"I would like to use this break between scenes to tell you… Don't let your guard down, when you think things are easy or well, then it's the moment the wolf will gobble you down."
Powerful laughter is heard in the bustling streets of the Capital, the cold windy night makes chills run down the spine of those present, their eyes gazing at the beautiful man, his golden hair and eyes making him the center of attention, he's glowing as if he's the sun in the night. In fact, those observing and thinking he feels like the sun, wouldn't be so incorrect, as he is, the sun god.
The god laughs as he raises his beer glass to his mouth, his company flinches as the man keeps laughing seemingly for minutes on end. ''Could you tone it down Blaze?'' A woman appears from the streets, her silver hair glowing like the moonlight, her lilac eyes shining in the darkness, she's tall and her clothes are those of a high-class noble. She takes a seat next to the sun god at the outdoor table, the bustling street all gazing at the table with good-looking people. While during the day Heather would look like just any other commoner, at night her brilliance as the moon goddess steps up, making it impossible to even imagine how she normally looks. ''You're scaring him''.
''You need to admit, Heather, it is funny'', the sun god speaks, taking another sip of his cold beer. ''He comes here, in our territory, uninvited, and demands that I influence my saint to leave his son alone''. The beer glass hits the table, a inch away from shattering, the woman sighs signaling at the waiter to bring her a beer too.
''Listen Blaze, I know that I'm being unreasonable, but I can't let him influence our son, he's… an anomaly and anomalies tend to mess too much with people's fate'', Uri says, his hands massaging his temple, feeling the headache coming, he freshly came from an argument with his companion and now he needs to deal with the fact that his son is going down in the wrong path, influenced by the freak anomaly the sun god calls his saint.
''Your son isn't an anomaly?'' Blaze retorts, finishing his beer in one go. Signaling for another to the waiter. ''I don't know how you convinced the universe to allow him to exist, but if my saint exists means the universe allowed, so how are they any different?'' He isn't wrong, the only reason Lyor wasn't killed after birth was due to the universe's interference, sending an oracle to stop the other gods, and the fact that Nikias is still breathing means that the universe also allowed him to exist, messing with the strings of fate.
''Their difference is that my son has his own fate in the line! The oracle said so!'' The god of light hits his fist on the table, his eyes glowing, catching the attention of even more passerbys. ''I don't see the oracle saying your saint has a string of his own.''
Two beers are placed on the table in front of the gods, the waiter slightly trembling, feeling the tension in the air around the table, he leaves as quickly as he arrives, Heather places her hand on her glass, feeling the coldness numbing her fingers. ''Uri, we all agreed to allow your child to exist because he had a string of fate with his name, but with the condition that he lived as a human, you have no right to interfere, I hope you're not breaking the covenant we did that day.'' Her words are cold like the night breeze and the beer she sips lightly. Even if her tone is soft, the threat lingers in the subtext of her words. ''And you're also right, the Prince is a threat, he doesn't have a string of fate nor does he respect the natural order of this world''. Her lilac eyes stare at her subjects on the streets, some even carrying a moon tattoo in her honor, even if she never intended to bless a whole nation, when Nyx asked her, she couldn't say no, and now Heather even loves those humans, and if someone threatens their chance at survival, she can't help but want them out of the picture.
Blaze gulps down another glass of beer, his hand tight around the handle, ''You all seem to forget we can't directly interfere. I didn't secretly communicate with my saint…'' his golden eyes shine with anger, his gaze on the god of light, that flinches, then he directs his gaze to his longtime companion and friend. ''Neither I depleted my powers blessing humans, messing with the flow of their lives''. Heather blushes, feeling the burning gaze on her, of course, she's a hypocrite, sure. She never liked anomalies, Aelius especially, she despised the man for stealing Nyx away, but she isn't that righteous also, if she were, she wouldn't be around Blaze so much. ''The Prince will make his own choices, and I won't interfere. That's what makes anomalies fun'', the sun god smiles. ''And I dare say, he is even more fun than Aelius, the show he did tonight? 10 out of 10, I can't wait to see him mess more and piss you out even more''.
The man gets up from his seat, tossing a few gold coins on the table.
''I hope you all enjoy the show, and don't forget to clean after yourselves, I won't stand if you break the rules just to appease your own egos''. Blaze laughs again. ''But then, I wouldn't be able to threaten you, right?'' He covers his mouth with his hand as he laughs even more. ''I'm having so much fun already, so make sure to be messy, it's been a millenia, let's have fun this time again''.
