"So if the Dark Lord were to appear now and command you to kill Fredrick, would you.”“Yes.”“Hmmm, what does the Dark Lord look like?”“We do not know.”Prince Ron was surprised. “You do not know what your own Lord looks like?”“Yes.”Prince Ron shrugged and they continued to walk. Oh well, it didn’t matter what the Dark Lord looks like anyway. He won’t need the information for his plan. He trusted that his beloved was searching for him but he didn’t want to sit and wait for the wedding preparations were almost done. He felt that he’d rather turn into a Darkling than marry the lunatic.“Oh darling, why do you choose to hurt me this way?” He heard that annoying voice ask as they stepped into the room. “Why are you always trying to escape?”Fredrick sat at the edge of the bed, his dark blue robes billowing around him like a shroud. His blonde hair was a dishevelled mess, as if he'd been running his fingers through it repeatedly. His eyes seemed to dance with an inner storm, the pupils
Prince Ron was jolted awake by the sound of hurried footsteps and raised voices. Groggy from sleep, he attempted to sit up but found himself weak and unable to muster the strength, causing him to slump back onto the bed. His vision was foggy and a sense of unease crept over him—why did he feel so depleted when he hadn't exerted himself?He gasped. Did Frederick discover his hidden stash of food and drug him? If so, what kind of drug could it be? Dread gripped him as he feared the worst. It couldn't be an aphrodisiac, could it? He would bite the lunatic to death before he allowed anything to happen between them.“You’re awake.” He heard a very familiar voice say and his heart leaped into his throat as he turned to see the one person he had yearned for deeply. His vision wasn’t clear yet but he could still make out his beloved standing there in his regal dark robes and his flowing silver hair framing his handsome face.“Your Majesty!” he exclaimed, trying to get up so he could hug his b
"Calm down, darling." Zedekiel said chuckling lightly. "We're finally getting married. We're going to be together forever. I thought you'd be happy.""I am happy." Prince Ron clarified. "I do want to marry you. I just wish you waited until I woke up so we could plan together.""I wanted to." Zedekiel said. "But after Fredrick took you before my very eyes, I just couldn't wait. I want us to bond. That way, no one can ever separate us again."Prince Ron could recall his beloved talking about bonding one time but he didn't go into details."Don't worry darling. I'll explain everything after the wedding." Zedekiel assured. "We can even hold the kind of wedding you want after this one. You'll be in charge of everything. I will not interfere. I promise."Hearing that, Prince Ron felt satisfied. They reached the Mother Tree and stood under it, facing each other.Prince Ron felt a little nervous. This was what he had always wanted. To marry his beloved and live happily ever after but deep dow
A blinding flash of light appeared, almost blinding everyone and from it emerged a majestic Elf, dressed in striking black and gold robes. His silver hair flowed behind him like a banner, and his violet coloured eyes were sharp and deadly. He carried his sword of ice, the blade shimmering with a cold, ethereal glow.Fredrick began to tremble. The sight of Zedekiel stepping out of the array sent shivers down his spine. The Elf King's commanding presence and the lethal glint in his violet eyes pierced through Fredrick's bravado. His heart pounded in his chest, fear creeping into every corner of his being. He felt like rolling into a ball and burying himself deep underground where no one would find him."Y-You.....how?" He stuttered, eyes wide with fear. "You're not supposed to be here. You're not supposed to find us so soon."But Zedekiel didn't care for Fredrick just yet. He gazed at Prince Ron feeling relieved. Finally. Finally, he found him.Zedekiel took a step towards Prince Ron bu
With each wave of Darklings that charged at them, Zedekiel’s strikes grew fiercer. He utilized his sword’s ice magic to create barriers of frost around Alaric and Ron, temporarily freezing the Darklings in place but more kept slithering out of the ground, climbing over the barriers."Look at how you're struggling, dear cousin." Fredrick mocked, cackling like a mad man. "This isn't even a quarter of the Dark Lord's army yet, you cannot defeat them. What will happen when the true Dark Lord is finally released? Oh well, you won't know anyway. I'll make sure they end you all here!"Today was definitely the best day of Fredrick's life.Meanwhile...What was a battlefield to everyone was a grand hall to Prince Ron. He stood at the center, adorned with flowers and filled with the soft murmur of guests and classical music. His family, friends, and everyone else he held dear were present, all smiling and showering him with pink flowers. His beloved stood at the altar, his violet coloured eyes
"B-But-""I'm truly fine." Zedekiel insisted, his heart warming at the sight of Prince Ron being so concerned. "Look."He took off the tattered robe and Prince Ron watched in awe as the wounds healed up quickly. His beloved's skin returned to it's original state. The only thing left was the blood but that was not an issue.Prince Ron let out a sigh of relief. He then remembered something and punched his beloved on the arm. "What took you so long to find me? Do you know how lonely I was?" He turned around and folded his arms, sulking like a wronged wife. "You left me with a maniac who starved me and choked me. I am very angry. No amount of sweet things you say will make me forgive you."Some of the Darklings climbed over the frozen ones, trying to get to Zedekiel and Prince Ron."Will you guys stop attacking for a moment?!" Prince Ron shouted at the Darklings, clearly annoyed.Dumbfounded, the Darkling paused with their swords raised, not knowing what to do."Jeez, you guys can't even
