Take Me Away

Chapter summary: Bad news for Shandaar, who just can’t take anymore of his current life…

Author’s Notes: I’d like to thank my beta, Chlover, to have corrected this (once again – I love you! ^_^). I need one since I write late at night and the Microsoft corrector isn’t enough. And now I can’t tell anymore else I’ll have the whole thing spoiled. Enjoy!


Take Me Away
Chapter 04 – Price to Pay

Morning had soon come for Shandaar. The thick red curtains were open enough to let a ray of light in, enough for him to wake up. He tossed and turns a few times in his bed before realizing he was alone, and that Kieran had gone back to the inn. However, he wasn’t deeply affected by it, knowing that he’d see him the same day. After a few minutes spent staring at the ceiling, he got up, stretching lazily, and picked up a red bathrobe that had been left on one of the chairs, in the corner of the room. A shower would be good indeed. So the youth took off for his personal bathroom, getting his items ready; a washcloth, soap, shampoo. He was glad that he didn’t have to go fetch his water and heat it, as they had to do years ago. The castle now used copper tubes to carry water wherever it was necessary. That had been a sweet invention, cheap enough for commoners in the city to use it.

Once in the shower, he turned the faucet on, enjoying the already-warm water that came out of it, taking his time. There was no need to stress. Of course it’d have been better if Kieran had been there with him – he wouldn’t have to try to be a contortionist in order to wash his back and would also take advantage of the other man’s nakedness. But it wasn’t the case. Still, he was at peace, resting his head under the warm jet of water, daydreaming.

Wet from head to toe, the prince got out of the shower, quickly reaching the towel. Cold; something he didn’t like when he just came out of the shower. Cold was those hot summer days, and they were gone. He let the white towel fall on the floor and walked over to the mirror, gazing at his reflection, his wet silver hair clinging to his face; a quick brushing arranged that, and made it look fluffier. It might have been a bit narcissist and egoistical of his part, but he liked how he looked like. Of course Kieran liked it as well… and he suspected Ethan of thinking the same way, although the latter would never admit such a thing.

Shandaar exited the bathroom, naked, and walked back to his bedroom. He was free to do everything he wanted in his personal quarters, since his bodyguards were at the door, and wouldn’t dare – or want, or some – to take a peek at the young man. Opening the door to his closet, he frowned, having no real idea of what to put on. Something classy? Shiny? Dark? He’d go for something classier, maybe. A green pair of pants with large embroidered dragons and the matching shirt were taken out of the closet, looked over, and finally put on his bed. It was somewhat thicker than his previous outfit, but he felt he should put it today, as days were getting colder. Plus, if it ever came to be warmer, he could take the top off. The man smiles at that thought, picturing himself fighting half-naked against his lover, and puts on the pants before the long-sleeved shirt. Now there was just the belt missing… ah. There it was. On the clothe hanger. Now fully dressed, he picked up his sword and exited the bedroom in order to eat.

Two male soldiers, who had stood at each side of the door, deeply bowed when their prince passed between them, yet didn’t move from their spot after. The castle was rather safe, there were guards around, plus the way to the royal kitchen wasn’t long. Everything had been designed especially for the royal family members.

It had been a shock for young Shandaar to understand many people worked for him and his mother, years ago, as he had sneaked in the kitchen and dining room. To see all those men and women devoted for his family had been quite something. Up to then, he hadn’t understood exactly why he was so important, and thought he was just a lucky boy living in a much bigger house. Still, deciding of a country’s fate was very important, as he had later learned. And every time he entered an area where there were a lot of workers, he’d get the same feeling over again.

A young woman with long green hair walked to him. She wasn’t much younger than he was, as far as he could tell. He had never asked her… maybe he should do it someday. Get to know the people better. However, he knew her name was Dorothy. “What will our young master have this morning?” she asked in a cheerful, yet polite voice.

“Let’s see… I’ll have a bowl of oatmeal with raspberries, a piece of bread with butter, and a glass of milk please.”

“Everything you ask for, my sire.”

Eventually all those titles were getting… boring, unfamiliar. It’d be fun if he could cook by himself without having someone on his back all the time. It was a life he would be getting used to, even though after 19 years, he should have been. He wanted freedom, at a certain extent.

The silver-haired man didn’t have to wait long for his food to arrive. The petite servant came back and posed the plate in front of him, bowed again, and went back to the kitchen. Servants didn’t seem to have an easy life as well, always having to obey all their wishes. So after all, there was a price to pay for everything… did others see the same as well? His mother, the queen, had even better treatments than he had, and he thought they were hard to beat. Pushing the thoughts aside, he began to eat quickly, not wanting to be late for his “play date”. A few minutes pass before the plate is empty, then he leaves for the castle gates, where he was supposed to meet up with his lover.

As he had thought, the black-haired male was already waiting for him, sword in hand as well. He had made sure to act like a friend and not a boyfriend in front of the people present, but that was rather hard, since he saw Shandaar alone, or with his own friends. “Where do you want to train, Shandaar?” he inquired, looking at the man’s weapon of choice. Quite a nice sword, but that was expected from a prince… didn’t mean he couldn’t kick ass with his own.