Uri sighs, also standing. ''You never change'' he comments before disappearing in a blast of light so fast that most humans there don't notice it.
''Blaze, you won't have your way this time'', Heather says calmly, still drinking her beer, she doesn't gaze at the sun god neither moves from her seat. ''He might make entertaining choices, but differently from Aelius, his soul isn't pure. Even if I hate the man, Aelius had a beautiful soul, even other gods liked him, but this new saint of yours… His soul is tainted, muddled''.
The sun god ponders for a few moments before replying. ''We can't expect all humans to be pure, and even if his soul is tainted, does that excuse wanting to end his life?'' Blaze continues. ''A pure soul doesn't mean good choices and a tainted soul doesn't mean evil''.
''Perhaps… we'll see''.
❥
The Palace door hits shut, the noise reverberating through the empty corridors. ''Nikias, explain'', his father's words were firm and authoritarian. The youngest Prince's head rings from the noise, even if he knows he can't help but flinch at his father's voice, fear running through his body, but his face remains with a calm expression.
''I don't understand father, what is there to explain?'' His tone is cautious, the party ended abruptly after Lyor left, his father and brother dragging him to an empty drawing room. ''I said all I had to say at the party. I wish to leave with my beloved, or at the very least for our engagement to be approved. I know I can't marry before brother does, but you can let me get engaged, can't you?'' His eyes are cold and he spits words like a robot, his fear growing as his father's eyes grow even more displeased.
''Nikias Gregor Chrysl, I won't allow for you to marry him'', Magnus says, sitting at one of the sofas at the room, Alkaios that was behind him has even a more terrifying expression, if someone saw him without context would think someone was just killed.
''Father is right, you can't marry him'' the Crown Prince says, resting his hand on his brother's shoulder, his gaze so cold he could cause someone hypothermia. ''That man isn't good enough and he's dangerous''.
Good enough? Nikias thinks, forcing himself not to scoff at his brother's words. He's a King, if he's not good who is? But again, he always knew that Alkaios is like that, in the book he was controlling even Evangelia's friends, not that he expected him to be like that towards him as well. After all, even if he loves his brother, having his throne rival go to another country is the best course of action to avoid divergent factions that can ruin a nation.
He takes a deep breath, avoiding his father's gaze, calming himself, trying to remind that this man isn't his old man. ''I love him'', his words drip of lies, but he sells it with as much sincerity as he can, this moment will define if his future will be in the Exos Empire or the Morke Kingdom. ''Father, brother…'' he chooses his words carefully, he needs to get them to not only allow him to marry Lyor, but also step back in all of his future choices. ''I'm only a Prince in name, even with most of my memories locked away, I'm not stupid'', he tries to look as pitiful as he can. ''The servants don't look at me and the knights mock me, how can you say that I deserve better when all I can remember is scornful looks and mocking remarks?''
The room falls silent. Alkaios eyes shine with different emotions, anger, pity and sorrow, but again what can he do? 18 years already passed by and if Nikias marries to another nation, how can he fix all of those mistakes when he'll be so far away? ''Even so… You can marry here… We have a lot of good looking Dukes and Margraves''. His tone is low, almost pleading. ''I won't even question why you want a man, but… you can't go to another Kingdom''.
Magnus nods, his face back to his normal expressionless one. ''That friend of Alkaios is good, and there is also Margrave Larchier who is just around your age''. Their words make Nikias head spin, one of them despises him and the other creeps him out. Even if they were choices he himself considered, now that he actually met them, he can't help but find their suggestions so disrespectful it almost makes him laugh out of frustration.
''I can talk to Rainier, he wouldn't deny my request'' Alkaios says, nodding along to his father's words, even if they mostly never see eye to eye, right now both men are in synchrony, all to decide the young Prince's future for him. If he was the original Nikias, he might have accepted their words out of obligation and fear, but he isn't him.
There's something Vahe can't stand: being told what to do. You see, even if he is scared of his father and the pain of his childhood still haunts him, he never allowed the older men in the streets with him to boss him around. He already went through hell, why must he follow the advice of those that won't walk his shoes?
He breaks, his laugh throwing the two men silent, shocked by Nikias' reaction, they never saw such an expression on his face. Loathing.
