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
His laughter soon turned into gags. His hand flew to his throat as he began to cough and wheeze. It was like a hand was painfully squeezing his neck, cutting his flow of air. Soon enough, his face started to turn pink. The King had already lost his father and brother. This man wanted to take his sister too? Well, nobody messes with his family or his people. He didn't need to use his hands to perform magic. All he needed was his mind. In reality, the man wasn't being choked. Zedekiel was just manipulating his brain, making him think it was happening. But this wasn't enough. He wanted to see him bleed. He wanted to torture him in the worst way possible. "Don't do anything rash!" his mother said to him telepathically. "Don't forget we have two humans in our midst. They'll wander how a man can just suffocate and die on his own. I don't want to answer any questions Zedekiel. Lock him up first. We'll deal with him later. And Ron is injured. We need to take care of him. He's losing a lo
He quietly slipped into the Prince's room and closed the door. The sight that greeted him was breathtaking and it had him frozen in place...Prince Ron had woken up at some part of the night due to the pain in his arm and he couldn't go back to sleep so he decided to take a bath. The little Prince knew he most likely wouldn't find a servant to get him some hot water so he troubled his bodyguard, Leo, who's room was opposite Ron's.It was at times like this that Leo desperately wanted to quit his job. He had turned into a personal maid! Since when did an esteemed bodyguard of his calibre run to the kitchen to heat water for the Prince? This was completely degrading!Mind you, these all happened while the King was still searching. And so, the big gruff bodyguard was forced to get hot water for the little Prince. Ron was delighted and promised Leo a raise. He also gave a heartfelt speech, stating his undying love and respect for Leo and also declaring them as best friends for life. Afte
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