Fear made Ron nearly fall to his knees. Nearly, for the silver haired man caught him before his body made contact with the floor.
Ron fell into a warm gentle embrace. He raised his head, parting his long lashes to look at the man holding him. Cold violet eyes stared straight at the running man. Ron felt that there such a huge contrast between being in his arms and those beautiful eyes. "Don't chase him" he said, making those plum coloured orbs stare down at him. "He has never killed a person. I could tell, believe me. If he had, he wouldn't have hesitated so much to kill me. I doubt he would even hurt a fly after what he has witnessed today so please, don't go after him"The fear he initially felt disappeared without a trace. Something told him that the man would not hurt him. The man nodded. "You're injured" he said, eyes sweeping down to look at the bleeding wound on Ron's neck. His voice was deep, alluring and magnetic, tugging at Ron's heartstrings. Perfect. Just perfect!Ron was confused. When did he get hurt? The man carried him like a bride to a nearby tree and set him down, resting his back against the trunk. Ron watched as the man took out a bottle of water and a white handkerchief. He soaked a part of the handkerchief and pressed it to his neck. Ron hissed at the sudden sting. So it was true. He did get hurt."Who are you?" he asked. "Why did you save me? Why are you helping me?"The man didn't reply. Instead, he gently and calmly cleaned Ron's injury, then wiped the drops of blood on his face. "Why do you want to know about the North?" he asked a while later. Ron was shocked. "H-How did you know that I want to know about the North?" Then Ron facepalmed. If this was a trick, then he had fallen for it."A young poor looking man walks into a tavern and pays the bartender a gold coin for one cup of ginger ale. It's very suspicious" the man replied. "It's also very easy for me to threaten the same bartender to tell me what you talked about. Besides, I heard you say 'King in the North'. Why are you trying to find out about him? What business do you have with him?"A drop of sweat rolled down the side of Ron's forehead. So he was that loud. He also couldn't tell the truth. "Uh...". He was trying to think of a smart excuse. "Well... you see... I uh... I'm a merchant! Yes and I uh.. I heard the North strongly deals in jewelry. I've never heard of the place before so I was naturally suspicious. That's why I went to get information"Ron didn't know if the handsome man believed him or not but the man didn't say anything. After he finished cleaning up the wound, he pressed two fingers on the thin line.Ron watched as the man closed his eyes and muttered a few words. He felt a tingly itchy sensation on this throat. He wanted to scratch it but he didn't dare move. The silver haired man stopped muttering after some seconds then pulled away. Ron's hand immediately flew to his neck. He touched and touched but there was noting there. There was no pain either!His eyes widened. "Amazing! Wow! What did you do? I don't feel it anymore. There's nothing there!" The gasped as realization dawned on him. His eyes widened and he pointed at the man. "Y-Y-Y-Y-You're a sorcerer!"Sorcerers are humans who mingled with the Elves and learnt their magic. There were different kinds of sorcerers in the world but they were gradually hunted and killed after the Elves were deemed extinct. He couldn't believe there was one right in front of him!The corners of the man's lips tugged up. "Scared?"Ron shook his head. "Not at all! But wait". He stretched his hands under the man's hair and felt his ears. The man's face went dark and he growled. "What are you doing?!"He quickly took back his hands, wearing a nervous smile. "Just checking to see if you're an Elf""And if I were?"Ron gave him the purest most sincere smile. "I'd marry you"The man was stunned for a long time and when Ron was starting to think he was frozen or something, he spoke carefully; "You'd marry an Elf?"Ron sighed, wearing a sad expression. "Of course. If only they were still alive. I'd definitely court and marry one". He didn't know the real reason for the war between humans and Elves. With time, even the truth was blurred but he found Elves really cool. He just wished they were still alive."...A man?""What? You have a problem against men who like men?" he asked, looking offended.The man shook his head. "No"Ron chuckled. "I was not mad. