"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
Disrespect to the King was to be punished by 200 hundred lashes. You shall also be stripped of your title and sent to the village on the outskirts of the Kingdom.No one wanted this so they forced down their desire to gossip. They would see the child sooner or later."Rise" King Zedekiel commanded as he sat on the throne.They slowly raised their heads and everyone was shocked to find the human Prince standing beside their King, dressed in their King's robes. The robes were too big for him so he had bunched them up around his waist, revealing his white feet.What shocked the officials the most was the fact that the human Prince's toes were painted red!Why did the human Prince paint his toes???And he was grinning from eat to ear, like a cat that had done something naughty but was very happy."Good morning, your highness" One of the officials said, bowing towards Prince Ron. Seeing this, the others did the same. Some bowed slightly, some bowed deeply. Prince Ron didn't care though. He
Prince Ron couldn't help but laugh. "Of course! They're all yours after all. And don't worry about keeping some for your families. Everyone in Netheridge will get a basket."The Officials ooed and ahhhed, surprised that Prince Ron could be so thoughtful. They suddenly saw him in a new light. Who said the human Prince was treacherous and untrustworthy? The human Prince was a gem! A true rare gem!Surely, the way to men's hearts was through their stomachs.The Officials started to eat the snacks, munching and giving sounds of approval. Completely forgetting that their King was in front of them.Zedekiel frowned as he watched his Officials being won over by the human Prince. It was like he had planned it. Everyone in Netheridge already liked him.Then again, why didn't he get a basket? Everyone got a basket except him. If the human Prince wanted to win people, he should have started with him, the King. Just what was he playing at?"Is that all?" King Zedekiel asked Prince Ron. He was ann
"Go on" he commanded. "What do you want to say? I believe that's not all."Official 3 smiled and bowed. "Your Majesty is wise. Let's put aside the marriage of the human Prince and our Princess and think of the marriage of our King."Everyone listened attentively. Even Zedekiel sat up straight."Princess Rose is just a princess." he said. "Your Majesty, if you marry her, you're marrying her alone. She'll move here, to this cold place and we will never be able to leave. The Mother Tree will rot away and we may even sieze to exist."Their faces went gloomy at the mention of the Mother Tree. They all knew it was true."On the other hand," he continued. "Prince Ron is the crown Prince. He is the future King of Ashenmore. Like Official 4 said, he will take his father's place in 2 years. Your Majesty, instead of marrying Princess Rose, why not marry the Crown Prince of Ashenmore?""Preposterous!" Official 4 shouted. "That's insane!""Are you crazy?!" another Official shouted. "Do you want to
"So... Will you tell me where we're heading? I don't recognise this place at all." Prince Ron said as he gazed at the high crystalline walls of the long hallway. The are was cold unlike the other paets of the castle. It almost seemed abandoned. He held the shiny pearl between two fingers as he mused; "I really don't want to get lost again. It will weaken my beloved's trust for me. I don't want him to think I'm snooping around like some spy.""Him?" Prince Kayziel inquired, surprised. The pearl emitted a soft glow, as if it was showing Prince Kayziel's emotions. "The person you love is a man?"Prince Ron sighed as King Zedekiel's handsome face flashed in his mind. "Yes. Like you, I'm gay and I'm in love with a wonderful man. I just don't know how to get him to love me back." He then frowned. "You said you would help me but you haven't done a single thing!"Prince Kayziel chuckled. "The deal is, you help me then I help you. We first have to figure out a way to show my nephew what happen
"I do not understand" King Zedekiel said to the Mother Tree.They were standing under the Mother Tree. The wind was mild and her leaves were swaying gently. There was a quiet hum which only the Elves could hear. The Mother Tree was happy to see the King and Queen Mother. It had been so long since they paid her a visit. She excitedly stretched her branches, caressing their faces and hair.Zedekiel wasn't happy. The Mother Tree was ignoring his statement. "Why did you give that human access to the ancestral burial ground?" he asked. "Why did you touch him in such a gentle manner? Why do you even like him? Have you forgotten what he is?"The Mother Tree moved a branch and knocked off Zedekiel's crown in annoyance.Queen Mother couldn't help but laugh. "You know his name. Why don't you just say it?"Zedekiel frowned as he snapped his finger and his crown flew back to his head, resting softly atop his silver hair. "Fine." He grumbled. "Why did you let Prince Ron in? I need answers because