''My apologies, I tried not to laugh.'' He says, pressing his nails against his hand, trying to at least partially control himself. ''But I heard stories you know, even if I lost my memory it is impossible for me not to. If you both went 18 years without caring about what I do, why change now?'' His words cut the men like a knife. ''I love him, it doesn't matter why or how, I do, and just so you know, I might go crazy without him.'' He laughs again. ''Maybe I will drink poison again if I'm forced to marry a man that hates me or a man that creeps me out''. His words are a bluff, sure, after all he didn't poison himself nor would he try to end his own life, but they don't know that.
''You don't mean it'' Alkaios says, his heart dropping at every word his brother spews. Today was supposed to be a happy celebration, the first birthday where Nikias wasn't mostly alone, so how did it all go so wrong? ''Why? I don't understand Nikias, if you want power I would even give up the crown''. Dangerous words spurt at the heat of the moment, they both know that Nikias wouldn't be able to be Emperor, after all his subjects despise him.
''Silence'' Magnus speaks again, stopping both of his sons from saying even more dangerous things. ''Nikias, do you know who King Lyor is?''
''Father, I know him even better than you.'' And that's the truth, not much is known about King Lyor except that he is war crazy and is trying to expand the Morke Kingdom's territory. But Nikias knows even more, of course he doesn't know enough, but that's ok, he can always learn now that they're in a relationship. ''Lyor isn't a tyrant like everyone says'', Alkaios scoffs at his brother's words.
''You're blinded''.
''Maybe, but couldn't you say the same?'' Nikias cuts him off. ''Evangelia also has sides you don't see because of your love filter''.
''That's different!''
''How so?'' Nikias sighs, ending the topic as he won't be able to convince his brother to see his fiance more objectively. ''If you're both worried about our difference in power and whatnot, then just give me enough so I don't get overpowered by him''.
''And how do you suggest we do that?'' The Emperor asks, the conversation is going nowhere, neither party wanting to back down.
''Give me authority to have my own division of knights,'' Nikias starts, his expression calm but he's excited inside, finally being able to demand things. ''Teachers to put me on an equal footing, and allow me to conduct my own business in the Capital as to develop my own capital so that I don't lose in monetary prowess either.'' His demands are smart and calculated, taking his father and brother aback, sure he asked for teachers before but that was a cutesy youngling demand, now he's negotiating terms to soothe his parents and also develop his footing in society.
When did he get so mature? Magnus questions himself, but how could he know? He never truly paid attention to his sons, and even if he tried now, they're beyond his reach. When did they fly so far from the nest? Were they ever even in the nest?
''Even if you have all that, he would still be more powerful than you, and being a sea away, how can we protect you if he tries something against you?'' Alkaios asks, sitting down, feeling defeated, even if he wants to protest more, the idea of his brother hating him for doing so stops him.
''Then I just need allies that would follow me there and protect me'', his answer is reasonable to the older ones, but he isn't truly worried about that, after all he's with Lyor so that he would protect him, however they don't know that. Nikias sighs again, running his hand through his hair. ''Father, brother, I can see you both have regrets towards me, and even that you want to change. I won't be marrying tomorrow, and I don't intend on never visiting.'' After all, they still need to fight Vremes and save their future. As the rise of the ancient god will happen in the Exos Empire, it's inevitable for them to transit there until the god is defeated. ''I died once, my heart stopped, and you both don't want for me to harmed again, I understand.''
Magnus feels his heart ache with his son's words, his golden eyes go from one of his sons to the other, trying to read their expressions but they both resemble their father so much that even their expressionless face is a carbon copy of his. I never wanted them to be like me, I wanted them to be better.
''Right now, you must let me choose my own path, just like you wished with the gifts you gave me, I will carve my future to be bright and prosper.'' He isn't sure if these words will be the right thing to say or if they'll just make things worse. But he can't expect to be able to change everything from his bedroom, so convincing the two men is the best course of action. ''I just ask you to believe me and support me, like you regret never doing so. You can start now, so please stop hesitating and just… Help me be happy''.
Alkaios stays silent but the Emperor speaks softly. ''If you say this will make you happy, I'll do my best to help you'', he's finally starting to sound like a parent, Nikias thinks, or at least what the movies he saw in his life as Vahe told him parents do. In the capsules he could watch a lot of movies, and the ones he saw the most were childhood stories, yearning for his stolen one.
