors are weak. Fire and blood will sweep them aside.” He punches one fist onto the open palm of his other hand, slowly grinding an imaginary foe to dust.\n\tMarkus nods. “We tell them we're willing to release some of the captured anthros and demon. As a sign of good will between Aiguia and Cruiberg. Only those with relatives living in Aigua. That should buy us time and keep them on the sidelines.”\n\tKlaus points out. “They do have a dragon.”\n\tJeremy laughs. “But he's just a boy.”\n\t“-- A boy that's a dragon. No matter what age, they're dangerous.”\n\tAlex rubs one finger to his lips, thinking deeply. He doesn't want to say anything else, afraid to offend the others or say a wrong word that has him killed.\n\tRakshahas spits again, annoying Markus who says nothing. They say they have a dragon. I say They exaggerate if not are outright lying. “What's a boy-dragon going to do? War against us between its nap-times?” He laughs.\n\tFrowning Markus suggests, “We should act. I doubt they'll want to send a boy dragon into war against us. If they do, we'll be hard pressed, but the High King's armies will be supporting us and with Trueborn? I'll take Rhys over some battle-virgin dragon.”\n\tJeremy sighs, “We can't figure out everything in one day, but at least we have some starting points as to how we'll change our tactics and surprise Harath since they think they know where we'll be and where we'll go. My brother and I must leave soon. We have a lot of work and planning to do.” Him and his brother stand up, giving their goodbyes to the other kings, then they leave.\n\tLeaning back, stretching, Rakshahas grunts. “I'd rather have begun this in the spring. Fool Dark Mage delayed us. Much as I hate winter war, our men will have the advantage. Yorem, draw up your plans and send them to me. I'll adjust them to fit with mine and send back your final orders. Two weeks, and don't delay. We have to start before things get too bad with the weather.” He dons his cloak, warming his hands one last time. He turns to Markus. “I like your sentence. Should give those Dark Mages something to think about.” He heads for the door. “I like your little Harathi bitch, too. At least it's housetrained.” He smirks at Alex as he opens the door. “Oh, I bet you are a tight one... Hahaha!” He laughs loudly as he leaves, his entourage joining and following him. A servant closes the door, leaving Alexander and Markus alone in the room.\n\tMarkus take the mug that Rakshahas had drained and hurls it into the fireplace. Sparks and embers fly upwards. “That fucking whore! He knows, gods damn his one good eye.” His face flushed with anger, he drives his fist into the table. The bowls of fruit and cheese, the pitchers of beer and wine, shudder as his blow rocks the table. He inhales sharply, hissing in pain and shaking his fist. He holds the wounded hand against his chest, flexing his fingers and wincing. “He knows.”\n\t“Know about us?” Alex winces, standing up and walking to the fire. Staring into the fire, he imagines what war will be like. “So I will come with you to Raythorn when the war begins, right?”\n\tStill examining his hand, Markus answers. “Of course. It would be too dangerous to leave you here. One of the others might try to kill you or turn you against me.” He shakes his hand again, wincing as he flexes his bruised knuckles. He looks at Alex. “Besides, I want you with me. Although, if you truly loved me, you'd be more worried about my hand.” Markus looks down at his hand, his eyes downcast and sad.\n\tAlex turns to him slowly, carefully, and takes his hand. He feels it, bring it to his face, and kisses it softly. The coldness of his touch seems to somehow numb the bruising for just a short moment.\n\tMarkus reaches around Alex, placing his uninjured hand against the small of Alex's back. Pulling him close, until their bodies press together, he looks down into Alex's eyes. “Tell me, Alex, how you feel about me. Don't lie or hold back. Now that you know how easily I can have a man's flesh peeled from his body, his wife torn limb from limb, and his children sold into slavery. What do you see, now, when you look at Markus Yorem?”\n\tAlex stares into his eyes, seeing nothing different in him that he didn't see when they first met. “I see... Loneliness. Fear. Regret? I don't know what it is that you regret. You seek domination, but not like the others. Despite your violence, there's order to it. You're frustrated because you feel as if you've grown too cold and feel as if you've lost all of the spirituality that you had as a child, as a boy... That isn't to say that you're not a man of strength. When it comes to work, you're better than your opponents in the ways that they fail. You are a key of temperance. If all were to be lost in the war, you would be the only king able to bring the people together into peace and hope. You see a star. It's always been there, something you wish to grasp, but you're unable to take it. Instead, you take the smaller star in front of you…” Alex pulls out his hand as if to grab something from the air. Wind blows through the room around the two of them. “You will find redemption and freedom, but you must first lose and bleed for it.”\n\tHe blinks. He lowers his mouth to Alex's his tongue gently probing the walls of his young lover's mouth. They kiss for what feels like hours. When he finally breaks the kiss, Markus places a hand on either side of Alex's face and holds him tenderly as he kisses his forehead. “That was not the answer I was expecting.”\n\t“You told me what I see.” Alex lays in his lap, rubbing his face into his, kissing him again from time to time. “My readings of people are always right. Sometimes, I think of it like a curse.”\n\t“Indeed.” He sighs, gathering up his cloak. “Let us return home. It will too close to dark for hunting tonight. Tomorrow, we hunt, and we spar. I need to know how well you fight. Think on what you wish for dinner tonight.”\n\tAlex falls in beside Markus as they make their way back through the town. Again, peasants quickly make way for the young king. Some point and whisper. Apparently, word of the sentence Markus imposes on Yakras has reached the streets. They stop again at the coffee house, order two coffees to keep them warm and awake for the trip home. In a display of generosity, Markus gives the shop owner a hundred gold talents with instructions to give free coffee as long as he can for that amount. Customers cheer as the party exits and approach the docks.\n\tOnce on the docks, Alex makes his decision. “Steak. Just one slab of meat. That's all I ask for. And a nice glass of wine.” He waits for Markus to sit before laying near him, cuddling in his arms as the boat casts back out into the cold waters. A half hour passes before he mentions, “You were the one to send the assassins, weren't you?”\n\tLooking down on Alex, Markus plays with the boy's hair with one hand, laying the other on Alex's chest. “Which assassins are those, Alexander?”\n\t“The ones to Aldan.” He speaks calmly.\n\tHis eyes betray no emotion as he stares down into Alex's eyes. Minutes pass, the only sounds being that of oars in the water and the wind. “What do want the answer to be? If you have the suspicion, what difference does any answer I give matter?”\n\t“I take that as a yes...” He sighs. “It doesn't matter. I understand. He would be a great threat in the battles to come. Plus, I would never want to see the two of you come into contact.”\n\t“Ah, you see? You made up your mind before you even asked.”\n\t“Yes, I have...” He quiets down, closing his eyes and trying to shut off his thoughts.\n\tMarkus looks back towards palace. His fingers drum on the railing of the boat nearest him. His body tenses, but he says nothing.\n\tAs they come closer to shore, Alex awakens from his short rest fresh and new, greeting Markus with a kiss before he stands and takes his own chair. He calls over one of the servants, whom brings him a pitcher of water. “So... Where do we go from here?”\n\tHe turns to face Alex. His eyes are different. Flat. Cold. “The castle. Dinner once I've tended to my kingdom. Even his voice is cold.”\n\t“Did I do something wrong?” He stands facing him.\n\tMarkus stops at the base of the stairs leading up to the castle. He turns to face Alex. “Yes.” He stops. Waiting. Servants weave their way around both of them, carrying their loads up the castle.\n\t“Is it something that I need to be punished for?” Alex raises a brow, then licks his lips, as if teasing him will make him feel better.\n\t“Without punishment the offense will be repeated. You disappointed me once already. It's not something I wish to have happen again, Sir Steele.” There is menace in his voice. An anger that is contained but threatens to explode. He's testing Alexander.\n\t“Oh...” He stutters, then shuts up and continues to follow him. 'Punishment. Is he going to beat me with a chain of some sort? Choke me? It wouldn't hurt if he did. I've been given worse in the prison.'\n\tThey head up the stair way, climbing the cliff overlooking the lake. It is a beautiful view, even with the cold weather and cloudy skies. The lake is huge, the High King's palace lying on the far shore of the narrowest point. Alex can make out several islands in the southern arm of the lake, each surrounded by a light mist. “Have you nothing to say but \"Oh\"? No question?”\n\t“I don't know...” Alex grips onto the balcony. His hearts beating faster, which hurts his weak chest. “What is it that I said wrong? How am I to be punished?”\n\tMarkus turns to face Alex. “Leave us.” His voice is cold, and the servants and guards hasten away from the two of them. Alone on the balcony, Markus stares out over the lake. “What did you say wrong...You decided that I was guilty before you even asked the question, before you made the charge. You have no faith in me. No trust. Not even enough to wait for me. That disappoints me to a degree that you don't seem to understand.”\n\tHe bows down on one knee. “You're right. I'm not loyal. I'm a fool, a traitor, the worst kind of person on the planet. I don't know how to trust people, so I rely only on my own cruel intuitions. My heart is evil, rotten, and weak. I'm a horrible lover and I'd make a horrible husband. I speak too soon and don't know my place. I am all of these things and more. I beg for your forgiveness, but I know it will not be enough. I'll do so every day if I have to. Do whatever I have to in order to prove myself loyal to you, because you're my star, my sun. Without you, I have no purpose. Alex stands up, his face just as depressed as his masters. I beg of my master, teacher, and king to be patient with me and help me see the light in his eyes, as a fool see's none when he looks into his own.”\n\tMarkus spins to face Alex. Quicker than Alex can react, he reaches down, grabbing Alex by the front of his shirt. He pulls him up to his feet, lifting him slightly off the ground as he drives him back against the wall. Pain courses through Alex's back as he slammed against the stone. Markus' face is red with anger, his eyes watering and his teeth clenched. “How florid an apology! Expertly delivered. But you forgot one word, Alexander. ONE WORD. Do you even know what word I wanted from you?!”\n\tNo... Alex's eyes water quickly, but he forces the tears back. The prison tried to break him, but he never gave into the torture or psychological abuse. No pain has hit him like this since he had taken his own brothers life.\n\tMarkus lowers Alex back to the ground, but does not release him. A tear escapes one eye and travels down his cheek. Leaning close he whispers, his voice wounded. “Love.”\n\t“But... You don't even want me to love you!” He shouts, standing back up and pushing him back. “You don't love me either!” He hits his chest with a fist. “In fact, you probably hate me! Yeah? Well why don't you kill me?” He hits him harder. “Better yet, I'll do it myself!” Alex looks to the window, running quickly towards it, prepared to make a jump.\n\tTime slows for Markus. In moments of great crisis, time has always slowed for him. He's often wondered if time truly slows or if it's his mind thinking faster than normal. In a split second he asks himself if Alex would really jump. Yes, he's passionate and impetuous and young and foolish. Does Alex want me to save him? Yes. \n\tAs Alex prepare to leap, Markus tackles him to the ground. The stone floor hurts as Alex lands, Markus on top of him hurts too. Alex struggles, but Markus overpowers him, pinning his arms. He draws back one hand and slaps Alex across the face. “Stop it! Foolish boy! This isn't Harath. I'm not your father or your far away lover.” He shakes Alex. “Think, dammit. Use your brain for something other than plotting against everyone around you. How could you disappoint me unless . . .”  He stops shaking Alex, still keeping him pinned. Tears slowly escape both eyes, dropping from his cheeks onto Alex's face. His voice falls, becoming anguished. “How could you hurt me unless...”\n\tAlex clenches his chest, breathing heavily, and gasping for air. At first, he feels like it's a panic attack, but quickly realizes that it's something much more dire. His head turns to the side as he groans, crying and fighting back the pain. A minute later he's able to breathe again, but he's lost for words, not knowing what to say to Markus. Suicide is still on his mind. “Let me go...”\n\t“No!” Markus is emphatic. “Answer the fucking question, Alex. How could you hurt me unless...Unless what?? Why would you believing that I sent assassins after Aldan Jaeger matter unless. . . Unless I . . .? Think, dammit! For pity's sake, Alex, think...please.”\n\t“Unless I didn't love you...” He gives up moving or fighting back. A part of him doesn't know he can love anyone at all anymore. All of the thoughts of conquering and saving the world the way that he wants to come to a complete stop.\n\t“Unless I didn't love you.” Markus releases Alex's shirt, grabbing his cheeks and lowering his face until their noses almost touch. “Unless \"I\" didn't love \"YOU\". Do you understand?”\n\t“Do you love me? Do you really love me?” Alex is unsure and still confused. For once in his life, he can't read the situation at hand and doesn't know how to escape it.\n\t“Yes.” Markus leans back, still straddling Alex over his stomach. “Yes. And you don't trust me. Not at all.”\n\t“You're right. I don't.” Alex shuts his eyes. Flashbacks of the woman that hurt him, his parents abusing him, the attacks from the kings children hit him harder than when Markus tossed him to the wall and to the ground. “But I do love you. I just... Can't do this on my own.”\n\t“Alex...You're not alone.” Looking down on him, Markus runs his hands through Alex's hair. “I did not send assassins to kill your lover.”\n\t“I'm sorry.” Alex breaks into tears again, hugging him. “I'm sorry I doubted you. Please forgive me.” He tightens his grip, wiping his tears away on Markus's shoulders.\n\tMarkus holds Alex. “I forgive you. Don't try to hide your thoughts or feelings from me. I'll sense that you're hiding something, and I can't afford to take chances. Always be honest with me, Alex.” He stands, pulling Alex up and into his embrace. “If I'm going risk letting myself love you, you have to trust me and I have to be able to trust you.”\n\tAlex nuzzles to his chest, where he had just hit him moments earlier out of aggression, now seeking love and remorse. A whirl of cold air breezes through the room. Suddenly, the boy feels his heart beating at its normal pace, as if some sort of spirit had came in, was listening, and healed him right then and there.\n\tMarkus holds Alex close, rocking him as they stand on the balcony. He kisses the top of his head. They stand for several minutes, holding each other. Eventually, they break. kissing once. “I have work to do. Then steak dinners.” He takes his sleeve and wipes Alex's face. “You can stay with me or rest. First, we have to change clothes...” he looks at Alex, his eyes narrow. “Would you have jumped?”\n\tAlex nods. “I'm... I've had a history.” He looks away from the balcony and back towards the room. “I'd like to come with you. Maybe spend time in the library if you're too busy.”\n\tMarkus nods. He leads Alex inside. A middle aged man is waiting anxiously. He's missing his left arm, just below the elbow. His brown hair and beard are trimmed close. “Your Majesty. I trust all is well. M'lord Steele.” He nods to Alex.\n\t“Yes, Mortimer. What do we have this afternoon? I'd like to work in the library if that's possible.” He speaks calmly with Mortimer, who nods and gives short answers.\n\t“The library will work fine. I'll that things are made ready. It's a light-ish day. Two petitions, one case at law, updates from the Castellan and Master-At-Arms, as well as dispatches from General Konogh.” Markus nods at each listed item. Mortimer rushes away as they arrive at the bed chamber and private quarters.\n\tServants undress and wipe Alex and Markus down with warm, damp cloths. They're both redressed if comfortable, warm clothing, well made from fine cloths and furs. “Is there anything you'll want in the library? Should I summon a tutor to help you find anything?”\n\tAlex looks himself over in the mirror, feeling short and flimsy by his master. He turns to him as they walk downstairs. “If possible, I'd like large sheets of transparent graphing paper and utensils for drawing on them.” He fetches one of the servants exiting the library and repeats the order to her, then continues on other details. “Along with any volumes that Varn Hozin wrote on strategies to war. If there are books on archery, I'll take those too.”\n\tMarkus nods. “The librarian can help you find those. He's eccentric but has an exceptional memory. Don't try to remove a book from the library without his permission.”\n\tThe library at Ravensberg Castle is impressive. Filling the two lower floors of a corner tower facing the lake, it's round walls are lined with sturdy oak and pine shelves holding hundreds, possibly thousands of books, folios, scrolls, tablets, and more. A large central table fills the center of the lowest floor. Behind a simple wooden throne, carved with forest animals and trees, a large fireplace burns brightly. Chandeliers provide more light and tall thin windows all in what natural light can penetrate the clouds outside. The rooms smell of burning pine, aged leather, and wax candles. \n\tMarkus takes his place in his throne. Servants bring wine for he and Alex, along with fruit and nuts. The day's official business begins. “The servant returns with the items you requested.” She waits nearby in case Alex needs something more.\n\tAs soon as Alex gets the materials he needs, he gets straight to work. Shutting his eyes, he remembers the layout to a certain place, imagining every room, every hallway, the size of each door, the type of brick, flooring, everything. His mind takes control of the pen without him even having to think of what he's doing. Within half an hour, fifteen pages are filled with drawings of construction of connected pathways. He labels each one accordingly, as if once he's finished he would tape them all together, filling the entire room, and leave him an entire map from underground to the highest level. After an hour, he takes a break from his work, having a certain wash the ink from his hands and move the utensils some place else. Another servant brings him wine and fruits. As he eats he speaks to the young servant girl about her life, asking her how she liked her work, and finding out that like many of the others that live or simply serve the castle, she feels fortunate an blessed. Alex spends another hour reading from the books, regaining lost knowledge and finding new perspectives on the teachings the works bestow to him. Feeling accomplished enough, he has the servants clean his work table before he leaves and approaches Markus. He kneels down to bow, then waits for him to allow him to speak.\n\tMarkus sign the last dispatch and the courier bows and exits the room quickly. Mortimer gathers together the papers and seals, other servants begin to clean. Markus sighs, rubbing his eyes and the bridge of his nose. He looks down at Alex, and extends a hand to the boy. “Rise, Alex. Sit.” He pats his lap. “You have something to say?”\n\tAlex smiles and sits down on his lap. “I've been devising a certain plan... I'd call it a winning card. I'm afraid that even after we take Raythorn and Varn Ra, it won't be enough. It might be for the people of E'hbel, but not towards the warriors from Aiguia and Harath.”\n\tMarkus wraps his arms around Alex's waist, arching an eyebrow at the boy. “Tell me of this plan.”