Devil Inside

Hey everyone, sorry about making this a longer update then I wanted to do for you all, but I wanted to get lots of background into Adreyn's father and his life in the palace. To set the stage so to speak, and give a deeper understanding. Hope you like it, and for those that did want an email listing, I have sent emails alerting others that the update has been done.


Song Lost Complex belongs to Iceman, singing voice of Ryuuchi Sakuma from Gravitation.



Chapter 5 - Lost Complex



While the others were leaving the club, in a far off city a huge castle-like building stood. It was situated in the middle of a lake, in the middle of a very large city. On that little island, you could make out other little buildings and a dock that connected to allow the outside world inside.


The castle itself was large, with great grey castle turrets all around the base of it, which looked more like a large hall then the interior. There were several little houses or rooms depending on how you looked at it surrounding the turrets and the main section of the castle giving it a feeling that they had been added from various sources, and not just one structure. Which was not true as the entire thing had been build nearly two hundred years ago after the last war, the one that nearly destroyed mankind. Only a small few of the 10 billion people that had been on the planet survived, leaving only 5 million left. After this had happened, the man that had been the guiding force towards the lasting peace that they had, had been made Emperor of the new world and his descendants took the throne after being tested by the people.


The current Emperor Chelan, had been chosen by his people as the true descendant, over his older brother Asher, which had made him cold and bitter. He loved his older brother, but he knew in his heart that he would not have made a good leader. He himself hated the fact that his brother had been eliminated, but the people had felt, through the election of the hereditary lines available that he would make a better leader, and for the last 26 years he had. He had been only 14 years old when he took the throne, and barely married to his love when Adreyn had been born. His wife had been older then him, and they had only consummated their marriage once as he had been too young to enjoy the marriage bed. That had been all it took for them to conceive his little angel, who had his hair and eyes and he had always hoped his height, but everything else to his milky skin and his temperament at that time, had all been his angel of a wife. He still felt her loss every day, as they had been friends before marriage and that had not changed as his wife.


He still felt Adreyn's loss every day, and was always upset that his son, whom he loved more then life, needed to be away from him. Nothing more in life did he regret then how he had treated him as a younger child. As he grew, he recognized him more as a quiet child, then a sloth that he had called him when young. Knowing that his son was still alive, he had already made arrangements for the child servant that was with him, so that when he returned he would be kept safe, but still. He felt the loss severely. It was like his heart had been removed and it if was not for their shared link, he would not be able to feel the presence of his son. He never knew where it came from, as what he and his son had was not normal. When Adreyn was young, their tie had not had been created, but as he had approached his 20th year, he began to feel the love and withdraw of his son. He felt that their shared powers might have to do with the fact that both of them were destined to be the rulers, and their bond was part of it. No one down the line was completely sure of where their abilities came from, but it was the mark of the true monarch that were able to call upon the ability of Empathy. Only those true destined were gifted this, and this was how the people could detect the true ruler. He knew his first born had it, and most of his little angels had it as well.


He did not understand why his son had left, and after all these years without him, combined with the loss of his little baby angels, the most recently only a few months ago, he wanted his son back with him. Thinking about this as he was still in his chambers, he sat up and rang the corded chime that would bring his servants into his bedroom chambers to begin the day of serving him.


"Master, you rang us?" one of the female servants said, coming into the room softly. Even though Chelan was Emperor, he was still a relatively young one and despite having had 5 children, he still looked 30, rather then his 40 years of age.


"Yes I did. Please send for Killian. I have need of him." Chelan said speaking of his head of security.


"Very well sire." she said and bowing to him backed out of the room, not turning her back onto him as not only was it disrespectful, but to the wrong person, it could be death.


As she left, he stood up and went to his chambers off to the side, his black hair trailing behind him, as he had not cut it since the day Adreyn was born, just over 25 years ago. Closing his eyes, he could sense his son again, and could feel love radiating from him, and for once it was not him that was the source of love. This made Chelan smile as his son had been so alone for so long. He also suspected that it was not a female that made him feel that way, as with his Empathy powers and their shared link, he knew that his son could not be with a woman.


