Angel's Song

AN: I'll try to update another chapter next week, and then I'm on holiday so probably wont update. THANK YOU ALL FOR READING. Carry on reviewing thanks!

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Syrus’ cool silver gazed noticed the flicker of hurt that crossed Prince Ainu’s face. Nothing to be done about it, Syrus thought to himself, best to have it this way then to complicate things further then they already were. His gaze settled on the dark haired man next to Ainu and he could help but frown slightly in dislike. His instincts told him, that this man was not to be trusted. He let his gaze flick back to the blonde man trying so hard to control emotions that he could tell were raging inside him. Of course Ainu had grown; he was as tall as the man next to him, giving him a height of about 5’11”. His hair now reached his shoulder blades and no longer fell into his eyes in an unruly way and those eyes; they were still as big and expressive as they had always been. It made Syrus frown in distaste, he had long ago learned that a prince always had to control the feelings he showed or did not show.

He felt the presence of his father at his side and glanced up at him, receiving a silent commandment to stay where he was, he watched his father move gracefully to welcome his old friend King Apol.

“My friend, it has been a long time. Greetings.” Raising his hand to his heart the Elvin king bowed deeply and King Apol mirrored his actions.

“Yes it has. Do you remember my son Ainu?”

“Yes of course. He has grown into a most charming young man; and this must be his fiancée.”

“Yes this is Prince Cortax Delacroix.” Cortax bowed swiftly.

“It is a pleasure to meet you Prince Cortax. You are most welcome in my kingdom.”

“Thank you your highness, it is an honour.” Ainu could have thrown up right then and there. He wanted to shout for someone who would come and wipe up the slime that Cortax was leaving behind.

“Prince Ainu, do you remember my son Prince Syrus?”

“Yes King Sundar of course I remember him, how could I forget?” Ainu did not notice the frown that crossed Cortax’s face and the glare that he send in Syrus’ direction, who did not even bat an eyelash.

“Yes quite. Syrus will show you and your fiancée to your quarters, once we arrive at the castle.” With that the King returned to the waiting welcoming party. The arrived guests were lead to beautiful carriages, as each of the royals took their place the carriages moved off as if by magic.

Syrus sat in a carriage with Ainu and Cortax, his face completely emotionless, liquid silver eyes gazing coolly at the two princes opposite to him. Ainu’s engagement had come as a slight shock to him, not a large one for he didn’t expect anything less but why on all of Nemis had he chosen that man? He could have had any number of courters. Ainu had powerful magic of his own though Syrus was not sure if he’d ever been told. The carriages arrived at the castle and as they exited, Ainu was amazed at the splendour and natural beauty of the elves’ castle. Syrus led them into the castle and towards their respective chambers. Cortax’s chamber came first at one end of the hall way, Ainu’s was at the other end, having a private garden attached to it.

Cortax was fuming. How dare they put him so far away from Ainu, how dare that pointed eared upstart leave with HIS bride. He would have words with Ainu about this, that much was certain. Especially about the way Ainu had been practically drooling over the arrogant piece of troll dung. His glare got even hotter as his fiancée left his line of vision and rounded the corner with Prince Pompous.

“Syrus…” Ainu cautiously reached over and touched his friend’s arm, but his hand was brushed off coldly. “Syrus what’s the matter? I thought we were friends.” But once again he was only met with silence, the hard silver eyes turned to focus on him and Ainu cringed under the iciness of that once so warm and familiar gaze. One of Syrus’ arms reached across him and Ainu hoped against hope that maybe he would receive one of those generous hugs he had enjoyed as a child. Alas though, he was disappointed, Syrus only pushed open the door to his room, gestured for him to enter and then disappeared silently like dust in the wind.

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Syrus’ feet barely touched the ground as he raced down the long winding hallway, Ainu’s touch burned his arm. As he fled towards the garden a dark figure blocked his way. He drew to a halt and was confronted by Ainu’s fiancée Cortax.

“Stay away from Ainu. He’s mine.” Syrus nearly winced in pain as his arm was grabbed hard and twisted. However he let the cold mask slide into place and glared at the dark haired man.

“What would I want with Ainu?” Syrus could think of a thousand things he would want with Ainu, one of the first on his list was to pick him up and shake him and question his sanity about marrying this man.

“You seem to be able to fool Ainu that you are not interested in him anymore but I have watched you, you pointy eared freak. You want him.” Syrus cringed as his arm was twisted further, but to risk an open attack would also risk peace treaties that had been set up a long time ago.

“Alright if it will calm your mind human, then I shall stay as far away from your fiancée,” He spat out the word fiancée as if it were poison, “as courtesy will allow.”

“Good.” Syrus’ arm was released and he quickly put some distance between himself and the unpredictable Cortax.