\n\tAlex snuggles into him. A sense of pride overwhelms him. “I have photographic memory of the kings castle. Once I'm finished replicating it, I'll form the perfect infiltration mission ever composed to date. They might have lost most of their Cruiberg spies, but not all of them.” He moves his hands around as he speaks, tracing parts that he remembers. “There are underground parts to the castle that are held as top secret and certain parts less guarded than others. If we were to take out the king after the second major battle, it would destroy their faith and hope.”\n\tLeaning his head forward, Markus rests his mouth against Alex's neck. Slowly, gently he sucks, his mind working the implications of Alex's suggestion. “That's an excellent bit of information to have. And a good idea. Sometimes, your willingness to help me worries me. There are some who say that we shouldn't trust you. Even among my own advisors. If he'll betray his homeland, he'll betray Markus Yorem.”\n\tAs Markus sucks on his neck, leaving hickies over him, he pushes his head further into him, begging for more. “I'll never betray the man that I love. What the others don't realize…” he moans. “Is that I hate Harath more than any of you do.”\n\tOne hand slides from Alex's waist to between his legs, near the knee. “I know. That's enough. Don't bear them a grudge. They do their duty in warning me.” His hand drifts upawards, beginning to massage Alex's privates. “I know your heart.”\n\t“Master...” Alex's hands slide over Markus's legs, allowing himself to submit to him. “Someone might see us.”\n\tOne hand continues to squeeze and pull at Alex's cock through his pants. With the other, he leans Alex back, over his lap, until Alex's head lays against one armrest while his legs are draped over the other. Markus kisses Alex, his mouth eager for the taste of the young Harathi exile. They kiss for several minutes, servants entering and leaving, none of them noticing their King and his boy. “Let them see.”\n\tAlex kisses him deeper and more passionately, rubbing one hand under his masters tunic to feel at the hair on his chest. He rubs from one nipple to the other, letting spit from their kisses lather his mouth. “Master, allow me to suck your cock?”\n\tMarkus unhooks his sword belt, loosens his pants, pulling out his swelling cock. He leans back in the throne and bounces his cock at Alex. “Be my guest. But even if you drink me dry, I'm going to fuck you tonight.”\n\tAlex steps down from the from, standing on his knees and holds himself up a little higher with Markus's legs. The throne is a bit higher up than he expected. He holds the sack with one hand, rubbing his testicles gently as the tip of his tongue traces up to the slit of Markus's cock. Quietly and with ease, he takes all of it into his mouth, sucking him slowly, using more force on his tongue rather than focusing on the speed. His hand presses into his forest of pubic hair and nose glides into it each time he goes down. No gag reflex. No need for coming up for air. He brings his mouth higher up, focusing mostly on the head as he uses his other hand to masturbate him. Once he's acquired enough spit in his mouth he deep throats him again, moving his mouth and head from side to side when Markus plays with his hair and ears.\n\tWith his cock wreathed in warmth and moisture, finding itself a happy home in Alex's mouth, Markus moans. The boy is fascinating. Taking his cock easily, mere moments after suggesting betrayal of his homeland. As the Harathi youth expertly sucks him, He watches and enjoys, encouraging Alex by playing with the boy's ears and hair. Breathlessly he acknowledges his expertise. “You are phenomenal at this, Alexander...”\n\tOnce spoken to, he looks up and locks eyes with him as he continues to suck him off. He sucks faster and faster, sometimes using his hand to stroke his shaft, sack, or under it near his ass hole. For every moan he gets, the faster he works on him. Feeling him coming closer, he pumps his mouth as fast as he can on it, inhaling the sweaty scents from his pubic hair and ass.\n\tFighting the urge to cum, Markus sips wine from his cup. He tries to distract his thoughts, going over orders in his mind, but Alex is too skilled. Markus yields to the boy's mouth, letting the sensations from Alex's mouth wash over his cock. He clenches the armrests of his throne. His feet and legs begin to twitch. As much he tries to remain firmly seated, his body has other ideas as his spasming legs lift his ass from the chair. “Fuck! Eat my cum, Alex. ungghh!” He begins to explode his thick juice inside of Alex's mouth. “Fuck!!!”\n\tAlex stuffs his mouth as far down as he can to his pubis, taking every last drop of cum into his mouth, then rises up slowly, using his tongue in swirls as he comes up, sucking his shaft a few more times before he takes his mouth off of the cock that he's effortlessly worked on. His mouth is tired, but he's pleased to get his flavorful award. Alex lays back in Markus's lap, then exchanges a kiss, letting the semen flow between both of their connection mouths. “I love you, Markus.”\n\tMarkus kisses Alex deeply, happily. Holding him close as his cock slowly softens, he wishes he could say what he feels. Being a king, he has to watch his words, always. Fickle fate. Were he not a king, he could tell how much he loves him. But were he not a king, he would likely have never met Alex. Their kiss finished, Markus sighs, “I know. You know my heart as well.”\n\tStanding, carrying Alex in his arms, he steps down from the throne. With care and tenderness, he sets Alex on foot and takes his hand. “Once out of these clothes, we'll go among the people for dinner.”\n\tServants follow them as they come back downstairs and out of the castle. He stands close by, hands behind his back. “Are people afraid of you around here? Or the other kings?”\n\t“That's a complex question. I think that they know not to test my patience. I also believe that they know that I won't be randomly cruel to them. Is that fear then? I think Rakshahas' people are more afraid of him.” Markus is silent, contemplating as they walk. “Fear is a product of uncertainty. If you let your subjects know the laws and what you want from them, what you do not tolerate, they can go about their lives without uncertainty, thus without fear.”\n\tAlex looks around at the people that notice them. None of them look afraid, although some chat and point fingers. Four guards follow suit behind them, but never touch their swords. The towns here seem much safer than the ones he grew up with. Perhaps the cruelty of their punishments is what stops people here from becoming offenders. Alex wonders for a moment if it's possible for the people of Harath to ever achieve this kind of sense of peace in their community, a kingdom said to be full of equality of diversity, yet exploding with drug abuse, murders, and robbery. Despite the safety he should feel being here, he continues to keep his eyes open on everyone, just in case someone see's him as a possible enemy of some sort.\n\tThe pub is busy, but a table has been set aside for the King and his guest. Nearby tables have been pushed back, given the royal couple more room and privacy. Once seated, a bottle of wine is opened for the pair, a delicious, crisp red wine, and beer is brought. A server approaches the table, nervously bringing fresh bread. She bows and looks at the two. “Your Majesty....sir....do you know what you'd like?”\n\tMarkus orders vegetables and cheese, with soup, and a thick steaks for both of them. The servant scurries away. Other customers stare and whisper among themselves. Some pointing obvious fingers at Alex.\n\tNoticing the customers around him mentioning his name in hushed tones, he asks, “They don't trust me, do they?” When the server comes back, he orders a medium-rare steak. Alex takes small sips from his wine, trying to not look at the others and focus his attention only on the king in front of him. “How do I win their trust anyway?”\n\tMarkus shrugs. “That's a riddle. What works for the butcher may not work for the candle maker. Helping us in the war may warm some to. Time may work for others. For now, you should only worry about being liked or trusted by one person.” He raises his glass, saluting Alex before taking a sip. “If you have any ideas of you own, I'd veer much like to hear them.”\n\tAlex sighs. He holds his chin up with one hand on the table and waits for his food. Frustration starts to overtake him. “It's humiliating, but I get it...”\n\t“Why is it humiliating?” Markus asks with a frown.\n\t“Because I want them to trust me and like me. I came from a place where I was hated... Just to be hated some place else. As long as there's you, I'll be fine.” He smiles to his king. “Let's get on with the war already.”\n\t“I think I'd rather have dinner first.” He laughs. “Patience, dear boy. You must have patience. And I don't the people hate you. They don't trust you and that's a different thing altogether.”\n\t“We already have the upper hand towards the war. If we play it smart, it'll be an easy one too. Maybe the tension is getting to me.”\n\t“I think the tension and the wine both.” A servant, followed by two pot boys, brings the food. “And maybe you're hungry, to boot. Here's dinner. Let's have no more worry about being loved or trusted by the people.”\n\tHis face brightens when he see's his food. After a short prayer, he begins cutting his steak into pieces, making lush and seductive sounds with every bite he takes. He's trying to tease him. Underneath the table, his boots play with Markus's. “It will be strange fighting alongside with Rakshahas. For me, I mean.”\n\tMarkus shrugs as he cuts into his steak, spearing the piece of meat and a piece of potato in the same bite. “For all his faults, Rakshahas is still a terror on the battlefield. He and his bodyguard can wreak havoc and death like you could scarce imagine.”\n\t“What about the brothers? I don't hear much about them. Jeremy seems nice. His brother... I guess he's alright too.” He smirks, sipping some of his wine in-between pieces.\n\t“They fight together.” He continues to eat slowly. “They plan together. There's some as say they do everything together. Everything.” He places an unusual emphasis on the word \"everything\".  “They've shown courage and imagination on the field, as well as cruelty.”\n\tAlex nods along, fascinated and excited for battles to come. “And what about you? Surely you've been in many battles before and have many stories to tell.”\n\tMarkus shrugs and grins. He reaches over with his fork and spears a piece of Alex's steak. His tongue rolls out of his mouth, as he slowly, so slowly, brings the bite up. Pulling the beef from the fork, he smiles and chews, making a low moan with every chew that only Alex can hear. “I've fought and survived, fought and won. What sort of stories would you like to hear?”\n\tAlex almost does the same, waiting for permission from his master before he takes a cube for himself. He sits up in his chair and finishes his wine. “Well, anything epic or badass. A great battle of duel, maybe?”\n\t“Haha! No, I'm a King. I do not duel. I have a champion for such things.” He shrugs again, looking almost bored. “I fight because I'm good at it and because a king must lead sometimes through example. I don't enjoy it, not like Rakshahas does. Sometimes I need to fight. So I fight.” He steals another bite from Alex's plate and thinks. “Most of my battles have been aganst the elves and anthros. The closest to an epic moment would be… facing off against three elves, killing them and avoiding even a touch of their ensorcelled blades.  I fought a giant, but that was a rather dull affair.”\n\t“That's all?” Alex looks a bit disappointed. He finishes his steak, moving the plate over to the side. “Well, this battle might bring us some epic foes. Once we find out who their lead commanders and generals are I'll be able to give details on their background and weaknesses. That isn't to say that they're weak people... How does Cruiberg have so much success against the demons when they have abilities with fire?”\n\t“We have our Dark Mages. They target demons, engaging them while their rituals protect them somewhat from the flames. Then, our arches concentrate on the demons.” Finishing his steak, he nibbles on vegetables as he talks. “We can lose a hundred men for every demon they lose. It's a simple question of maths. That's why we have to destroy them soon, at least that's the ruling from Rhys and Rakshahas. Their numbers are small.”  A servant brings dessert, a crusted berry cobbler to be split between Alex and Markus, and a small cake, shaped like a brick and covered in creamy, white frost. Markus takes a bite from each, making a satisfied yummy sounds for each. “Demons are mostly pacifists. Killing doesn't sit well with them.”\n\t“If they don't like killing, then why must we eliminate them all in the first place? Wasn't it Cruiberg that cast the first stone?” Alex eats slowly with small bites. “I'm not trying to offend. Just trying to understand the logic.”\n\t“Because if they decided that they did like killing, they could wipe out humans on this continent before we knew what hit us. Because they think themselves superior. He enthusiastically eats from both desserts. The Sword of the High King was forged to slay demons and anthros. The Crown of the High King was cast to protect the High King from their fire. Our ancestors have always understood that demon-kind are dangerous, not to be trusted. They've always hated us because we see the threat that they truly are.”\n\tAlex nods along, trying to empathize with the position at hand. He finishes after a few more bites, leans back in his chair, then continues on. “As I said before, I have no problem fighting demons and anthros, as they're affiliated to the two kingdoms I despise. But I do think it is a bit over the top to wipe their entire race out...”\n\t“The odds are that we'll miss some of each here and there. Don't forget that there are other continents with some scattered anthros and some with demons.” He leans back as well. Servants quietly rush forward to clear the table. “Give the food to the poor. My compliments to your baker. From the bread to the desserts, outstanding.” The servants swell with pride bowing gratefully at his praise. He pours wine for himself and Alex. “A little wine, a relaxing stroll back to the castle. Then I will fuck you hard enough to knock all questions out of your mind for the rest of the night.” He smiles.\n\tAlex stands out of his hair, waiting for one of the servants to clean the table off. One of them hands him his glass of wine, which he takes with him as they walk with guards out of the restaurant and into the streets. Hundreds of thousands of stars cast over and lighten the sky. All of the storm clouds have vanished. They walk near the lake on the way home, observing the reflection of the stars on the water. For a moment, it feels as if the world is theirs. When Alex finishes his wine, Markus refills it himself, then hands the bottle back to a servant following along with the guards. Once in the castle, one of the servants bugs Markus about letters he's received and duties he's to attend to before the night is over, but he's sent away as they rush upstairs. Markus pulls the brown haired boy, lifting him into his arms, then tosses him to the bed. His body bounces when he falls onto it and Alex laughs playfully.\n\tMarkus smiles at the boy bouncing on his bed. Crossing the room, he grabs a decanter and glasses, returning to the bed and setting them on the nightstand on the right hand side of the bed, Alex's side. Pouring each of them a drink, he hands one to Alex. “Careful, this is strong, despite it's sweetness.” He smirks. “Like you. Shall I undress you? Or would you like to perform for me?”\n\tAlex moves back on the bed, taking a sip from it. He slams it back down, then pulls off his tunic. “Good?” He waits for a nod, letting him observe and feel his chest for a moment. There's a scar where he once had surgery as a child, then scars from torture on his back, which are roughly pronounced. Alex kicks his boots off, then his pants, doing a dance as he pulls off his undergarments. His four-inch boner is already leaking with pre-cum. Blushing, he lays back into the pillows. “What do you think?”\n\t“I think you're young and impetuous. Beautiful and dangerous. All the things I want in a boy, except for one.” He sips his drink, a sweet, potent aged wine.\n\t“Dangerous?” He grabs the drink again, taking a larger sip from it before putting it back. “I hope so. How else will I take the crown from the Harath king for you?”\n\t“Oh, you are more than just dangerous to him.” He sets his glass down and begins pulling off his tunic. He tosses it aside and stand next to the bed, leaning his knees against the mattress. Taking up his glass, he sips again. His chest and stomach are lightly covered with coarse, dark hair. Being a king has not cost him his youthful body. His stomach is trim, the hair highlighting the definition in his abdomen. Likewise, his chest is firm and solid. He watches as Alex runs his hands over him. “Your desire for me excites me, Alexander.”\n\t“And you as well.” Alex crawls on his hands knees over to him, pulling down his pants and undergarments, nibbling on him just over his pubes, then down to kiss his cock. “You always smell so good.” He holds the shaft with one hand, wetting and sucking his cock for a short moment, then spits into his hand, rubbing it against his ass. Alex puts on a show with this, rising one leg and pushing one finger and out of himself. Watching his king jack off in front of him turns him on even more. He pushes two fingers knuckle deep, licking his lips and massaging his own nipples as he does so. After pulling both fingers out he tastes them, pleased with how clean he is.\n\tMarkus watches Alex's show intently, stroking himself slowly. He kicks off his pants and boots before taking another sip. Reaching beneath the night stand, he pulls out a jar, the size of two fists. “Do you want it on your stomach or do you want to watch me fuck you?”\n\tAlex moves to his side. “Neither. Like this. On my side.” He uses one hand to move his left leg up further, spreading his ass cheeks at the same time. “I want to feel your entire warmth against me when you fuck my ass.”\n\tMarkus nods, climbing onto the bed and knee-walking to his intended. Laying down behind Alex, he wraps one arm around him, pulling him close. They feel each other's warmth. The king nibbles and bites on Alex's shoulder as he dry humps his ass-crack. The arm wrapped around him ventures up and down over the smooth, tight skin of Alex's smooth, tight body, pausing to pinch and caress his hardening nipples. The nibbling morphs into light biting, along the neck, shoulder and ears. Nipple pinching gives way to Markus lightly dragging his fingernails along Alex's stomach and chest. He grabs Alex's arm, lifting it and driving his face into the newly exposed armpit. He sucks and licks, savoring the taste of his lover. “Gods, you are. . .incredible. I would wage war with Harath just to win you to me if we weren't already together.”\n\tAlex pants and whines, spreading his arm out even further as he tastes his pits. He strokes himself slowly with one hand, using the other to rub at his thigh. Markus's cock pressing against his hole drives him crazy. He wants it in him now. “Please... Please... Fuck, I love you so much.” He turns his head to kiss him passionately and wildly, thrusting his tongue deep inside and against the walls of his mouth. “I need you.”\n\tMarkus returns the kiss with equal passion and intensity. He teases the willing hole of Alex's ass with the tip of his cock as, with one hand, he pushes on Alex's chest, pressing him closer. He pauses in his kisses long enough to nod at the jar. “Grease for fucking. Use as much or as little as you like, Alexander. Hurry though, because my cock hungers for your ass.”\n\tAlex wets three fingers with the grease, pressing them deep inside of him as fast as he can, which is a bit uncomfortable at first, but once he has them completely inside, he's fine. He does this once more and fingers himself until he's comfortable, then lathers Markus's cock with it, throwing the jar to the side. “I'm good now. Go slow at first, please.”\n\tMarkus presses his cock into Alex without warning. He goes slow, but he goes deep, pressing his entire member into the boy before stopping. He holds his cock, over six inches, inside of Alex as he kisses him roughly. He loves the expression on his face. Desire and want, mixed with pain. He watches and waits for the pain to be replaced with pleasure before withdrawing and pushing in again, deep as before, slightly faster. “You are so tight, so warm.”