"Cloaked?" The Queen Mother asked, taking a seat at the wooden round table in the middle of an empty small room.Zedekiel nodded as he took a seat across from her. "Always."Prince Ludiciel sighed as he took the last seat. "Mother, I do not know why you even bother asking if this room is cloaked when you know it always is. No one knows about this room except us.""Well, you cannot help but be careful," The Queen Mother said, adjusting her flower crown which the twins had made for her with the help of Prince Ron. It was a mix of red and white roses which matched her crimson-coloured dress. "The walls have ears."Zedekiel cleared his throat and placed a sheet of paper on the table. "This is the list the prisoner gave. Every single Shadow spy and assassin of Ashenmore hiding in this Kingdom is here. What do you suggest we do, Mother?"The Queen Mother was taken aback by the question. "You're asking me?"Stunned, King Zedekiel and Prince Ludiciel shared a confused look."Of course Mother.
"I'm just saying you can start anew, my son," she said. "Do not let these doubts hold you back. You heard what the Mother Tree said. You have to open your heart and trust. I know it in my heart that that human will never betray you or us."Prince Ludiciel nodded. "He was sticking to you like an octopus this evening. Something tells me you do not have to put in too much effort to get the human to fall in love with you. It will happen naturally."Oh if only he knew.Zedekiel closed his eyes and took a deep breath. During the interrogation of the prisoner, he had listened to the Prince's heartbeat as well. He would have detected lies had there been any. It was either that or the human was a very good liar but he didn't want to think that.Doubt.He really had to stop doubting."He said he didn't care if we were Elves," Zedekiel said, opening his violet-coloured eyes.Stunned, The Queen Mother and Prince Ludiciel stared at him, their eyes wide.Zedekiel smiled a little. "I was also shocke
"Why did what happen? Tell me" Prince Kayziel urged. "Is it going to affect my plans?"Prince Ron shook his head. Rather, it was going to affect his own plans. "Do you remember The Shadows, Prince Kayziel?"Hearing those words, the Elf Spirit's expression went sour. "Those evil humans!" he spat."Well, those evil humans are back. The prisoner we interrogated today is one of them."Prince Kayziel gasped. "I thought they didn't exist anymore.""They didn't. Someone brought them back," Prince Ron said. "And that person is from my Kingdom. I don't know who but I feel like my sister knows. She knows all our Kingdom secrets.""Well, what do you expect?" Prince Kayziel asked. "She's a Princess and you're an illegitimate Ashenmore."Prince Ron groaned. He wanted to tell the Elf that he was actually the Crown Prince but that would bring a lot of problems between them so he shoved those thoughts away. "I managed to get the prisoner to talk and the prison guards are compiling a list of all the s
Prince Ron walked out of the bathroom wearing fluffy white night robes. They were light and comfortable. His russet curls were damp, slightly sticking to his forehead and nape. He smelled like roses and the servants wheeling in the trays of food were mesmerised by his dainty appearance."Oh, am I having dinner in here?" he asked, pleasantly surprised. He gazed at the different variety of foods on each tray and his mouth watered. There were different kinds of meat. Grilled, boiled, roasted, and stewed with sides of vegetables and fish. There were also fruits and rice with things that looked like flatbread or they could be pancakes. He wasn't sure but everything looked delicious. There wasn't a kind of food in the world Prince Ron didn't love. Except if it tastes bitter but which food does?"Yes, Your Highness." The head servant, an elderly man answered with a bow. "The Queen Mother said that you have not yet recovered from your injuries and you asserted yourself by helping our King int
Prince Ron turned to find Prince Ludiciel watching them with a smile on his face.The human Prince and his brother looked so adorable. "I was thinking about whether to join you two or not. After all, the food is too much for you two to finish. I may as well eat here." He took a step forward but the immediate chilling glares he received froze him on the spot."Who says it's too much? Go eat with everyone else." Prince Ron said, frowning as he waved him off. "Shoo, Shoo."Zedekiel didn't even need to talk. His warning glare and the barrier stopping Prince Ludiciel from taking any step closer said it all.Prince Ludiciel couldn't help but laugh. Was this the King who kept saying things about the human Prince in the hidden room? The one whose mind was filled with doubts? He had already seen what he wanted to see. If the Prince wasn't romantically interested in Zedekiel then he would shave his entire head. It was only left for Zedekiel to go in for the kill."Alright alright, I'll leave. H