Their Empathy powers had been a surprise as usually only one among the family could have it, so having all his heirs have it was unusual in itself. But now only him and his beautiful son had it. Having these thoughts he began the bath that he liked to prepare himself. He never saw the need for a servant to do everything for him, so as he removed his robes he could feel the cold chill of the man nicknamed 'Iceman' come into the bathroom, though respectfully turned around and not facing into the bathroom. He was one of the few that could turn their back to the monarch but then again, not too many people could get close the head of the personal guards or the Cosnaímid which the family had created so long ago as they were of the Irish descendants. The cosnaímid meant 'we protect' and the guards had taken the term to the literal meaning.


Entering into the bath that he had prepared, his hair piled high onto his head as to not wet, he made a noise that would allow his guard to now enter the chamber to answer his summons. As he looked at the man, like himself, it was hard to believe that he was older then him. Killian was now at the prime of his life at 45, and had been in service to Chelan since he was born. Even as a child, he had protected him and when Chelan took the throne at 14, Killian was there as his personal guard. In the years since he had taken the throne, he was always there, taking care of him and protecting him.


"Killian. I know you helped Adreyn all those years ago. I want my son back. Bring him." Chelan requested. It sounded more like a command, but Killian knew the difference.


"Of course great lord. But you know he will not willingly return." Killian advised


"I know. I do not know why you will not tell me why he left me, but I miss him so. He never got to meet his brothers and now he is the only one left." Chelan said melancholy


"I know sire. May I have your permission to be frank my lord?" Killian requested of his sovereign


"Killian, I have always valued your honesty, regardless of how much I did not want to hear it. You were the one that told me that you helped my son escape and leave with that child. Which I have put out the request that no harm is to befall him. I can tell he is still with my son, so his service is still in place, even if he is not in the palace." Chelan said


"His pseudo mother will be pleased to hear that sire." Killian said his eyes averted as he had trained himself to do. Even as a child he had trained to be in service to the Heirs of the throne, as his family had from the very beginning. Like Chelan's family, his family was descended from the Irish as well and had always serviced the Zephyr family for over 300 years. Even now, he had no idea where their powers originated but suspected that it was a left over of their origins, which rumoured had been faerie folk. It had never bothered him as he loved Chelan in ways that were not exactly considered natural but would never indulge in this. How Chelan had ever managed to have more then one child he never knew as Chelan was incredibly shy. As he had guarded them on Chelan's wedding night to Lyre, Adreyn's mother, he knew that she was the one in charge and the night had been very short. Fortunately their rather short consummation, she never was upset as she was just as shy and was content with the attention that he had showered on her, when they had discovered that their brief liaison had resulted in Adreyn.


He still remembered the hurt when she had died giving him the small child, but he stayed silent when Asher and his wife began the beating to the small prince that was very similar to Chelan in temperament that it broke his heart. But he was duty-bound to do nothing. It was outside harm that he was to protect, not inner, as Asher was High Prince and above all but Chelan. And Chelan could not do anything as he was always afraid of his older brother. Now as Emperor, his gainsay could put a stop to it, but Asher had a very firm control of the Empire as High Chamberlain. He always felt lucky that he himself answered only to Chelan, but as he did not have his heir, or even a consort, if anything was to happen to him that would be the end of it. And he did not want that. But he was afraid as well. He did not want Chelan to reject him, as he never suspected the reason he could never enjoy the bed of a woman, though Killian knew.


"I know she will. She has been giving me the evil eye for years now. Now go, and get my son." Chelan said dismissing his oldest friend. As the ice haired blond left, Chelan sighed. He had been in love with his best friend for so long, but he was as cold as his looks gave him. Which unfortunately to him meant that he was untouchable. Ever since he was a child and Killian had been assigned to him, he felt he could drown in the azure eyes that he had that always were following him. He knew it was not because of attraction, but perception.