\n\t“Feels larger than last time, somehow.” The boy chuckles, rubbing his face into the sheets as he strokes himself. “Fuck. That's perfect. Just like that.” He lets out soft moans, returning for a kiss ever now and then, but mostly just enjoys the unique, simple, yet powerful pleasure from being fucked by him. “You can go faster.”\n\t“Hmmm. Can I?” Markus nibbles on Alex's ear. I planned on it. He pushes in faster and harder as he finishes. He keeps one arm around Alex, his hand in the boy's chest, keeping him close. Always keeping him close. When he sees a bead of sweat on his neck, he licks it off, enjoying the saltiness. Kissing Alex hard, he fucks him hard, going balls deep with every thrust. “Do you like being fucked by a king?”\n\t“Yes!!” Alex moans louder, putting his hands behind him and clenching on Markus's back. Even though he's been fucked before, and by him as well, the feeling in this position is unlike anything he's ever felt before. Every thrust pounds against his prostate, feeling like an orgasm in of itself. “Harder! Harder!” He screams this, biting on Markus's hand when it goes to feel inside of his mouth and at his gums. Without warning, he ejaculates all over the bedsheets, which spills into a thick puddle of cum at his leg.\n\t“Ungh...messy boy...” Markus increases the speed and force of his thrusts, their bodies slapping together loudly. They each grunt or whimper in time with the thrusts. He reaches down, scooping cum from the bedsheets. He brings globs of the sticky, salty liquid to his mouth, eating it gratefully. He scoops more, feeding it to Alex and rubbing the final dregs on the boy's chest and face. “Fuck! Do you want me to fill your hole?” He asks in a low growl.\n\tAlex nods, unable to think or answer for a moment, then grunts in defeat. “Give it to me... My king.” His head is pushing into the sheets. He moans in whimpers of pleasure, overloaded by the sensitive feeling rocketing inside of him. It's too much to take. Nobody could make him feel this whole and alive like him. “I love you, Markus...”\n\tMarkus drives his cock into Alex's willing and hungry ass. His hand moves across his chest until he feels his heartbeat. Resting his head against Alex's, his breath rough and ragged, Markus fires his first shot into the hot hole. He grunts softly with each spasm, each rope of cum splashing over Alex's prostate. The lad counts six powerful bursts before the king begins to slow his pace, soon stopping. He lays against and over Alex, a sweat blanket of flesh and bones. His mouth kisses at Alex's ears and face. “I love you, my little prince.”\n\tAlex turns around, their chests against each other. He snuggles into him, noticeably tired. The two of them lay in place for a while. Markus comforts him by running a finger over his skin, tracing every part of his body to memorize it. In half an hour the young Harathi falls asleep into his arms, naked, still covered in cum.\n\tMarkus leaves the room for a moment, heading to his massive bathroom to grab a towel and clean his love off with a warm cloth. Once he feels pleased enough, he moves him under the sheets and joins him, holding him close. One of his hands feels at his heart beat and rubs against the scar over his chest. He remembers what Alex told him about the Harathi King's sister, which only makes him want to comfort and protect him more. “My poor prince. I'll make a true Cruiberg out of you.” He kisses him on the cheek, then falls asleep with him in his arms.\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'><strong>THE BOY HEROES FROM THE LAND OF ERIK (A Series of Epics)</strong><br /><strong>Epic no. 4</strong> - <br /><strong>Lev&rsquo;s Tale</strong><br />By <em>DamiJon</em><br /><br /><strong>Chapter Fifteen</strong><br /><br />\t&ldquo;Mmm...Alex?&rdquo; Markus stirs, opening his eyes when he doesn&#039;t feel his companion next to him. He turns quickly, alarmed, relaxing as he sees Alex relaxing in a chair. &ldquo;Hmm. There you are. Don&#039;t do that again. Stay in bed until I wake up. I want you next to me.&rdquo; His face is stern but softens. He yawns, stretches, and smiles. &ldquo;I don&#039;t mean to sound so harsh. I do want you next to me when I sleep, Alex. But if you have to use the privy, by all means, do so. But return to me.&rdquo; He sits at the side of the bed. &ldquo;Understand?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Yes, master.&rdquo; Alex wastes no time immediately returning in place beside him in bed, pulling a pillow up further to rest on and look him in the eyes. &ldquo;Couldn&#039;t sleep well. Nightmares.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus smiles at Alex, running his hand through Alex&#039;s hair. &ldquo;I&#039;m sorry. Something about last night? Or do you often have nightmares?&rdquo; He pulls a sash hanging near the head of the bed. Servants enter soon after carrying hot water and clean towels. Two men, a few years older than Alex, set up a copper tub which is quickly filled with steaming water. The older teens leave, with two women remaining behind. Markus climbs into the tub, sighing at its warmth. &ldquo;A shame you&#039;re already dressed. There&#039;s room for two.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;I can always undress again, if you&#039;d like.&rdquo; Alex moves up on the bed, sitting upright and explaining, &ldquo;I&#039;ve had horrible nightmares since I was a wee baby. That&#039;s what my parents told me, at least. It hadn&#039;t occurred to me until now, but my father will most likely be a commander in the war. Do you think they&#039;ll let me be in charge of taking him and his men out?&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus nods. &ldquo;Join me in the tub. I don&#039;t think that would be allowed. You have a keen mind, Alex, but no experience on the battlefield. Your father has years of experience. No, I think it better if you stay by me and learn the art of war, not just the way of steel.&rdquo; He grins at his own pun. He watches Alex undress, enjoying the gradual revelation of his hairless body. When Alex, steps into the tub, Markus grabs his hips, preventing him from sitting. Leaning forward, he takes the limp cock in his mouth, sucking and squeezing it with his tongue and mouth. As Alex&#039;s cock hardens, his master&#039;s hands roam over his stomach and chest.<br />\t&ldquo;Ahhh, master. There&#039;s servants still in here!&rdquo; He blushes, playing with Markus&#039;s hair as his head falls back in pleasure. Alex begins fucking his mouth, feeling his ears, cheeks, and chin.<br />\tHe pauses, keeping his face pressed against Alex&#039;s cock and balls, kissing and licking them between words. &ldquo;Servants? They won&#039;t tell. Besides, someone must wash our backs while we&#039;re occupied.&rdquo; He takes Alex deep into his mouth, his nose burying itself in the teen&#039;s hairless pubis. On cue, one of the women, a girl really, perhaps 20 years old, takes a sponge and begins washing Alex&#039;s back and shoulders, the other servant washes Markus. The sponge has a roughness to it, a pleasant scraping feel as it cleans. Her touch, firm and knowing, compliments the scraping from the sponge. Coupled with Markus&#039; expert attention on his cock, Alex feels very good.<br />\tAlex pants and whines, giving into the hands and pleasure he feels as his commander continues to suck and lick him. He puts one hand between his cheeks, then eases a finger into his ass hole. &ldquo;Don&#039;t stop! I&#039;m gonna, gonna fuckin cum!&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus grins as he works on his new favorite cock. He slides up and down, sucking hard, using his tongue, his lips, even his teeth to heighten and vary the sensations for Alex. For a moment, he moves down to Alex&#039;s balls, sucking and tonguing them, reaching his tongue as far along the moaning boy&#039;s taint as he can. While his mouth enjoys the smooth balls, he holds the hard cock in one hand. He doesn&#039;t stroke it, though, instead he squeezes it tightly then relaxes his grip. He tightens each finger around the four inches one at a time, from pinky to ring finger, to middle, to pointer. Relaxing them all, he repeats starting with the index finger this time. After a minute or two of this, he returns the cock to his hot, hungry mouth. &ldquo;I want your cum, Alex. Give it to me.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Yes.. Yes, my Lord!&rdquo; Alex grunts loudly, almost in a crying sound as he explodes five hard shots of cum into Markus&#039; s mouth. His body reacts and dances back and forth even after he&#039;s done, almost falling back into the tub, but is caught last second by the two women, who help guide him back to Markus. Slowly, he slides down, kissing him passionately when they&#039;re face to face, then pressing his stomach and chest next to his, kissing his chest and neck softly. &ldquo;I ... i...&rdquo; He stops himself. &ldquo;Thank you.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus holds Alex close, kissing his face. &ldquo;I know you do. Don&#039;t say it.&rdquo; He leans back and the servants wash the pair of them, scrubbing and rinsing, leaving man and boy clean and refreshed. When the bath is finished, upon standing, Markus and Alex are wrapped in warm robes and dried before the fire. The servants pull the sash by the bed and a horde of servants begins emptying the tub one bucket of water at a time. Soon, when it is light enough, the two men return and remove it. Markus watches the fire, enjoying its warmth on a cold day. The final touch before dressing, the bathing girls rub Alex and Markus with scented oils, wiping away any residue. Finished, they withdraw with dirty robes and towels in hand. Alex and Markus are alone.<br />\t&ldquo;What now, master?&rdquo; Alex stands closer to the fire, rubbing the oils deeper into his own body. He walks backwards back into his arms and snuggles his head to him. &ldquo;Sword fighting, I&#039;m guessing?&rdquo; He grips his soft penis and flaps it around, playfully hitting Markus&#039;s with it. &ldquo;Just joking.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus dresses. &ldquo;We dress. I check for messages or reports that may have come in while we slept. We&#039;ll break our fast, then decide how to get to the trial.&rdquo; He points at Alex. &ldquo;You shall be by my side for everything.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Yes, of course!&rdquo; He squeezes his arm in delight. &ldquo;But nothing too filling this time, please. I&#039;m still a little full from last night.&rdquo; Alex walks back over to the chair and dresses himself in uniform. Where he came from there were no servants to dress or wash him. Even though he feels blessed and thankful for them, he can&#039;t help but to naturally feel the need to do basic things on his own.<br />\tMarkus watches him. &ldquo;Are you ready for your first lesson, Alexander?&rdquo; He crosses to a weapon rack and selects a sword, attaching it to his sword belt. It&#039;s the only item a servant does not touch.<br />\t&ldquo;Now? Sure... I&#039;m always prepared.&rdquo; He stands still, waiting for his approval first.<br />\tLooking at Alex, hand on his sword hilt, he crosses the room until he and Alex are face to face. &ldquo;Follow me.&rdquo; He heads to the door, letting Alex fall in beside him. He knocks once on the doors, prompting the guards to quickly open them. Markus, Fire King of Cruiberg, walks down the corridor. Two boys, perhaps 12 years old, fall in behind them. Two guards, clad in brown leather armor and carrying spear and sword, their armor and cloaks edged with flame embroidery, follow in the rear. At the top of the stairs, Markus stops. He gestures down to the great hall below. Servants scurry about, sweeping, tending two large bronze braziers in the center of the room and smaller braziers around the edges. One tends the huge fireplace behind Markus&#039; throne. Others polish silverware as the tables are set for breakfast. A dozen of more servants. &ldquo;What do you see down there?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex follows him, avoiding the servants in fear that he will run into them and interrupt their job. He walks by the table, feeling it at he looks to each of the cauldrons, then to the throne. &ldquo;I&#039;m not sure what you mean, sir.&rdquo;<br />\tHe sweeps his hand indicating the whole of the great hall. The doors have been opened by two more servants. A mix of soldiers, tradesmen, merchants, even a farmer or two file in and begin filling in the two arms on the U-shaped tables. Servants brings them each a bowl of hot water, some of them showing the guests that the water is for washing their hands. A second group enters from a door that must be tucked beneath the stairs. These men and women wear uniforms or badges of office. Nobles, persons of learning, honored guests, these people fill the base of the U, to either side of the throne. &ldquo;Servants. Many servants. That one there, see him?&rdquo; He points to the man standing by and tending the fire. He stands awkwardly.<br />\t&ldquo;Yes.&rdquo; Alex curiosity continues to grow. At first, it seems bizarre that he would have so many different people with such random jobs walking around his house. Does he truly use all of them or are they simply for show? Maybe he gives them a job because it&#039;s better for them to work for him then live out on the streets. He walks back over to his master, standing to his side.<br />\t&ldquo;Every person needs a purpose. They NEED one. To give them ambition, courage, hope.&rdquo; He starts slowly down the stairs. The servants all stop and fall to one knee. The common guests all stand and face the stairway, also falling to one knee. The more noble guests stand, but they kneel as well. Markus descends slowly, talking with Alex as if the two of them are alone. &ldquo;I don&#039;t need a man to tend the fire. One servant could probably tend all of the braziers and the fire. But that man was a soldier when I was a boy. On a trip somewhere, I&#039;ve forgotten where or why, he was in my entourage when we were attacked. He was wounded, had a terrible limp. He couldn&#039;t fight.&rdquo; Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he walks slowly towards his throne. There&#039;s no empty chair for Alex. &ldquo;My father, his commander, discharged him with a few coins and a thank you. When my father died and I came into my inheritance, before I became King, I had the man found. He was living in a hovel with his son and family. Probably ten people in a three room hovel. This man who had done his duty protecting me had nothing but a mattress on a stone floor. I gave him the job of tending my fireplace. I gave him purpose. He lives here in the castle. He gets food and a small room of his own. He sends some of his wage to his son, letting them live better. I give them all a purpose. As a Lord it was my duty to my household. As Blood King, it is my duty to all my subjects.&rdquo; Reaching the throne, he stands as a guard pulls it out. Before he sits, Markus looks to his right. An officer stands, smiling. From his uniform and boots, it&#039;s clear he&#039;s a cavalry commander. Markus smiles back at him. &ldquo;Is there word on Gelfang?&rdquo;<br />\tThe man&#039;s smile wavers and disappears. He loses color in his face and begins to sweat. He lowers his face, staring at the stone floor. &ldquo;My King, I am sorry, but the healers could do nothing. We put him down last night. I beg forgiveness, Your Majesty.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus nods and looks at Alex. He leans close and whispers. &ldquo;Who is standing in this room? Take that as a sign.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Uhm...&rdquo; Alex looks around, watching as some tend and clean glass windows, the floors, tables, and other memorabilia. None of them look as if they&#039;re being forced to work or displeased at all. It&#039;s as if they&#039;re proud to do the most menial things for him in the castle. Once in a while, a child or two runs through, playful and happy, allowed to roam and be as free as they&#039;d like. &ldquo;There are families?&rdquo; He looks to the guards and officers, then to the warriors up front. &ldquo;You don&#039;t mind if your men or young or old, as long as they have experience.&rdquo; Then he walks halfway through the room and spies into another. It&#039;s a grand library with four workers inside. They&#039;re translating letters, navigating maps, reading through certain books on philosophy and war. He walks back over to his side, staring to the wall and doorway out of the castle.<br />\t&ldquo;Only you and I. Every person here has noticed. Some are trying figure out who you are and what you are. Some see you as a rival or threat. Some are just curious.&rdquo; He sits. The servants resume their work, the guests retakes their seats. As the cavalry officer is about to sit, Markus touches his arm. &ldquo;Oh, Captain Melchiore, you&#039;re in Alexander&#039;s chair. I&#039;m sure he doesn&#039;t mind and since you do have a report to write about what happened to Gelfang and what steps you&#039;ll be adopting to make sure that such a thing never, ever, EVER happens again, and since I want that report before we leave this morning, you&#039;ll be better served to take breakfast in your quarters.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus grins at the man, who nods his head. He looks at Ale, for a moment, hatred crosses his face. &ldquo;Of course, Your Majesty. I . . . I only came this morning to give you the news in person.&rdquo; He bows and backs away from Markus before turning and striding quickly out of the hall. Some of the guests snicker.<br />\tMarkus stands, and pulls out the commander&#039;s former chair. &ldquo;For my Alexander. Sit, relax.&rdquo; As Alex sits, Markus snaps his fingers and points at the plate and serving ware the captain had used. A servant quickly removes them, replacing them with a fresh place setting.<br />\tAs the pair eat, the King keeps a hand on Alexander&#039;s thigh. Breakfast is as light or as heavy as each guest desires. Some opt for pancakes drenched in butter and jam, other for fruit and bread. Markus breaks his fast with boiled eggs, toast, fruit, and a small bowl of oatmeal. He check that Alex is enjoying the food and that it is to his liking. He points out other guests, giving Alex some insight into the members of Markus&#039; court and following.<br />\tAlex fills a bowl with oatmeal, then more with fruit, and a small steak to please his master in case he&#039;s offended by him not filling himself up. He eats quietly and with all manners, such as he learned growing up. By the time his plate is finished it appears as if there were nothing on it. He scoots the oatmeal over to himself, then smiles and asks, &ldquo;Who is Gelfang?&rdquo;<br />\tThe man sitting on Alex&#039;s right, chokes on a fig, coughing and reaching for his water. Markus tenses at the question. &ldquo;Gelfang was one of my finest stallions. A rare mix of speed and strength. I had hopes that he could sire more like him. Paired with the right mare, his sons might have been tremendous!&rdquo; He sits back in his throne, sighing. &ldquo;It was not meant to be. He&#039;d taken ill for some reason and the captain had assured me that it was a minor ailment and that he&#039;d soon recover. He did not. I found out last night when we returned from dinner. I will let the captain fret and worry for a few days, then transfer him to a less desirable post. He&#039;ll either take the challenge and seek to prove himself again, or quiver and shake and never sit with us for breakfast again.&rdquo;<br />\tAfter breakfast, the guests leave quickly. A small batch of letters is delivered, and Markus goes through them quickly, making quick notes and issuing orders. &ldquo;Part of ruling is paperwork. No escaping that.&rdquo; He stands and exits the main hall. Standing on the steps in the castle courtyard, he regards the weather. It is cold, grey, and looks as if it my rain. He looks to Alex. &ldquo;Well, our choices are clear. Horse, boat, or magic. What say you, Alexander.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex walks to him in glee, twirling around for a short moment in excitement. &ldquo;A boat!&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus laughs, a warm hearty laugh. Genuine. He watches Alex twirl with a huge smile. &ldquo;Very well.&rdquo; He looks around, calling out to a middle-aged man, a bit portly and red-faced, with long, gray muttonchops. &ldquo;Castellan! Have the yacht prepared. We leave for the trial as soon as it&#039;s ready to travel. Have lunch packed. And bows and arrows.&rdquo; He looks at Alex. &ldquo;We may as well see how good you are with a bow while we&#039;re out and about.