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. What people think about me doesn't matter to me. Besides , I can't control the way they think"Just like the way he has no control over his own life. Everything of his was planned by his father, grooming him to become the perfect King. The silver haired man stared at Ron for a while. Then he said took out a necklace. This necklace was glistening under the moonlight. It was a pale blue colour almost looking like white. He stuffed it into Ron's hand and Ron hissed at the sudden coldness. "What is this?" he asked, staring at the necklace in wonder. There were two initials on the small round pendant. 'Z.N'"Ice crystal"Ron's eyes widened, recalling Old Jack's words. So it was real! "You're from the North?"The man nodded. "If you ever come to the North, show this to the guards at the main gate. They'll bring you to me right away""B-But why?""Didn't you say you're a merchant and you want to do business with the North?"Ron remembered his lie and nodded firmly, looking as if he earnestly wanted to do trade. "Of course of course"The man gave him a stern look. "Keep it safe. Only bring it out in the North. If people see it here, I'm afraid they'll kill you for it. Find me and I'll help you with your business"This sounded like goodbye. Ron wanted him to stay a bit longer but the man stood and flicked his sword, sending all the blood off, revealing an ice cold gleaming blade. "Until we meet again"Ron didn't even get to say a thing before white smoke started to surround the man and by the time it was gone, the man had disappeared completely. Ron clutched the necklace to his heart and sighed. He was sure of it. He had fallen in love.Queen Lilian pulled Ron and squished his face into her bosom. Ron struggled and struggled, trying not to get suffocated by the large mounds on her chest but her hold only went tighter and tighter so he gave up and went limp like a wet noodle. "My baby is going so far away" she sobbed, completely shattering her elegance in the face of her family. Ron knew exactly where he got his personality from.His mother might be cool, calm and collected in front of outsiders but with her family, she was just an ordinary person. She behaved exactly the way she wanted to behave. Ron's only problem was that he couldn't act like that. To him, it was like splitting his personality. He'd rather just be himself.King Cain and Princess Rose stood at the side, watching the mother and son. "Mum come on, I'll be back in at least a week or two. You've seen me every single day since I was born. Don't you think you should take a break? Besides, I'm an adult now so stop treating me like a child" Ron complaine
Ron talked and talked. He talked about the novels he read and the wonderful creatures within. He talked about how the brain works and how fun it is to imagine so many things. How amazing it is to just conjure stuff up and make it real in fiction. Everyone felt bored and wished they could just shut him up. It didn't matter if they didn't reply to what he was saying. Prince Ron was very skilled in the arts of talking to oneself. He cracked bad jokes and laughed at them himself. When he felt laughing alone was too boring, he forced the servants to laugh by threatening to punish them by packing horse shit when they return to Ashenmore. Next, he forced them to sing.Poor servants. After two hours, the prince still wasn't done so Leo thought of the only thing that would make him shut up. To put him in the carriage with the princess. If everyone cooperated, the King would not even know. "Prince Ron" he called. "I think you can enter the carriage now. I'll let you come out after a few hour
After a week's journey, Princess Rose, Prince Ron, the guards and the servants that went with them, arrived at the North's main gate. It was very cold so the siblings remained hidden in the carriage while the rest had thick coats on. Their faces were pale. They never knew the North was so cold. How could people survive in such a place?To get to the castle, they had to go through the town. The townspeople all came out to see their soon to be queen but all they saw where half frozen faces and one exquisitely handsome face. It was that of a young man, peeking out of the carriage window. He had soft looking russet curls, brilliant green eyes and a radiant smile. The women who saw this face were swooning. Some men were jealous while others felt it would be nice to have such a beauty to themselves. Prince Ron smiled at every person he made eye contact with. He even winked at some of the women. He felt that Netheridge was full of pretty faces. He hasn't seen a single ugly one. Even the men
