Zedekiel glanced at the human Prince's hands which were holding Prince Ludiciel’s sleeves and he frowned deeply. He knew how cute it was when Prince Ron held his sleeve. It was like the human was depending on him for support. He didn't like seeing him hold another person's. Even if the person was his brother. He kept thinking of ways to separate the two and also get away from Princess Rose whose nails were digging into his bicep."Not at all, Your Highness." The snake woman laughed. "Besides, Gemma doesn't bite. Here, you can start by touching her tail." She held out Gemma's tail, patiently waiting for the Prince to touch it.Princess Mariel gritted her teeth. She wanted to be the one Prince Ron was holding. She would have shown Prince Ron that the snake was harmless but she too was scared of snakes.Prince Ron wanted to touch the snake but at the same time, he was too scared. What if the snake gets angry, turns and bites him? Even If she wasn't poisonous, the bite would still hurt. H
Prince Ron winced at his beloved's harsh words. He felt bad for his sister but he was elated to know that his beloved held no feelings for her. This means he had a big fat chance to win his beloved's heart!Princess Rose was vibrating with anger. She wanted to lash out and scream at him but she knew it would only tarnish her image of a proper Princess so she balled her fists, gritted her teeth and forcefully lowered her head. "My apologies, Your Majesty. I was out of line. This shall never repeat itself."This left everyone dumbfounded.Prince Ludiciel and Princess Mariel were sure that she would explode with anger but what was this?Prince Ron suddenly had a feeling of dread. His sister never apologises. At least not easily. There was something fishy going on. Or was she truly in love with Zedekiel that she was willing to change? Zedekiel also thought it was weird but she had already apologised. There was nothing more he could say. He could only be wary of her. "Apologies accepted."
"So you won't win me that blue bird?" Princess Mariel asked with a pout. "I was really looking forward to it."'Win it yourself!' was what Prince Ron wanted to shout. He wasn't going to embarrass himself in front of his beloved.Princess Rose giggled. "Don't mind my brother. I'm sure he wants a pet. He just doesn't know how to shoot an arrow. You see, ever since he was a child, he never took an interest in such things. He can't properly weird a sword either. That's why he walks around with a slingshot."Prince Ron went red with embarrassment. He stared at his sister, wondering why she would expose him like that. Those kinds of things were supposed to be between them. What was she trying to do? Humiliate him so she could look better in front of Zedekiel?Everyone stared at Prince Ron, wondering, what Crown Prince wouldn't know how to shoot an arrow? It was extremely embarrassing."Oh there's no need to be shy, dear brother" she said with a smile when she noticed how embarrassed he was.
What she feared the most was that Ron was an expert at aiming. There was nothing he couldn't hit with his slingshot. If he learned how to shoot arrows, he would be a formidable foe. She couldn't let that happen."Your Majesty, you do not have to teach him" she quickly said. "This is a game, not a training ground. I already said I would win him a pet.""Winning one himself is a better feat don't you think, Princess Rose?" Zedekiel asked, turning to look at her."But Your Majesty, my brother doesn't like such activities." she insisted. She knew the way her brother's mind worked. If he became good at shooting arrows, he would want to learn how to wield a sword properly. If the King offered to teach him that too, Ashenmore would be even harder for her to grasp. She needed Ron to remain her naive little brother. That way, they wouldn't have to fight each other when she comes for the throne."Right, Brother?" she asked Prince Ron. "Think about your palms. If you get used to shooting arrows,
"But I can't" Prince Ron refused. He would never betray his beloved. "Besides, I also want the Fox.""Oh, can't you let me have it?" She whined. "There are lots of other pets you can have. Don't be a baby. What will the future King of Ashenmore be doing with a Fox? That animal is more fit for ladies."Prince Ron scoffed. "And since when did you get to decide what animal fits what gender? Then again, weren't you the one who told everyone I can't shoot and I can't wield a sword? I never expected you to do such a thing to me, sister. I was really hurt. In fact, I still am so don't expect me to give up the Fox for you. You're a great archer so what are you afraid of? Fight fairly for the Fox."And with that, he strolled back to his beloved's side. If she hadn't done what she did, maybe he could have considered giving her the Fox but she really hurt him and it would take a while to forget what she had done.Princess Mariel had already finished speaking to Zedekiel and was adding six more a
But then, what if it was possible? After all, his beloved is an Elf. A Royal Elf for that matter. Was there anything beyond his capabilities?Then again, Prince Ron recalled that he was definitely a bottom so if anyone was to give birth, it would be him and he wasn't an Elf. Nor did he have any magic. It wasn't possible. It's not like he could just rearrange and replace his internal organs to bear a child.The image of Zedekiel as a child which he had seen in Prince Kayziel's past suddenly popped up in his mind and he sighed. His beloved was the epitome of beauty. With long silver hair, intense violet-coloured eyes, pale smooth skin, mixed with his own red hair, creamy skin and emerald-coloured eyes, their children will be envied by the world!Oh, what cute babies they would make! He could picture them all. He and his beloved with two little cuties. Male or female, it didn't matter. And then their little Snow Fox.That was it! Next time he entered the library to search for the Soul Tr
Princess Rose scoffed, taking another arrow. "That was just a warm-up. That's how I shoot. I was just getting familiar with the bow and the distance."Prince Mariel chuckled. "Yeah right. Let's see you make an actual shot first."Fixing her stance, Princess Rose gritted her teeth as she glared at the target. She had never missed a shot. Never! What was wrong now? She fired the next arrow and this one went even farther than the target.Prince Ron and Prince Ludiciel couldn't keep it in this time. They burst out laughing and the entire audience did too. Including Princess Mariel."What the hell is going on!" Princess Rose growled, throwing the bow away. "There's something wrong with that one. Give me another bow!""All that boasting isn't working out for you now, is it?" Princess Mariel teased.Princess Rose was quickly given another bow by the snake woman's assistant.How dare they laugh at their future Queen?! She would show them! She couldn't believe even Ron was laughing at her. She
Now facing the target with Zedekiel behind him, Prince Ron had so many questions in his head.What was going on???? Why was his beloved acting like this? He was even taking the initiative to touch him and teach him things. What happened to 'filthy Ashenmores'? The ones with 'dirty blood'? What happened to the whole 'I hate Ashenmores' stuff? How did it all just disappear?Prince Ron suddenly paled. His beloved wasn't trying to poison him right?Now that he thought about it, his beloved had been really nice for the past few days. Especially since they interrogated that prisoner. His attitude had changed drastically and he wasn't making snappy remarks or glaring at him all the time like he used to. He hadn't even attempted to kill him too!He gasped. Could his beloved be trying to make him lower his guard so he could attack?But if one thought well about it, It's not like Prince Ron had any guard up against Zedekiel in the first place. The Prince was as free as a bird in the sky and as
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