"Whoa, she can even make sounds!" he exclaimed. "This tree is really unique."The King and Queen Mother were shocked to know Prince Ron could hear the Mother Tree. Only Elves were supposed to. Was he even human?Zedekiel definitely knew that there was more to human than he initially thought.The Mother Tree was sad that she had forgotten her name and by the looks of it, neither the Queen Mother nor the King could remember. She wrapped her branch around Prince Ron's arm and rubbed herself on his body like spoilt child.Prince Ron laughed. He was very pleased. It was the same umbrella tree he had seen before he fell and lost consciousness. "She's so cute. I feel like I can understand what she's saying. I think she's sad." He patted the leaves with a smile. "Aww don't be sad that you don't have a name. I can give you one."The Mother Tree immediately hummed happily, making Prince Ron laugh.The King and Queen Mother watched, amazed by their interaction. Zedekiel was completely stunned fo
How could a human be so beautiful?Prince Ron was elated. He couldn't believe he was in his beloved's arms once again. Surrounded by his beloved's unique scent, he certainly didn't want to let go. In fact, he didn't even want to open his eyes for he was afraid to see his beloved's expression, knowing his beloved didn't like him. But when Zedekiel growled, he knew it was time to stop.He sighed inwardly and consoled himself. 'Ah, there there. Don't worry Ron. One day, he'll be the one begging to hold you'. He snickered then raised his head to gaze at his beloved's handsome face.King Zedekiel was wearing a frown and Prince Ron didn't like it so he made a move to step back but Zedekiel's hold just went tighter, refusing to let him go. Prince Ron was confused. Did the cold Elf King just stop him from moving? He thought it was impossible.Thinking he was imagining things, Prince Ron tried to move again but Zedekiel seized his waist, preventing him from moving an inch. Prince Ron winced fr
The shorter skeleton spoke, voice lighter now. "My sons, you all finally came back." It sounded relieved. "Where’s Zedekiel? And my sister?"The taller one added eagerly, "Were you guys able to get Ron back? Is that why you’re here now?"It all suddenly dawned on Ludiciel who the skeletons were and his eyes burned with unshed tears as he forced himself to speak, voice barely above a whisper, "Mother?... Mariel?""Ludiciel," The shorter skeleton laughed, a sound filled with both sorrow and joy. "I knew you'd recognize us. Unlike your little brothers who are hiding behind you."Tariel and Sariel peered cautiously from behind Ludiciel and Talon, their eyes wide with uncertainty. "Brother, are those really…?"Prince Ludiciel inhaled sharply, willing himself to believe what his heart already knew. With a flick of his wrist, he dispelled the illusion he had unknowingly placed upon them.The moment the magic faded, there they stood.The Queen Mother, regal and serene, draped in flowing pale
Talon sneered, yanking him closer. "Necromancers are always weak as shit. You hide behind your army, and everyone thinks you're powerful. Look at you now. You're nothing without your magic."Hugh's swollen eyes flickered open, and to Talon’s surprise, he started laughing—a wet, gurgling disgusting sound that make Talon want to rip his throat out."You think that's all I have up my sleeve?" Hugh rasped, his lips curling into a wicked grin. His gaze flicked downward.Talon followed his eyes and felt the faintest prickling sensation crawling up his legs."You think humans and animals are the only ones whose skeletons I can call upon?" Hugh sneered. "I can call upon even insects! Those ants will bite at you till you die! Even if you kill me, they won't stop until there’s nothing left but your bones, and I will gladly add you, Phoenix King, to my army!"Talon scoffed. "Oh really?"Without hesitation, his body ignited in a pillar of flames. His form shifted, his flesh turning into golden-re
"Zedekiel," he whispered shyly as he took Zedekiel’s hands in his.Zedekiel’s brows furrowed slightly in concern. "What is it? Did that thing do anything to you?" he whispered back, brushing a soft kiss against Ron’s temple. "Are you uncomfortable anywhere?"Prince Ron shook his head, biting his lip nervously. "No, it’s not that. It’s just... there’s something you need to know."Zedekiel frowned, concerned. "What is it, love? You can tell me anything."Prince Ron took a deep shaky breath, about to tell his beloved about their babies when his gaze landed on his belly and his eyes widened in utter disbelief. He completely froze as he tried to process what he was seeing.There, protruding before him, was his enormous, round belly. It was so large that he couldn’t even see his own feet.He suddenly let out a tiny squeak of horror, his face going pale and before anyone could say anything, Ron’s eyes rolled back, and he fainted on the spot.Zedekiel looked at everyone and they all began to
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