'Still, it would have been nice' he thought as he sunk further into the tub, enjoying his morning bath. Today he would not have much time as his Vizier named Dai, would be arriving shortly to 'guide' aka bully him with the daily going's on of his Empire. 200 years prior it had only consisted of what was then known as North America, but over time and with the continents shifting, his world now encompassed nearly all of Europe. At that time, his ancestors had called the land Aquinnah. There were still a few countries like the former Russia that were not part of his Empire, but they were all friends. It did not make much sense to fight any longer, at least that was what he was told. The region they were in now was what was known as Ireland, but had become their center of Aquinnah about 50 years prior, in his father’s reign.


Continuing to relax in the bath he barely heard the other presence that had decided that he had languished in the bath too long. Closing his eyes, he let the person flit around the bathroom, bringing out towels and other cleaning materials. He had been after him for over ten years to cut his hair as it was a nuisance to him to clean, but he was adamant on keeping the length.


"Sire, breakfast is ready on the balcony and you have meetings back to back. King Rammun from the Indian land of Shiva has arrived and is waiting for you at the table. He insisted on getting started early, so Lord Asher is there as well." the man said fussing over his King. Of which said king sighed and emerged from his steamy bath. The man was one of very few, other then his concubines that had borne his children, that had seen the King in the nude, but he was not affected by the sight of the King. Like his son, he was spectacular naked, with the strands of his bangs curling at the edges of it around the juncture of his legs, which was fairly impressive in of itself.


"You know I loathe meetings this early in the morning. I wanted some rest this morning as well as go through my Kata's." Chelan said, a slight pout in his voice as the man began to dry him and get him into his robes.


"I so sincerely apologize my King, but Lord Asher was insistent that we do this today." he said in a quiet voice, hoping that his distaste for the High Prince did not show. It did, but Chelan decided to forgo it for now. Later, he would find out why so many of his servants had very little or no respect for his older brother. Perhaps when Adreyn came back.


Thinking of his bright little angel, he smiled, of which his servant caught. It was then that the beauty of the monarch came through and he was in almost awe of the transformation that the little secret smile would do to his countenance.


"I will speak to him in the future. I realize that my time does not belong to myself, but I do demand the early hours to be my own. In the future, regardless of what my brother says, please check with me first, but you have a blanket to say no for my breakfast. Unless it is with my son. He will always be allowed to dine with me, or even sleep in my room." Chelan said to his trusted servant.


"Prince Adreyn? I thought he was dead my lord." the man said as he began arranging Chelan's massive length of hair into some semblance of an arrangement


"No, my son is still alive. I sent Killian to retrieve him. It is time he returned home." Chelan said not as a doting father, but as King of the Empire


"I will see to his chambers then. Do you want a fanfare welcome?" he asked him hesitating slightly. He had not been in the palace when the young prince had been, but he had heard the stories and it had made him cringe. He didn't think it was a good idea for the young prince to return, but he was not to gainsay what his king wanted


"See to his chambers, and expect one, most likely two others to be accompanying him. One I suspect will be sharing the chamber, so see to it. As for his return, only Killian and now you will know of his return. My son left me for a reason and until he is back and in my arms, none will know of his return." Chelan said, his voice tinged with a serious tone that normally would not be in the timbre of his voice.


"Of course your Highness. It shall be done. Now, you are ready. Enjoy your breakfast my lord." the man said rounding himself to his sovereign and backing away from him to leave the chamber, leaving the Emperor in the bedroom alone, dreading the breakfast conversation.




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"High Prince, how much longer do we have to wait. I am a busy man." the man to the Asher's left said, his voice tinged with irritation.


"My flighty brother takes his time in the morning. Rest assured when he arrives all will be settled." Asher said smoothly, his wife on the right side of him serving the two men.


"My lord husband, perhaps we should mention this at another time." the woman named Shyama said to her husband, almost in a needling voice, tinged with a trace of malice and admonishment at the same time.


