With his hand over Prince Ron's, Zedekiel raised their elbows, pulling the arrow back until the bow felt tight and their hands were right beside Prince Ron's ear."I want you to clear your mind, Prince Ron." He said gently. His voice was warm, washing away any remnant of nervousness or anxiety in Prince Ron. "I want you to focus and think of nothing else but the target. Treat the bow as if it's an extension of your own body. You are in control. Do you understand?"Prince Ron nodded sharply. His beloved's voice was calm and soothing. It also carried with it something that made Prince Ron want to believe in himself. For so many years, teacher after teacher kept pouring in to teach him archery, sword fighting, and anything a Crown Prince was supposed to learn but he preferred to laze about, eat snacks and read books. Sometimes dances with his grandmother or goes on adventures in town with his grandfather, disguised as citizens. He never took any of his lessons seriously and he never felt
"Correcting your posture" Zedekiel answered innocently. He ran a finger along Prince Ron's spine, making Prince Ron arch his back, trying to get away from the tingling sensation. Well, Zedekiel would never let that happen. "No no, that's too much. Come back a little." He pressed on the Prince's chest, fixing his stance. Prince Ron was starting to sweat. Did his beloved realise what he was doing at all? It was taking everything in him to control himself. If he got hard on the field, all the Elves would smell his arousal! Seeing that Prince Ron was completely disoriented, Zedekiel decided to stop torturing him. There would be ample time for that. After all, they were sharing a room. He placed a hand over Prince Ron's, steadying his hold on the bow and arrow. "Breathe." He whispered and Prince Ron did as he said. It was like a reflex. As if his body was programmed to do exactly what his beloved said. With his newfound calmness, Prince Ron's eyes focused on the target and he aime
Princess Mariel still stuck her tongue out at Princess Rose then linked her arm with Prince Ron's, mumbling to Zedekiel; "Sorry brother.""Thank you" Prince Ron whispered to Princess Mariel. He suddenly saw her in a new light for he never expected her to stand up for him like that. Especially against his sister. It warmed his heart and he decided to be nicer to Princess Mariel. She may be annoying at times but the girl had a good heart and she cared about him.He was quite confused about his sister's behaviour though. First, she exposed his lack of skills when it came to archery then she tried to get him to cheat and now, she was trying to make him feel bad for what he had achieved. It was so unlike her. Normally, she would be happy for him and even encourage him. What changed? He'd have to have a word with her as soon as possible.Princess Rose suddenly covered her face with her palms and went to the King, pretending to cry. "Oh Your Majesty, I feel so awful." She whined. "I didn't p
The town square was packed with people all waiting to watch the fireworks. Prince Ron and the rest were in the highest building, sitting on an open balcony from which they could watch the fireworks clearly when they started.The building was the most famous Inn in Netheridge was owned by an old Elf and they served the best food. Prince Ron loved their beef soup the most and so did his Fox which was given a stool and a table of its own and was served the beef soup in a small bowl."Seriously Ron, you're already spoiling that thing" Princess Rose fussed. "Put it on the floor. That's where it belongs.""No. She belongs to me and I will put her wherever I want, sister." Prince Ron retorted. "And you can refer to her as Red for now before I decide on a more suitable name."Princess Rose gritted her teeth in anger. She wondered when Ron started talking back to her. Normally, he was very obedient and would listen to her every word but he seemed to have changed lately. She wanted to speak aga
"And I won him fair and square." Prince Ron didn't refute. He felt so proud. He reached out and carried the white and red Fox, rubbing their noses together. "Oh isn't she just cute? I still can't believe she's really mine.""You know, you two just fit in a way." Prince Ludiciel said. "You both have red hair and you're both cute. Quite cunning too. Making this yellow bird stick to me.""Hey he said he didn't do it" Princess Mariel defended Prince Ron. "I think Prince Ron is sweet and gentle."Prince Ludiciel; "........"Gentle? He could agree the human Prince is sweet sometimes but gentle? Since when could the Prince of Ashenmore be described as gentle? Couldn't she see the little troublemaker underneath all the kindness and beauty?Princess Mariel reached out to touch the Snow Fow but it jumped away, climbed Prince Ron's shoulder and draped its body across the back of his neck. She tried to touch it again but it flicked its tail, slapping her hand away."Hey!" Prince Ron chuckled. "O
He sighed, glancing at the beautiful human Prince beside him. Red curls swaying with the gentle wind, creamy skin shimmering under the silvery hue of the moon, emerald-coloured eyes filled with warmth and happiness then the beautiful smile that always made his heart race.Prince Ron was the human he liked.He had known for a while now but admitting it like that to himself seemed to release a lot of tension in his body. His heart was racing, his fingers slightly trembling but it was all in a good way. He found that he was actually excited to be beside Prince Ron, watching the fireworks together.5 of them stood side by side on the balcony, each person housing a desire of their own in their hearts.Prince Ludiciel wanted to watch the fireworks with a clean heart, accepting the human Prince that would soon be his brother-in-law and all the other humans he was yet to meet for once Zedekiel weds Prince Ron, Ashenmore and Netheridge would be united.Princess Mariel wanted to confess her fee
