"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
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.
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
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’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
"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
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
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,
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