"You are right my lady wife. King Rammun, you were mentioning your daughter to us." Asher said trying to change the subject. The king had been attempting to see about tying the kingdom together with a marriage between his daughter and Chelan. Asher himself was against it, as a liaison between them would result in a child, as Chelan was just that way, which upset him to no end. He had been married to his wife through an arrangement from their father for nearly 40 years and in that time it had not produced a child. Chelan however, the four and only times he had lain with a woman all had produced a child. He did not understand his brother at all, as to why he had a harem of women, but had only visited it three times, and only when he had been pressured by the council to produce an heir. He had fought them every time, though not for the reasons that they thought. His argument had always been that he was still in grieving for the loss of Lyre, but with more and more time passing and Chelan's disinterest in the opposite sex the council had put their foot down and placed a blanket law that any child born from the fruits of Chelan would be honoured without marriage and made heir.


"Yes, my daughter is now 15, and it is time for marriage. Emperor Chelan is still young and handsome and it would be a good match for him. I understand that in these matters, it does not go towards the Emperor, but the council. I understand that you are the person to put this to, as you have opposed any marriage attempts in the past to your younger brother. But it has been 25 years since the passing of his first wife, and he has no heirs. My daughter is ready for the marriage bed now and is healthy." Rammun said presenting his case to the High Prince. Outwardly he was nodding in approval, taking in the words, but on the inside. On the inside he was seething. He was so close to being able to take the throne himself, as the last obstacle had been eliminated only three months previously when he had killed his nephew. All that remained was him, but Killian was always around, and that other servant of his, was his taste tester, so he had never been able to give him poison to kill him.


"That may be so your Highness, but the decision must fall to the council. The only reason that my brother was able to marry Lyre without their permission was that it was my father's final wish. The council is very choosy who they will allow, and since my brother has not ever brought a prospective consort to their attention it has been a moot point." Asher said stating a bit of their political policy, but not much as of course, it was none of his business.


"Your brother from what I understand does plan parties but does not attend them." Rammun said to Asher


"No, he is content to hear the music from his balcony and watch. He is a rather solitude individual." Asher said


"Yes I understand that as well. There are times that I do not wish to interact with my fellow noblemen, but there are times that it is necessary." Rammun said but stopped himself from saying any further as he heard the door open and watched as the black haired monarch came into the room, his hair not trailing the floor anymore, but still floating behind him, his bangs curling at the edges as they fell to his mid thighs. Rammun had never seen Chelan before and was in awe at how beautiful he was. It was almost ethereal in his looks and he almost felt bad for any woman as they would always be dandelions when compared to this perfect rose.


"I am sorry for being late brother. But I was not informed of this meeting and I was under the assumption that the only company I would have would be my morning latte." Chelan said as he gracefully entered fully into the room and almost glided over to the dining table that had been situated at the edge of the balcony that overlooked the massive gardens that Lyre had cultivated for Chelan when she had been pregnant. After her death it had been maintained and grown, making it into one of the most beautiful gardens in the Empire. It was always his joy as when he looked at it, it always reminded him of his best friend and his sons.


"It was my fault Emperor Chelan. I asked your brother for this meeting with just the two of us. I had a proposal that I wished to ask you, without prying eyes." Rammun said as Chelan came to sit down beside his sister in law, which allowed him to face Rammun.


"Then speak." Chelan said, his voice strong and steady. It was then that Asher noticed that the usual ice haired man was not present, as he was always at Chelan's side and he attempted to not shout for joy as his opportunity for the first time in nearly 26 years was at hand, and he could finally rid himself of his last obstacle to the throne of Aquinnah.


"I wish to join my house with yours. My daughter is now of a marriageable age and I wish for her to marry into your family." Rammun said with sincerity


"Unfortunately I can not give you an answer at this time. There are other matters that are going to be addressed so as such, they need to be taken care of first. I hope you understand this." Chelan said, not wanting to reveal that Adreyn was going to be returning.


