“So...what happened to ‘We will not let Princess Rose interrupt’?” Zedekiel asked, staring at his mother and Prince Ludiciel with his arms folded.The duo sipped their tea while staring at anything but King Zedekiel.They were in the Queen Mother's chambers. Zedekiel had met two of them while having tea while playing a game of chess.Zedekiel groaned. He was annoyed about Princess Rose’s interruption last night. If his mother and brother had done exactly what they needed to do, he wouldn’t have had to steal a kiss from the human Prince. It was so sneaky of him and he felt like he had cheated the human or something. Stealing a kiss was not very gentlemanly of a Royal Elf but he didn't regret any bit of it.He enjoyed the kiss. A lot more than he had thought he would but it would have been better if he did it while the human was awake. At least he wouldn’t be keeping all these feelings bottled in. They would have been able to talk about it and he would know where they stand. He wouldn't
"Which is?" Prince Ludiciel asked."Everlily, Your Highness." the Royal Physician replied. "The nectar of the Everlily is odourless and colourless but very deadly. No one could have known that it was mixed in his water.""But how?" Zedekiel asked, distressed. "Wasn't he being closely watched? I anticipated this so I made security tighter than usual. I even changed the servants that delivered his meals to the ones I trust the most. How could this still happen?""I do not know, Brother," Prince Ludiciel said. "But what I do know is that Everlily is illegal and whoever did this had it smuggled into the Kingdom.""It pains me to say this, Your Majesty, but it also has to be one of our people." the Royal Physician. "Only they had access to the prisoner."Zedekiel already knew that that was the case. How else would he have been poisoned if a citizen of Netheridge wasn't involved? "It could have been any of the servants," he said. "In fact, it could have been a kitchen staff."He knew that T
"And that, ladies, gentlemen, and children is how I singlehandedly took down a large bear!" Prince Ron shouted and the crowd went wild!The men, ladies and children, all cheered, whistling and clapping. Who knew that the human Prince was so brave! He looked delicate, as if he had never suffered a moment in his life but it turns out he had even fought a bear! What a man!"Your Highness, Your Highness, tell us another story!" One of the kids shouted and everyone agreed. Prince Ron was such a good storyteller. They wanted to hear about all his adventures in Ashenmore.Some of the men thought that Prince Ron would make a really good spouse. Not only was he insanely pretty but he could tell stories and he was good with children.The women thought he was their dream come true. Such a strong handsome Prince. Ah, If only he wasn't a Prince...Prince Ron chuckled nervously, sipping on his juice which was one of Netheridge's specialties made of a rare kind of blue grapefruit and lemon. It had a
'Looking fine as hell' he thought. 'That's also how I found out that my sister's husband-to-be was the love of my life.'"Then ladies, gentlemen, and children, the fight began." Prince Ron said, swinging his fork. "Seeing his brother at my mercy, the King threw a dagger at my throat but how could he hit me when I have such fast reflexes? I dodged the dagger and ran towards him with my raised sword. He also drew out his sword and CLANG!" He acted as if he was fighting someone right on the table. "We clashed in the middle of the throne room!"The audience let out excited gasps and squeals."The King was extremely strong," Prince Ron continued, acting as if he was struggling against someone. "I felt the vibrations from the force of the collision in my body and it hurt but I couldn't back down. I had to stand up for my sister. And so, I used all the strength in my body to knock the King's sword out of his hand!"Everyone gasped."And then I grabbed him and threw him over my shoulder in on
"This is so exciting, don't you think so?" Princess Mariel asked Princess Rose who was standing beside her, gazing at the performers with disgust."Yeah if you enjoy watching people waste their time and harm themselves then I suppose you could call it exciting." Princess Rose replied, not impressed at all by the men playing with fire.She had no idea why Ron would throw such a party. She was expecting something regal but she should have known it would be anything but that considering Ron's personality.Princess Mariel rolled her eyes, wishing she didn't get stuck with Princess Rose. Earlier when they had arrived, Zedekiel seemed to know exactly where Prince Ron was and said he would bring him but he hadn't. She was getting tired of waiting. Mostly due to Princess Rose but she just wanted the human Prince to come already. She had a whole list of things written down for them to do.They would watch the performances, buy some items from the night market, maybe couple bracelets or rings,
Prince Ron scoffed looking confident. "You think a slingshot is the only weapon I can use? I have more tricks up my sleeve, Frederick.""Oh really? Like what?"Prince Ron chuckled. Just wait and see you crazy Elf. He lifted his robes and turned around. "Eat my dust!"And he dashed into the woods.What new tricks? To a man who could crush stones with his fingers, any trick would be child's play! Prince Ron didn't even turn to see if the crazy Elf was following him. He focused on running and getting away. He had to find his beloved as fast as he could. Only his beloved could fight an Elf like Fredrick.But then, where was he and where was he running to? All he could see were trees, trees and more trees. Ah, why was he so talkative? If he had paid attention, he would have realised that they were taking the wrong road! He wouldn't be in such a situation. Running away from a deranged Elf.He ran and ran, dodging branches and snapping twigs until his legs started to hurt and he decided to r
Zedekiel was enraged. It wasn't hard for him to put two and two together. He raised his hand, about to snap Frederick's neck when Frederick chanted some foreign words and suddenly disappeared. It was like he was never there. Only his blood and the broken tree were evidence that he was indeed there.'When you finally understand what I'm talking about, I want you to think of how I stole him from you every time and what I've done to him every single night right until his death.'Frederick's words echoed in Zedekiel's mind over and over again. The fury in his heart blazed the more he thought about it. His violet-coloured eyes went dark, like plums and the tips of his ears grew long. He gritted his teeth, balling his fists as he tried to curb his anger. There was no doubt. Frederick was talking about Prince Ron.To even imagine Prince Ron with Frederick was eating him inside out. What could have happened all those years? Who was Prince Ron really? A reincarnation? But of whom? What was goi
"Your Majesty" Princess Rose suddenly called. She walked towards them and linked her arm with Zedekiel's. "I have been waiting for you. Come, there are several things I wish to see tonight."There actually wasn't. She despised the party but she would do anything to get the King alone.Prince Ron instantly scowled but tried his best to hide his displeasure. The conniving husband snatcher. Must his sister always try to claim him?Zedekiel wanted to fling Princess Rose off his arm. She was like a little leech. Did she need him to see things with her? She was the one who wanted to see so she should go see. Alone. If he left, who knew what Princess Mariel would do with the human Prince? He wasn't about to take any chances. Not when the human Prince was already warming up to him."What do you wish to see, dear sister?" Prince Ron asked. Like he would let her have his beloved to herself. All is fair in love and war! "I want to see too. Let's all go together. This Kingdom fascinates me."He s
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