&rdquo;<br />\tThe older man bows, and rushes off, shouting his own orders. Within minutes, servants are standing by, holding baskets and one with two bows and two quivers of arrows. Markus leads his group down through the courtyard out through a small gate in a separate wall from the main entrance. A winding stone stair descends to the shore of a lake. There, a long, broad boat wait, oars up at attention.<br />\tAlex patiently waits for everything to be set, then studies the bow and arrows, taking it and pretending as if he were to cast one to a target. He hands it back to one of the servants, then steps onto the boat, moving the hair out of his face as he looks out at the sea. It&#039;s not anything spectacular, but he&#039;s always had a fascination with lakes, rivers, and the ocean. He hopes to one day travel the world, maybe conquer some of it if the motivation is there, but &#039;saving&#039; Cruiberg is of his current concern. <br />\t&ldquo;Lovely.&rdquo; Alex runs his hands along the side of the boat, walking around and trying to kill time. &ldquo;If we go out to hunt, I&#039;d like to show you how good of an aim I really am. While I may be human, I have gifted senses. My great-great-great grandfather was a wind mage and some of that still runs through me.&rdquo; The wind brushes against his skin. He holds out an arm, watching as a small whirl of visible, dusty air swirls around in it, then he places his hand down. &ldquo;I&#039;m the only living one in my bloodline that can manipulate air, though. But that&#039;s all I can do. Quite boring, to be honest.&rdquo;<br />\tOne of the boatmen bows and informs Markus that they&#039;re prepared and can depart at Markus&#039; pleasure. Markus nods and climbs aboard, turning back and offering Alex his hand to help him into the craft. &ldquo;The lake may get a little choppy if the winds kick up.&rdquo; As Alex steps down into the boat, Markus tugs on his hand, causing Alex to lose balance and fall into Markus&#039; arms. He holds him there for a moment before kissing him deeply. Still holding his hand, he leads Alex to a small, canopied area where he sits, patting next to him for Alex to join him. &ldquo;Oh, there&#039;s nothing really boring about you, Alex.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Nor you, my... Lord.&rdquo; Alex blushes and takes his seat. Time seems so still right now and yet the nature of this peace unnerves him. Everything is set in motion, but he&#039;s still afraid that one of his pawns won&#039;t get a chance to play along. He shuts his eyes for a quick second, sending another prayer to the war Gods for Aldan&#039;s safety, then looks back out at the lake, letting his thoughts drift into it at ease. &ldquo;I&#039;m sort of anxious, seeing Rakshahas again. Klaus and Jeremy are fine, they don&#039;t worry me at all, but with that other one... That wild card. Well, that&#039;s what makes him so successful.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;His ruthlessness helps as well. Unpredictable, willing to do anything to pretty much anyone.&rdquo; As he speaks, the boat pushes off from the dock. The rowers begin to pull on their oars and the boat picks up speed. &ldquo;He also has a large, experienced army, and the gold to hire and equip whatever they need.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Mhmm.&rdquo; Alex nods in agreement, smiling devilishly. &ldquo;I&#039;m still a bit tired. Is there any way I could lay in your arms for a moment? Or&hellip;&rdquo; He lowers his voice, becoming more self-conscious coffee works as well.<br />\tMarkus wraps an arm around Alexander, letting the young teen cuddle up against him. The boat is making impressive speed adding to the force of the chill wind. Markus has blankets brought and he and Alex are soon blanketed together. &ldquo;Sleep, Alex. It&#039;s a two-hour row, at least.&rdquo; He leans back, closing his own eyes, still holding Alex.<br />\tAlex allows himself to sink into his arms, shutting his eyes, and meditating the sound of the water clashing with the boat. As the one he loves plays with his hair and helps calm him down, he finally falls to sleep, not a nightmare like the hundreds he&#039;s had in a row before. In the dream, he&#039;s with Markus and they&#039;re somewhere out in the forest in battle gear, venturing to a pond, and fishing for a dinner together. His erection grows noticeable as his sleeping body lays on top of Markus, one hand unconsciously touching himself. For a short moment, Markus hears the boy call out his name under his breath, then it&#039;s no more, just his soft breathing.<br />\tWatching the boy sleep and dream, Markus adjusts the blankets so that they&#039;re both comfortably covered. Listening to the boy breathing, he&#039;s reminded of the beauty of simple pleasures. He likes the cold weather. He likes it more now that has Alex to snuggle close with. He leans down, sniffing Alexander&#039;s hair. Sighing, he thinks about the trial and the potential fallout from the guilty verdict. Then the war beyond. His hand drifts down, resting on the warmth of Alex&#039;s package. For a time, thoughts of war and doom are pushed aside by the welcoming warmth of his new boy.<br />\tAt first, Alex is inviting the touch, but when Markus grabs him too firmly, he awakens, fighting the mess out of his eyes. He stretches out his arms and gazes lovingly at the man holding him. &ldquo;Coffee before we make way to the trial?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Coffee!&rdquo; Markus orders one of the servants, who sets to brewing a fresh pot right away. &ldquo;We&#039;re almost there. It&#039;s a short ride from the docks to the palace. We should be there shortly after high-sun.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex sticks out his tongue and thumb, measuring the time with it by putting it over the rising sun. &ldquo;I want to train every day, if possible. Be as prepared for the war as I can be, you know.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Haha! How are you with a sword now?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Well...&rdquo; He thinks for a second, remembering that he had defeated his brother in almost every duel they had. &ldquo;I&#039;d say I could take on a Hathor commander on my own, which is pretty good, right? When I was in the prison, they had me sent to the bottom level and had ten or twelve of their most professional guards on watch over me. I escaped and knocked them all out with my hands still chained together. They came at me with swords, maces, axes, daggers, all in a confined hallway that was barely lit. I used to spar with some of the lieutenants over there and they would have me do all sorts of weird things, such as forcing me to use only one hand in case I lost an arm, make me fight with a fifty pound bag over my shoulders, fight in pure darkness, stop swords with my hands.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;That sounds impressive. Are you certain they weren&#039;t taking it easy on you? Guards sometimes do that. especially if they&#039;ve been paid. Perhaps we can spare sometime today.&rdquo; He looks out over the lake. &ldquo;Not at the palace. Too many observers who would make notes of mistakes or tendencies. I think we can find a way for a match or two, though.&rdquo;<br />\tThe servant brings the coffee. It&#039;s good, but not as good as the temple coffee back in Harath. Markus sips his, still holding Alex close staring forward over the lake. As they sip, a town emerges on the lakeshore. Built on an incline, the town is large, rising away from the shore. Some distance from the town, High King Hallewell&#039;s palace looms over the town, it&#039;s dark walls and towers of black stone offering a sharp contrast with the bright town and lakeshore. Markus points. &ldquo;Ten minutes, I think. There it is, Alexander Steele. The Palace of High King Rhys Hallewell. High King of Cruiberg. Mortal enemy of your people and their king.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;--Were my people. Harath are my enemies too.&rdquo; He stands up, folding his blanket and putting it over the chair as he walks to the end of the boat and sips from his coffee cup. The tower is much more modern and remarkable than the one he grew up seeing and living around. That castle could crumble at any day, but Harath is too concerned with keeping tradition and historical relics alive. The High King&#039;s castle is a remarkable work of art even from far away.<br />\tMarkus joins him at the bow. &ldquo;Not all Harathi are your enemies.&rdquo; He raises a finger when Alex starts to object. &ldquo;No, don&#039;t lie. That serves neither of us. Steps are being taken, Alex. Steps that will make you mine forever.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;What do you mean?&rdquo; He faces him, confused and baffled. &ldquo;I&#039;m already yours.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Yes. But not only mine.&rdquo; He finishes his coffee. &ldquo;Don&#039;t worry.&rdquo;<br />\tThey stand together quietly as the boat pulls closer and closer, finally easing into a slip. Guards clamber onto the dock, followed by servants. One of the servants unfurls Markus&#039; banner, a golden crown wreathed in flames. A small wooden box is opened and presented to Markus. He takes the coronet from within. handing it to Alex and ducking his head to allow Alex to place it on Markus&#039; head. &ldquo;Place the coronet and we are ready.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex takes delicate care with the crown, putting it into place carefully. As he lets go, his eyes squeal, afraid that he&#039;s done it wrong. Only the king in Harath wears a crown, so he&#039;s had no real expertise on them at all. He waits for a look of approval, then glimmers with a smile as he follows him off of the boat. &ldquo;So handsome...&rdquo; He slaps his mouth, not meaning to let that compliment slide out.<br />\tMarkus frowns at Alexander. He arches an eyebrow. &ldquo;You have something on your face. Right here.&rdquo; He leans in, kissing Alexander. Pulling back with a smile, he winks at the boy. &ldquo;Oops. Missed it.&rdquo; He grabs Alex&#039;s neck and pulls him into a deeper kiss. &ldquo;Got it that time. You first.&rdquo; He gestures to the dock.<br />\tAs soon as Markus pulls away from the second kiss, his mouth hangs open in awe. Other guards and servants see it, but they act as if it were nothing, because to them all that matters is his job. And yet, Alex can&#039;t help but to blush. He doesn&#039;t feel as if he&#039;s worthy of his love. It&#039;s too much for his weak, fragile heart to handle right now. He holds his hand for the moment, then asks, &ldquo;Would the other kings mock us if they saw you kissing me or me holding your hand?&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus smiles again. He leans close and whispers. &ldquo;Not within sword&#039;s reach the wouldn&#039;t. I expect some comments. I probably shouldn&#039;t have done that. Now, sadly, you&#039;re a target.&rdquo; Once on the dock, the group waits. Soon a knot of men approaches, heavily armed and armored. They stop at the edge of the dock, one of them approaching and kneeling. He lowers his eyes, then looks at Markus and speaks.<br />\t&ldquo;Your Majesty, Fire King, welcome to Bryeb. The High King awaits your attendance.&rdquo; Markus gestures for the man to rise. He stands. &ldquo;We beg the honor of escorting you to the palace.&rdquo;<br />\tEscorted by the High King&#039;s soldiers, Markus&#039; entourage makes their way into the town. Though he doesn&#039;t hold Alex&#039;s hand, he does point out places of interest. A caf&eacute; that features the most exotic food, which Markus points out with some disdain. A sword maker of some skill. A tailor whose work is exquisite. A coffee shop that makes demon quality coffee, due a demon slave held by the shop owner.<br />\tAs much as Alex admires the architecture on places that are pointed out to him, he can&#039;t help but to note the lack of diversity. Everyone here is human, except for some slaves. He wonders to himself, &#039;Can I really do any good to this kingdom? Even if I play my cards right and win this hand, will these people accept change?&#039; He wonders if Markus despises non-humans like the others, thinks of them of deserving less rights than humans, or simply does what he must because of the order he&#039;s been bestowed. \t&ldquo;The kingdom is very well kept clean, very nice.&rdquo; Alex speaks less and spends more time observing the culture and people.<br />\t&ldquo;Ha! Wait until the rains come. The streets turn to black mud. I find the capital boring. It&#039;s somewhat lifeless.&rdquo; He calls out to the commander of the escort. &ldquo;Captain, we&#039;ll be stopping for coffee.&rdquo; Without waiting for a reply, Markus heads into the coffee shop. It is small and dark, the wood is dark, there are few lamps, the interior seems lost in gloom. Peasants stand aside as Markus enters, stopping at the counter. &ldquo;I&#039;ll have something strong, something sweet. And my friend will have. . . &ldquo; He gestures for Alex to order. Alex places his order and the clerk retreats to a back room. He hears muffled voices and after a few moments, the clerk returns with the coffee. Markus pays in gold, though the bill is only in silver. He returns to the street and the entourage marches on.<br />\tAlex&#039;s coffee is total black, nothing more or less, dark chocolatey flavors that make him sweat among the cold temperatures. Once finished, he hands off his cup to a servant. &ldquo;I&#039;m fully awake now. To be honest, I was just being nice. The capital is very boring.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus nods. &ldquo;That&#039;s why I want Harath and it&#039;s capital for myself. If I can bring them the discipline of our people, with a little bit of their. . .&rdquo; He searches for the right words. &ldquo;Liveliness?&nbsp;&nbsp;Imagine that, if you can.&rdquo; The rest of the trek to the palace is quiet. There are guards at the main, but they do not delay or challenge the arrival. The courtyard bustles with activity, horses are being brushed and cooled. Wagons are being unloaded. The other Kings have travelled longer distances with larger entourages that now must be unpacked and housed. Only Markus resides close enough to return home in less than a day.<br />\tMarkus, Alex, and a group of two guards and two servants are shown to a small suite of rooms where they are asked to wait. The others are all here. We&#039;re the last to arrive. Markus sits near the fireplace, making curious drawings on paper. Some he saves, others he burns. &ldquo;Had we time, I think I&#039;d fuck you for a while, Alex. How would you like that?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex takes his seat by the fire, squeezing the arms of the chair as his erection grows back. &ldquo;Right before a trial? I don&#039;t know... Maybe. It would really turn me on to watch you slaughter the convicted man.&rdquo; He makes a devilish face and licks his lips.<br />\tMarkus grins. &ldquo;I hope not. Despite all that I know of you, there&#039;s part of you that is still. . .innocent? Untarnished may be a better word. Don&#039;t lose that, Alex. Don&#039;t become a mindless, bloodthirsty creature in place of being a man.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Stay a boy, I know...&rdquo; He rolls his eyes. &ldquo;I was only joking.&rdquo; Alex stares around the room, biting on an index finger as he waits for the guards to return. &ldquo;I must ask... What do you think of the non-humans that we&#039;re at war with?&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus shrugs. &ldquo;I don&#039;t hate them. Not like Rakshahas, not even as much as the others.&rdquo; He chuckles. &ldquo;Do you know why there&#039;s a demon coffee-slave in the town? Because the High King is amused at how much that bothers Rakshahas. The coffee give the veneer of a reason, but it&#039;s to get under Rakshahas&#039; skin.&rdquo; His face grows serious. &ldquo;Demons are dangerous. Their powers can be exceptional. It&#039;s only their philosophy that keeps them from waging war on all humanity. What happens if one of them rejects that philosophy? And if that one convinces others to join him? No, that&#039;s too much of risk with their present numbers. They need to be culled. The anthros I don&#039;t care about. They&#039;re abominations, some say. I don&#039;t care. But they resist, so they must be destroyed. Did you have any friends back in Harath that were demon or anthro?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex shakes his head. &ldquo;No, not really. None as true friends of the least. They&#039;re just like normal folks over there, maybe even better than the humans in terms of manner. It doesn&#039;t bother me to fight alongside you and the others against them. They&#039;re my enemies now, but maybe not for the same reasons as for you all. They&#039;re associated with Harath. And I despise Harath. I WILL&hellip;&rdquo; He raises his voice. &ldquo;Have the King&rsquo;s head, along with the rest of the commanders and my family.&rdquo; He calms himself down, rubbing Markus&#039;s hand for a moment until the anger has vanished.<br />\t&ldquo;Why do you hate them so? What did they do to you?&rdquo;<br />\tHe bickers, looking away and at a painting, then remembers his manners and answers Alex to his eyes. &ldquo;My parents have always had it out for me. Maybe it&#039;s because I like men or I had health issues when I was child... I don&#039;t know why, but they always hated me. Whenever they started fighting, they looked at me and used me to let go of that aggression. And my brother, he was given everything, loved, so much more handsome than I. Taller, stronger, full of himself, and an athlete as well. I&#039;d beat him in every draw and my parents would punish me for it, said I&#039;m not fit to be a commander for the king, or squire. As for the king... I grew up with his children and family. They teased me when I was a sick boy, before I grew healthier. It was their hatred towards me that made me so vigorous into studying the art of battling. One of the kings daughters...&rdquo; Alex looks away, rubbing the temple of his forehead. &ldquo;She.... Never mind it.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;One of the great things about being one of the five kings is that no one gets to tell me &quot;never mind&quot;... Finish your story, Alex.&rdquo;<br />\tHis face droops and his eyes water up. &ldquo;It was when I was in the hospital. My heart had stopped beating when I was five and I was pronounced dead for a whole hour, then they were somehow able to bring me back to life. It were another four months before I could recover from the troubles with my heart. As I was saying...&rdquo; The boy pauses, clears his throat. &ldquo;I was just a six year old boy and she was an adult. She wanted to be a healer and supposedly helped me, but in return for my life, she would... Touch me, put herself on me. Make me do things. Gross things.&rdquo; He wipes away his tears and sits up. &ldquo;A guard had witnessed what happened to me and we spoke to my parents. We were going to bring it to the king and have her be given justice. Shortly after, the king had the guard executed for crimes he never committed. I remember when he spoke to me, the King himself, telling me that I would never go into the high ranks for the lies I had committed and if I ever brought a lie out again, I&#039;d be dead.&rdquo; Alex laughs, but the atmosphere he brings is serious and dreadful. &ldquo;And to think I almost did! No, of course not... There&#039;s always hope, right? That&#039;s what lead me to you... And now you know why I hate my family and the king. Why I will have my vengeance on them.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus sits in silence for a moment, staring at the fire. He stands, standing next to Alex, resting a hand on his shoulder. &ldquo;The rest of you - outside. Now.&rdquo;<br />\tThe guards and servants bow and hasten to obey, leaving Alex and Markus alone. Markus kneels down next to Alex, taking the boys face in his hand. He wipes the tears from Alex&#039;s cheeks, leaning forward and kissing each of his eyes. &ldquo;Does she yet live?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex nods. &ldquo;She will most likely be there in the war. They&#039;ll need skilled healers out there.&rdquo;<br />\tRunning his hands through Alex&#039;s hair, he kisses him again, on the lips. &ldquo;If we capture her, I will give her to my most skilled torturer. We will crush Harath, it&#039;s king, and his family. You will rule the city in my name, Alexander. You will found your own dynasty.