Ron stood up immediately and dragged Leo down to taste all the sweet delicacies.Normally, when they have feasts in Ashenmore, Ron usually mingles with their subjects. He eats, laughs and plays with them just like his grandfather. Ron is the kind of outgoing person who finds even the littlest things fascinating. Imagine that kind of person in a foreign land. He'd want to explore!Rose facepalmed as she watched her dearest brother drag Leo through the crowd to the long tables full of food. Why does he embarrass her so?The Queen mother had a smile on her face as she stared at Ron conversing with some people as he tasted the dishes. He's such a pure soul.King Zedekiel on the other hand, felt that this human was very cunning. He must be up to no good. Every royal figure waits for food to be served on the table but he goes around on the pretext of tasting food to get information about the North. How cunning indeed. Well, he trusted his people to not reveal a single thing.Ron didn't know
"Wipe that stupid smile off your face"The Prince's smile froze. His ears twitched. Did he hear wrong?"You think you can fool me, Prince Ron?" Zedekiel continued, his voice low enough for only Ron to hear. "I am the King of this Kingdom. My people might fall for your dirty tricks but I won't. I won't let you succeed in whatever you're planning so you better stay in line. I'm watching you"Ron was stunned. All this while, he thought the King had finally noticed him. It turned out that he was suspecting him of something. The Prince's appetite was now non existent. The King had ruined it all for him.Ron wondered just what the Ashenmores did to make the King hate them so much. It couldn't be mood swings as Prince Ludiciel had said. No. It had to be something greater and he was determined to find out.With that in mind, Ron faced the king with an even brighter smile. "It's a joyous occasion, Your Majesty. How can I not smile?"He then turned his attention to his food and continued to eat
The talent show started with a few subjects. Prince Ron was delighted and amazed to see such beautiful people showcasing extraordinary talents.Some could breathe fire, walk and swing on ropes, swallow sharp swords, and break bricks on their bare chests. Some could even make snakes dance!Others, mostly females and little girls, could sing and dance or play a musical instrument very well.Ron clapped and cheered for each contestant wholeheartedly.Netheridge was a place he would love to live in forever. Feasts back in Ashenmore weren't even half as entertaining as this. The people put their all into it and he was even thinking he might not win the talent show after all.The prize is one wish which would be granted by the King. He turned slightly to his right to find his silver haired beloved watching the show with a bored expression. He sighed. The King should show a bit more enthusiasm to inspirit his own people.But it didn't matter anyway. His people didn't seem to care.What the l
Prince Ron tried and tried. He even squeezed his face and locked his jaw to stop himself from yawning. Tears leaked from his eyes and the people of Netheridge were surprised to see him being so moved.The moisture in his green eyes made them seem so glossy. The beads of tears running down his cheeks were like twinkling pearls in the candlelights and his small red lips were pursed, making him look so adorable. A lot of people wanted to go up there and shower the cute prince with hugs and kisses.King Zedekiel nearly rolled his eyes. What drama was this pretentious prince up to now?Rose groaned. She knew her brother like the back of her hand. The little minx was probably bored to death and was doing all he could not to disrespect Princess Mariel in front of everyone. She shook her head. What a dunce.Princess Mariel finally finished the song and Prince Ron stood up, clapping and cheering the loudest. Then he quickly excused himself and ran out of the hall through the back door before a
King Zedekiel's eyes went cold. For him, the murder of his father and brother was still fresh. He could remember opening a box, the size of a big treasure chest, the humans sent them as a gift for peace, to find his father and brother's severed heads. Their faces frozen in horror and anguish, lifeless eyes staring back at him. The pain he felt at that moment was unimaginable.His fingers twitched, tiny sparks of silver dangerously dancing around the tips, showing his lack of control on his emotions.Rage and hatred stirred within him like a tremendous tornado. All he wanted was to strike down the dancer. How could he? What was he trying to gain by reminding them of that horrible day? It felt like a hot searing slap to his face. Like rubbing salt on an open wound. Who could be so heartless?He was about to raise his hand when he felt a warm hand encase his own. He turned to find his mother slowly shaking her head. "Stay calm" she said to him telepathically. "I think I understand what h
Some started to sweat for the dancer. How could he ask for such a thing?! The King is so precious! He's untouchable! He's akin to a rare gem! No one has ever dared to ask him for such a thing. This dancer was either very brave or very stupid.Prince Ron wondered why everyone was silent. He just asked for a dance. The King could refuse if he wanted to. It's not like he could force him to dance.Prince Ludiciel and Princess Mariel thought that this person was completely out of his mind.The Queen mother had nothing to say. She was quite curious to see how things would play out.Princess Rose wanted to hit something. How dare this commoner ask for a dance with the King? A man for that matter? She may have turned a blind eye to the same sex couples dancing earlier but this was over the top! She won't let the King fall to the dark side. It's a good thing Ron wasn't back yet. She didn't want her little brother's mind to be so corrupted. Just wait till she's queen. She'll banish each and eve