''Thank you, father'' he whispers with a sigh of relief. ''With your approval I'll start my preparations in the morning'', Nikias rubs the back of his neck, sore from looking up at Lyor moments ago. His mind wanders to their kiss for a moment before he snaps back. ''I'll take my leave now'', he says not waiting for his brother to give his approval as well, what good will it make? Alkaios is way more overprotective than their father, so staying there will only result in pointless discussion.
❥
The dim-lit room welcomes Rainier in the right atmosphere to meet the Crown Prince, during the day the office shines with the sun and not a shadow is to be seen, but at night the Prince seems to rather enjoy the moonlight seeping through the window and never lit more than one or two candles. A few hours ago the Duke's heir was drinking wine with his childhood friend and his father, discussing business and war strategies, and now he was summoned to the Crown Prince's office without a wink of sleep.
''You called? Your highness'', the man says, his hands on his back and his feet slightly apart, the perfect stance for a knight, his eyes straight at his lord and best friend who's looking rather disturbed. His red hair hasn't even dried from his bath, luckily the Duke's Capital State is close to the Palace, so it didn't take long for him to come back to it.
''Rainier'' Alkaios says with a sigh, his eyes are darker than usual, the purple in it sweeping through the pink. When was the last time he slept? The knight wonders. ''You still doesn't have a fiance, right?'' The question takes the man by surprise, he wonders if the Crown Prince is about to question the way he looks at his fiance, but that's an useless worry, as neither the Prince or Evangelia think Rainier's feelings are worth worrying about.
''That's correct'' He hesitates with his answer, ''Evangelia introduced the Princess from the Saxum Kingdom, but…'' he doesn't complete his words, he was offended by his friend's suggestion, not only because the girl is three years younger than him and just came of age, but also because of his feelings towards her. Having your love of years try to set you up with someone else can hurt quite a lot. ''I don't think we were a good match'', he completes his line of thought, a Princess from another Kingdom is sure a good match for a future Duke, it's just that he isn't interested in romance if it isn't Evangelia, and he's prepared to die of old age without loving anyone but her, even if he's destined to watch her only from afar.
Alkaios stares at his friend, his choice of words were careful but the man could tell what he really meant. Not that the Prince wants to tell his friend that he knows he has unrequited feelings towards his future wife. ''If you still haven't found your match, how about my brother?'' His question not only offends his friend but also deeply angers him.
For years Rainier never hid that he hated Nikias, for years he insulted him to Alkaios and even treated the youngest Prince poorly, so what now? He's suggesting they marry? Why? Rainier knows the answer to his question without having to say it out loud. If Prince Nikias marries a foreigner, because he isn't the Empire's heir, he'll move to the country of his partner, by making Nikias marry Rainier, he wouldn't have to leave.
And that question probably comes from Alkaios lack of understanding about both his brother's and best friend's personalities and will. Only thinking about a way to make his brother stay, without thinking of the consequences it might bring.
''I'm sorry Prince Alkaios but I already have someone else I wish to marry'', his answer is robotic, his head spinning, if the Crown Prince orders him to marry his brother, he can't help but comply, he could simply say no and the man orders him to, so he decides to answer it more ambiguity.
The Crown Prince snorts, he seems to be slowly losing his patience, if he hasn't lost it already. ''Rainier, we both know you don't have such a thing'', his words hide the subtext of it well, we both know you can't be with anyone but Evangelia, and your love is doomed before it even starts.
However, they never spoke explicitly about Rainier's secret affection. ''Your highness, my apologies, but I can't marry your brother'', the knight bows, begging the gods that the Prince will let it go.
''Is it because you can't lay with a man or because you despise him?'' Alkaios rests his head on his left hand, staring coldly at his friend. He could use his powers, order the future Duke to bed his brother and marry him, but as his role as future Emperor, he can't hastily make such decisions. He even considered controlling his brother to make him forgo his feelings, but that wouldn't work as at present Nikias has more mana than him.
''The later'' Rainier answers simply, avoiding the Prince's gaze.
''Hate can be erased after a few years of marriage'', Alkaios says simply, his words cut the air like a knife, it seems he still isn't able to accept his brother's choices.
''That might be true, but I don't think I would be able to make your brother happy''.
Alkaios seems to ponder over Rainier's words for a few moments before sighing in defeat.
''You are right, it seems my lack of sleep is clouding my judgment'', he says at last, changing the subject, making the knight release his tensed position in response. ''Did the investigation on my aide ended?'' Going back to business as usual.
