CHAPTER 5: Immediate Danger

Gian

Gian's private quarters, Kingdom of Howard

"What's on your mind?" The girl sitting in front of Gian asked.

It was sometime around midnight and Gian was enjoying a nightcap with the alluring Duchess Eloisa. She was a girl descended from one of the minor royal families in the Kingdom and Gian's conquest for the night.

It was an open secret that Gian had the eye for the Duchess. He would meet Eloisa out in public and they would go on horse rides and attend galas together. But they were not officially a couple. At least, not yet.

Being in a committed relationship was not high on Gian's to-do list. Besides, Gian would not allow himself to be tied down to one, unless he was sure of his feelings for Eloisa.

"This and that," Gian said as he leaned back on the chair. They were both sitting by the fire in the large sitting room adjacent to private quarters.

Eloisa gathered her hair to one side and leaned forward. "Care to share them with me?"

Gian smiled warmly at her and replied. "Nothing that should worry a pretty head like yours."

Without breaking eye contact, Eloisa stood up and walked towards the fireplace. "I think I can handle it. Try me."

Those words held a deeper meaning that stirred something within Gian. He leaned to grab his untouched glass of port. He took a delicate sip before saying in a low voice. "Dance for me."

Eloisa raised her eyebrows at him. What an odd request. "Will that take your mind off of things?"

"It might, it might not. It is up to you to convince me."

She looked at him through his lashes and gave a coquettish smile. She reached for the silk ribbon in front of her top to undo it and Eloisa started to sway her hips.

Gian smiled and nodded in approval. He took another sip of wine and indulged himself in the feast before him.

Once Eloisa's top was unbuttoned, Gian caught a glimpse of her chest clad in lace and his smiled widened. She was more than prepared for tonight.

Eloisa continued to sensually move to unheard music. Her hands traveled down to her torso. She closed her eyes and let the thrilling sensation envelope her erotic bubble.

Gian watched her every move like a man who hadn't drank water for days. He found himself getting turned on. He felt his pants tightening as he rubbed his thighs for more friction.

He rested his glass of port on the little side table and stalked towards Eloisa like a panther hunting for prey. Eloisa was still slowly gyrating her hips while dipping both her hands to her navel and further down her long skirt. 

       Gian reached for Eloisa's waist and flushed her body against his. Eloisa gasped at the sudden contact and her eyes fluttered open. Gian stared deeply into her deep blue eyes and said, "You're all mine for tonight."

"Not just tonight, My Prince. I'm yours forever." Eloisa breathed.

Gian tried not to think about her response for the time being. He'll have a word with Eloisa once things cool down a bit. But for now, Gian would be having the time of his life.

He crashed his lips against her and kissed her deeply. Eloisa returned the intensity with much gusto. Gian's hand roamed her body and pushed her further into his body. Eloisa moaned at the delicious contact, Gian's body a hard contrast to her soft curves.

Gian ensured that he did not leave out any inch of skin to caress. He moved to kiss Eloisa's neck and she obliged by exposing her neck for easier access.

"Mine." Gian growled. Eloisa whimpered as the sensations were all too much for her.

Gian moved his hand down and groaned as he felt Eloisa's desire through her skirts. He kissed her ear and whispered, "Let's go,"

        Eloisa looked flustered as Gian stepped back to admire her in the low light of the fire. With her swollen lips, unbuttoned top, disheveled hair, and eyes full of desire, she was beautiful.

"Beautiful," Gian breathed.

Warmth flooded through Eloisa's cheeks. Gian definitely had a way with words. No wonder the ladies in the entire Kingdom are all over his feet. Standing in front of him, made Eloisa feel special amongst the maidens in the realm.

Gian reached out his hand for her and she took it. He led her into his bedroom and directed her to the giant bed. Once Eloisa was where Gian wanted her to be, he slowly peeled off her top and let it fall to the floor. The silky material glided off of her skin, leaving goosebumps along the way.

The cold temperature left Eloisa shivering but not exactly freezing. Gian stroked Eloisa's bare arm and she immediately responded by leaning towards his touch. He reached for the clasp of her brassieres and let it fall beside her silk top. Eloisa took the hint and unzipped her skirt. Gian helped her step out of all the clothes and admired her naked form.

Eloisa ultimately felt high under Gian's scrutinizing gaze. "Like what you see?" she breathed.

Gian raked his eyes from top to bottom and met her eyes last. "Absolutely."

Eloisa reached for Gian at the same time he did, so they collided with wild passion. Gian wraped his arms around Eloisa's waist and glided her to the bed behind her. Eloisa landed with a thump and Gian's aggression turned her on even more.

Frantic hands clawing at each other, ragged breaths and moans of ecstasy filled the room. Gian could not get enough of Eloisa's body. He needed to feel her heat and he needed it now.

He quickly unbuttoned his dress shirt and threw it behind him. His belt and pants quickly followed suit. 

"I'm going to fuck you with your high heels on." Gian growled as he ripped off her underwear.

