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
The shorter skeleton spoke, voice lighter now. "My sons, you all finally came back." It sounded relieved. "Where’s Zedekiel? And my sister?"The taller one added eagerly, "Were you guys able to get Ron back? Is that why you’re here now?"It all suddenly dawned on Ludiciel who the skeletons were and his eyes burned with unshed tears as he forced himself to speak, voice barely above a whisper, "Mother?... Mariel?""Ludiciel," The shorter skeleton laughed, a sound filled with both sorrow and joy. "I knew you'd recognize us. Unlike your little brothers who are hiding behind you."Tariel and Sariel peered cautiously from behind Ludiciel and Talon, their eyes wide with uncertainty. "Brother, are those really…?"Prince Ludiciel inhaled sharply, willing himself to believe what his heart already knew. With a flick of his wrist, he dispelled the illusion he had unknowingly placed upon them.The moment the magic faded, there they stood.The Queen Mother, regal and serene, draped in flowing pale
Talon sneered, yanking him closer. "Necromancers are always weak as shit. You hide behind your army, and everyone thinks you're powerful. Look at you now. You're nothing without your magic."Hugh's swollen eyes flickered open, and to Talon’s surprise, he started laughing—a wet, gurgling disgusting sound that make Talon want to rip his throat out."You think that's all I have up my sleeve?" Hugh rasped, his lips curling into a wicked grin. His gaze flicked downward.Talon followed his eyes and felt the faintest prickling sensation crawling up his legs."You think humans and animals are the only ones whose skeletons I can call upon?" Hugh sneered. "I can call upon even insects! Those ants will bite at you till you die! Even if you kill me, they won't stop until there’s nothing left but your bones, and I will gladly add you, Phoenix King, to my army!"Talon scoffed. "Oh really?"Without hesitation, his body ignited in a pillar of flames. His form shifted, his flesh turning into golden-re
"Zedekiel," he whispered shyly as he took Zedekiel’s hands in his.Zedekiel’s brows furrowed slightly in concern. "What is it? Did that thing do anything to you?" he whispered back, brushing a soft kiss against Ron’s temple. "Are you uncomfortable anywhere?"Prince Ron shook his head, biting his lip nervously. "No, it’s not that. It’s just... there’s something you need to know."Zedekiel frowned, concerned. "What is it, love? You can tell me anything."Prince Ron took a deep shaky breath, about to tell his beloved about their babies when his gaze landed on his belly and his eyes widened in utter disbelief. He completely froze as he tried to process what he was seeing.There, protruding before him, was his enormous, round belly. It was so large that he couldn’t even see his own feet.He suddenly let out a tiny squeak of horror, his face going pale and before anyone could say anything, Ron’s eyes rolled back, and he fainted on the spot.Zedekiel looked at everyone and they all began to
Even in his ghost-like form, Kayziel was completely red in anger. "Again, NOBODY ASKED YOU TO!!!"The hands however, did not want to face their Lord's wrath. The Lord never tells his name to ordinary creatures and for the small beautiful prince to mention it, they knew there had to be truth to his words.The hands immediately sped up their work, yanking Kayziel toward the circle with urgency.Kayziel howled, his voice cracking in desperation. "STOP THIS MADNESS! I CAN FIX EVERYTHING! I SWEAR! PLEASE STOP!!!"Prince Ron let go, dusting off his hands as though he’d just finished a hard day’s work. "Say hello to your Lord for me!""YOU ARE INSANE!" Kayziel shrieked. He was already half-dragged into the glowing circle. “THIS ISN'T OVER RON!!! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!! DO YOU HEAR ME?!! YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS!!!”Prince Ron just smiled sweetly and waved. "Have a safe trip!"With a final, desperate cry, Kayziel disappeared into the gate, the circle sealing itself shut with a faint hum.********At