Rainier nods. ''Yes, he took a while to break, but he confessed to leaking confidential documents of the Empire to the Whisperia Kingdom.''
''I see'' the Crown Prince answers, his gaze back to the documents on his table, as he scribes something before speaking again. ''Did Tove send news?''
''She's still trapped there, her last letter implied that there was some sort of internal dispute''.
''What do you think, Rainier?'' Alkaios raises his eyes to look at the knight. ''Are they planning war or simply having internal conflicts?'' The question already has a right answer, and as usual Alkaios is testing his close friends with political inquiries.
But Rainier doesn't falter, he's used to this and as a future Duke it was his duty to know about political struggles anyway. ''After the third Prince was disowned they seem to be in panic.'' The Whisperia Kingdom isn't a threat to the Empire, they're known for their beautiful scenarios, green pastures and sand-filled islands, as devotees of the god of Nature, they tend to be more quiet and rarely go against the Empire. ''A small Kingdom like theirs wouldn't be a match for us, I doubt they intend to rage war''.
His response seemed to please the Prince. ''I think so too, the documents he stole were just about our technology, they were probably just trying to create riches through stealing our creations'', his gaze is back at the documents. Rainier watches in silence until the Prince speaks again. ''But espionage is still espionage even if they don't intend to wage war. Tell Tove to kill one of the Princes as a statement before she comes back''. The knight hesitates, gruesome choices from harmless ones, the espionage didn't harm anything but the pockets of the Empire, so why kill a member of Royalty as a response? But even if he wishes to question him, he does not.
''As you wish, your highness'', Rainier answers, bowing before being dismissed. As the door of the Crown Prince's office closes behind him a sigh of relief leaves his lips, he's exhausted, the party was tiring even if he was meeting Evangelia after so long, being in her presence is always relaxing, but today he felt burdened for some reason.
It's probably because so much happened lately, the espionage case, the second Prince's antics and even that… Speaking of the devil, as Rainier was about to think about him a small figure walks past him.
''Puppy'' he speaks before he can even think. The servant freezes on his tracks, he's wearing the same clothes he wore at the party earlier and seems to be coming from the second Prince's quarters. Rainier noticed the man walking among the nobility but didn't pay much attention to it, as most servants will accompany their masters around, and even so, he still doesn't know the name of said servant.
The moonlight from the windows illuminate the corridors, Lowe stares at the knight, he's not wearing his usual uniform, only a white shirt and navy blue pants, and his red hair is dripping water as if he left in a hurry after bathing. The night was so chaotic with Raphael getting involved with a crazy man and his master sharing rather… Strange news.
From now on, we will be preparing to move to the Morke Kingdom, in two years maximum we'll be moving. Of course as my servants you'll follow me, and you won't be serving a Prince anymore, but a future Queen, so not only I will start my studies, but also should you. Etiquette, history and customs of the Morke Kingdom, that's the least you should know. Oh… Also if you wish to stay in the Empire, I won't drag you along, but you'll still need to serve me as the mana pact demands, even from afar.
Nikias words are fresh on Lowe's mind, he never imagined leaving the Empire, much less moving across the ocean, he never even stepped foot inside a boat. He wouldn't choose to stay in the place he suffered so much if he had a choice, so being given the opportunity to, he will go without thinking twice. And his brother, Raphael, now more than never wishes to escape the crazy man who's now after him.
His light brown eyes stare quietly at the knight. He never even thought about love or marriage, but everything around him seems to be themed around that, the second Prince with his engagement and Raphael with his stalker. Of course, Raphael doesn't even like men, at least according to the man himself. But Lowe never questioned that himself, does he like men or women or both? Does he even feel this type of lust or love? Can he touch someone else like he saw the Prince touch the King earlier?
What does even a kiss feel like? Is that something I should know already? Isn't 22 a little too late to start thinking about those things? Shouldn't I at least feel some sort of desire towards others? He ponders to no avail. Lowe never felt such things, not because he didn't want to, but because he doesn't even know how. Being trapped in a tower during his formative years might have something to do with that, but if so, wouldn't his brother be the same?
To be honest, if I can escape that man, I will gladly move continents. I don't think even saying I don't like men could shake him off. I thought I would be able to marry soon and have kids, but this isn't how I imagined my future wife to be. Raphael said earlier, so even he already wondered about having a family and kids, so what's wrong with Lowe? Why didn't his mind ever wonder about such things?