Zedekiel didn't know exactly how it happened but he also didn't know how long it would last. He could already feel his energy depleting. Not wanting to waste any more time, he switched his position with Prince Ron, sandwiching himself between Mariel and the human Prince.Now he would see how she would confess. He was about to release time when his eyes landed on the human Prince's rosy lips.He recalled the time he stole a kiss when the human Prince was asleep. Now that he had stopped time, it wouldn't hurt to steal one more right?Zedekiel nodded to himself. Yes. It wouldn't hurt at all. Besides, he was going to successfully woo the human Prince and marry him. Kissing him now was like getting kisses in advance. He was just taking what he would still have in the future. There was no need to fret about it. The human Prince would be his eventually."You brought this upon yourself, little Prince" Zedekiel whispered, caressing Prince Ron's cheek.Prince Ron was frozen along with time so h
"Oh Your Majesty, I did not mean to hurt anyone with my poisonous tongue. I am your future Queen so I'm just trying to assert my dominance by insulting everyone around me. Oh, do you not care about my feelings? Oh poor me, poor innocent me, blah blah blah blah blah!"Prince Ron stood in front of the full-length mirror in the King's chambers, acting like his sister while mimicking her voice.The white and red Snow Fox was sitting on the bed, watching her owner with wide eyes, wondering what exactly he was doing.Prince Ron picked up a brush and started angrily brushing his red curls. His sister had totally aimed to humiliate him yesterday. If it weren't for his beloved who offered to teach him how to shoot arrows thereby curtailing the situation before it could escalate, his sister would have made him out to be a laughing stock.Just like in Ashenmore!He could remember the day their father made him join the Huntingdon. It was a Scavenger hunt in Ashenmore. A grand event which many Kin
Prince Ludiciel’s chest heaved as he fought, his sword a blur as he cut down another soldier. His muscles ached, and sweat dripped down his face. It seemed like there was no end to the soldiers and each one was stronger than a bull. He didn't know how it was possible but he knew that Prince Ron was behind everything. "Brother! Get up and fight! We need your help!" he shouted, turning to look at Zedekiel who was still on his knees.Zedekiel didn't seem to hear him though. He remained on his knees, lost in a daze as he stared at Ron. He still couldn't wrap his head around what was happening. Wasn't it just yesterday that they were kissing and saying the words 'I love you' to each other? What went wrong? What did he miss?Prince Ludiciel’s frustration boiled over. With a roar, he shoved the soldier in front of him, sending the man stumbling backward before slashing his throat with a quick, brutal strike. Blood sprayed across the floor as he roared, "ZEDEKIEL!!!"The force of his shout sn
Zedekiel felt his blood run cold. How did he not know they were there? Were his senses dulled because of his weakened state? But why did he feel so weak in the first place? He couldn't take a single step without his body aching. What was happening?Not to forget about Prince Ron who had never spoken so harshly before. In fact, he had never heard Prince Ron curse before. If it weren't for the pain he was currently experiencing, he would think he was having a nightmare.“What… what is happening?” Zedekiel rasped, directing the question at Prince Ludiciel.Prince Ludiciel gritted his teeth in anger, glaring at Prince Ron. "You were right all along brother. Prince Ron played us from the start. We should have killed him long ago. I can't believe we've been so blind.""What?..." Zedekiel whispered, unable to believe Prince Ludiciel's words. "What are you talking about?"Prince Kayziel suddenly burst out laughing. What a bunch of fools. To think they couldn't even recognize his soul.Crying,
Hugh and the soldiers stood in a tense semi-circle around Prince Ron’s body, their eyes flicking nervously between each other and the still form on the stone slab. The wind had died down, and the chilling wails of the dead had faded, leaving behind an eerie silence. Hugh’s brow furrowed as he glanced at the unmoving Prince. Did the soul transfer not work? Did he make a mistake?“It’s been ten minutes. Are you sure it worked?” one of the soldiers asked, his voice edged with panic. If it didn't work and Zedekiel wakes up, they'd all be in deep trouble.“We followed the instructions in the book to the letter,” Hugh replied, though his own voice betrayed his worry. He bit his lip, staring intently at Prince Ron’s closed eyes. “I recited the words clearly. We made all the sacrifices. Prince Ron gave his body willingly. It should have worked.”“Fuck.” another soldier cursed under his breath, pacing anxiously. “If this doesn’t work, the King will have our heads when he wakes up and there’s n