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex stands up, taking his hand and kissing it, then waiting for their eyes to connect before he kisses him as well. They stand there, alone, but together. &ldquo;In my name&rdquo; he repeats to himself in thought. &ldquo;To have your last name replace mine, to be yours forever. I love you, Markus.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus Yorem, Blood King of Cruiberg, holds Alex close. &ldquo;I know you do, Alex. I treasure that knowledge. But if I love you, you become a target for each of the other kings, for any who would seek to take my throne. You don&#039;t understand the danger you&#039;d be in. And there is still the other. . .&rdquo;<br />\tAlex nods. &ldquo;Yes... I understand. It&#039;s fine. I can keep it secret, just allow me to remind you of those three words from time to time when we&#039;re alone, okay?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;When we&#039;re alone.&rdquo; He stands, filling and draining a goblet of water. He&#039;s about to call for the servants, when he stops. He fills the goblet again, and takes it to Alex. &ldquo;You look thirsty, my love.&rdquo; He grins at Alex as he hands him the goblet.<br />\tAlex drinks from the goblet with both hands, only pausing when he needs to catch his breath. Otherwise, he drinks all of the water down. It didn&#039;t even occur to him until now that Markus had referred to him as his love for the first time. He immediately blushes, tensing up and almost dropping the expensive goblet when someone knocks, mentioning that the trial is soon to begin.<br />\tMarkus stands. He closes his eyes and rocks his head left and right. &ldquo;The best thing for you is to simply listen. If anyone asks you a question, answer in as few words as possible. Prepare yourself, it&#039;s liable to be . . .brutal.&rdquo;<br />\tThe pair are led to the Great Hall. Rows of benches fill most of the hall, holding perhaps one hundred observers. Men, mostly, dressed as warrior and fighters. Guards stand against the walls, their black-bladed halberds menacing as they stand watch. As he scans the crowd, ALexander notes that none of the gallery have any weapon larger than a dagger. No swords or axes. No great hammers or mauls. No spears or bows. The warriors talk amongst themselves, the whole hall enveloped in a steady, low murmur.<br />\tAlex and Markus are taken to a side room. Already there, finishing a stein of beer as they enter, is King of Fire Rakshahas Cane. His black leather armor is studded with metal rivets, each sculpted as a small skull. He carries his favored weapon, a large, black-bladed sword. His long hair, black and gray, is tied in a pony tail. He glares at Markus with his one good eye, the other eye marled and useless since a young age when a half-brother&#039;s assassin missed with a killing strike. HIs glare dissolves into an unnerving smile. &ldquo;Well, if it isn&#039;t Markus Yorem, Whelp King of Blood. And his latest. . .? He looks at Alex, up and down as if he&#039;s judging a prized turkey as it hangs. &ldquo;Toy? Apprentice? Squire? Clerk? Whore?&rdquo; He laughs.<br />\t&ldquo;Squire, m&#039;lord&rdquo;. Markus answers. He smirks at Rakshahas. &ldquo;This cold weather must be playing the hells with your arthritis and rheumatism.&rdquo;<br />\tCane glares at Markus and burst into a huge laugh. &ldquo;If I liked you less, Yorem, you&#039;d pay for that. Stiff with the cold or not, I think that I could still manage any other man in the kingdom. When Rhys finally dies, perhaps we&#039;ll see which of us is the better man.&rdquo; He sighs and stomps his feet. &ldquo;Gods blood! Why the delay? We&#039;re all here. Let&#039;s get this damnable trial over with.&rdquo; He jostles Markus with a push on the shoulder. &ldquo;We&#039;ve a war to fight!&rdquo; He pours himself more beer and stands near the fire, warming his backside as he watches Alexander and Markus.<br />\tAlex chugs down an entire beer, slamming it down, and giving a long glare to Rakshahas. A few moments later, the two brothers, Jeremy and Klaus, enter the room and sit beside them. Both are young and in their early thirties, long blonde hair tied in ponytails and kept clean. The older of the two, Jeremy, has with him a long sword almost as big as him. Alex judges that it&#039;s about his weight, too. The younger one, Klaus, seems less excited, more observant like him. He takes a liking to him and makes small talk, but soon realizes that he&#039;s not too interested in speaking. Jeremy interrupts the two. &ldquo;Never in my life would I imagine a Steele on our side. Oh, how the tides change! I know we&#039;ve already spoken of your work when we first met a few days ago, but I must say again, good job. Good job.&rdquo; Jeremy pours him a beer himself, then orders a servant to grab more.<br />\t&ldquo;It was simple, really... If I hadn&#039;t been found, I would have taken more out, but one must make some mistakes in order to learn from them.&rdquo; Alex takes this beer a little easier, sitting up more in his chair and avoiding Rakshahas eyes. &ldquo;I have a plan that I&#039;m working on to take out the Harath King, but it&#039;s still in the developing stages. Might take a few hundred more revisions.&rdquo; The boy chuckles a bit.<br />\t&ldquo;Feh!&rdquo; Cane snorts derisively. &ldquo;We&#039;ve wasted months on the fool dark mages and their plans for an ultimate weapon. We should already be in the field, marching on E&#039;hbel. Not holding a trial for some sniveling failure. I hear tell their great weapon was defeated by a &#039;prison guard&#039;! A turn-key! Not even a real warrior, and he thwarts their master plan.&rdquo; He spits into the fireplace. &ldquo;We should execute Yakras and move on. Slit the throats of another half dozen as a lesson to the rest. Simple, easy and on with the war.&rdquo; He pauses, smiling like a child who knows a great secret.<br />\tJeremy nods. &ldquo;You and me both... I&#039;ve wasted too much time back here. If I don&#039;t start killing back in the forest in the next few days, I&#039;ll have to find prisoners to kill myself.&rdquo; His brother whispers something into his ears, and then they both go quiet.<br />\tAlex quietly asks Markus. &ldquo;What takes them so long? Is the trial going to take this long too?&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus shrugs. &ldquo;Impossible to say. It could be over in a few moments, but I don&#039;t think Rhys would have us all here if he didn&#039;t want something to come out of the trial. It would have been within his powers to simply execute Yakras. Prehaps he wants the Dark Mages who remain to feel that they won&#039;t be targeted.&rdquo;<br />\tWhen Markus finishes, Alexander notices the others watching him. As Markus drifts to the sideboard for water, the other kings keep their focus on the young man from Harath. It isn&#039;t long before Alex begins to feel uncomfortable. Thankfully, a young man enters the room after knocking twice. He&#039;s little older than Alexander, but his face is badly disfigured, burned and badly healed.<br />\t&ldquo;Your Majesties.&rdquo; He bows deeply. &ldquo;The High King is ready to begin. My Lord of Fire, Cane, precedence is your choice.&rdquo;<br />\tCane nods, spitting again into the fireplace. &ldquo;As it should be, boy. Start with the whelpling and his pet Harathi.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus bristles, but says nothing. The scarred boy looks at the other kings. &ldquo;Very well, Your Majesty. King Markus, followed by King Klaus, followed by King Jeremy, and then yourself, King Rakshahas, and finally High King Rhys. If you&#039;re all prepared?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The assembled kings all nod. The scarred boy exits leaving the door open. A somewhat effeminate looking man stands at the door. He bows to the kings, then holds a hand out to them, signaling stop. Markus moves near the door. Looking at Alex, he gives his final instructions. &ldquo;Stay behind me and to my left. Don&#039;t react too visibly to anything.&rdquo;<br />\tHe waits. Alex can hear a horn and the crowd in the great hall goes silent. A lone voice speaks, loudly. It&#039;s difficult to make out what is being said. The effeminate man looks at Markus, nodding and gesturing that they should enter the Great Hall. <br />\tEntering the Great Hall, Markus strides confidently towards the far end. The gallery all stand, remaining silent. He marches to witness pit, set before all five thrones, stopping in front of the empty High Throne. He bows to the High Throne, Alex follows suit. A huge guard, nearly seven foot tall, armed with a huge axe, clad in blackest plate armor, appears behind the High Throne and descends the steps until he stands just above Markus. Markus nods to the warrior and unstraps his sword, offering it to the black knight. The knight says nothing and makes no move. Markus reattaches his sword. The black knight looks at Alex, his blue eyes almost looking through Alex.<br />\tAlex stays as quiet and composed as possible, following every direction given to him. He sits down in a lower chair by his master. Following suit, the brothers come in at the same time, taking their seats as well. Alex peers his eyes back to where the effeminate man once was. &#039;If he ever hits on me again, I&#039;ll kill him&#039; He thinks to himself. Finally, Rakshahas enters and takes his seat. Shortly after a group of guards march a dark mage, Yakras, in an all black robe to a seat at the center of the great hall. Yakras. His legs and arms are chained and sealed with a magic that permits him from breaking free. Sitting behind him, two other dark mages take seats - Raethum, a four hundred year old mage, and Epirael, younger, but still one hundred years old. One of the guards pulls down Yakras hood, revealing his shaven, ugly face, covered in warts with pale, sick eyes. The other two take off of their hoods. Raethum seems as if he&#039;s still a young adult, while the truly younger one looks like a young adult. While Raethum looks wise and experienced, the man beside him is built much like Rakshahas, just short of the ponytail and black hair. The guards stand in position around them.<br />\tLast to enter is High King of Cruiberg, Rhys Hallewell. As he is announced, the assembled crowd begins to stamp their feet. Markus and the other Kings rise. Rhys is led into the chamber by a grizzled, powerful man. The man wears a sleeveless tunic, showing massive biceps as he carries the Sword of the High King, Trueborn. Trueborn is a fabled weapon, forged eons ago by the greatest smiths humanity has ever offered forth. Stories say that a mere touch of its blade can reduce an anthro or demon to ashes and cause other non-humans to write on the ground in agony for days.<br />\tBehind his sword, Rhys Hallewell strides, all the arrogance and power of Cruiberg concentrated in one man, He wears the robes and furs of the High King, no armor. His crown is of black iron, a great central spike pointing upwards from the center of the forehead, two lesser spikes on the right and on the left. Shimmering at the base of each of the five spikes are five dazzling diamonds, the light from torches and candles seemingly magnified from each of them. The strength of his presence obscures the fact that Rhys is over sixty, his hair mostly gray and his face lined with the scars of age and worry more than battle. He is followed by two page-boys, thirteen or fourteen years old, each with dark hair and dark eyes, but pale skin. They look nearly identical. As Rhys take the High Throne, the boys kneel by either of his knees, the sword bearer stand to his right, slightly behind. The gallery stomps and stomps, the very stone of the Hall trembling at their power.<br />\tRhys holds up his hand and everything stops. It&#039;s as if all sound has fled before his command. He slowly lowers his hand, and the crowd sits. A man in blue garb steps forward and speak to the Five Kings of Cruiberg.<br />\t&ldquo;Assembled Kings, High King...before you stands Yakras, Adept of the Dark Order. He is charged with treason. If found guilty, the only sentence allowed by our law, BY CRUIBERG LAW.&rdquo; He yells those words to the crowd before turning back to the kings. &ldquo;The only sentence is death.&rdquo;<br />\tRhys taps the boy on his left on the shoulder. The boys stands and descends half way down the steps. &ldquo;Yakras! Step forward!&rdquo; As Yakras moves forward, with all the grace and dignity that he can bring to bear, the other boy stands and joins his brother. They both point at the Dark Mage and the second boy commands. &ldquo;State your plea and make you defense!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;They both lower their arms and head back to Rhys, The closer of the two flashes a quick smile at Alex. Or is it at Markus?<br />\tAlex smiles back at the boy, feeling his own erection grow. It&#039;s uncomfortable, because he knows that he is to be taking the situation seriously, not like it&#039;s some peasant ball party.<br />\tYakras stands and walks as much as he can with his shackled feet up five steps, then speaks loud and clearly. &ldquo;I, Yakras, adept of the dark order, have been at the service and loyal to Cruiberg for three hundred years. It was me who lead the first attacks on E&#039;hbel, to Chantlisty, and Vargon. If it weren&#039;t for my expertise, tens of thousands of elves, demons, anthros, and the like would still be alive today. Many of you weren&#039;t alive two hundred eighty years ago when our kingdom came under attack by terrorists, DEMONS that ravaged us for years, killing hundreds of women and children. It was I who proposed their banishment and genocide from the kingdom, I who killed their leader, and helped bring a new order to the kingdom to protect the underprivileged humans that live here. I worked with a fellow dark mage, a spy who lives in Harath, and we took it upon ourselves to learn the power of the ancient black spirits sealed away five miles below E&#039;hbel. We had great success with the first trials, even used the power of the spirits to inflict damage on elven tribes, leading to the death of hundreds of elves. Now, it is true that the dark mage was killed in Harath, but one must also note the success of this attack! A fourth of their Kings castle was destroyed. More than a hundred guards were killed by the dark mages possession of a demon and that of our people living in their communities. Now THAT is a success.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus stands, bowing to the High King. He descends a pair of steps, his hands clasped together behind his back. He looks at each of the kings, then back at Alex. Finally he faces Yakras. &ldquo;Correct me if I am mistaken, but isn&#039;t it true that before this great &#039;success&#039;, Harath was not aware of our preparations for war? Or of our network in their capital?&rdquo;<br />\tYakras shakes his head. &ldquo;None of that is my fault. It is of fault that the dark mage in Harath didn&#039;t seal away the information we kept with magic.&rdquo;<br />\tOne of the dark mages, Epirael, laughs for a split second, which echoes through the hall.<br />\tMarkus takes a step towards the mage, Epirael. &ldquo;You have something to add, Epirael of the Dark Order?&rdquo;<br />\tEpireal stands and speaks with anger. &ldquo;We have been voiceless as Yakras has wasted time planning his so-called attack to turn the humans of Harath against the demons through, what he says, proxy... All of this time spent wasted when we could have taken E&#039;hbel by now!&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus nods gravely, taking two steps towards his throne. He turns back to the accused. &ldquo;Remind myself and the other Kings, weren&#039;t we promised that your plan would bring Harath to its knees? Cause chaos and destruction, leaving hundred, thousands dead? Their army crippled?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Hundreds did die.&rdquo; His voice is lower, more defeated. He knows that he stands no chance.<br />\tThe older dark mage behind him, stands, and yells, &ldquo;Hundreds of Cruiberg spies and civilians have been imprisoned due to the foolishness of this man and his, his FRIEND, who left our people to live in his riches. All who will be executed by Harath. And what is to happen to the immigrants from Cruiberg living there? Will they lose their heads too?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;We can make safe passage for them to return here.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;AND HOW WILL WE DO THAT?&rdquo; Raethum sits down.<br />\tMarkus returns to his seat, shaking his head sadly. Rakshahas stands, he bows to Rhys, barely nodding his head to the other kings. Klaus and Jeremy shift in the thrones, casting withering looks at Rakshahas. He ignores them, turning his attention to Yakras. &ldquo;Who was it that uncovered your compatriot in Harath? Who defeated your &#039;ultimate demon weapon&#039; and killed not one, but two dark mages? Was it the mighty Champion of Harath?&rdquo; He smiles. &ldquo;No. It wasn&#039;t, was it? Wasn&#039;t it a prison guard? A jailer? Some half-drunken rat-buggerer who thwarted your plan? Who even now has become a hero to the people of Harath. That can&#039;t be right. Can it?&rdquo;<br />\tYakras corrects him. &ldquo;He was no mere prison guard or ordinary warrior. This was the man that killed the Vampire Count of Stigmartz.&rdquo;<br />\tA murmur goes through the crowd. Rakshahas seems surprised for a moment before hiding his astonishment. The High King stands. &ldquo;Are you certain?&rdquo;<br />\tYakras nods. &ldquo;He killed a man said to be impossible to kill. Broke into his castle himself and fought the dead. If you underestimate him, he might kill you as well.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus stands quickly. &ldquo;And you&#039;ve brought us to his direct attention? Was that part of your plan to bring Harath to its knees? To turn a Vampire Slayer against us?&rdquo; He gestures dramatically. &ldquo;Tell us, what is your plan now, Yakras?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;My plan is to correct my wrong-doings - find safe haven for those Cruiberg still living in Harath. To fight alongside you in the war and kill as many demons as I can to rectify what couldn&#039;t be done there. Trust in me and I will never disappoint you ever again.&rdquo; As much as he tries to hold it together, his arms shakes and he feels a pit in his gut.<br />\tRakshahas sits. He crosses his legs, tapping his signet ring loudly against the arm rest of his throne. The High King sits, deep in thought. Rakshahas speaks without standing. &ldquo;You&#039;ve sent assassins after this man, the Vampire Killer?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;No, I have not. Not as of this moment.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex sighs, rolling his eyes. He knows that the assassins are most likely already on their way to find and kill Aldan at any moment. In his mind, they&#039;ll be dead before they ever reach him.<br />\tRakshahas smirks.&rdquo; Oh? So if I were to tell you that I know you&#039;ve dispatched assassins, you would deny it? In front of all of us? Two, as a matter of fact. Sent within hours of learning of your failure. Hoping to distract from your failure and incompetence by dangling a dead vampire slayer in front of us.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus leans over to Alex and whispers. &ldquo;Hoping to buy his own life with the life of Aldan of Harath.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Yes, Yes! I have lied.&rdquo; Yakras raises his shackled hands smiling. &ldquo;I&#039;d thought that I&#039;d have him dead by the trial and would be able to bring the news with me here.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus stands quickly. &ldquo;So, having failed with your ultimate weapon, and drawn Harath into war, you thought to inspire them further against us by assassinating their hero-savior without even a word to any of the Council of Kings? Not a word to any of us?&rdquo; He looks at the other kings, then out to the gallery. &ldquo;Tell me, did you instruct your assassins to leave our battleplan with the body, signed in our names, with directions to each of our castles for their assassins?&rdquo; Several in the crowd chuckles and laugh.<br />\tYakrus is broken up, unable to find what words he needs to say to buy himself out of it.<br />\tRakshahas stands. &ldquo;Guilty. I&#039;ve heard enough. Guilty. I call for a verdict.&rdquo; He sits.<br />\tThe man in blue, rushes to the witness pit. &ldquo;A verdict has been called for by the Fire King... Are there any others who wish to give evidence?