''Puppy?'' A finger snaps in front of Lowe's face, bringing his attention back to the man who's now closer to him. His tone is condescending and his face annoying, but to most standards Rainier Bauldry is a good catch, descend build, tanned skin due to his arduous training as a knight, red hair that smells like roses, red eyes that feel like staring at a dragon and kind features that make him the dream of most Empire women. Isn't he someone most would be attracted to? Lowe wonders as he stares at the man without a word. So why don't I feel a thing? Maybe I like women then? That isn't right, I don't feel anything looking at other women at the ball as well. ''Are you mocking me?'' Rainier words are cold and he seems to enjoy messing with the servant, as if he is his punching bag. Well, he never truly punched me though, does that mean he likes me? Lowe's train of thought is logical, after all he's acting just like the man that proposed to Raphael did earlier.
Not that his assumption is correct. Just like seeing his face annoys Lowe, the same is to be said for Rainier. He simply implicates the servant because his presence annoys him.
Lowe is tired, he hasn't slept properly and it's almost morning already, he did drink a few glasses of wine with the Prince earlier during their conversation, but he doesn't feel drunk. ''Why do you keep bothering me? Do you want to sleep with me?'' His voice is sluggish and his eyes blink slowly, his mind still wondering about the innuendos of love and marriage and what they mean to him. Maybe I should read a book about it later. He thinks, not really noticing the bright red face of the man in front of him, his words not having any deeper meaning than what the other might think.
''Are you insane?'' Rainier whispers, looking around to check for witnesses. ''I'm a noble and you're a commoner, that would be a crime.'' His words don't seem to deny Lowe's statement, which makes the servant tilt his head with the question still in his eyes. The knight doesn't seem to notice, being startled by what the situation could imply to them both if they were overheard.
''I don't think I'm attracted to you, though'', Lowe ignores the words about legality, continuing his train of thought from before. ''But I could do it'', he nodded. After all, what better way to understand something than live through it? If he sleeps with someone he might understand why others talk so much about such subjects.
Rainier feels like he's talking to a wall, he observes Lowe's face in silence, pondering how to convince the servant to stop such talks. The man's face is bathing in moonlight, his eyes a tone darker than usual and his cheeks flushed. He seems drunk, the knight states to himself with a sigh. ''You're out of your mind, go rest and forgo such talks''. Rainier tries to walk past Lowe to run from the conversation, but the servant grabs his hand, his touch cold on the knight's warm one.
''I'm not'', Lowe states, sure he is flushed and his mind buzzing slightly, and he could sleep standing right now, but his mind wouldn't be clouded by such things as alcohol, his training wouldn't allow it. ''You don't want to?'' He asks the Captain from the Silver Crows, a man that hates his master and an annoying human being. But of all of the people he knows in the castle, except for the Princes, he is the most good-looking and the only one who talks with him, so who best to do experiments with? ''I don't like you, you know'', he states, making Rainier snort in response. ''I just want to check something, it's not like you can't, right?''
His tone of challenge doesn't go unnoticed, but part of a knight's training is to learn to withstand such things. ''Listen, pup, I can sleep with you, but I won't, not only its illegal, but I don't feel an ounce of attraction towards you.''
''And how's that relevant?'' Lowe's question comes from a place of pure ignorance in the subject but yearning to learn about it. ''I don't feel attraction towards you either''.
Rainier feels like all of his words aren't being properly conveyed. ''Pup, you know how to push my buttons, huh?''
''If you sleep with me I'll tell you my name'', Rainier laughs at Lowe's words.
''How's that something worth my time?''
Lowe could give up now, but as someone coming from a life dedicated to learning, he can't.
''Just once, I just want to know why people like each other'', Lowe says, almost pleading, the alcohol seems to muddle his thoughts more than he thinks. The servant, still holding onto Rainier's arm, opens his shirt with his other hand, revealing his bare chest. ''Please''.
''What's this lousy attempt at seduction, pup?'' Even looking at Lowe's bare chest, Rainier doesn't feel anything, but he glances around, if the servant won't stop, soon they'll be spotted. And as a knight, he can't be seen in such a situation. He sighs. ''Just once''.