"Just shut up!" Prince Kayziel snapped, irritated "Must you know everything?!"Prince Ron frowned. Wasn't it just a question? Why was the Elf spirit so agitated? Before could retort, Hugh gazed at him with unexpected kindness, his eyes soft beneath the shadow of his hood. "The line guides the soul to its home," he explained quietly, ignoring Prince Kayziel’s glare. "Without it, there'll be no path for the soul to follow and both your souls may cease to exist. The line is necessary.""Hugh!" Prince Kayziel shouted, his voice sharp as he shot the man a warning look."There’s no harm in telling him, Your Highness," Hugh responded calmly. "After all, his soul is about to be put to slumber forever."Prince Kayziel scoffed, rolling his eyes, but didn’t argue further. "Just hurry up. Zedekiel must not wake up before we finish." He wanted no interruptions. He had been looking forward to this day for a long long time. The day he would have a body and be free to do as he wishes.Prince Ron wond
Prince Kayziel’s grin went even wider. "With pleasure."The night deepened as they arrived at the area of the glade where the hunting competition had taken place four days ago. Now, it had transformed into something far more sinister.In the center of the clearing was a massive circle drawn into the earth, marked with ancient symbols and runes. At its heart were two large stone tombs, their surfaces flat, smooth and cold. The ground around the circle was stained a deep, sickening red, the earth saturated with dried blood. A pungent, rancid smell filled the air, thick and choking.Prince Ron instinctively covered his nose, grimacing. "Ugh why does it stink so much?" he asked, his voice muffled through his hand."It’s blood," Prince Kayziel replied nonchalantly as his pearl rolled into the bloodstained circle. "How do you expect it to smell after being here for four days? I planned this on the day of the hunting competition but you and Zedekiel just had to disappear. It’s alright, thoug
After Hugh drew the last symbol on the ground and went back to his post, Prince Kayziel raised an eyebrow, looking at Prince Ron. "Are you sure you want to do this?" "Yes." Prince Ron’s replied, his voice firm. "You start first." Prince Kayziel sighed, shaking his head slightly. He placed his hand over his chest and looked up into the sky, taking a deep breath then began reciting the oath; "I, Prince Kayziel, swear upon the Earth Spirit, keeper of nature, that I will uphold my end of this deal. I will spare the lives of Zedekiel’s family and cure them of the poison that afflicts them. I will not harm any of them before or after the transfer of the soul. In return, Prince Ron will willingly give me his body to inhabit. And if Prince Ron breaks the oath and refuses to give me his body, may his soul remain in the underworld for eternity after his death." Prince Kayziel’s words hung in the air like a curse. The faint glow of the fairy dust intensified as the Earth Spirit bore witness
Prince Kayziel raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Prince Ron’s sudden show of defiance. He circled the human Prince slowly, his dark energy swirling around him like a cloak of shadow. "All or nothing?" he repeated, his voice dripping with amusement. "Do you really think you’re in a position to make such demands, Ron? You have nothing to bargain with. You’re just a human—powerless, weak and yet, here you are, thinking you can dictate the terms.""Oh I believe I can." Prince Ron said as he stood up, staring him square in the eyes. "I'm not as weak and powerless as you paint me to be, Kayziel. The way I see it, I'm the crux of your entire plan. You need me to give up my body. If I don't, you will remain a powerless spirit for eternity."Prince Kayziel scoffed. "You're not that important. I can just get another body.""Then why go through all the trouble of poisoning Zedekiel’s entire family?" Prince Ron asked, watching the way Prince Kayziel’s form tensed. Knowing he was right, he f
Prince Ron’s heart began to pound, his body trembling as he took a shaky step towards his beloved. It was if the whole world was plunged in darkness and he couldn't hear anything but his own rapidly beating heart.He walked slowly, recalling the way Zedekiel used to be. Everything, right from the very first day they met to their wonderful short honeymoon flashed before his eyes. He let out a choked sob as his knees gave out and he collapsed by his beloved's side. His trembling hands grabbed Zedekiel’s hands just to find them cold. They felt like ice in his palms, like holding the hands of a corpse which were frozen solid.“What did you do?!” He screamed, tears streaming down his face as he turned to look at the Elf spirit with pure horror.Prince Kayziel smiled, a sickening grin of pride and satisfaction. “Beautiful, aren’t they?” He gestured lazily toward Zedekiel’s family. “They’ve all been poisoned by iron, but with a little twist. I used dark magic to control the poison’s potency.
"P-Poison?" Prince Ron stuttered, shocked. "What are you talking about? How did that happen?"Prince Kayziel shook his head in mild exasperation, his ghostly form flickering as he observed Prince Ron. For all his occasional cleverness, the human could still be rather dense at times. Before he could even respond to Ron's question, the flap of the tent opened, and a man wearing a dark cloak entered, bowing respectfully."Your Highness, everything is ready," the man announced.Prince Ron blinked, confused. "What is ready? I didn’t ask you to get anything ready."Prince Kayziel let out a small chuckle. "He's talking to me," he clarified before turning to the man. "Good. Carry the vessel to the altar. And remember, do not dispel the spell. I don't want it running away.""Yes, Your Highness," the cloaked man answered. He walked over to where Prince Ron sat, his steely frightening gaze locked onto him.Panic surged through Prince Ron. "Vessel? What vessel? What are you—" But his words were c