The King knew he had no other choice so he just nodded then he remembered something. "Mother, something strange happened when we found the huma-The Queen mother glared at him then he coughed slightly, clearing his throat. "I mean the Prince. Prince Ron. Something really strange happened."She gazed at her son with a raised brow then he proceeded to explain."I don't know if I'm the only one who felt it but when I carried the Prince in my arms, I felt my powers grow. I mean, the Mother Tree started to sway as if she was happy. She even released her scent and her leaves caressed me."He glanced over at Prince Ron and corrected; "Caressed us. Her leaves caressed us."He then turned to his mother. "What could that mean?"The Queen Mother smiled deeply. So she wasn't the only one who approved. Even the Mother Tree liked the little Prince. Although she understood, she didn't explain it to her son for she knew her son was so against humans that he wouldn't understand. It would be better if h
Zedekiel blinked, surprised by the sudden action. "What are you doing?"Prince Ron was stunned. "W-What am I doing? What are you doing?""Taking off your clothes." The King replied simply. "You're covered in dirt."The Prince gazed down at himself, still holding his clothes tight. He was truly covered in dirt but Zedekiel helping him didn't sit well with him. After seeing the past, he knew Zedekiel didn't have an ounce of good feelings towards him. It might be a ploy to kill him."Ah, there's no need to bother your Majesty with such a trivial thing. I can do it myself." he smiled nervously as he gathered his robes and jumped down the bed then instantly headed for the door. "Thanks for the help though. I'll see myself out."He was halfway to the door but suddenly realised that he couldn't move. Something was holding him back. He turned to find Zedekiel stepping on the edge of his robe, limiting his movements.Prince Ron started to sweat. When did Zedekiel move away from the bed and he
It wasn't possible for now but he had to think of a way for Zedekiel to know the truth, release his uncle and then, find a way to get Zedekiel to forgive his race. Maybe after then, he'll be able to worm his way into his beloved's heart.With that in mind, Prince Ron felt a new found courage. It didn't matter how cold his beloved seemed to be. He would do his best to melt the ice and warm his heart!At that point, the double doors to the King's room opened and the Queen Mother walked in with a line of servants carrying trays of food. She saw Ron standing in the middle of the room and her face brightened like the sun."Ron dear! You're awake!" she exclaimed as she rushed up to him and engulfed him in a big warm hug."Mother," the Prince chuckled, happy to see her again. Her hug reminded him of his mum and tears gathered in his eyes. "Mother I was alone and so scared." he whined pitifully, like a small child. "I didn't think I'd survive. I didn't think I'd see you again.""Oh don't talk
The bathroom was huge, almost double that of the bedroom. It was illuminated by shiny pearls embedded into the walls, making the place glow softly. There were lots of flowers of different colours scattered around the edge of the walls and floor. Blue, violet, green, red, and pink. There was no ceiling. Just an open space with the cresent moon and hundreds of stars glistening in the sky.It was so breathtaking that Ron couldn't help but stare with an open mouth.Zedekiel watched, amused at the undisguised awe in the human's beautiful eyes. The cool wind blew, ruffling the Prince's robes and hair and the Prince giggled, twirling around."Your Majesty, your bathroom is so beautiful," he praised, turning to look at Zedekiel. "Can I have one like this too? This is so pretty."The King felt proud of his father's work. There was no way he would make one for a human. "Only I, the King, is entitled to a place like this."It was a blatant rejection but it didn't hinder Ron's happiness. After al
"Are you okay?" he asked the Prince who was still breathing hard.Prince Ron coughed a bit more then sighed deeply, resting his head against his beloved's strong chest. "I'm better now that you're here."Zedekiel thought he didn't hear right. "What?"The Prince suddenly realised what he said then he raised his head and cleared his throat. "I mean, I'm fine. I'm happy you saved me. Thank you, your Majesty."He peered up at Zedekiel and his breath hitched for Zedekiel was so handsome up close. Ron wondered how he could be so lucky to find such a handsome man. He stared up at him, using the opportunity to admire those deep violet eyes framed by dense wet silver lashes down to that straight nose then thin pink lips. His skin was pale and silvery, like the sheen of a moon. He wished he could touch it, to know what the skin of the Elf King felt like."You're welcome." Zedekiel breathed. His voice was hoarse and sexy, making Ron want to hold him closer. He couldn't believe he was actually cl
The Prince's face was stained with oil and sauce. His cheeks were puffed with food, like a cute little chipmunk. His hair was partly dry, already starting to get back to their natural curly state and his eyes were bright, as if it was his first time eating such delicious food. Zedekiel was actually scared the human would stain his clothes.When he realised his mother didn't arrange clothes for the human, he sent a servant to get some but the servant came back saying the human Prince's room was locked and there were no spare clothes. He had to give the human Prince his own set of sleepwear robes. He didn't want to but he couldn't have a human as beautiful as Ron walk around naked. He didn't want what happened the other night to happen again.Although he wasn't happy, he found the human Prince looking so adorable in his black robes. Of course the sleeves were too long so he had to roll them up and the neckline was too wide so it kept slipping off the human's thin shoulders, revealing hi
"Preposterous!" the Queen Mother snapped. "You and him can't share a room until you're properly married. That's against our culture. In fact, I'm sure it's against every culture.""I agree with Mother." Prince Ludiciel stated, giving Rose a stern look. "Who knows what will happen? A man has desires after all."Especially his stubborn brother who has been celibate since birth. If an Elf like that lets loose, only the Mother Tree knows what will happen."Or are you trying to trap my brother?" Princess Mariel accused, looking at her suspiciously. "Are you afraid he'll refuse to marry you so you want to trap him by becoming pregnant with his child?""That's absurd!" Princess Rose shouted, banging the table as she stood up. "How dare you accuse me of such a disgusting thing?!""Well you just offered to sleep with my brother before marriage!" Princess Mariel retorted, standing up as well as she glared at Rose."I meant to share a room not sleep with him!""And what's the difference?! Anythi
"Ludiciel and Mariel are right you know" the Queen Mother said with a smile. "Regardless of how stong you are, you should rest." She then turned to Zedekiel. "Keep him down. Breakfast is getting cold."The King reluctantly let Prince Ron down then walked away and sat on his chair."We're so glad you're okay" the twins said, peering up at Ron. "We were scared when you went missing and we missed you a lot.""Awww I missed you two a lot too" Prince Ron cooed as he slung his arms over their shoulders then whispered. "Don't worry. We're going to play games later. We'll have tons of fun."The twins got excited when they heard the word 'games'. No one in the Kingdom took their time to play with them. Everyone was busy being an adult. Only Prince Ron liked to play with them so they liked him very much.Everyone settled down for breakfast but Princess Rose was still upset and Prince Ron couldn't bear to see his sister like that. Unlike his beloved who had super hearing, he didn't know what hap
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