❥
The sun slowly enters Nikias' chambers as Raphael draws open the curtains, the sound of the birds and the refreshing scent of spring flowers filling the room as the servant opens the window. The young Prince slowly opens his eyes, he hasn't slept much, but life won't wait for him to be well rested anyway, the man is shirtless, only his robe around him, holding for its life, the night prior it seems he fell asleep with his robe after drinking some more with his servants. ''How are you feeling, your highness?'' Raphael asks, setting the table with some tea.
Nikias gets up to sit at the table being set, his hand lingering on the warm teacup, thinking about the night before, the kiss lingering on his mind, even against his own will, and the feeling that its coming with it… well, he's making sure to shove it deep inside so that it never comes out.
''Just a slight headache, what about you? Where's your brother?'' Raphael flinches, unsure how to respond. Nikias doesn't glance at the man but he can feel his restlessness. ''Just answer honestly, you can't even lie due to the pact, stop hesitating.'' His tone is cold and his expression is one of disinterest, but the servant nods.
''The tea today is made with chamomile and ginger, for your hangover. As for me, I'm fine, the man from last night appeared at my door at dawn, but I managed to escape through the window.'' Nikias almost spills his tea, freezing as he hears Raphael's second phrase, you see, there was very little about Frode Abel in the novel, he was mentioned twice only as a knight of the Silver Crows and as Scarlet's older brother, aside from that, Nikias doesn't know much about the man. And worse even, his actions are completely out of his scope of expertise, as Raphael's employer, he should do something, but how to punish a noble of high standing in favor of a commoner?
''And Lowe?'' He changes the subject, waiting for more information before moving against a future Margrave.
''I'm sorry your highness, but I haven't heard from him since we left your quarters.'' The servant bows, his expression is worried, his brother doesn't usually disappear like that, but what can he do when not a trace was left behind? Maybe he was kidnapped? Did the tower find us already? Raphael questions himself. Nikias glances at his servant after finishing his tea, he can see his emotions clear in his expression, Raphael sure has his heart on his sleeve, Nikias thinks with a soft smile, he depends a lot on Lowe for recon and business, but he feels more comfortable around Raphael since the other twin tends to have a cold expression, while this one is clear as clean water.
''Don't worry much, Raphael'' Nikias says. ''We have a lot to do today, tomorrow we have the black market visit''.
The servant nods. ''Yes, your highness, I'll prepare for your outing, what should I prepare for today?'' he asks as his brother was the one responsible about most internal business while Raphael was busy dealing with the black market outing.
''Oh right, Lowe was responsible for that…'' Nikias gets up, stretching as he walks towards his closet. ''Don't worry, you'll do just as good of a job.'' He re-assures the servant. ''First we have Fleuri coming for his first day at the job and then we'll be going to the training grounds''.
''What we will be doing there?'' Raphael asks, turning around to allow for Nikias to get dressed, usually a servant would assist him, but the man refuses any type of assistance with it.
Nikias smiles. ''It's time for me to have my own knights, don't you think so?''
Raphael flinches, waiting in silence, not sure what to say. If he gets his knights, will we no longer be useful? He thinks, after all, the only reason they're there is because they are useful as magicians, but knights are much more useful in things like recon and protection. If the Prince tosses us aside, we will need to run to another nation…
Because of Nikias standing in the Palace, his bedroom chambers also are his office, so as he finishes getting ready, a faint knock is heard. ''Enter'' he says, sitting down at his desk, the pile of documents he's revising is getting bigger as the days pass. Fleuri enters the room, his eyes deep with dark circles, and his pale appearance is even paler, almost like a zombie walking in daylight. His long blonde hair still covering his ears and his glasses have a crack that wasn't there before, his clothes scream poor, compared to the more composed look he was wearing the prior meeting. ''Did you settle well at the servants' wing?'' Nikias asks, ignoring all of the signs begging him to ask personal questions as Raphael's expression of confusion is enough for that.
''I guess'' Fleuri's tone is melodical and low, compared to his spurt of anger in their first meeting, he seems to be more tamed. Maybe because he realized that besides not having a choice, working at the Palace is a great opportunity. ''But I wonder if you're keen into running a charity, your highness?''
The sound of ruffling papers takes over the room, Nikais doesn't look at the man. ''Why? Because all my servants are from the slums?'' He fights the urge to laugh, keeping his eyes on the papers. ''Fleuri, you refused a position in nobility because of your dirty origins, are you sure you want to question my decisions when you're the one benefiting from it?''
''Exactly! Your position is precarious and you have absolutely no reputation'' Fleuri takes off his glasses, his clear blue eyes staring at the Prince with disbelief. ''Why would you recruit losers?''