Eloisa gasped at the act. It was scandalous. Something she never thought would come from the Prince's mouth. But it was just what she needed, pure and raw reaction from someone who seems to hide so many things from her.

Gian kissed her so deeply that it elicited a guttural moan from her. Her hands hungrily scratched his back, making him hiss in return. The pain from her long nails aroused him even more that it was bordering discomfort. A good kind of discomfort.

He disentangled himself from her and hurriedly removed his underpants. He groaned as he stroked himself. Gian met Eloisa's gaze and she fondled her breasts in sync with his hands. He dove back ravenously and ate Eloisa's chest. Her back arched in pleasure, all the while pushing her bosom more toward Gian's hungry mouth.

Gian then spread her legs apart and held them high above his waist. Eloisa was panting hard from the anticipation and so was he. As he prepared to pummel Eloisa into the next day, a flash of lightning suddenly illuminated the room, which was immediately followed by the loud clap of thunder.

Gian pulled away, obviously startled by the sudden change in the weather. He was sure that the night sky was as clear. No clouds were in sight when he entered the Palace with Eloise earlier that evening.

"Gian?" Eloisa panted.

He looked at the windows and saw big drops of rain splattering on the glass panes. How odd.

Gian immediately grabbed his clothes and covered himself up before approaching the windows. The rain was heavy and as he looked up at the sky, dark clouds had already covered the sky.

"Gian."

He looked behind him to see Eloisa sitting up on the bed with the blanket covering her body. Her blue eyes concerned as to why Gian was acting strange.

"I'm sorry, I..." Gian said as he returned his gaze outside the window. This time he could make out a big, black figure resting on his balcony. He peered closer and what he saw was something his mind could comprehend: a vulture who was staring directly at him. "If you'll excuse me, I need to attend to an important matter."

With that, he left Eloisa sitting alone in an empty room, wondering what she had done wrong.

Colter

Somewhere outside the Palace, Kingdom of Howard

Colter's luck seems to be on a roll this time.

First, he almost set a forest on fire. He had a run-in with his brother in another forest and almost toasted him to death. And now this blasted storm.

Later that afternoon, Colter was in the village visiting the local blacksmith, Smaug. He needed to have his sword checked for the second time around that week because he had recently used his sword to hack some roots.

"Your Highness, what a pleasure to see you. How may I be of service today?" Smaug warmly greeted him.

"I needed to see if my sword was in good condition." Colter said sheepishly.

"Why, my boy? You just had it grinded the other day!" the blacksmith laughed heartily.

Colter scratched the back of his head. "I, uh, I unintentionally had to cut wood with it."

Smaug laughed even more when the prince had to explain himself. Who could say no to a customer, much less a royalty? He was not looking to have his business shut down.

"Well, you know what they say? When in doubt, go to old Smauggy and he'll help you out." Smaug clapped Colter's back as he took the prince's sword.

That's why he liked coming into the village. The people are inviting and not at all intimidated by him. Some do but the majority treat him like an equal. Maybe it was due to the fact that they see him for who he is. Or maybe it was the fact that they don't see him as their ruler one day.

Nevertheless, Colter's grateful that he can experience some sort of normalcy in his life. It was a concept so foreign to him.

The trip to the blacksmith was just one of the many errands he intended for that day, but because Smaug was insistent on having him for afternoon drinks, he stayed long after his sword was done. Smaug even offered to have a new sword smelted for him so that he could use it for woodwork, but Colter declined as he was content with the way his sword was balanced for him.

So, Colter left Smaug's slightly buzzed and now soaking wet from the downpour. He was currently under one of the porches of a house. He just hoped that the people inside the residence would not see him as a threat and come after him with a blade.

The front door opened and light flooded the entryway "Excuse me, Sir? Do you need to dry off? You look awfully freezing."

Colter turned around and saw a man and a woman on the door. He stepped a little close towards them and when the light illuminated his face, they both apologized for not addressing him properly and gave curtsies and bows.

"No, no. It's alright. No apologies needed. I'm glad that you didn't chase me away with a sword to be honest."

"Oh, we wouldn't do that. My husband and I are not violent people." the woman said.

The man turned to his wife and said, "Dear, why don't you run in and grab a towel so the prince could dry off."

"Yes, and I'll prepare some nice, hot tea." the woman went back inside.

The man gestured to the prince, "Please do come in, Your Highness. No need to remove your shoes. We're not those kind of people who are fussy when it comes to wearing outdoor footwear indoors."

"Thank you kindly." Colter stepped inside the quaint little home. It was cozy and well-decorated at that. It was just enough for a family of two people.

"This way, Your Highness." the man led him to the dining room on the right. Colter dat down on one of the dining chairs and settled in.

"I'm sorry about intruding like this. I won't be much trouble, I'm just waiting for the rain to stop." Colter said.

The man waved his apology away and replied. "Don't mention it, Your Highness. It is an honor to be of assistance to you. Ah, where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Leon and the one making the tea is my wife, Gertrude."