"What other matters needed to be taken care of? I was not aware of any others." Asher said slowly, trying to find out what it was. It had to be very important otherwise the Iceman would be there.


"Something that does not concern you dear annsa brother." Chelan said using a term that as a child he had always using with his brother as his father had loved him more then he had himself. Though the shock of finding out that Chelan was to be Emperor over Asher had surprised them both. No one had ever thought to ask the boys if they had a tattoo at their backs as this was generated at birth and over time grew to its full heritage. Chelan's had only began to manifest itself a few days before the death of their father, and it was on his death bed that he had ordered Lyre to marry Chelan, despite just turning 14 that past week.


Thinking about that, he remembered something in his brother's face that had frightened him, but had dismissed it as his best friend had held his hand and comforted him as his father had died in the presence of the three of them. Now seeing the same look, he remembered that and wondered what was going on with his brother. With that, more then ever, he was determined to find out what his brother had been doing behind his back and find out why his subjects that were the closest to him had no respect for him.


"Very well my king, I will leave it for now, but we will revisit this later. In the meantime, there are some other matters to discuss, such as the trade agreements between our two Kingdoms. King Rammun, you have mentioned some of the silks and lumber that you wished to trade with us. What is it that we can offer to you?" Asher said steering the conversation away to something that Chelan would tune out. He never liked hearing most of this and rarely had any input into this. While he listened to the King asking what he wanted from the kingdom, one that would soon be his, his wife was plotting as well. No one was aware that while they had been married for nearly 40 years, neither had touched each other as they found each other so loathsome that anything of a sexual act was abhorrent to either of them. And she herself was barren, something that they had discovered early into their marriage. He was not interested in sniveling children and she was far too selfish to bear them anyways. The maid that had told them her condition had been one of many that had died of mysterious deaths, to protect the secret. They each had other lovers who were discrete enough not to share their conquests, and neither of them cared.


As the breakfast concluded, the personal servant of Chelan's, a man named Daihmin came back in and bowed to his King.


"Sire, you have a message that is awaiting you in your chambers." he said about a message from Killian letting him know that he had arrived to where Adreyn was, as was prearranged from before.


"Is it from our mutual friend?" Chelan said, not wishing to ask who from, though he suspected.


"I do not know sire, only that it awaits you." he said answering, but like Chelan keeping his answers vague.


"Thank you Dai. Gentlemen and Lady sister, I bid you well." Chelan said as he stood up. Asher and his wife both stood up as well and as bowed to their sovereign. Though Chelan noticed that his face was not very good today at hiding his emotions as he thought he caught the look of malicious glee and loathing for what he was doing. Chelan decided that he was going to trust his instincts and vowed to bring a few of his guards with him and not be alone today. By tonight, Killian would return and if it killed him from sheer embarrassment he was going to declare himself to his friend. The council had been bothering him for years to get him to remarry but all he wanted was Killian. Now that Adreyn was of age and safe from harm he could retire and allow his son to take over the throne, leaving him to enjoy attentions from Killian.


If of course he didn't kill him for asking him to be his Consort and be forever his partner.



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Earlier, before the meeting Killian had made arrangements for the best of his guards to watch his love and make sure that Asher did not get close to him. He knew he was the greatest deterrent to the High Prince, but he was not taking the chance that he would return to find out that his little angel was dead. The Japanese had a quaint little word for what Chelan was to him and it always made him smile when he thought of it.


His little Uke.


Smiling to himself, though his outside appearance was of an angered person, harsh and unforgiving, he made his way to where Adreyn's home was. It had completely shocked him just how brazen his little Prince was, that he would allow himself out in the open like this. Though he had discovered a few years ago, Adreyn's exact location, he was smart enough not to approach him. He had even caught himself listening to some of his music and wondered if his little bàidh (love in Gaelic) had a voice like that.