Zedekiel had never felt the intense need to just kiss someone senseless like now. The human looked so desirable, sitting there in white like a perfect little Angel. Coupled with his sweet words, the need to claim those soft red lips was becoming intense."That's good to know." He said with a nod. His voice was deep and velvety smooth but if the Prince listened carefully, he would have unearthed the heaviness, tinged with desire."It's nothing. Could you please pass me the jug? I need some water." Prince Ron said. There was a sweet feeling in his heart and the way Zedekiel gazed at him with those piercing eyes made him blush deep. He needed to get it together.Yes. Some cool water would definitely make him stop blushing.Instead of passing the entire jug, Zedekiel took it upon himself to pour the human some water into a golden cup and hand it to him.The Prince was pleasantly surprised. He didn't think his beloved would actually pour him some water. Prince Ron didn't know if it was jus
"I feel like I haven't seen you in ages dear brother," Princess Rose said with a smile, ruffling her brother's hair. "And we live under the same roof."Prince Ron giggled, staring up at his sister. "Don't be silly sister. We had breakfast together this morning."Princess Rose scoffed, pulling him away from her body by his hair. "Do I have no right to miss you anymore?""Ouch ouch ouch!" Prince Ron exclaimed, escaping from her clutches. "That hurt and watch the hair! It is my greatest asset!""I thought your skin was your greatest asset," Princess Rose said.Prince Ron pursed his lips, grumbling. "Well, that too.""And your eyes. And lips and nails and teeth.""I get it, I get it! The whole me is my greatest asset!""You're such a baby" Princess Rose smiled, shaking her head. She then turned to see the dinner table piled with food. "Were you and the King having dinner?"Prince Ron quickly returned to the table and resumed eating. "Yes." He said with a mouthful of chicken. "I haven't fu
Netheridge Royal Kitchen..."Is that the last of them?" a long-haired Elf servant asked a human servant as they tied a red ribbon on a gift basket.The human servant nodded. "That's it. I think we're finally done here.""I can't believe the Prince of Ashenmore is going to share the gift baskets to every citizen of Netheridge tomorrow. Isn't this too much?" a lanky-looking Elf servant asked.One of the human servants laughed. "Too much? You guys are lucky. Your population isn't even half of ours. Anytime His Highness is in a good mood, he orders the Royal Kitchen to bake sweet pastries for the entire Kingdom!""Oh oh, can you remember His Highness's last birthday?" another human servant asked.A female human facepalmed. "How can I forget? He made us bake two giant cakes and made the entire Kingdom stay awake until midnight to celebrate his birthday.""But isn't the Prince supposed to just hold a birthday banquet and invite Royals from other Kingdoms?" The lanky Elf asked."Our Prince n
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
Prince Ron’s attention, however, was immediately drawn to the weird and spooky looking lantern. His emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity as he pointed at the lantern. "What is that?" he asked, staring at the glowing light. He had never seen such a lantern before. Could it be a genie? He wouldn’t be surprised if it was though. He fell in love with his sister’s husband to be who turned out to be an Elf, married him while having sex under the moonlight and was now carrying his babies. He had also been kidnapped by a deranged Elf and was saved by his beloved who brought along a weak rude witch. They even battled the Dark Lord from hell who came to take him away and some hours ago, he was possessed by an evil uncle Elf spirit. Seeing a genie now who could grant three of his wishes would not surprise him at all.Although, he did truly wish it was a genie. His first wish would be to have more stamina so he could go long hours in bed with his beloved! He could never forget the way his beloved