As the dark energy from the orb infused Fredrick, his body began to contort and swell grotesquely. His skin turned a sickly, mottled gray, veins of dark magic pulsing beneath the surface like writhing serpents.His once elven features twisted into a monstrous visage. Eyes glowing crimson, and sharp, blackened claws sprouting from his fingers. A pair of shadowy, bat-like wings erupted from his back, stretching wide as he roared in his newly amplified voice, a chilling sound that reverberated through the island."KILL THEM!!!!"With an unearthly howl, the Darklings charged at Zedekiel, Alaric, Ron, and Ludiciel. They moved with terrifying speed and coordination, their monstrous forms creating a whirlwind of claws and teeth.Each step they took shook the ground. The air around them crackled with dark energy, their red eyes locked onto their targets with an insatiable hunger for destruction.The air was thick with tension as Zedekiel quickly created a protective dome around Prince Ron. Wi
"Oh my God!!!" Prince Ludiciel shouted, his eyes widening. "I-It's the Dark Lord!!"The Darklings all gazed at the towering figure in fear.Prince Ludiciel nudged Alaric with his elbow and whispered; "Hey it's your turn!""Oh no! We're all doomed!" Alaric shouted reluctantly, waving his hands in the air like they were all done for. "The Dark Lord is out! We have to get out of here!"The Darklings and Fredrick; "........"..............................The Towering figure let out a horrid roar and the Darklings quickly went on their knees, chanting, "Long live the Dark Lord! Long live the Dark Lord!"The Dark Lord stood tall, a grotesque and terrifying presence. Its eyes burned a fierce red, piercing through the steam and darkness. A black crown, jagged and twisted, sat atop its head and its face was a ghastly mask of evil, with sharp, protruding fangs and a long, serpentine tongue that flicked out menacingly.The Darklings, now more frenzied than ever, roared their greetings in respo
In a blink, Zedekiel and Alaric found themselves standing in Zedekiel’s private chambers. The place was immaculate. Every item was precisely where it should be—elegant, silent, undisturbed.The large dining table was perfectly set with an array of exquisite dishes, but the food was untouched.The doors creaked open and in walked Prince Ron, accompanied by his manservant, Cordin. Prince Ron glanced at the cold dishes and frowned.“Cordin, get me a warming pot,” he said.“At once, Your Highness.”Cordin returned quickly, and Prince Ron pointed to the table. “Pick out Zedekiel’s favorite dishes and put them in the pot. I don’t want him coming back to cold food.”“Yes, Your Highness.”Prince Ron then stretched and climbed into the massive bed, letting out a tired sigh. “And don’t wake me up. When he gets back, tell him I waited all night. Act like I was deathly worried and you had to beg me to sleep while assuring me he was alright wherever he was.”“B-But Your Highness,” Cordin stammered
Kayziel snickered inwardly, though he kept his expression solemn. It didn’t matter whether the phoenix joined or not. The moment Zedekiel saw what he had to show, the damage would have already been done. He couldn't believe his nephew was still so naive. Even after all the centuries that had passed, he still trusted people easily.So foolish.Zedekiel had hacked off his limbs one by one and sealed him beneath the sacred roots of the Mother Tree. Stripped him of power, dignity, and freedom.Now, he had destroyed his plans to take over Netheridge and live a good life. Why should he let Zedekiel be happy?He already knew that Zedekiel was not going to let him off. He was going to die in the most painful way Zedekiel could conjure so he would take something from Zedekiel first.If he could not live, then let his nephew’s love burn instead.“What are you waiting for?” Zedekiel snarled, his grip tightening around the Soul Crucible. He had half a mind to not see what Kayziel wanted to show t
Alaric didn’t answer. His face, usually impassive, was drawn tight. His onyx eyes were stormy and his lips parted as if he wanted to speak, but no words came. He clenched his jaw and fists, unable to tell Zedekiel what he was about to see. How would he even tell him? They had opened the lantern, ready to unleash hell on whoever had possessed Ron but when they saw who it was, they knew Zedekiel had to be called back.Zedekiel drew in a deep breath. He didn’t need words to know something was deeply wrong. He couldn't wait to know what it was so he increased his speed, disappearing in a blur and reappearing before the cell door in the dungeon’s lowest levels. Alaric arrived three seconds later.They both stood still for a moment, facing the thick metal door and Zedekiel curled his fists. It was time to face whoever had made their lives hell for 3 months.He pushed open the door, the hinges creaking as they stepped inside. The room was dimly lit by the light pearls embedded into the walls
