"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
With his hand over Prince Ron's, Zedekiel raised their elbows, pulling the arrow back until the bow felt tight and their hands were right beside Prince Ron's ear."I want you to clear your mind, Prince Ron." He said gently. His voice was warm, washing away any remnant of nervousness or anxiety in Prince Ron. "I want you to focus and think of nothing else but the target. Treat the bow as if it's an extension of your own body. You are in control. Do you understand?"Prince Ron nodded sharply. His beloved's voice was calm and soothing. It also carried with it something that made Prince Ron want to believe in himself. For so many years, teacher after teacher kept pouring in to teach him archery, sword fighting, and anything a Crown Prince was supposed to learn but he preferred to laze about, eat snacks and read books. Sometimes dances with his grandmother or goes on adventures in town with his grandfather, disguised as citizens. He never took any of his lessons seriously and he never felt
"Correcting your posture" Zedekiel answered innocently. He ran a finger along Prince Ron's spine, making Prince Ron arch his back, trying to get away from the tingling sensation. Well, Zedekiel would never let that happen. "No no, that's too much. Come back a little." He pressed on the Prince's chest, fixing his stance. Prince Ron was starting to sweat. Did his beloved realise what he was doing at all? It was taking everything in him to control himself. If he got hard on the field, all the Elves would smell his arousal! Seeing that Prince Ron was completely disoriented, Zedekiel decided to stop torturing him. There would be ample time for that. After all, they were sharing a room. He placed a hand over Prince Ron's, steadying his hold on the bow and arrow. "Breathe." He whispered and Prince Ron did as he said. It was like a reflex. As if his body was programmed to do exactly what his beloved said. With his newfound calmness, Prince Ron's eyes focused on the target and he aime
Prince Ludiciel’s chest heaved as he fought, his sword a blur as he cut down another soldier. His muscles ached, and sweat dripped down his face. It seemed like there was no end to the soldiers and each one was stronger than a bull. He didn't know how it was possible but he knew that Prince Ron was behind everything. "Brother! Get up and fight! We need your help!" he shouted, turning to look at Zedekiel who was still on his knees.Zedekiel didn't seem to hear him though. He remained on his knees, lost in a daze as he stared at Ron. He still couldn't wrap his head around what was happening. Wasn't it just yesterday that they were kissing and saying the words 'I love you' to each other? What went wrong? What did he miss?Prince Ludiciel’s frustration boiled over. With a roar, he shoved the soldier in front of him, sending the man stumbling backward before slashing his throat with a quick, brutal strike. Blood sprayed across the floor as he roared, "ZEDEKIEL!!!"The force of his shout sn
Zedekiel felt his blood run cold. How did he not know they were there? Were his senses dulled because of his weakened state? But why did he feel so weak in the first place? He couldn't take a single step without his body aching. What was happening?Not to forget about Prince Ron who had never spoken so harshly before. In fact, he had never heard Prince Ron curse before. If it weren't for the pain he was currently experiencing, he would think he was having a nightmare.“What… what is happening?” Zedekiel rasped, directing the question at Prince Ludiciel.Prince Ludiciel gritted his teeth in anger, glaring at Prince Ron. "You were right all along brother. Prince Ron played us from the start. We should have killed him long ago. I can't believe we've been so blind.""What?..." Zedekiel whispered, unable to believe Prince Ludiciel's words. "What are you talking about?"Prince Kayziel suddenly burst out laughing. What a bunch of fools. To think they couldn't even recognize his soul.Crying,
Hugh and the soldiers stood in a tense semi-circle around Prince Ron’s body, their eyes flicking nervously between each other and the still form on the stone slab. The wind had died down, and the chilling wails of the dead had faded, leaving behind an eerie silence. Hugh’s brow furrowed as he glanced at the unmoving Prince. Did the soul transfer not work? Did he make a mistake?“It’s been ten minutes. Are you sure it worked?” one of the soldiers asked, his voice edged with panic. If it didn't work and Zedekiel wakes up, they'd all be in deep trouble.“We followed the instructions in the book to the letter,” Hugh replied, though his own voice betrayed his worry. He bit his lip, staring intently at Prince Ron’s closed eyes. “I recited the words clearly. We made all the sacrifices. Prince Ron gave his body willingly. It should have worked.”“Fuck.” another soldier cursed under his breath, pacing anxiously. “If this doesn’t work, the King will have our heads when he wakes up and there’s n