Nikias' pen swiftly dances across the paper in front of him, not breaking his concentration. ''Fleuri.'' He raises his eyes to look at the halfling. ''Your job is to be my right hand man'', he places the pen at the table, his attention now at his new aide. ''If you're questioning me, it means you have a goal in mind, so speak''.
Fleuri sighs. ''I want to know why, why you recruited me, why you're letting servants go to important balls and why you intend to marry a man with great magical power but that lacks a good political stance.'' His questions make Nikias smile, letting out a small laugh, his golden eyes shine. From the point of view of the two men in the room, he looks rather beautifully insane.
''Good good'' The Prince says, at least he is smart, he thinks, deep down still worried that his choice of an aide based on a journal article was a bit hasty, but it seems that it wasn't wrong.
Before he can continue, another knock on his door is heard, before they answer the door is opened and Lowe enters. ''My apologies for the delay, your highness'', the servant bows, avoiding looking at both his brother and master. What he can't avoid though, is the keen eyes of all three men there as the bug bites in the back of his neck are clearly visible in the well-lit room. The reaction is diverse, Fleuri rolls his eyes, diverting his gaze with disgust, Raphael on the other hand stares at his brother's neck blankly, not sure what he's witnessing. As for the second Prince, well, he notices but he doesn't really care about his servant's private lives as long as it doesn't pose an issue to him.
''It's fine Lowe, you seemed tired yesterday, just make sure it doesn't happen again'', Nikias says, his finger tapping on the table as he thinks. The servant raises his head, meeting eyes with his twin brother that still hasn't recovered. Lowe probably should feel shame, but he doesn't, the only thing he's upset is for being late at work.
Sure, he was a bit reckless, which is unusual for a man that likes to know everything, but for the sake of knowledge he wouldn't be able to rest before knowing. And now he does, he knows absolutely nothing, yes, he did spend the night in a luxurious room, hasn't slept a wink and was tossed out before the sun rose and his company was a man with thousands of admirers. Yet his experience was just… normal. Nothing he would write home about nor comment with others.
Lowe still doesn't know why people fall in love. And that frustrates him beyond belief, but that's a subject for another moment.
''Continuing my response to you Fleuri.'' Nikias goes back to the previous subject. ''I recruited you because you're smart and that's it. I don't need a reason besides talent, do I?'' He leans back onto his chair, his golden eyes fixated on Fleuri's clear blue ones. ''My servants attended the ball to help me avoid murder attempts, as they're skilled enough to do so'', his answer again is a perfect one, almost as if he has a sheet of responses, however they're nothing but the truth, as Nikias' actions always have a clear motive behind them. Even when he moves through impulse, he's thinking things through and has a plan in case things go wrong. ''And about Lyor…'' At least that's how he seems himself, moving chess pieces without personal attachment, but is that true? He pauses before sighing and continuing. ''Well, what I'm about to tell you three must remain inside this room'', his eyes shine, not aware he's casting an unconscious spell, well, geniuses are like that sometimes.
The air becomes colder, and the three men stare at the Prince with worry, they instinctively know, what he's about to say must never leave that room.
''As I said to Lowe and Raphael last night, I plan to become Lyor's partner for life, and we plan to marry in two years' time.'' He pays attention to the men's expression, none of them even daring to breathe too loud due to the tension formed. ''In two years, the Morke Kingdom will become an Empire''. Yes, dangerous words, everyone knows that the King is a Tyrant and its waging war, but his goal wasn't clear, but with Nikias' words it means that the Morke Kingdom would become the fourth Empire on this Earth, and therefore a competitor to the Exos Empire. ''And I'm going to help Lyor achieve it''.
Fleuri interrupts. ''So we will not only be working in your engagement but directly into the politics of the Vapidm Continent?''
''Correct, we will enter the political struggle of a Continent we aren't familiar with, and not only that but we must establish a strong foundation here as well'' Nikias nods. ''I know you all think this is insane as I don't have enough political power nor the necessary skills''. He pauses, thinking his next words carefully. ''But we can do it, and if we do, not only will I become a respectful Empress when I step in that Palace, but you all will become important pieces of the scope I'm forming.'' He looks at the twins. ''Revenge?'' And then to Fleuri. ''Freedom?'' A soft smile forms in the Prince's lips. ''I will give you the weapon, all you need to do is wield it together with me.''