“I thought about the fields behind the castle, it’s definitely one of the best places if we don’t want to go too far from the castle. Do you have your horse, or shall we go get them at the stables?”

With a voice like that, Kieran would have melted, but maintained his composure. He loved every aspect of the younger man, and was sure he would later make a great king. Most of the people thought so as well, but if they’d learn that Shandaar was gay… they wouldn’t think so anymore. “Let’s go to the stables. I left her at the stable earlier this morning… went to see my parents.”

“And how are they doing?”

“They’re great; they were very happy to see me. I told them about my last travel, and how I wish they’d have been there as well. Just like someone else I know a lot.”

Shandaar laughed as he started to walk to the stables, waiting they were out of the guards’ sight to pick the other man’s hand in his own. “You don’t know me a lot. You know me too much.”

“That’s the truth.” He leaned to kiss the throne heir’s cheek in an affectionate manner, then bringing him closer by swinging his arm over the shoulders. “If only I could spend my life with you, I’d be the happiest man in the world. Think it could happen?”

“Maybe.” A possibility was the only certain thing. Normally he’d have to take a wife, but he hadn’t been pushed to it so far. It’s true that even the Queen herself didn’t know for her son’s relationship with another man. He thought about telling her, but didn’t know if he’d end up killed or lose his title, and taking chances with this issue wasn’t a bright idea.

The stable came in sight, and they made a run for it, each getting on their respective horses, and took off for the fields. The physical separation hadn’t been too rough, both young men being used to it. Horseback riding… such a freedom. Shandaar felt like he could take the world on when on his horse, not fearing anything, if not fear itself. And Kieran had to say he felt the same way. They were set for fighting against everything that came in their path. For now, it would have to be each other…

As soon as the raven-haired guy got off his horse, his mate lunged at him with weapon. The hit was blocked right away, leaving him a chance to counter-attack, which he did. Instead of blocking, he evaded by strafing to his right, and had to evade another. Kieran had improved. Maybe he had to fight in his last voyage? Yes, that had been possible. Even though the country was safe, there were always bandits and brigands around, trying to steal from the passer-by’s. The tries to get the sword out of Shandaar’s strong grip failed, and within a few minutes, Kieran found himself under the youth, who was grinning.

“You’re getting better, my love. But at this rate, you’ll never beat me.”

Instead of pushing him away and resuming the fight, he lowered Shandaar’s head and brought him into a deep kiss. How that was sweet, being in the middle of nowhere, making out with his beloved! He’d never be able to get up again. He’d have to someday, if they didn’t want to spend the winter there. But the man’s kiss was his drug; it’d paralyze him on the ground, put him under a spell, leaving him defence-less. But it wasn’t deadly.

After a few minutes of tongue-wrestling, moaning and wiggling, the silver-haired prince got off the slightly bigger body, offering his help to his friend to get back on his feet. The adventurer accepted and let himself being pulled up, thankful for that move. It was tempting to play weak and falling in the other arms… but they were meant to be sparring and not fucking like horny rabbits.

This time, Kieran jabbed first at waist-level, forcing Shandaar to block his left side with his right hand, and brought the sword up. The swords clashed before the prince finally swung it from left to right, and right to left, each hit being blocked or evaded. Another clash… then noise. Another horse. Someone was coming their way. The younger man turned his head in the noise’s direction and ducked right in time not to be beheaded. ‘Shit I’ve been distracted; this could have been my death!’ “Who goes there!?” he asks, recovering from the reality check.

The horse became familiar, finally. And on it sat Ethan, who had obviously received orders from some authority. “Prince Shandaar, your mother requires your immediate presence. I cannot tell you what is the matter at this moment, but you are needed at the castle.”

That couldn’t mean any good. When problems like this arose, and nothing should be told even in front of close friends… there was something wrong. “Alright, go ahead, I will catch up. Thank you for warning me.”

“That’s my job, sire.” Ethan looked at them, letting his gaze focus on Kieran a bit longer before speeding back in the castle’s direction. He didn’t like seeing those two together… jealousy. His prince deserved someone better.

Shandaar didn’t waste much time and quickly climbed back on his horse, yet not leaving his lover behind. “What do you think has happened?”

“I don’t know, but I don’t like this. Keep me alert on that. I’ll go back to father’s and I’ll meet ya at the castle in a few hours.”

“Good idea. Thank you for the training, Kieran.” For a moment, both men rode toward the same direction, but Shandaar turned right to join the castle quickly.

-

The marble castle stood in from him, once more. Shandaar jumped off the horse and told one of the guards to have him tied somewhere until he got out again, and if he wasn’t by night time, having the horse back at the stables. He quickly arranged his silver hair in a more royal manner as he quickly passed along the large windows, making sure he was presentable in front of his mother. Other guards opened the throne room doors for him, bowing in the process, and closed them behind the youth.