The walls were indeed thin as Gertrude yelled from the kitchen, "A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

Colter smiled and inclined his head in acknowledgement. "And I'm Colter."

Leon smiled back. Colter was not good with small talk, so he waited for Leon to speak. A minute had passed and Colter was becoming uncomfortable with the silence. He took the chance to take in his surroundings.

There were pictures on the wall on the right, next to the windows. He studied them from where he sat and saw a picture of Leon, who was probably 5 years younger then, mounted on horse. 

He took that opportunity to open a conversation. "You ride?"

Leon glanced behind at the wall Colter was studying and said, "Ah yes, I was a decent rider back then. That was taken during the fair maybe 5 or 6 years ago." So, Colter deduced right. "Are you into horses as well, Your Majesty?"

"Well, I'm not into dating one but I am a big fan of riding them." Colter said.

Leon laughed at that and he could not believe that the prince had a great sense of humor. So the people from the village were right, Prince Colter was not as cold as he thought to be.

A tiny whistle could be heard from the kitchen and in a matter of seconds, Gertrude brought out a pot and a tray of biscuits.

After placing the pot of tea and tray of biscuits on the table, Gertrude handed Colter a warm towel from the corner rack. Colter smiled and muttered his appreciation. He had not realized how cold he was until he wrapped the warm and soft material on his shoulders. It smelled of clean cotton with a hint of lavender.

Gertrude poured Colter a cup of tea and did the same for Leon and herself. She offered the tray of biscuits to Colter who politely took one.

"What brings you out late this evening, Your Highness?" Gertrude asked, worry was evident on her kind face.

Colter took a sip of tea. Chamomile. It was the Queen's favorite.

"I was at Smaug's this afternoon and he invited me over for a couple of drinks. I thought the weather would be fine, else I would not have agreed to stay out pretty late."

“It had been so long since it rained this heavy." Leon's gaze was fixed on the windows as the rain continued to pour heavily outside. "I wonder what this means.”

Colter took note that Leon looked bothered by the sudden downpour. With his age, he must have seen even more stranger things happening in the Kingdom.

"It must have been a Neró-Ecanus. Someone must have broken his heart greatly for us to be experiencing this storm." Colter tried to lighten the mood but it was still evident that Leon was not buying it.

Gertrude placed a hand over her husband's arm. "My dear Leon is just worried because the last time this happened, he had an accident."

Leon placed his own hands on top of Gertrude and chuckled lightly. "My Gertrude has passed on to me her superstitious beliefs."

“You don’t have to worry. I don’t think something bad will happen. It’s just a normal rainy night." Colter assured the old couple.

"I hope so too, Your Highness." Leon sighed. "For the sake of Ecanus' safety, I hope so too."

Colter gazed outside the window and a dark, massive figure caught his eye. In order not to alarm the lovely couple, he stood up and pretended to be fascinated by the other pictures on the wall.

"Could you tell me about this one?" He gestured at a random picture while keeping his sight out on the window.

Leon heartily tells the story with Gertrude chiming in once in a while.

Upon closer look, the figure was that of a giant bird. It was perched on the house's fence. Strange that a bird this big was just sitting casually on top of the fence pole as if the rain was non-existent.

Stranger still was the fact that it was a vulture.

Even stranger still was that it was making eye contact with him.

After bidding farewell to Leon and Gertrude, much to their protest of him staying for the night, he ran back to the Palace. The rain hasn't stopped a bit nor did it show signs of stopping soon.

When he reached the Palace gates, the guard on duty had gotten worked up when Colter identified himself. He was saying how the Prince would catch a cold in his state and forced him to take an umbrella that was on standby specifically for these "incidents."

He thanked the guard who was still muttering about how the generation nowadays had no regards for their health. Colter strided toward the Palace entrance to get out his wet clothes as soon as possible, because he could already feel a cold starting at the back of his throat.

Once he was at the door, the guard at the gates probably notified the staff inside as they were already waiting for him with a towel and change of clothes. He thanked them and quickly changed to the set of dry clothes in one of the washrooms on the ground level.

Colter needed to let the King know about the strange things that happened this evening: the vulture that made eye contact with him and the heavy rain that came out of nowhere. He also had questions as to why and how the vulture got so close to the village and how they seemed to be unbothered by the rain. Was it all connected?

He reached the top of the grand staircase and proceeded to the hallway that led to the King and Queen's room. Colter was caught off guard when he bumped into his brother who was headed in the same direction and was in the process of straightening out his cuff links.

Ever since their little confrontation in the forest, Gian had been more distant than before. He would not meet Colter in the eye and would purposely avoid him.

Colter raised an eyebrow at him and Gian just gave him a blank stare. But Colter could see that his brother's shoulders were tense and was definitely spooked by something. A bird of prey perhaps?

"This would probably sound odd, but have you seen any strange birds lately?" Colter cautiously asked him.

Gian did not answer but he pursed his lips and Colter immediately knew that his brother had seen one too.

Without giving him a second glance, Gian continued to walk down the hallway. Colter sighed and thought about how this would be a long night.