Anger flooded his mind. A human?! How could it be a stinky dirty human?! He had even tried to cover up his scent with heavy perfume. Well too bad for him because the Elf King's sense of smell was top notch.Ron felt something was off and due to the distraction, he missed a step which caused Zedekiel to steady him by the waist with both hands. The King used this opportunity to make Ron wrap his arms around his own neck.Therefore, they were so close. Due to Ron's lack of height, his head was directly beneath the King's chin. Under the veil, there was no difference between the colour of Ron's face and a tomato. His heart was beating faster than a race horse. What the hell was his Majesty doing?! People were watching!Zedekiel felt he had to be mistaken. No human could perform the ancient Elf dance. It was impossible! He wanted to make sure his nose wasn't deceiving him. That's why he put them in that intimate position.Princess Rose was being fed too much jealousy inducing scenes. She a
"Hey watch where you're going!" he said to the person but the person just bowed and turned away.Ron took a careful look at the figure. The person was dressed in a black cloak and his face was well hidden so the prince couldn't see anything. Instead, he saw a tattoo in the shape of a claw on the person's hand. It was right between the thumb and pointer. Ron thought it was such an odd tattoo and in an odd location but he didn't think much about it and just hurried to the hall.On getting there, the Queen mother dragged him back to his seat. "Oh dear, where have you been? You've missed a lot"Ron let out a nervous smile, eyes glancing at the King who was looking at him as if he also expected an answer. "I-I think I ate too much. I had stomach problems"Rose sighed. "Brother, I've told you to not eat so much. You'll get an upset stomach. When we get back, I'll ask my servants to make you something to calm it down and help it settle"How embarrassing but Prince Ron could only smile and no
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
He gasped, unable to believe it. A tear slipped down his cheek, landing softly on the fabric of Ron’s robes. His violet eyes flickered with emotion as he turned to the royal physician and whispered, “It’s true.”The physician nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. He held hands with Welyn, happy to see their King alive and well again. Never did they think a day will come when they would see their king so emotional and so in love.With a human at that.Zedekiel gazed back at Ron, his expression softening further. “It’s really true,” he whispered. “We’re going to be parents.”Cordin, and the others smiled, their hearts swelling at the sight of their King’s rare happiness.However, Kayziel, still slumped on the floor, went even paler. His jaw tightened, and his wide, disbelieving eyes darted between his big belly and Zedekiel. “P-Parents?” he stammered, confused and horrified.What was Zedekiel saying? How was that even possible? Prince Ron was pregnant? But the body belonged to
A deep, cold chuckle echoed through the throne room, silencing all other noise.“Is that so?”Before anyone could react, a crushing pressure descended upon the room like a tidal wave. It was suffocating, all-encompassing, and merciless.Elves dropped to their knees, their eyes wide and red as they coughed up mouthfuls blood. Their hands clawed at their throats, desperate for air and fear twisted their faces, bodies trembling as they panicked.Official 3 tumbled from the throne and down the stairs, writhing on the cold marble floor as if his very life was being ripped away. His hands gripped his neck, his mouth opening and closing in silent agony."What...what is this?" someone choked out between gasps of bloodied breaths.The pressure carried a bloodlust so intense it felt as though death itself had entered the room. They all felt ice cold, as if their lives were about to be stripped in that moment.Then, slow and deliberate, came the sound of footsteps. Each step reverberated through
Slowly, her savior descended, their landing so gentle it felt like stepping onto a cloud.Rose opened her tear-streaked eyes, gasping as she took in the face before her. It was one she never expected to see.Long silver hair cascaded like molten moonlight down his back and his sharp violet eyes glowed like gems in darkness. He stood in his black robes, cold and regal, like a deity that descended from heaven.“Z-Zedekiel…” she whispered, crying. “Y-You came for me. You saved me…”Without a word, Zedekiel loosened his hold, letting her fall unceremoniously to the ground. Rose gasped in pain, stunned by his behaviour. "What do you think yo-"“Make no mistake,” he said, coldly cutting her off as he stepped over her without hesitation. “I only saved you because you’re Ron’s blood.”Before she could respond, his form flickered, vanishing as though he had never been there.Rose sat frozen, unable to believe what had just happened. How could he save her then abandon her like that? Even if the