“I have come back, Mother” He walked up in front of the throne and kneeled respectfully before the Queen. Sure she was his mother, but now, she was the queen, nothing else. A few more members of the council were present, notably masters Akryll and Serkal.

“You can raise, my son.”

Shandaar observed his mother. For a female she was rather tall, around 5’8”, and didn’t look very severe. Her features were soft, feminine, yet age and wisdom were there. Her black hair was let loose on her back, her bangs pulled up and falling over her chest. She wore a yellow dress, embroidered in a very similar way of her son’s outfit.

“The reason you are here, my dear, is very simple, yet very important. As you might know, the king of the Renken kingdom is searching for someone to marry his oldest daughter, princess Hawa. You certainly know how unstable Renken is… and the multiple threats we received. We have come to a treaty. In order to avoid war, you are to be wed to princess Hawa.”

The young prince’s glance went from his mother, to Akryll, who had kept saying he should find a bride, and Serkal, the religious head of the empire. So that’s why they were there. What had started as a great day was now his worst nightmare.

He’d have to let down the love of his life.

“Mother… are you sure we have explored all other possibilities? Will a simple marriage change everything? Won’t Renken attack anyways as they always did?” Panic was noticeable in Shandaar’s voice. Not much concerning the possible war, but more at the fact he would have to give up the only person he ever loved in this world. Life was too unfair.

“We have tried reasoning with King Rasham, but you know him, Prince… he’s hard stubborn as your father was. I am even more surprised this wedding has not been planned for a longer time. But we cannot take chances with them.” A sudden guilt overcame the queen. There was something her son wasn’t telling, and probably wasn’t willing to tell. Whatever it was, the news that he would eventually get married had hit him very hard. She could see his eyes getting shiny, but not out of happiness. Maybe Shandaar had a girlfriend… Yes, that was something she had thought could have happened. He was growing up to be a fine young man, of course he was attracted to someone else. It was nature.

The prince lowered his head, letting his hair cover most of his face to hide the tears forming in his eyes. Never in his life had he thought that it would really happen. A nightmare, a pure nightmare. That’s what it was. “I…. I understand Mother… I will do as told… now if I may be excused…”

Master Akryll was about to say something, but Queen Tahira raised her hand. “Let him go. This was a hard news for him, very hard to digest.”

Outside the room, Shandaar walked quickly. When Ethan came close to him to accompany him back his quarters, he was simply pushed away. “Leave me alone…” was all he could have heard. Something must have happened in there, but he decides it would be wise to wait and not press the issue.

All he thought was to get out of this place, but he didn’t want to at the same time. Confusion. Hate. Tiredness. Stress. He storms off to his personal quarters, slamming the door on his way. Why life had to be so unfair? Why sometimes was he happy and everybody else was miserable? Why could people marry whoever they wanted but not him? Why couldn’t he change anything? Why couldn’t he love Kieran? Why…? Why him? Why now? All those questions ran in his head. What would Kieran say? Would they still be together? No… that was almost impossible. Getting married, not being able to be there for the other man… that was just too horrible. Not after those years, no way, he would never allow that.

He wasn’t made to be with someone he didn’t know, even less a woman. He wasn’t attracted to them at all. Friends, he had no problems with it, and the living proof was Raya, the thief. He was able to touch her, hug her, kiss her on the cheek, yet he didn’t feel any attraction for her whatsoever, or for other women. For men, it was a different thing. He found them handsome, and until he had been with Kieran for the first time, had fantasized on them. Now there was only Kieran in his life, and he didn’t want it any other way. Never.

But people refused to understand it, refused to understand and admit how he felt for the older man.

Shandaar fell on the floor, sobbing. How he wished it was a dream! A nightmare! Not the real life!! No… it wasn’t possible… he would never be able to give up on Kieran… no…

There was a knock on the door, and a male voice. Ethan. “Shandaar? Open the door, please- ow! Stop it!”

As the prince got to his feet and started walking in the door’s direction, it flung open, seeing his bodyguard in the corner, holding his arm. Kieran stood beside him, and judging from the scene, the latter pushed Ethan out of the way. “I told you to let me in a hundred times, bastard! Let me take care of him.”

Unable to hold his tears any longer, the youth fell in Kieran’s open arms, who kicked the door closed.

“Oh my god… what happened…?!”

A hysteric man stood in his arms, shaking and sobbing loudly. Someone had died, had attempted to his life, or he had learnt a very bad news… or maybe it was a result of the three. He had killed someone who wanted him dead after learning something.

“Shandaar please, tell me what’s wrong?”

“Take me away from here! I don’t want to be here anymore! I want to be with you! Forever! Not with someone else, no! YOU!!”

It was painful to watch, tore his heart apart.

“I’ll… I will get married… just take me away from here…. Kidnap me… whatever you want… just… don’t let me down… please… I love you…… please…”

All Kieran could do is wrap his arms around the smaller frame, feeling his eyes water as well.

Everything had a price, and this one would prove to be really expensive.

~ TBC ~