"Just shut up!" Prince Kayziel snapped, irritated "Must you know everything?!"Prince Ron frowned. Wasn't it just a question? Why was the Elf spirit so agitated? Before could retort, Hugh gazed at him with unexpected kindness, his eyes soft beneath the shadow of his hood. "The line guides the soul to its home," he explained quietly, ignoring Prince Kayziel’s glare. "Without it, there'll be no path for the soul to follow and both your souls may cease to exist. The line is necessary.""Hugh!" Prince Kayziel shouted, his voice sharp as he shot the man a warning look."There’s no harm in telling him, Your Highness," Hugh responded calmly. "After all, his soul is about to be put to slumber forever."Prince Kayziel scoffed, rolling his eyes, but didn’t argue further. "Just hurry up. Zedekiel must not wake up before we finish." He wanted no interruptions. He had been looking forward to this day for a long long time. The day he would have a body and be free to do as he wishes.Prince Ron wond
Prince Kayziel’s grin went even wider. "With pleasure."The night deepened as they arrived at the area of the glade where the hunting competition had taken place four days ago. Now, it had transformed into something far more sinister.In the center of the clearing was a massive circle drawn into the earth, marked with ancient symbols and runes. At its heart were two large stone tombs, their surfaces flat, smooth and cold. The ground around the circle was stained a deep, sickening red, the earth saturated with dried blood. A pungent, rancid smell filled the air, thick and choking.Prince Ron instinctively covered his nose, grimacing. "Ugh why does it stink so much?" he asked, his voice muffled through his hand."It’s blood," Prince Kayziel replied nonchalantly as his pearl rolled into the bloodstained circle. "How do you expect it to smell after being here for four days? I planned this on the day of the hunting competition but you and Zedekiel just had to disappear. It’s alright, thoug
After Hugh drew the last symbol on the ground and went back to his post, Prince Kayziel raised an eyebrow, looking at Prince Ron. "Are you sure you want to do this?" "Yes." Prince Ron’s replied, his voice firm. "You start first." Prince Kayziel sighed, shaking his head slightly. He placed his hand over his chest and looked up into the sky, taking a deep breath then began reciting the oath; "I, Prince Kayziel, swear upon the Earth Spirit, keeper of nature, that I will uphold my end of this deal. I will spare the lives of Zedekiel’s family and cure them of the poison that afflicts them. I will not harm any of them before or after the transfer of the soul. In return, Prince Ron will willingly give me his body to inhabit. And if Prince Ron breaks the oath and refuses to give me his body, may his soul remain in the underworld for eternity after his death." Prince Kayziel’s words hung in the air like a curse. The faint glow of the fairy dust intensified as the Earth Spirit bore witness
Prince Kayziel raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Prince Ron’s sudden show of defiance. He circled the human Prince slowly, his dark energy swirling around him like a cloak of shadow. "All or nothing?" he repeated, his voice dripping with amusement. "Do you really think you’re in a position to make such demands, Ron? You have nothing to bargain with. You’re just a human—powerless, weak and yet, here you are, thinking you can dictate the terms.""Oh I believe I can." Prince Ron said as he stood up, staring him square in the eyes. "I'm not as weak and powerless as you paint me to be, Kayziel. The way I see it, I'm the crux of your entire plan. You need me to give up my body. If I don't, you will remain a powerless spirit for eternity."Prince Kayziel scoffed. "You're not that important. I can just get another body.""Then why go through all the trouble of poisoning Zedekiel’s entire family?" Prince Ron asked, watching the way Prince Kayziel’s form tensed. Knowing he was right, he f
Prince Ron’s heart began to pound, his body trembling as he took a shaky step towards his beloved. It was if the whole world was plunged in darkness and he couldn't hear anything but his own rapidly beating heart.He walked slowly, recalling the way Zedekiel used to be. Everything, right from the very first day they met to their wonderful short honeymoon flashed before his eyes. He let out a choked sob as his knees gave out and he collapsed by his beloved's side. His trembling hands grabbed Zedekiel’s hands just to find them cold. They felt like ice in his palms, like holding the hands of a corpse which were frozen solid.“What did you do?!” He screamed, tears streaming down his face as he turned to look at the Elf spirit with pure horror.Prince Kayziel smiled, a sickening grin of pride and satisfaction. “Beautiful, aren’t they?” He gestured lazily toward Zedekiel’s family. “They’ve all been poisoned by iron, but with a little twist. I used dark magic to control the poison’s potency.
"P-Poison?" Prince Ron stuttered, shocked. "What are you talking about? How did that happen?"Prince Kayziel shook his head in mild exasperation, his ghostly form flickering as he observed Prince Ron. For all his occasional cleverness, the human could still be rather dense at times. Before he could even respond to Ron's question, the flap of the tent opened, and a man wearing a dark cloak entered, bowing respectfully."Your Highness, everything is ready," the man announced.Prince Ron blinked, confused. "What is ready? I didn’t ask you to get anything ready."Prince Kayziel let out a small chuckle. "He's talking to me," he clarified before turning to the man. "Good. Carry the vessel to the altar. And remember, do not dispel the spell. I don't want it running away.""Yes, Your Highness," the cloaked man answered. He walked over to where Prince Ron sat, his steely frightening gaze locked onto him.Panic surged through Prince Ron. "Vessel? What vessel? What are you—" But his words were c