Hoping for Changes

“Two days!” A strong fist pounded against a map laid out on a wooden table. “Viera is already visible on the horizon. Why the hell is it going to take the whole envoy two days to reach it???”
“Sir…there is a river between us and Viera.” A solider said pointing to a part of the map indicating where said river was, “It is a very turbulent river. Crossing it will not be simple.” The frantic soldier tried to explain to his captain, who looked about ready to flip over the table in frustration. The Kingdom of Luxem’s most famous general, Sir Mason Boyd, was known for his smarts, bravery, and fighting ability; but definitely not for his patience.

“There is going to be a change in plans.” Mason said as he began to roll up the map, “I want you men to stay put. I will go alone and retrieve Prince Aiden.”

Instantly, there were many objections to this from every soldier in Mason’s tent, “But sir, what if it is an ambush!?”

“That’s right! Most likely Prince Aiden is being held captive, locked up in some dungeon hurt! It is not safe at all!”

“Silence!” Mason roared and just as instantly the whole tent full of soldiers was quiet.

“If this is an ambush, then there is no point in our small envoy getting caught. I am sure I can cross that river by tonight if I am alone.” The general began to explain, “The longer Prince Aiden is in Viera, the less time he most likely has in staying alive. Our safest bet to get him back alive is to sneak him out of there and the best way to do that is if I go alone.” General Mason was tall, big, and muscular, but he also had the stealth, speed, and ability to sneak into any place just as good as he was in leading his troops to victory. “I will bring back our Prince alive.”

**~~**

The doors of the Viera palace’s biggest parlour opened and Sare led the Prince of Luxem into the grand room.

King Ghazi stood from his seat of a feast table when he saw Aiden entered. “Ah, Prince Aiden of Luxem, finally we meet.” He motioned for Sare to show Aiden to a seat right across from the King.

“The pleasure is mine.” Aiden bowed slightly to the King before he took his seat. Lei was not kidding when he informed the prince that this was going to be a private meeting. For such a grand room, that seemed as if it should be full of attending servants at the very least, it was rather empty. Of course except for the King and the two beautiful attendants he has been in the care of.
“I hope that you have found your stay in my kingdom pleasant.” Ghazi began as he also took a seat. Sare has made his way to Ghazi and was stood behind him.

“I am grateful for your hospitality,” Aiden nodded, “I must admit, I am surprised to have received such kindness.” He felt someone beside him, “A drink, your highness?” Aiden recognized Lei’s sultry voice as the other did not wait for a response and poured a drink into the goblet placed on the table for Aiden. The prince nodded in thanks to the attendant. Lei had changed clothing since he last saw him in the morning. The black-haired beauty was dressed in the same way Sare was, but the laced veil covering his hair and designs of his tunic were blue.
King Ghazi was not taken aback from Aiden’s response, “By my treaties with Urbin, I am technically committing treason against them just for the simple fact that I did not turn in the crown prince of Luxem. I am sure by now you must realize that I have my reasons for not doing so.” The King paused, taking a drink out of his own goblet before continuing, “I would like to aid Luxem with its battle against Urbin in exchange for a claim on that territory.”

“You want our help in claiming Urbin?” Aiden was taken back from such request. “I am sorry but I cannot guarantee any answer as I do not make such decisions. My father, the King of Luxem, and his counselors do.”

Ghazi nodded, bringing one hand up to his brown, short-bearded chin, rubbing it “I understand that…hopefully the King of Luxem will be grateful for us saving his son’s life. As you can see, I am not a bad King like other kingdoms portray me to be. Do not worry. I will not keep you captive while I wait for a decision. I am sure Lady Min has told you that your men are on their way for you.”
King Ghazi’s words were making Aiden uneasy but he did not show it. This king was definitely up to something. Was he really just going to let him go that easily? Aiden decided to play along, “I am sure that I could probably give your Highness a good word to our council, I am Luxem’s crown prince after all.” The red-haired man smiled giving Sare a glance before looking at Ghazi again.

“I am really impressed with how well trained your physicians are. “ Lei gave the prince a suspicious look as he talked, “I wouldn’t mind bringing Sare to Luxem to train my mediocre physicians.” Aiden said casually.
“I am sorry to have to refuse your request young man.” Ghazi responded, not suspecting any ulterior motives to Aiden’s request. “None of my subjects, other than soldiers, are allowed to leave the kingdom. Besides, Sare is more than just a physician in this palace.”
“Ah…what a shame that you cannot share such talents, however, laws are laws.”

“Enough with business talk,” Ghazi said signaling to Lei and Sare to serve them, “It is time to enjoy a feast.”
**~~**


“The nerve of that guy!” Lei exclaimed in anger tossing his veil on a bed next to where Sare was sitting with his head down. The meeting between Aiden and Ghazi finally ended and Lei couldn’t have been more relieved that it was over.

“To think that he was hinting that he wanted to take you…ugh….he just made me so mad! If Keiran wasn’t there I would have punched him in the face!” Lei paced about in the room that he shared with Sare, venting out his anger and trying to calm down. “I can’t wait until he leaves. Actually, I hope Keiran sends an army to destroy his kingdom. I don’t know why he is just going to let that idiot go just like that…that isn’t like Keiran at all.” Lei stopped his tirade when he heard sniffles coming from Sare.

Sare was still facing the floor, but this time his shoulders were shaking. Sare’s crying was infuriating Lei further. He walked over to Sare and grabbed the blond by the shoulders making him look up at Lei, “Sare listen to me. You need to stop acting this way. Do you realize what Keiran is going to do to you if he realizes you have a stupid crush on that idiot prince???”

“I don’t want him to leave Lei,” Sare cried hugging Lei and burying his face into his friend’s shoulder. “When he leaves…I…I won’t see him ever again.”

“It is for the best that you never do.”Lei whispered hugging Sare back. He had a feeling this was not going to end well.

**~~**

**Edit**: Re-read this chapter and noticed a huge double-negative that I can't believe I missed >__< But it is fixed now! Sorry for my bad grammar.