“Wow, I never knew Prince Ron was so brave and fierce.” Elliot said to Prince Ludiciel, looking thoroughly fascinated.Prince Ludiciel wasn't sure if it was because of Prince Ron or the story or both.“Judging by his looks, one would think he cannot handle a sword but did you see those moves?” Elliot continued. “He once wrestled a python and rescued a princess from a tiger. Then he saved your brother and travelled all the way to the North to marry him. Isn't that amazing?”Prince Ludiciel didn't know whether to laugh or cry. “It's amazing indeed.” He answered, nodding. He couldn't even imagine Prince Ron wrestling a python or rescuing a princess from a tiger. Knowing the lazy Prince, he would just assign Leo to do all the fighting and rescuing.Then again, it didn't really matter. It was a nice story Prince Ron told. Now he knew how Prince Ron met his brother.“But wait,” Elliot said, pausing. “If Prince Ron went after your brother, when did he get the chance to tell the story to the
He paused dramatically and everyone shook their heads.“Exactly! No, he didn’t!” Prince Ron pointed with glee. “He turned every one of them down, declaring boldly that he would only marry for true love!”Everyone went; “Awww.”“And then!” Prince Ron threw up his hands with a dramatic flourish. “One day, the brave Prince was at an inn. He’d heard rumors about some King in the North—one who dared to ask for his sister’s hand in marriage. But this Prince wasn’t the type to trust someone based on hearsay, so he went himself to gather intel.”At this point, Zedekiel frowned. Why did the story sound familiar but wrong somehow?“So there he was, chilling at the bar, sipping on ginger ale and chatting with the barkeep, when he spotted someone. A ridiculously handsome man, sitting alone in the corner, just enjoying his meal.”Zedekiel’s frown deepened. This story sounded really familiar…“What the handsome man didn’t realize,” Prince Ron continued, “was that a group of shady-looking bandits ha
Prince Ron gasped, eyes going wide. “Your what?!”Elliot smiled sheepishly, but his eyes flicked affectionately to Prince Ludiciel as he held his hand. He never really thought some harmless flirting with an Elf Prince in a flower house would result in a relationship but he was happy it did. Prince Ludiciel was the most caring, considerate, and loving creature he had ever met.Prince Ron was still stunned. He glanced at his beloved who was just smiling and then he realised that his beloved already knew! Was he the only one that didn't know? Was he the last to know? Why didn't they tell him first? His brother-in-law had found a partner! He was the one that was supposed to announce it in a grand style! Throw a party! Celebrate!He gazed at the couple then asked with little hope. “I-I'm not the last one to know, am I?”Zedekiel shook his head with a sigh. Was that was his little husband was concerned about?The Ice Fairy Queen, Prince Ludiciel and Elliot chuckled.“Well…the entire Royal f
Prince Ron sat obediently on a bed—well, as obediently as he could manage—while the Ice Fairy Queen moved gracefully around him, her shimmering white gown trailing like mist on ice. Her crystal blue eyes sparkled as she checked over him and gently examined his belly.“Would you stop staring at her and smiling like that?” Zedekiel, who was beside him, holding his hand, huffed.Prince Ron blinked. “But I’ve never seen an ice fairy before, let alone their queen.” He replied with a pout. Besides, she was really pretty. Her knee-length snow-white hair swayed as she moved, and everything about her was elegant, ethereal… cold, but really beautiful. He wondered if she had wings and if she would show him if he asked.“I don’t care.” Zedekiel grumbled. “Stop staring. Now. It's rude.” And what happened to him being the most handsome in the world? If his little husband wanted to stare at someone, couldn't he stare at him? The Ice Fairy Queen was his friend but he couldn't help feeling jealous whe
From the sidelines, Alaric and Talon watched in silence. Neither spoke, neither moved. They just stood there, watching Zedekiel and Prince Ron, a million thoughts racing through their minds.Talon’s gaze lingered on Prince Ron and Zedekiel, the way Zedekiel held his Prince Ron so tight, yet so gentle, the way Prince Ron melted into him, safe, reassured, like he trusted Zedekiel more than his own self and looked to the Elf King to keep him together. Prince Ron looked at Zedekiel like he was the only one he could see. As if when they were together, nothing else mattered and it was just them.His hands clenched at his sides in frustration. He wanted that. He wanted that and more. He felt envious—achingly envious. To the extent that his chest felt stuffy, and his teeth ached. He wanted to hold a particular person like that, have the person look at him with that kind of love, that kind of devotion. He wanted the person to trust him, to make him feel like he was the only one in the entire w
Prince Ron beamed, rubbing the back of his precious frying pan. Oh, he’ll make it count alright.And make it count he did.Some minutes later, the dungeon echoed with a loud CLANG as Prince Ron’s frying pan made direct contact with Hugh’s head. The unfortunate man let out a strangled grunt before slumping forward, completely dazed. He didn’t know if it was because he had received several beatings from Zedekiel earlier, but the human Prince’s hit was quite painful. He was tired and he wanted it all to stop.But Prince Ron was not done. He signaled the guards to lift Hugh up which they did. He then took two steps back and BANG! smacked Hugh on the side of his face. Blood sprayed against the wall of the cell and Hugh groaned, coughing out a mouthful of blood and a few teeth.Everyone’s eyes widened in alarm. Was the human prince that strong or was the frying pan really that heavy?Prince Ron glared down at Hugh, his grip tightening around the handle of the frying pan. For three months, h