45 years was a long time to be familiar with just his hand, and he was getting rather tired of it. If Chelan did not make a move soon, he was going to damn himself and tie him to that four poster bed of his and make him his wife if it killed him. Though considering he was just thinking of raping the king, he knew it would be, but just being able to taste and take that virgin body of his, had given him so many lusty dreams for nearly 30 years. The fact that he had wanted him since Chelan was ten years old was disturbing on its own but the fact that he was still a virgin as his age was astounding. There were a few times in the last few years, when he had been just outside of the room while he had taken the concubines that he had sworn he heard his name called when he had come inside them, but he could not be sure and was too afraid of the rejection of his love to ask the woman. Though shortly after the births of the boys, they seemingly disappeared. Though he had found out that Asher had them killed. He knew he was responsible for the little boy's deaths as well but he could never prove it. And his love would need proof before bring it to the council. Only Adreyn could provide proof, but seeing the forlonged look of his prince and the faded bruises on his body was what had enabled him to break the most sacred rule and helped the young prince to escape.




Thinking about this as he looked at the small home that was his prince's. It had water surrounding the edges of it, with a bridge that led to the front door. From all aspects, it was the only way to the home. The 'moat' as he had observed before had been created to support both tropical and freshwater creatures. He had discovered one day when observing the prince that there were two, very deadly aquatic life inside that moat that would make attempting to cross it, so perilous that no one had dared to do so. Somehow, with the climate changes that had occurred he was able to have piranhas and sea wasps within the moat. The bridge itself was electrified and could only be deactivated by code. Or Adreyn's genes. Thinking back, it was quite ingenious, but from what he could tell, it was the only way he could feel completely secure in his home. And that saddened him.



But his father had requested his presence, and what his love wanted, he would get. So putting on the suit that he had prepared that would protect him from the piranhas and would prevent the sea wasps from the tentacles getting a hold of his skin to poison him, he waded into the moat. Surprisingly, they did not attack him, perhaps not finding him a threat. Moving to the other side of it, as the moat was over 20 feet in width, which made it nearly impossible to cross without the bridge, he emerged and removed the suit. Leaving it at the edge of the moat, he came over to the window that he had already discovered was Adreyn's bedroom window. As he peered inside, he was startled to find one of his subordinates at the foot of the bed, asleep on the chaise that graced the large poster bed. The curtain that graced the edges of it were closed, but were gossamer so he was able to see inside the curve of the edge of him.


It made him gasp at just how much he looked like his father. The two of them could be twins, though you would be able to tell them apart by the length of Chelan's hair. Though he could see that his son was following the same thing as his hair graced his backside. Smiling that if he had his way, this child would be his step-son, he quietly opened the window and lifted himself inside. Watching his former student for any movement, he moved into the room. But before he could open the curtains, he found a steel sword just under the chin and turned to find the red-head, awake and alert. And quite upset


"Master, what are you doing here." he asked his former teacher


"Retrieving treasure." Killian said, his voice low and even.


"Master, what business do you have here?" Cavan asked the man


"As said soldier, retrieving treasure. Our lord has ordered it." Killian said and pushed the sword aside. Only to find that it was not budging.


"I can not allow you near him Master." Cavan said formally addressing his former mentor


"Cavan, we both know you are no match for me. Now I am not going to hurt him. Hell, I was present at his birth, so it is highly unlikely that I would ever harm him." Killian said revealing a bit. It had occurred to him that Adreyn was most likely still hiding, and given the fact that Cavan was behaving like this, he was assuming that he did not know Adreyn's true stature. But given the fact that he was so protective, warmed him greatly, his heart swelling like a proud father.


"How could you be present at his birth? You don't leave the Emperor's side?" Cavan said his sword lowering slightly. At the voices, the figure behind the curtain began to stir and move. With the movement however, it moved his hair and something that Adreyn had been protecting so fiercely became visible.


To Killian, he smiled at him, his heart warming.


To Cavan he looked in utter shock as the design at the back of his spine. He had only seen it once, and it was during his training.


He was looking at the mark of the Royal Line. Heir to the throne of Aquinnah.