&rdquo;<br />\tThe brothers shake their head and both answer, &ldquo;Guilty.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus stands. &ldquo;Guilty.&rdquo;<br />\tRhys stands, waving the man in blue away. &ldquo;Guilty. As High King of Cruiberg, I sentence Yakrus, Adept of the Dark Order...&rdquo; Very subtly, Rakshahas moves one hand, smirking. The High King, looks at Rakshahas and then turns to Markus. &ldquo;The Blood King shall pronounce sentence...&rdquo;<br />\tThe crows murmurs. Rakshahas seems very pleased. The brother kings are surprised, but quickly compose themselves, watching Markus with keen interest.<br />\tMarkus faces the crowd. &ldquo;I sentence Yakram, on behalf of the HIgh King and my fellow Kings, to be peeled for not less than 10 days. Furthermore, his acolytes shall be put to the torch, his arcane library and equipment given to the Dark Order, his personal lands and holdings seized for the High Crown, except for a half-portion for each of the Council of Kings. His children shall be made slaves, split among the five crowns. I shall take first choice.&rdquo; Markus pauses for a moment, trying to make sure he hasn&#039;t forgot anything. Satisfied, he finishes. &ldquo;This is the will of the Council of Kings. This is the will of all Cruiberg.&rdquo; He sits as the crowd stamps their feet.<br />\tYakrus falls to the ground, begging and crying for his life. &ldquo;No, no no no! You must not do this!&rdquo;<br />\tRaethum rises. &ldquo;If it is allowed, I ask to be given his duties as the new maestro and Epirael as my advisor.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;All of the Kings stand.&rdquo; Rhys speaks. &ldquo;The sentence shall be carried out immediately. Execute his wife as well. Have her drawn and quartered by slow horse. Raethum, as you wish. Do not follow his example. Oh, and select two of your order to be burned at the stake. A lesson not to compound mistakes. Choose at random. We are concluded.&rdquo; The High King leaves the same way he entered. Rakshahas moves down to the crowd laughing with some of the assembled observers. Yakrus is taken away, still begging for mercy for himself and his wife. Markus leads Alex back to the waiting room, asking for wine and food to be brought. They are joined by the brother kings, Klaus, and Jeremy.<br />\tAlex waits for a moment, taking in all that has just happened, and chugs the warm beer that the young brother left for him. &ldquo;Well... Your people sure have an interesting way of dealing with traitors.&rdquo;<br />\tJeremy laughs at him, politely. &ldquo;Go to see Yakrus in a week. A boy like you from that liberal kingdom of yours, you&#039;d starve yourself after seeing what&#039;s done to him.&rdquo; Klaus begins to drink heavily on his own in silence. His brother hits him on the shoulder. &ldquo;I think it&#039;s time we start gathering our plans for battle as soon as we can. We have a lot of work to do now that Harath knows some of our plans.&rdquo;<br />\tThe alcohol is hitting Alex now, resulting in a depressive, somewhat drunken state that&#039;s noticeable in his face. Even with the spies he knows about in this kingdom, there&#039;s no way he can sabotage his position to save Aldan. He fights back his own tears, then stiffens his face to look as normal as he possibly can.<br />\tMarkus drinks wine, eating lightly at fruit and cheese. &ldquo;You don&#039;t know what peeling is, do you, Alexander? Basically, the Dark Mages and our torturers will takes Yakrus and submerge most of his body in a tank of some brew that the mages have. It softens a man. Once every 12 hours, they&#039;ll take him out and peel off the outer layer of skin. He&#039;ll then spend an hour in a solution they&#039;ve made that will heal him, in the sense that he won&#039;t die, but which enflames every nerve ending on the new layer of skin. Ten days. That&#039;s 20 layers peeled off.&rdquo; he sips his wine. &ldquo;If he dies, they have ways of bringing him back just enough to keep going. It one of our more fiendish and cruel punishments.&rdquo; He pops a date into his mouth. &ldquo;Now, slow horse drawing and quartering. You know mostly what that is. Horse tied to each wrist and ankle, all four pulling in different directions. Usually, the ropes are coiled and the horse gallop away, popping off the limbs. Slow horse, means the ropes start taut and tight. The horses are led away, slowly. Pressure and pain build and build and the limbs go one by one. Most last two, even three.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex inevitably sinks into his chair, wondering if he&#039;s made a grand mistake coming here or not. &ldquo;Harath banned the act of drawing and quartering people hundreds of years ago. That isn&#039;t to say that I&#039;ve seen my fair share of blood before.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus shrugs. &ldquo;It&#039;s effective. We have very few criminals.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even fewer who repeat their crimes.&rdquo; He watches Alex carefully. &ldquo;As do the brothers.&rdquo; Alex easily feels their eyes upon him.<br />\tJeremy breaks the silence. &ldquo;So, you will be going to war with us, right? You&#039;ve never fought in one before, have you? Maybe you should be with Rakshahas for the first few battles so that you can learn to stomach it all.&rdquo;<br />\tKlaus adds on. &ldquo;War isn&#039;t like the training that you grew up with. Anything can happen. You can be the most skilled fighter on the planet and die to a simple arrow. Small things like that. There will be times when you&#039;re cornered by thirty men or more and have to figure a way to kill them all and survive. War is more about death than it is about survival unless you&#039;re like one of us. Before you go into a battle, you must always be ready to die. When you leave, you leave everything behind...&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;I have nothing to leave behind. No family. No one. I once died when I was a child and when I woke up... I was deader than that. I&#039;ve never been to war before, but I think my heart was crafted for it.&rdquo; Alex places one hand to where his heart is, then sits up.<br />\tMarkus allows himself a faint smile. &ldquo;Klaus, Jeremy...speaking of Rakshahas. He&#039;s going to urge an attack on the E&#039;hbel settlements. We need, and I think you&#039;ll both see the wisdom in this, to block that line of thinking. E&#039;hbel can wait. Are we agreed on that much?&rdquo;<br />\tJeremy nods. &ldquo;It would be... Quite foolish to attack them first. Every attack we&#039;ve done has failed in every single man dying. There are other ways to go around this.&rdquo; <br />\tKlaus simply responds. &ldquo;Agreed.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Good. Between the three of us, we may be able to prevail upon King Rhys to follow a different plan. Think on this. We move as two forces. Two kings move towards Harath, two kings move on the villages in Raythorn Valley. That may draw some of the strength from E&#039;hbel. From Raythorn to Varn Ra. Again, that should draw out some of the forces from E&#039;hbel. With the High King&#039;s forces added, that would be the time to strike for E&#039;hbel.&rdquo; Markus pauses, looking from one brother to the other.<br />\tJeremy smiles, thinking it over in his head. Without asking for permission, Alex intervenes, &ldquo;Harath and Aigua both know and feel the stress of Cruiberg&#039;s presence in the forests that have been slowly overtaken. So far, there attempts to stop the attacks have proven worthless. That has been the major success so far, so it would make perfect sense to take down Raythorn with the same tactics. They&#039;re closer to E&#039;hbel.&rdquo;<br />\tThe older brother nods. &ldquo;The boy has a point. We wouldn&#039;t necessarily even have to worry about bringing all of our men out for an attack like that. Move the attacks that are closer towards Harath towards E&#039;hbel while Raythorn is taken, then stress the anthros and demons so that they&#039;re forced to bring their people to save those in Raythorn. That&#039;s where we would take a good deal of them out, weakening Varn Ra as well. Take both of those, then we might have a chance in E&#039;hbel.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Agreed.&rdquo; Jeremy laughs at his brothers simple response.<br />\tRakshahas bites. &ldquo;Markus and I will be the ones to slaughter the villages of Raythorn. We&#039;ll end them brutally and violently so that the people of E&#039;hbel know to be afraid of what&#039;s to come. When we kill them all, I want to see the fear in their faces as they take note of their end. They have no more presence in this world. We will kill them all.&rdquo;<br />\tKlaus finishes a beer, then faces Rakshahas. &ldquo;You can&#039;t kill all of them though. Then they won&#039;t send out help for those people. Take out a majority of the villages, leave the others hostages, kill the men, enslave the children, use the women for our pleasure. That will bring them.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus nods. &ldquo;That is what I suggested. I think that Rakshahas is correct. My forces team with his. You two angle towards Harath, drawing out their armies and protection our flanks. Once we&#039;ve taken Raythorn, Varn Ra, and E&#039;hbel our flanks will be secure and we can menace Harath from their north or east.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex can&#039;t help but to laugh and notice something they&#039;re missing. &ldquo;You&#039;ve forgotten about one of the most important game players here. If we focus too much of our energy on Harath, we forget about Aigua.&rdquo;<br />\tAll four kings look at the boy. Rakshahas glares. Klaus and Jeremy seem equal parts bored and surprised. Markus frowns for a moment. &ldquo;Easily enough remedied. We delay any military response they consider by sending emissaries to negotiate peace.&rdquo; He paces around the room. Rakshahas grumbles and moves to stand in front of the fire, spitting into it. As his phlegm hisses and crackles, he glares at Alex. &ldquo;Fuck the Aiguans. What are they going to do? Send the brigades of buggered boys to stop us? Half-breeds and anthros. . . they won&#039;t be able to stop fucking their mothers and sisters long enough to stop us. If they try, by some miracle, if they try, their warriors are weak. Fire and blood will sweep them aside.&rdquo; He punches one fist onto the open palm of his other hand, slowly grinding an imaginary foe to dust.<br />\tMarkus nods. &ldquo;We tell them we&#039;re willing to release some of the captured anthros and demon. As a sign of good will between Aiguia and Cruiberg. Only those with relatives living in Aigua. That should buy us time and keep them on the sidelines.&rdquo;<br />\tKlaus points out. &ldquo;They do have a dragon.&rdquo;<br />\tJeremy laughs. &ldquo;But he&#039;s just a boy.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;-- A boy that&#039;s a dragon. No matter what age, they&#039;re dangerous.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex rubs one finger to his lips, thinking deeply. He doesn&#039;t want to say anything else, afraid to offend the others or say a wrong word that has him killed.<br />\tRakshahas spits again, annoying Markus who says nothing. They say they have a dragon. I say They exaggerate if not are outright lying. &ldquo;What&#039;s a boy-dragon going to do? War against us between its nap-times?&rdquo; He laughs.<br />\tFrowning Markus suggests, &ldquo;We should act. I doubt they&#039;ll want to send a boy dragon into war against us. If they do, we&#039;ll be hard pressed, but the High King&#039;s armies will be supporting us and with Trueborn? I&#039;ll take Rhys over some battle-virgin dragon.&rdquo;<br />\tJeremy sighs, &ldquo;We can&#039;t figure out everything in one day, but at least we have some starting points as to how we&#039;ll change our tactics and surprise Harath since they think they know where we&#039;ll be and where we&#039;ll go. My brother and I must leave soon. We have a lot of work and planning to do.&rdquo; Him and his brother stand up, giving their goodbyes to the other kings, then they leave.<br />\tLeaning back, stretching, Rakshahas grunts. &ldquo;I&#039;d rather have begun this in the spring. Fool Dark Mage delayed us. Much as I hate winter war, our men will have the advantage. Yorem, draw up your plans and send them to me. I&#039;ll adjust them to fit with mine and send back your final orders. Two weeks, and don&#039;t delay. We have to start before things get too bad with the weather.&rdquo; He dons his cloak, warming his hands one last time. He turns to Markus. &ldquo;I like your sentence. Should give those Dark Mages something to think about.&rdquo; He heads for the door. &ldquo;I like your little Harathi bitch, too. At least it&#039;s housetrained.&rdquo; He smirks at Alex as he opens the door. &ldquo;Oh, I bet you are a tight one... Hahaha!&rdquo; He laughs loudly as he leaves, his entourage joining and following him. A servant closes the door, leaving Alexander and Markus alone in the room.<br />\tMarkus take the mug that Rakshahas had drained and hurls it into the fireplace. Sparks and embers fly upwards. &ldquo;That fucking whore! He knows, gods damn his one good eye.&rdquo; His face flushed with anger, he drives his fist into the table. The bowls of fruit and cheese, the pitchers of beer and wine, shudder as his blow rocks the table. He inhales sharply, hissing in pain and shaking his fist. He holds the wounded hand against his chest, flexing his fingers and wincing. &ldquo;He knows.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Know about us?&rdquo; Alex winces, standing up and walking to the fire. Staring into the fire, he imagines what war will be like. &ldquo;So I will come with you to Raythorn when the war begins, right?&rdquo;<br />\tStill examining his hand, Markus answers. &ldquo;Of course. It would be too dangerous to leave you here. One of the others might try to kill you or turn you against me.&rdquo; He shakes his hand again, wincing as he flexes his bruised knuckles. He looks at Alex. &ldquo;Besides, I want you with me. Although, if you truly loved me, you&#039;d be more worried about my hand.&rdquo; Markus looks down at his hand, his eyes downcast and sad.<br />\tAlex turns to him slowly, carefully, and takes his hand. He feels it, bring it to his face, and kisses it softly. The coldness of his touch seems to somehow numb the bruising for just a short moment.<br />\tMarkus reaches around Alex, placing his uninjured hand against the small of Alex&#039;s back. Pulling him close, until their bodies press together, he looks down into Alex&#039;s eyes. &ldquo;Tell me, Alex, how you feel about me. Don&#039;t lie or hold back. Now that you know how easily I can have a man&#039;s flesh peeled from his body, his wife torn limb from limb, and his children sold into slavery. What do you see, now, when you look at Markus Yorem?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex stares into his eyes, seeing nothing different in him that he didn&#039;t see when they first met. &ldquo;I see... Loneliness. Fear. Regret? I don&#039;t know what it is that you regret. You seek domination, but not like the others. Despite your violence, there&#039;s order to it. You&#039;re frustrated because you feel as if you&#039;ve grown too cold and feel as if you&#039;ve lost all of the spirituality that you had as a child, as a boy... That isn&#039;t to say that you&#039;re not a man of strength. When it comes to work, you&#039;re better than your opponents in the ways that they fail. You are a key of temperance. If all were to be lost in the war, you would be the only king able to bring the people together into peace and hope. You see a star. It&#039;s always been there, something you wish to grasp, but you&#039;re unable to take it. Instead, you take the smaller star in front of you&hellip;&rdquo; Alex pulls out his hand as if to grab something from the air. Wind blows through the room around the two of them. &ldquo;You will find redemption and freedom, but you must first lose and bleed for it.&rdquo;<br />\tHe blinks. He lowers his mouth to Alex&#039;s his tongue gently probing the walls of his young lover&#039;s mouth. They kiss for what feels like hours. When he finally breaks the kiss, Markus places a hand on either side of Alex&#039;s face and holds him tenderly as he kisses his forehead. &ldquo;That was not the answer I was expecting.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;You told me what I see.&rdquo; Alex lays in his lap, rubbing his face into his, kissing him again from time to time. &ldquo;My readings of people are always right. Sometimes, I think of it like a curse.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Indeed.&rdquo; He sighs, gathering up his cloak. &ldquo;Let us return home. It will too close to dark for hunting tonight. Tomorrow, we hunt, and we spar. I need to know how well you fight. Think on what you wish for dinner tonight.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex falls in beside Markus as they make their way back through the town. Again, peasants quickly make way for the young king. Some point and whisper. Apparently, word of the sentence Markus imposes on Yakras has reached the streets. They stop again at the coffee house, order two coffees to keep them warm and awake for the trip home. In a display of generosity, Markus gives the shop owner a hundred gold talents with instructions to give free coffee as long as he can for that amount. Customers cheer as the party exits and approach the docks.<br />\tOnce on the docks, Alex makes his decision. &ldquo;Steak. Just one slab of meat. That&#039;s all I ask for. And a nice glass of wine.&rdquo; He waits for Markus to sit before laying near him, cuddling in his arms as the boat casts back out into the cold waters. A half hour passes before he mentions, &ldquo;You were the one to send the assassins, weren&#039;t you?&rdquo;<br />\tLooking down on Alex, Markus plays with the boy&#039;s hair with one hand, laying the other on Alex&#039;s chest. &ldquo;Which assassins are those, Alexander?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;The ones to Aldan.&rdquo; He speaks calmly.<br />\tHis eyes betray no emotion as he stares down into Alex&#039;s eyes. Minutes pass, the only sounds being that of oars in the water and the wind. &ldquo;What do want the answer to be? If you have the suspicion, what difference does any answer I give matter?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;I take that as a yes...&rdquo; He sighs. &ldquo;It doesn&#039;t matter. I understand. He would be a great threat in the battles to come. Plus, I would never want to see the two of you come into contact.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Ah, you see? You made up your mind before you even asked.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Yes, I have...&rdquo; He quiets down, closing his eyes and trying to shut off his thoughts.<br />\tMarkus looks back towards palace. His fingers drum on the railing of the boat nearest him. His body tenses, but he says nothing.<br />\tAs they come closer to shore, Alex awakens from his short rest fresh and new, greeting Markus with a kiss before he stands and takes his own chair. He calls over one of the servants, whom brings him a pitcher of water. &ldquo;So... Where do we go from here?&rdquo;<br />\tHe turns to face Alex. His eyes are different. Flat. Cold. &ldquo;The castle. Dinner once I&#039;ve tended to my kingdom. Even his voice is cold.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Did I do something wrong?&rdquo; He stands facing him.<br />\tMarkus stops at the base of the stairs leading up to the castle. He turns to face Alex. &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo; He stops. Waiting. Servants weave their way around both of them, carrying their loads up the castle.<br />\t&ldquo;Is it something that I need to be punished for?&rdquo; Alex raises a brow, then licks his lips, as if teasing him will make him feel better.<br />\t&ldquo;Without punishment the offense will be repeated. You disappointed me once already. It&#039;s not something I wish to have happen again, Sir Steele.&rdquo; There is menace in his voice. An anger that is contained but threatens to explode. He&#039;s testing Alexander.<br />\t&ldquo;Oh...&rdquo; He stutters, then shuts up and continues to follow him. &#039;Punishment. Is he going to beat me with a chain of some sort? Choke me? It wouldn&#039;t hurt if he did. I&#039;ve been given worse in the prison.