Prince Ron just sat on the floor and tucked his arms to his chest, turning his face away. Hmph! The Elf spirit wanted his help but was calling him a bastard. Was that even how to ask for help? Besides, his beloved was working hard to get them back together. Who was he to interrupt his beloved's work? Whatever was happening to Kayziel was exactly what he deserved."Do you think I'll help you after what you subjected us to for three whole months?" He scoffed, glaring at Kayziel. "Shoo, hurry and go to wherever those hands are taking you."Kayziel gasped in pain, rivulets of tears and mucus running down his face. He screamed as the smoke-like arms pulled him closer to the circle. He could feel the heat of hell singe his feet. "I'm sorry" He began to cry. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry Ron. I'm sorry for everything. I just- I just wanted to live my dream for once. Your husband snatched that from me when I was alive and trapped me underground for centuries. I just wanted to live. I just wanted to l
Kayziel’s laughter softened into something darker, more insidious, as he stepped closer. “Yes, Ron,” he murmured, his voice a low, chilling caress. “Think about it. Think about it well.” He began circling Ron like a predator stalking its prey, his ghost like form slithering around Ron’s form. “If you take your body, Zedekiel will lose all hope. The rest of your family? They’ll perish, one by one and Netheridge will eventually fall into ruin. The Elves, your kind, might even face extinction. And Zedekiel? Your beloved Zedekiel will live in a world of agony. A world without love..."He paused by Ron’s ear. "A world without you.”His words slithered through Ron’s ear like whispers of a devil, laced with a cruel, hypnotic allure. He moved closer, his hands ghosting over Ron’s trembling shoulders. “Can you truly take your body back, knowing you will be the cause of Zedekiel’s undoing?" He whispered. "Of his suffering for all eternity?”Ron’s breath hitched. His body tensed and his heart be
Alaric nodded, his expression understanding. “Of course.” He turned to the others and gestured toward the cave’s entrance. “Outside, everyone. Give them some space.”The group shuffled out quietly, leaving Zedekiel alone with Ron. As the echoes of their footsteps faded, the cave grew eerily silent.Zedekiel knelt beside the bed, his silver hair falling like a curtain around his face as he rested his hand on Ron’s swollen belly. His other hand found its way to Ron’s chest, where he could feel the faint, steady rhythm of his heartbeat.He lowered his head, pressing it against Ron’s chest. At first, there was only the sound of his own breathing, but then it broke. A small, ragged sob escaped his lips, followed by another then another. Tears spilled down his cheeks, slowly wetting Ron’s robes.“I'm sorry, love,” Zedekiel whispered, his voice breaking. “I'm so so sorry. I left you alone even after I promised to protect you. I let you shoulder the responsibilities that I should have. I-I'm
Elliot knelt beside Rose, his hands glowing faintly as his magic coursed through her twisted arm while she stared at him in awe.Zedekiel had left her on the floor and in pain. Those undead creatures were almost closing in on her and just when she thought she was really going to die on the battlefield, a dark haired man with pointy ears descended from the sky, blowing them all away and in the process, stealing her heart.She gazed up at him with tears and admirations in her eyes. His features looked almost otherworldly among the all chaos happening on the battlefield. He had smooth skin the colour of chocolate milk, dark hair like spun silk that fell in soft waves around his face, and eyes like molten amber, flecked with gold and crimson, which contrasted perfectly with his shimmering silver armour.Rose kept staring, momentarily forgetting her pain for Elliot looked just like the Princes in fairytales she had read to Ron about before bedtime."Okay, you have to stop," Elliot sighed,
Hugh paled and before he could react, Prince Ludiciel moved first, his fist connecting with Hugh’s jaw in a bone-shattering punch. The force sent him flying across the field like a ragdoll.But it didn’t stop there. Talon vanished in a flash and reappeared ahead of Hugh’s trajectory, slamming a powerful kick into his ribs midair. The impact hurled Hugh back toward Ludiciel, who with both hands gripping his sword, brought the hilt down, slamming Hugh into the ground with a resounding crash.Dust and debris erupted around them as Hugh’s body sank into the earth, the necromancer groaning in pain.He coughed, chanting some ancient words and his body shimmered with a sickly green light before dissolving into the soil like water into sand.“Stay alert.” Ludiciel warned, his grip on his sword tightening, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield."Ugh, necromancers are fucking disgusting." Talon grimaced, his nose wrinkling in revulsion as the stench of rotten corpses filled the air around the