Ron nodded and he and Ludiciel started to walk side by side. Ludiciel remained quiet so Ron used the time to look around. His face was straight, devoid of any emotion but his green eyes showed it all. The hidden excitement, the amazement, the joy. He felt like bursting. The Netheridge castle was awesome! It was so large he could hardly see the ceiling but there were lights glowing everywhere, making it look so magical. The walls were painted an icy blue which looked cold to the touch. He wanted to know if it was really cold but that would destroy his princely character so he retracted his hand. He also realized that since they stepped inside, it wasn't cold anymore.Ah pretending was so tiring. He didn't think he could keep up. His back was starting to hurt and his face was feeling a bit stiff. He wondered how his parents could retain such an expression for years. Leo gazed at Ron from time to time. His heart softened at the prince's antics. He knew Ron was a type of person that did
"Do you like him that much, sister?" he asked softly, wanting to make sure.Rose raised her head and looked at Ron right in the eyes. "I've never been so sure about anything in my entire life Ron. I love him and I want to marry him"Ron completely understood what it felt like to love someone even if it's just for a day. His silver haired hero had been on his mind since the day they met. "Don't be sad. I'll go talk to him alright? I'll work something out"The doubt in her eyes were as clear as day. What could Ron do? What had he ever accomplished in his life? Ron didn't like the look. It further strengthened his resolve. "Don't look at me like that sister. You've done so much for me. Let me do something for you too. I'm not saying that I'll succeed but least let me try. You've always told me to never give up without trying haven't you? Do you want to go back on your own words?"Rose shook her head. She couldn't believe Ron remembered such things at a time like this. With that said, al
"I am sorry" King Zedekiel said, standing before Ron. "I didn't want to hurt your sister but I can't go on with this marriage". Every single word spoken was chilling and none of them sounded sincere. As if he was being forced to say it.The hatred he felt was bone deep and he couldn't hide it. He didn't bother trying to sound like he meant what he was saying because he didn't."Why not?" Ron asked. "You asked for her hand yourself and when it was given to you, you want to discard it. Do you think marriage is a joke? Is my sister some toy?" Ron was even more hurt that Zedekiel was right before him but he couldn't recognize him.Then he recalled that he was wearing a disguise that day. That stupid wig and ugly mustache! How he wished he revealed his true identity. Zedekiel shook his head. "I was forced by my Queen mother. The truth is, I do not love your sister. I'll ruin two lives by marrying her. Mine as well as hers. I hope you understand". He talked with a straight face. His words
Zedekiel and Ludiciel froze while Mariel's heart started to beat faster. Before Mariel could answer, Ron sighed and dropped her arm. "Forget it. I'm sorry. I can't do it""What?!" Both brothers shouted. Mariel felt wronged. She wanted to cry."I'm sorry Mariel" Ron apologized again. "I just wanted to prove something to your brother""You!" Zedekiel shouted, jacking Ron up by the collar. "It hurts, doesn't it?" Ron sneered and Zedekiel's hold loosened, gazing at Ron in disbelief. "You don't like seeing your sister hurt just as I don't like seeing mine hurt. Be lucky I didn't go through with the act. I'm not like you. I can't bear to hurt your own sister because she's innocent in all this"Ludiciel let out a tiny smile. So that was Ron's plan. He had also tried to convince Zedekiel not to call it off but he didn't listen. Maybe Ron could make him see reason. Ron placed his palm over Zedekiel's hand. He lightly shivered for the hand was cold. The touch seemed to awaken Zedekiel so he
Prince Ron was running as fast as his legs could carry him, heart thrashing against his rib cage. Why why why why why?! Why did he chose to go snooping around the huge castle? Now he was being chased by so many guards in the middle of the night. If he were caught, Zedekiel would think he came to the North to spy. Ron had never ran so much in his life. He is the lazy type. Always lounging about, eating and reading books. If he ever had the energy to do anything, then it was to prank people or sneak out of the castle.Hearing the thundering footsteps growing louder and louder, Ron increased his speed and took a swift left turn into God knows where.The guards knew the castle like the back of their hands. If he didn't find a place to hide soon, he'd be done for. With this thought in mind, he saw a door that was slightly ajar so he dashed in without a second thought and stealthily pushed it shut. Poor Ron didn't even get a chance to breath when he was suddenly slammed against the door.
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