&#039;<br />\tThey head up the stair way, climbing the cliff overlooking the lake. It is a beautiful view, even with the cold weather and cloudy skies. The lake is huge, the High King&#039;s palace lying on the far shore of the narrowest point. Alex can make out several islands in the southern arm of the lake, each surrounded by a light mist. &ldquo;Have you nothing to say but &quot;Oh&quot;? No question?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;I don&#039;t know...&rdquo; Alex grips onto the balcony. His hearts beating faster, which hurts his weak chest. &ldquo;What is it that I said wrong? How am I to be punished?&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus turns to face Alex. &ldquo;Leave us.&rdquo; His voice is cold, and the servants and guards hasten away from the two of them. Alone on the balcony, Markus stares out over the lake. &ldquo;What did you say wrong...You decided that I was guilty before you even asked the question, before you made the charge. You have no faith in me. No trust. Not even enough to wait for me. That disappoints me to a degree that you don&#039;t seem to understand.&rdquo;<br />\tHe bows down on one knee. &ldquo;You&#039;re right. I&#039;m not loyal. I&#039;m a fool, a traitor, the worst kind of person on the planet. I don&#039;t know how to trust people, so I rely only on my own cruel intuitions. My heart is evil, rotten, and weak. I&#039;m a horrible lover and I&#039;d make a horrible husband. I speak too soon and don&#039;t know my place. I am all of these things and more. I beg for your forgiveness, but I know it will not be enough. I&#039;ll do so every day if I have to. Do whatever I have to in order to prove myself loyal to you, because you&#039;re my star, my sun. Without you, I have no purpose. Alex stands up, his face just as depressed as his masters. I beg of my master, teacher, and king to be patient with me and help me see the light in his eyes, as a fool see&#039;s none when he looks into his own.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus spins to face Alex. Quicker than Alex can react, he reaches down, grabbing Alex by the front of his shirt. He pulls him up to his feet, lifting him slightly off the ground as he drives him back against the wall. Pain courses through Alex&#039;s back as he slammed against the stone. Markus&#039; face is red with anger, his eyes watering and his teeth clenched. &ldquo;How florid an apology! Expertly delivered. But you forgot one word, Alexander. ONE WORD. Do you even know what word I wanted from you?!&rdquo;<br />\tNo... Alex&#039;s eyes water quickly, but he forces the tears back. The prison tried to break him, but he never gave into the torture or psychological abuse. No pain has hit him like this since he had taken his own brothers life.<br />\tMarkus lowers Alex back to the ground, but does not release him. A tear escapes one eye and travels down his cheek. Leaning close he whispers, his voice wounded. &ldquo;Love.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;But... You don&#039;t even want me to love you!&rdquo; He shouts, standing back up and pushing him back. &ldquo;You don&#039;t love me either!&rdquo; He hits his chest with a fist. &ldquo;In fact, you probably hate me! Yeah? Well why don&#039;t you kill me?&rdquo; He hits him harder. &ldquo;Better yet, I&#039;ll do it myself!&rdquo; Alex looks to the window, running quickly towards it, prepared to make a jump.<br />\tTime slows for Markus. In moments of great crisis, time has always slowed for him. He&#039;s often wondered if time truly slows or if it&#039;s his mind thinking faster than normal. In a split second he asks himself if Alex would really jump. Yes, he&#039;s passionate and impetuous and young and foolish. Does Alex want me to save him? Yes. <br />\tAs Alex prepare to leap, Markus tackles him to the ground. The stone floor hurts as Alex lands, Markus on top of him hurts too. Alex struggles, but Markus overpowers him, pinning his arms. He draws back one hand and slaps Alex across the face. &ldquo;Stop it! Foolish boy! This isn&#039;t Harath. I&#039;m not your father or your far away lover.&rdquo; He shakes Alex. &ldquo;Think, dammit. Use your brain for something other than plotting against everyone around you. How could you disappoint me unless . . .&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;He stops shaking Alex, still keeping him pinned. Tears slowly escape both eyes, dropping from his cheeks onto Alex&#039;s face. His voice falls, becoming anguished. &ldquo;How could you hurt me unless...&rdquo;<br />\tAlex clenches his chest, breathing heavily, and gasping for air. At first, he feels like it&#039;s a panic attack, but quickly realizes that it&#039;s something much more dire. His head turns to the side as he groans, crying and fighting back the pain. A minute later he&#039;s able to breathe again, but he&#039;s lost for words, not knowing what to say to Markus. Suicide is still on his mind. &ldquo;Let me go...&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;No!&rdquo; Markus is emphatic. &ldquo;Answer the fucking question, Alex. How could you hurt me unless...Unless what?? Why would you believing that I sent assassins after Aldan Jaeger matter unless. . . Unless I . . .? Think, dammit! For pity&#039;s sake, Alex, think...please.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Unless I didn&#039;t love you...&rdquo; He gives up moving or fighting back. A part of him doesn&#039;t know he can love anyone at all anymore. All of the thoughts of conquering and saving the world the way that he wants to come to a complete stop.<br />\t&ldquo;Unless I didn&#039;t love you.&rdquo; Markus releases Alex&#039;s shirt, grabbing his cheeks and lowering his face until their noses almost touch. &ldquo;Unless &quot;I&quot; didn&#039;t love &quot;YOU&quot;. Do you understand?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Do you love me? Do you really love me?&rdquo; Alex is unsure and still confused. For once in his life, he can&#039;t read the situation at hand and doesn&#039;t know how to escape it.<br />\t&ldquo;Yes.&rdquo; Markus leans back, still straddling Alex over his stomach. &ldquo;Yes. And you don&#039;t trust me. Not at all.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;You&#039;re right. I don&#039;t.&rdquo; Alex shuts his eyes. Flashbacks of the woman that hurt him, his parents abusing him, the attacks from the kings children hit him harder than when Markus tossed him to the wall and to the ground. &ldquo;But I do love you. I just... Can&#039;t do this on my own.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Alex...You&#039;re not alone.&rdquo; Looking down on him, Markus runs his hands through Alex&#039;s hair. &ldquo;I did not send assassins to kill your lover.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;I&#039;m sorry.&rdquo; Alex breaks into tears again, hugging him. &ldquo;I&#039;m sorry I doubted you. Please forgive me.&rdquo; He tightens his grip, wiping his tears away on Markus&#039;s shoulders.<br />\tMarkus holds Alex. &ldquo;I forgive you. Don&#039;t try to hide your thoughts or feelings from me. I&#039;ll sense that you&#039;re hiding something, and I can&#039;t afford to take chances. Always be honest with me, Alex.&rdquo; He stands, pulling Alex up and into his embrace. &ldquo;If I&#039;m going risk letting myself love you, you have to trust me and I have to be able to trust you.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex nuzzles to his chest, where he had just hit him moments earlier out of aggression, now seeking love and remorse. A whirl of cold air breezes through the room. Suddenly, the boy feels his heart beating at its normal pace, as if some sort of spirit had came in, was listening, and healed him right then and there.<br />\tMarkus holds Alex close, rocking him as they stand on the balcony. He kisses the top of his head. They stand for several minutes, holding each other. Eventually, they break. kissing once. &ldquo;I have work to do. Then steak dinners.&rdquo; He takes his sleeve and wipes Alex&#039;s face. &ldquo;You can stay with me or rest. First, we have to change clothes...&rdquo; he looks at Alex, his eyes narrow. &ldquo;Would you have jumped?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex nods. &ldquo;I&#039;m... I&#039;ve had a history.&rdquo; He looks away from the balcony and back towards the room. &ldquo;I&#039;d like to come with you. Maybe spend time in the library if you&#039;re too busy.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus nods. He leads Alex inside. A middle aged man is waiting anxiously. He&#039;s missing his left arm, just below the elbow. His brown hair and beard are trimmed close. &ldquo;Your Majesty. I trust all is well. M&#039;lord Steele.&rdquo; He nods to Alex.<br />\t&ldquo;Yes, Mortimer. What do we have this afternoon? I&#039;d like to work in the library if that&#039;s possible.&rdquo; He speaks calmly with Mortimer, who nods and gives short answers.<br />\t&ldquo;The library will work fine. I&#039;ll that things are made ready. It&#039;s a light-ish day. Two petitions, one case at law, updates from the Castellan and Master-At-Arms, as well as dispatches from General Konogh.&rdquo; Markus nods at each listed item. Mortimer rushes away as they arrive at the bed chamber and private quarters.<br />\tServants undress and wipe Alex and Markus down with warm, damp cloths. They&#039;re both redressed if comfortable, warm clothing, well made from fine cloths and furs. &ldquo;Is there anything you&#039;ll want in the library? Should I summon a tutor to help you find anything?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex looks himself over in the mirror, feeling short and flimsy by his master. He turns to him as they walk downstairs. &ldquo;If possible, I&#039;d like large sheets of transparent graphing paper and utensils for drawing on them.&rdquo; He fetches one of the servants exiting the library and repeats the order to her, then continues on other details. &ldquo;Along with any volumes that Varn Hozin wrote on strategies to war. If there are books on archery, I&#039;ll take those too.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus nods. &ldquo;The librarian can help you find those. He&#039;s eccentric but has an exceptional memory. Don&#039;t try to remove a book from the library without his permission.&rdquo;<br />\tThe library at Ravensberg Castle is impressive. Filling the two lower floors of a corner tower facing the lake, it&#039;s round walls are lined with sturdy oak and pine shelves holding hundreds, possibly thousands of books, folios, scrolls, tablets, and more. A large central table fills the center of the lowest floor. Behind a simple wooden throne, carved with forest animals and trees, a large fireplace burns brightly. Chandeliers provide more light and tall thin windows all in what natural light can penetrate the clouds outside. The rooms smell of burning pine, aged leather, and wax candles. <br />\tMarkus takes his place in his throne. Servants bring wine for he and Alex, along with fruit and nuts. The day&#039;s official business begins. &ldquo;The servant returns with the items you requested.&rdquo; She waits nearby in case Alex needs something more.<br />\tAs soon as Alex gets the materials he needs, he gets straight to work. Shutting his eyes, he remembers the layout to a certain place, imagining every room, every hallway, the size of each door, the type of brick, flooring, everything. His mind takes control of the pen without him even having to think of what he&#039;s doing. Within half an hour, fifteen pages are filled with drawings of construction of connected pathways. He labels each one accordingly, as if once he&#039;s finished he would tape them all together, filling the entire room, and leave him an entire map from underground to the highest level. After an hour, he takes a break from his work, having a certain wash the ink from his hands and move the utensils some place else. Another servant brings him wine and fruits. As he eats he speaks to the young servant girl about her life, asking her how she liked her work, and finding out that like many of the others that live or simply serve the castle, she feels fortunate an blessed. Alex spends another hour reading from the books, regaining lost knowledge and finding new perspectives on the teachings the works bestow to him. Feeling accomplished enough, he has the servants clean his work table before he leaves and approaches Markus. He kneels down to bow, then waits for him to allow him to speak.<br />\tMarkus sign the last dispatch and the courier bows and exits the room quickly. Mortimer gathers together the papers and seals, other servants begin to clean. Markus sighs, rubbing his eyes and the bridge of his nose. He looks down at Alex, and extends a hand to the boy. &ldquo;Rise, Alex. Sit.&rdquo; He pats his lap. &ldquo;You have something to say?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex smiles and sits down on his lap. &ldquo;I&#039;ve been devising a certain plan... I&#039;d call it a winning card. I&#039;m afraid that even after we take Raythorn and Varn Ra, it won&#039;t be enough. It might be for the people of E&#039;hbel, but not towards the warriors from Aiguia and Harath.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus wraps his arms around Alex&#039;s waist, arching an eyebrow at the boy. &ldquo;Tell me of this plan.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex snuggles into him. A sense of pride overwhelms him. &ldquo;I have photographic memory of the kings castle. Once I&#039;m finished replicating it, I&#039;ll form the perfect infiltration mission ever composed to date. They might have lost most of their Cruiberg spies, but not all of them.&rdquo; He moves his hands around as he speaks, tracing parts that he remembers. &ldquo;There are underground parts to the castle that are held as top secret and certain parts less guarded than others. If we were to take out the king after the second major battle, it would destroy their faith and hope.&rdquo;<br />\tLeaning his head forward, Markus rests his mouth against Alex&#039;s neck. Slowly, gently he sucks, his mind working the implications of Alex&#039;s suggestion. &ldquo;That&#039;s an excellent bit of information to have. And a good idea. Sometimes, your willingness to help me worries me. There are some who say that we shouldn&#039;t trust you. Even among my own advisors. If he&#039;ll betray his homeland, he&#039;ll betray Markus Yorem.&rdquo;<br />\tAs Markus sucks on his neck, leaving hickies over him, he pushes his head further into him, begging for more. &ldquo;I&#039;ll never betray the man that I love. What the others don&#039;t realize&hellip;&rdquo; he moans. &ldquo;Is that I hate Harath more than any of you do.&rdquo;<br />\tOne hand slides from Alex&#039;s waist to between his legs, near the knee. &ldquo;I know. That&#039;s enough. Don&#039;t bear them a grudge. They do their duty in warning me.&rdquo; His hand drifts upawards, beginning to massage Alex&#039;s privates. &ldquo;I know your heart.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Master...&rdquo; Alex&#039;s hands slide over Markus&#039;s legs, allowing himself to submit to him. &ldquo;Someone might see us.&rdquo;<br />\tOne hand continues to squeeze and pull at Alex&#039;s cock through his pants. With the other, he leans Alex back, over his lap, until Alex&#039;s head lays against one armrest while his legs are draped over the other. Markus kisses Alex, his mouth eager for the taste of the young Harathi exile. They kiss for several minutes, servants entering and leaving, none of them noticing their King and his boy. &ldquo;Let them see.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex kisses him deeper and more passionately, rubbing one hand under his masters tunic to feel at the hair on his chest. He rubs from one nipple to the other, letting spit from their kisses lather his mouth. &ldquo;Master, allow me to suck your cock?&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus unhooks his sword belt, loosens his pants, pulling out his swelling cock. He leans back in the throne and bounces his cock at Alex. &ldquo;Be my guest. But even if you drink me dry, I&#039;m going to fuck you tonight.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex steps down from the from, standing on his knees and holds himself up a little higher with Markus&#039;s legs. The throne is a bit higher up than he expected. He holds the sack with one hand, rubbing his testicles gently as the tip of his tongue traces up to the slit of Markus&#039;s cock. Quietly and with ease, he takes all of it into his mouth, sucking him slowly, using more force on his tongue rather than focusing on the speed. His hand presses into his forest of pubic hair and nose glides into it each time he goes down. No gag reflex. No need for coming up for air. He brings his mouth higher up, focusing mostly on the head as he uses his other hand to masturbate him. Once he&#039;s acquired enough spit in his mouth he deep throats him again, moving his mouth and head from side to side when Markus plays with his hair and ears.<br />\tWith his cock wreathed in warmth and moisture, finding itself a happy home in Alex&#039;s mouth, Markus moans. The boy is fascinating. Taking his cock easily, mere moments after suggesting betrayal of his homeland. As the Harathi youth expertly sucks him, He watches and enjoys, encouraging Alex by playing with the boy&#039;s ears and hair. Breathlessly he acknowledges his expertise. &ldquo;You are phenomenal at this, Alexander...&rdquo;<br />\tOnce spoken to, he looks up and locks eyes with him as he continues to suck him off. He sucks faster and faster, sometimes using his hand to stroke his shaft, sack, or under it near his ass hole. For every moan he gets, the faster he works on him. Feeling him coming closer, he pumps his mouth as fast as he can on it, inhaling the sweaty scents from his pubic hair and ass.<br />\tFighting the urge to cum, Markus sips wine from his cup. He tries to distract his thoughts, going over orders in his mind, but Alex is too skilled. Markus yields to the boy&#039;s mouth, letting the sensations from Alex&#039;s mouth wash over his cock. He clenches the armrests of his throne. His feet and legs begin to twitch. As much he tries to remain firmly seated, his body has other ideas as his spasming legs lift his ass from the chair. &ldquo;Fuck! Eat my cum, Alex. ungghh!&rdquo; He begins to explode his thick juice inside of Alex&#039;s mouth. &ldquo;Fuck!!!&rdquo;<br />\tAlex stuffs his mouth as far down as he can to his pubis, taking every last drop of cum into his mouth, then rises up slowly, using his tongue in swirls as he comes up, sucking his shaft a few more times before he takes his mouth off of the cock that he&#039;s effortlessly worked on. His mouth is tired, but he&#039;s pleased to get his flavorful award. Alex lays back in Markus&#039;s lap, then exchanges a kiss, letting the semen flow between both of their connection mouths. &ldquo;I love you, Markus.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus kisses Alex deeply, happily. Holding him close as his cock slowly softens, he wishes he could say what he feels. Being a king, he has to watch his words, always. Fickle fate. Were he not a king, he could tell how much he loves him. But were he not a king, he would likely have never met Alex. Their kiss finished, Markus sighs, &ldquo;I know. You know my heart as well.&rdquo;<br />\tStanding, carrying Alex in his arms, he steps down from the throne. With care and tenderness, he sets Alex on foot and takes his hand. &ldquo;Once out of these clothes, we&#039;ll go among the people for dinner.&rdquo;<br />\tServants follow them as they come back downstairs and out of the castle. He stands close by, hands behind his back. &ldquo;Are people afraid of you around here? Or the other kings?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;That&#039;s a complex question. I think that they know not to test my patience. I also believe that they know that I won&#039;t be randomly cruel to them. Is that fear then? I think Rakshahas&#039; people are more afraid of him.&rdquo; Markus is silent, contemplating as they walk. &ldquo;Fear is a product of uncertainty. If you let your subjects know the laws and what you want from them, what you do not tolerate, they can go about their lives without uncertainty, thus without fear.