“I will however not refuse him, if he wishes to be close to me during feasts or celebrations.” Cortax fumed, how had that arrogant elf managed to get one over on him like that? He growled but it seemed that the other prince was now expecting an attack. They glared at each other, both considering which action to take next. “You should ready yourself for the banquet tonight Prince Cortax. I shall see you later.” And with that Syrus bowed swiftly and disappeared down another corridor.

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Ainu wandered through his room. It was simple in its magnificence. A large double four-poster bed with black silk sheets was the centre piece of the room; in one corner stood a wonderfully crafted commode. A door led out into the ensuite garden, sliding it to the side he stepped out into the beautiful garden. Roses bordered the edges of the flowerbeds and in the middle grew orchids in various shades of white and violet. His gaze took in the assortment of bushes and flowers that lined the back of the garden, he skimmed the ornate bench standing slightly off to the left but it caught onto the old willow tree that stood right at the back of the garden. His feet swiftly carried him down the path and through the long branches that reached the floor. In the shelter of the tree’s limbs Ainu settled himself down and pressed his cheek against the trunk, hot tears spilt down his cheeks and he didn’t know why. He didn’t know why Syrus was suddenly so cold towards him, why his father had to choose Cortax for him and why he wasn’t allowed to find happiness and a politically correct marriage. It seemed like the tree felt his sorrow for some of the smaller branches stroked his back.

Sharp eyes watched him from high above. They picked out the tears that ran down his cheeks, the slightly dishevelled hair and the comforting branches of the old willow tree. They watched as tears slowly gave over to exhaustion, the long journey and seeming mental pressure making the blonde young man fall asleep. With a quick jump he descended to the ground soundlessly, the day was just passing into twilight, if everything went as he suspected, and he was pretty sure it would, then someone would come knocking on the door of the guest chamber in about an hour. He looked down at the sleeping man as he entered the willow’s shelter reminded of times when life had less cares and was infinitely more simple then it was now.

Taking a step closer to the seemingly sleeping man and slipped his arm under the slim body, the other hand brushed the dishevelled hair out of the face that had spend more time then necessary in the sun. Carefully he cradled him in his arms and soundlessly slipped into the room and almost carelessly dropped what looked like a little round coin. The young man slept soundlessly in his arms, though one tanned hand had taken hold of the front of his tunic, subconsciously searching for the closeness of another person. He placed Ainu on the bed amongst the black silk covers. His silver blonde hair stood out starkly against the black sheets, the absence of colour only adding to the glow that seemed to come off the young man. He left then quickly, drawing the curtains around the four poster bed to shelter him from the outside world, at least for the time being.

As Ainu shifted in his sleep, a loud knocking sound penetrated his sleeping mind. At first he simply lay amongst the silk sheets confused, had he not been in the garden just a minute ago? The knocking however got louder and so his mind had no chance to ponder on this mystery any longer. He sat up and turned towards the door where the knocking had turned into a furious beating rhythm. Quickly he rose from the bed and padded towards the door, opening it just a little; it was shoved back and slammed against the wall.

“What were you doing? Is that pointed eared freak here?” Ainu rubbed his eyes still rather sleepy.

“Who? I was sleeping Cortax.” He felt those beady black eyes roam over his body and then settle on his face and narrow.

“Well you only have a few minutes left to make yourself respectable. Go into the bathroom and wash and clean I will wait here and make sure you do not do anything stupid.” Ainu frowned.

“I don’t need you pushing me around! I can make myself respectable all by myself. I want my privacy bathing. You can wait outside the door.” And with that, quite plainly Ainu pushed Cortax outside and shut the door firmly. He was fuming, if Cortax thought this was how their marriage was going to be; then he was seriously deluding himself. Smiling at that thought, Ainu made his way to the bathing chamber next door.

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1.fire: Ainu's meant to be the sort of female part of the male male relationship...but he doesn't act very feminine so dont worry.

Laith: Well you know *hug* my muse, thanks for new inspiration. This is all yours.

hardleyf: Thanks for reviewing, its always much appreciated, will try to keep tension going.

Zelasii: soooo glad you like it! THANK YOU

Gnome: Wow, thanks for the long review. I love long reviews, and thanks for your opinion. Thing is, I work full time so write it when I'm not totally exhausted, and writing just one POV means I'd have to change my whole writing style, which means it would take longer to write and therefore longer to update. And Laith likes the story as it is, and since it is written for Laith, last say goes there. Ok but please keep reviewing cause its really appreciated and totally bloats my ego which was THIS big after your review. THANK YOU.

Zelasii: Thanks for the added comment. I'm glad you like Ainu, i wouldn't have changed him anyway, he'S my baby. I'm crazy really.