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex looks around at the people that notice them. None of them look afraid, although some chat and point fingers. Four guards follow suit behind them, but never touch their swords. The towns here seem much safer than the ones he grew up with. Perhaps the cruelty of their punishments is what stops people here from becoming offenders. Alex wonders for a moment if it&#039;s possible for the people of Harath to ever achieve this kind of sense of peace in their community, a kingdom said to be full of equality of diversity, yet exploding with drug abuse, murders, and robbery. Despite the safety he should feel being here, he continues to keep his eyes open on everyone, just in case someone see&#039;s him as a possible enemy of some sort.<br />\tThe pub is busy, but a table has been set aside for the King and his guest. Nearby tables have been pushed back, given the royal couple more room and privacy. Once seated, a bottle of wine is opened for the pair, a delicious, crisp red wine, and beer is brought. A server approaches the table, nervously bringing fresh bread. She bows and looks at the two. &ldquo;Your Majesty....sir....do you know what you&#039;d like?&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus orders vegetables and cheese, with soup, and a thick steaks for both of them. The servant scurries away. Other customers stare and whisper among themselves. Some pointing obvious fingers at Alex.<br />\tNoticing the customers around him mentioning his name in hushed tones, he asks, &ldquo;They don&#039;t trust me, do they?&rdquo; When the server comes back, he orders a medium-rare steak. Alex takes small sips from his wine, trying to not look at the others and focus his attention only on the king in front of him. &ldquo;How do I win their trust anyway?&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus shrugs. &ldquo;That&#039;s a riddle. What works for the butcher may not work for the candle maker. Helping us in the war may warm some to. Time may work for others. For now, you should only worry about being liked or trusted by one person.&rdquo; He raises his glass, saluting Alex before taking a sip. &ldquo;If you have any ideas of you own, I&#039;d veer much like to hear them.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex sighs. He holds his chin up with one hand on the table and waits for his food. Frustration starts to overtake him. &ldquo;It&#039;s humiliating, but I get it...&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Why is it humiliating?&rdquo; Markus asks with a frown.<br />\t&ldquo;Because I want them to trust me and like me. I came from a place where I was hated... Just to be hated some place else. As long as there&#039;s you, I&#039;ll be fine.&rdquo; He smiles to his king. &ldquo;Let&#039;s get on with the war already.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;I think I&#039;d rather have dinner first.&rdquo; He laughs. &ldquo;Patience, dear boy. You must have patience. And I don&#039;t the people hate you. They don&#039;t trust you and that&#039;s a different thing altogether.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;We already have the upper hand towards the war. If we play it smart, it&#039;ll be an easy one too. Maybe the tension is getting to me.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;I think the tension and the wine both.&rdquo; A servant, followed by two pot boys, brings the food. &ldquo;And maybe you&#039;re hungry, to boot. Here&#039;s dinner. Let&#039;s have no more worry about being loved or trusted by the people.&rdquo;<br />\tHis face brightens when he see&#039;s his food. After a short prayer, he begins cutting his steak into pieces, making lush and seductive sounds with every bite he takes. He&#039;s trying to tease him. Underneath the table, his boots play with Markus&#039;s. &ldquo;It will be strange fighting alongside with Rakshahas. For me, I mean.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus shrugs as he cuts into his steak, spearing the piece of meat and a piece of potato in the same bite. &ldquo;For all his faults, Rakshahas is still a terror on the battlefield. He and his bodyguard can wreak havoc and death like you could scarce imagine.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;What about the brothers? I don&#039;t hear much about them. Jeremy seems nice. His brother... I guess he&#039;s alright too.&rdquo; He smirks, sipping some of his wine in-between pieces.<br />\t&ldquo;They fight together.&rdquo; He continues to eat slowly. &ldquo;They plan together. There&#039;s some as say they do everything together. Everything.&rdquo; He places an unusual emphasis on the word &quot;everything&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;They&#039;ve shown courage and imagination on the field, as well as cruelty.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex nods along, fascinated and excited for battles to come. &ldquo;And what about you? Surely you&#039;ve been in many battles before and have many stories to tell.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus shrugs and grins. He reaches over with his fork and spears a piece of Alex&#039;s steak. His tongue rolls out of his mouth, as he slowly, so slowly, brings the bite up. Pulling the beef from the fork, he smiles and chews, making a low moan with every chew that only Alex can hear. &ldquo;I&#039;ve fought and survived, fought and won. What sort of stories would you like to hear?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex almost does the same, waiting for permission from his master before he takes a cube for himself. He sits up in his chair and finishes his wine. &ldquo;Well, anything epic or badass. A great battle of duel, maybe?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Haha! No, I&#039;m a King. I do not duel. I have a champion for such things.&rdquo; He shrugs again, looking almost bored. &ldquo;I fight because I&#039;m good at it and because a king must lead sometimes through example. I don&#039;t enjoy it, not like Rakshahas does. Sometimes I need to fight. So I fight.&rdquo; He steals another bite from Alex&#039;s plate and thinks. &ldquo;Most of my battles have been aganst the elves and anthros. The closest to an epic moment would be&hellip; facing off against three elves, killing them and avoiding even a touch of their ensorcelled blades.&nbsp;&nbsp;I fought a giant, but that was a rather dull affair.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;That&#039;s all?&rdquo; Alex looks a bit disappointed. He finishes his steak, moving the plate over to the side. &ldquo;Well, this battle might bring us some epic foes. Once we find out who their lead commanders and generals are I&#039;ll be able to give details on their background and weaknesses. That isn&#039;t to say that they&#039;re weak people... How does Cruiberg have so much success against the demons when they have abilities with fire?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;We have our Dark Mages. They target demons, engaging them while their rituals protect them somewhat from the flames. Then, our arches concentrate on the demons.&rdquo; Finishing his steak, he nibbles on vegetables as he talks. &ldquo;We can lose a hundred men for every demon they lose. It&#039;s a simple question of maths. That&#039;s why we have to destroy them soon, at least that&#039;s the ruling from Rhys and Rakshahas. Their numbers are small.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;A servant brings dessert, a crusted berry cobbler to be split between Alex and Markus, and a small cake, shaped like a brick and covered in creamy, white frost. Markus takes a bite from each, making a satisfied yummy sounds for each. &ldquo;Demons are mostly pacifists. Killing doesn&#039;t sit well with them.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;If they don&#039;t like killing, then why must we eliminate them all in the first place? Wasn&#039;t it Cruiberg that cast the first stone?&rdquo; Alex eats slowly with small bites. &ldquo;I&#039;m not trying to offend. Just trying to understand the logic.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Because if they decided that they did like killing, they could wipe out humans on this continent before we knew what hit us. Because they think themselves superior. He enthusiastically eats from both desserts. The Sword of the High King was forged to slay demons and anthros. The Crown of the High King was cast to protect the High King from their fire. Our ancestors have always understood that demon-kind are dangerous, not to be trusted. They&#039;ve always hated us because we see the threat that they truly are.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex nods along, trying to empathize with the position at hand. He finishes after a few more bites, leans back in his chair, then continues on. &ldquo;As I said before, I have no problem fighting demons and anthros, as they&#039;re affiliated to the two kingdoms I despise. But I do think it is a bit over the top to wipe their entire race out...&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;The odds are that we&#039;ll miss some of each here and there. Don&#039;t forget that there are other continents with some scattered anthros and some with demons.&rdquo; He leans back as well. Servants quietly rush forward to clear the table. &ldquo;Give the food to the poor. My compliments to your baker. From the bread to the desserts, outstanding.&rdquo; The servants swell with pride bowing gratefully at his praise. He pours wine for himself and Alex. &ldquo;A little wine, a relaxing stroll back to the castle. Then I will fuck you hard enough to knock all questions out of your mind for the rest of the night.&rdquo; He smiles.<br />\tAlex stands out of his hair, waiting for one of the servants to clean the table off. One of them hands him his glass of wine, which he takes with him as they walk with guards out of the restaurant and into the streets. Hundreds of thousands of stars cast over and lighten the sky. All of the storm clouds have vanished. They walk near the lake on the way home, observing the reflection of the stars on the water. For a moment, it feels as if the world is theirs. When Alex finishes his wine, Markus refills it himself, then hands the bottle back to a servant following along with the guards. Once in the castle, one of the servants bugs Markus about letters he&#039;s received and duties he&#039;s to attend to before the night is over, but he&#039;s sent away as they rush upstairs. Markus pulls the brown haired boy, lifting him into his arms, then tosses him to the bed. His body bounces when he falls onto it and Alex laughs playfully.<br />\tMarkus smiles at the boy bouncing on his bed. Crossing the room, he grabs a decanter and glasses, returning to the bed and setting them on the nightstand on the right hand side of the bed, Alex&#039;s side. Pouring each of them a drink, he hands one to Alex. &ldquo;Careful, this is strong, despite it&#039;s sweetness.&rdquo; He smirks. &ldquo;Like you. Shall I undress you? Or would you like to perform for me?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex moves back on the bed, taking a sip from it. He slams it back down, then pulls off his tunic. &ldquo;Good?&rdquo; He waits for a nod, letting him observe and feel his chest for a moment. There&#039;s a scar where he once had surgery as a child, then scars from torture on his back, which are roughly pronounced. Alex kicks his boots off, then his pants, doing a dance as he pulls off his undergarments. His four-inch boner is already leaking with pre-cum. Blushing, he lays back into the pillows. &ldquo;What do you think?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;I think you&#039;re young and impetuous. Beautiful and dangerous. All the things I want in a boy, except for one.&rdquo; He sips his drink, a sweet, potent aged wine.<br />\t&ldquo;Dangerous?&rdquo; He grabs the drink again, taking a larger sip from it before putting it back. &ldquo;I hope so. How else will I take the crown from the Harath king for you?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Oh, you are more than just dangerous to him.&rdquo; He sets his glass down and begins pulling off his tunic. He tosses it aside and stand next to the bed, leaning his knees against the mattress. Taking up his glass, he sips again. His chest and stomach are lightly covered with coarse, dark hair. Being a king has not cost him his youthful body. His stomach is trim, the hair highlighting the definition in his abdomen. Likewise, his chest is firm and solid. He watches as Alex runs his hands over him. &ldquo;Your desire for me excites me, Alexander.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;And you as well.&rdquo; Alex crawls on his hands knees over to him, pulling down his pants and undergarments, nibbling on him just over his pubes, then down to kiss his cock. &ldquo;You always smell so good.&rdquo; He holds the shaft with one hand, wetting and sucking his cock for a short moment, then spits into his hand, rubbing it against his ass. Alex puts on a show with this, rising one leg and pushing one finger and out of himself. Watching his king jack off in front of him turns him on even more. He pushes two fingers knuckle deep, licking his lips and massaging his own nipples as he does so. After pulling both fingers out he tastes them, pleased with how clean he is.<br />\tMarkus watches Alex&#039;s show intently, stroking himself slowly. He kicks off his pants and boots before taking another sip. Reaching beneath the night stand, he pulls out a jar, the size of two fists. &ldquo;Do you want it on your stomach or do you want to watch me fuck you?&rdquo;<br />\tAlex moves to his side. &ldquo;Neither. Like this. On my side.&rdquo; He uses one hand to move his left leg up further, spreading his ass cheeks at the same time. &ldquo;I want to feel your entire warmth against me when you fuck my ass.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus nods, climbing onto the bed and knee-walking to his intended. Laying down behind Alex, he wraps one arm around him, pulling him close. They feel each other&#039;s warmth. The king nibbles and bites on Alex&#039;s shoulder as he dry humps his ass-crack. The arm wrapped around him ventures up and down over the smooth, tight skin of Alex&#039;s smooth, tight body, pausing to pinch and caress his hardening nipples. The nibbling morphs into light biting, along the neck, shoulder and ears. Nipple pinching gives way to Markus lightly dragging his fingernails along Alex&#039;s stomach and chest. He grabs Alex&#039;s arm, lifting it and driving his face into the newly exposed armpit. He sucks and licks, savoring the taste of his lover. &ldquo;Gods, you are. . .incredible. I would wage war with Harath just to win you to me if we weren&#039;t already together.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex pants and whines, spreading his arm out even further as he tastes his pits. He strokes himself slowly with one hand, using the other to rub at his thigh. Markus&#039;s cock pressing against his hole drives him crazy. He wants it in him now. &ldquo;Please... Please... Fuck, I love you so much.&rdquo; He turns his head to kiss him passionately and wildly, thrusting his tongue deep inside and against the walls of his mouth. &ldquo;I need you.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus returns the kiss with equal passion and intensity. He teases the willing hole of Alex&#039;s ass with the tip of his cock as, with one hand, he pushes on Alex&#039;s chest, pressing him closer. He pauses in his kisses long enough to nod at the jar. &ldquo;Grease for fucking. Use as much or as little as you like, Alexander. Hurry though, because my cock hungers for your ass.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex wets three fingers with the grease, pressing them deep inside of him as fast as he can, which is a bit uncomfortable at first, but once he has them completely inside, he&#039;s fine. He does this once more and fingers himself until he&#039;s comfortable, then lathers Markus&#039;s cock with it, throwing the jar to the side. &ldquo;I&#039;m good now. Go slow at first, please.&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus presses his cock into Alex without warning. He goes slow, but he goes deep, pressing his entire member into the boy before stopping. He holds his cock, over six inches, inside of Alex as he kisses him roughly. He loves the expression on his face. Desire and want, mixed with pain. He watches and waits for the pain to be replaced with pleasure before withdrawing and pushing in again, deep as before, slightly faster. &ldquo;You are so tight, so warm.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Feels larger than last time, somehow.&rdquo; The boy chuckles, rubbing his face into the sheets as he strokes himself. &ldquo;Fuck. That&#039;s perfect. Just like that.&rdquo; He lets out soft moans, returning for a kiss ever now and then, but mostly just enjoys the unique, simple, yet powerful pleasure from being fucked by him. &ldquo;You can go faster.&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Hmmm. Can I?&rdquo; Markus nibbles on Alex&#039;s ear. I planned on it. He pushes in faster and harder as he finishes. He keeps one arm around Alex, his hand in the boy&#039;s chest, keeping him close. Always keeping him close. When he sees a bead of sweat on his neck, he licks it off, enjoying the saltiness. Kissing Alex hard, he fucks him hard, going balls deep with every thrust. &ldquo;Do you like being fucked by a king?&rdquo;<br />\t&ldquo;Yes!!&rdquo; Alex moans louder, putting his hands behind him and clenching on Markus&#039;s back. Even though he&#039;s been fucked before, and by him as well, the feeling in this position is unlike anything he&#039;s ever felt before. Every thrust pounds against his prostate, feeling like an orgasm in of itself. &ldquo;Harder! Harder!&rdquo; He screams this, biting on Markus&#039;s hand when it goes to feel inside of his mouth and at his gums. Without warning, he ejaculates all over the bedsheets, which spills into a thick puddle of cum at his leg.<br />\t&ldquo;Ungh...messy boy...&rdquo; Markus increases the speed and force of his thrusts, their bodies slapping together loudly. They each grunt or whimper in time with the thrusts. He reaches down, scooping cum from the bedsheets. He brings globs of the sticky, salty liquid to his mouth, eating it gratefully. He scoops more, feeding it to Alex and rubbing the final dregs on the boy&#039;s chest and face. &ldquo;Fuck! Do you want me to fill your hole?&rdquo; He asks in a low growl.<br />\tAlex nods, unable to think or answer for a moment, then grunts in defeat. &ldquo;Give it to me... My king.&rdquo; His head is pushing into the sheets. He moans in whimpers of pleasure, overloaded by the sensitive feeling rocketing inside of him. It&#039;s too much to take. Nobody could make him feel this whole and alive like him. &ldquo;I love you, Markus...&rdquo;<br />\tMarkus drives his cock into Alex&#039;s willing and hungry ass. His hand moves across his chest until he feels his heartbeat. Resting his head against Alex&#039;s, his breath rough and ragged, Markus fires his first shot into the hot hole. He grunts softly with each spasm, each rope of cum splashing over Alex&#039;s prostate. The lad counts six powerful bursts before the king begins to slow his pace, soon stopping. He lays against and over Alex, a sweat blanket of flesh and bones. His mouth kisses at Alex&#039;s ears and face. &ldquo;I love you, my little prince.&rdquo;<br />\tAlex turns around, their chests against each other. He snuggles into him, noticeably tired. The two of them lay in place for a while. Markus comforts him by running a finger over his skin, tracing every part of his body to memorize it. In half an hour the young Harathi falls asleep into his arms, naked, still covered in cum.<br />\tMarkus leaves the room for a moment, heading to his massive bathroom to grab a towel and clean his love off with a warm cloth. Once he feels pleased enough, he moves him under the sheets and joins him, holding him close. One of his hands feels at his heart beat and rubs against the scar over his chest. He remembers what Alex told him about the Harathi King&#039;s sister, which only makes him want to comfort and protect him more. &ldquo;My poor prince. I&#039;ll make a true Cruiberg out of you.&rdquo; He kisses him on the cheek, then falls asleep with him in his arms.<br /><br /></span>","pools_count":1,"title":"Lev's Tale - Chapter Fifteen","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"application/msword","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"2","rating_name":"Adult","ratings":[{"content_tag_id":"3","name":"Violence","description":"Mild violence","rating_id":"1"},{"content_tag_id":"4","name":"Sexual Themes","description":"Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal","rating_id":"2"}],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"t","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"0","views":"72"}