Fan Fiction ❯ Shielded in Broken Armours ❯ Part 2: Dance of the Dragons ( Chapter 11 )
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.30.2004 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 163 | Status: Completed
by Alice Montrose
completed July 31, 2004
Chapter Eleven
It had never happened before, Marzio reasoned, lying in a warm embrace, in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Never before had someone cried out his name in such a manner. It felt good to hear it. It felt wonderful, and perfect.
He sighed. His long history of failed relationships was not easy to put behind, but he was feeling utterly satisfied for the first time in years. A new bond had been created between him and the prince, something he could not yet define, but it was there nonetheless.
The brushing of a soft material tickling his belly and down below brought him out of his reveries. He looked down to find a grinning Ignis playing with a long black feather.
"It seems the word 'gentleness' is out of your vocabulary, General."
Marzio turned bright red. "I'm sorry... I must have torn it off when we were... when we - Ahhhhhh... You'd better stop that or else I'll end up doing some serious damage to your wings," Marzio warned playfully.
"I'm not that breakable, Marzio!" Ignis said, sounding a little offended.
"I know you aren't. But that feather just happens to be black, not white," he couldn't help adding.
"Hey! Just wait till you have a brute pounding your behind!" Ignis replied in mock indignation.
"Should I take this as your way to tell me you didn't enjoy what we just did?" asked Marzio, faking annoyance. "Because I don't recall you complaining earlier, you know..."
"I am not saying that! I am just saying that you should not consider my losing a damn feather as a sign of weakness. I am not weak," the Demon said vehemently. "But next time, do try to be more careful," he added shyly, feeling an inner warmth travelling over him from head to toe every time the Angelian brushed his body against his.
"Next time? But I thought I was just a careless brute to you," Marzio teased again.
"You are, but I happen to l-" Ignis bit his tongue before the forbidden word left his mouth. "Like this brute," he finished.
"Hmm, I feel much better knowing that," Marzio said, kissing his jaw line with infinite tenderness.
Ignis' left hand brushed the damp locks away from his forehead. "Such rich hair," he whispered, his voice full of love and acceptance. "You know, I don't think I have ever seen this shade of golden blond before meeting you."
Marzio sighed. "And you fell for me the moment you saw my hair? This is childish," he said, chuckling.
"Perhaps. Or perhaps it was destiny that led you on my path."
"You believe in destiny?"
Ignis nuzzled at his neck. "On a wider scale? Yes, I do. What we do with our own lives is our making. But we are all part of a great design, which will eventually be accomplished. Whether it is now, or tomorrow, or in a thousand years. It will happen, for it is inevitable."
There was a hidden meaning in those words, but Marzio knew the prince well enough by now to realize he would be given no further information on the subject. Instead, he should focus on more mundane things, things he knew would be explained to him.
He liked this, cuddling with Ignis in the huge bed, snuggled up close under the warm covers. He felt comfortable, and safe. In the arms of the wonderful young genius that was the Prince of Demonis, he felt truly protected.
It would not last - it could not. But he remembered some of Ignis' words that, as usual, had sounded trivial at the time. "It is in small things that I find happiness." Now he understood their true value.
He raised a hand to capture some of the luxuriant red hair splayed all around them. "Have I told you how special you are to me?"
"No, you have not. But I already knew that. You are the one in need of constant reassurance," Ignis replied, trying to mask the overwhelming sense of security he felt at those words.
"You always read into my soul, Ignis. How is that possible? How can you know my thoughts without me voicing them?"
The prince giggled. "Magic," he offered. "Do not let it surprise you. I do this a lot, and not only with my friends. Let's leave it at that."
A couple more minutes flew by. The night was quiet and peaceful. The candles had gone out long ago, and they just laid there in the blessed darkness. Marzio felt like dozing off, but there were some more questions he needed answered before he did so. And he had to be very careful, this time.
"Tempesta told me about Rasya," he began.
Ignis stiffened. "How much did she say?"
"That the two of you were really close. That she died protecting your life."
A sad voice asked him, "Why would you care about someone you have never met?"
"Because Rasya was more than your lover. She was your friend. And I... I would like to become your friend, too. I am not trying to pass any judgement, Ignis. And I know I could never take her place - but at least let me get a little closer."
"You already are. It doesn't get any closer than this." Ignis proved his point by tightening the embrace. "But I am glad you asked me, instead of somebody else." He sighed. "I was happy... with her. I could forget some of my problems. We used to sneak out of the palace and into the city, in the guise of soldiers or travellers. Blend in with the crowd, go into taverns, and at plays... speak to common people about their troubles and concerns. I still do that; only it was different, when there were two of us."
Ignis drew his breath and Marzio realized he was holding back tears. He could see the pain building up inside the prince's soul. He gently kissed his silky hair and his cheek. "I'm really sorry I brought this up. I did not wish to open old wounds."
"Don't be sorry." He was smiling sadly now, and touched his lips to Marzio's forehead. "These are good memories. Happy memories."
Marzio hugged his lover skin-tight. "I never got to thank you for saving my life," he said, trying to lead them both to safer ground.
"You know it is not necessary."
"You could have let me die."
"You're pushing it again." Ignis' voice told him the prince did not hold it against him at all.
"Sorry. Just curious."
"And when are you not curious? You always seem to have something to ask, some new subject that has managed to capture your interest."
"You can't deny that supernatural healing powers do have a certain appeal," he said. "And then, there is that tattoo... Very mysterious and very distracting, Meris Sagni-Dor," he purred, and jumped up suddenly as Ignis pinched his bottom. "Ouch! What was that for?"
"Calling me by my family name in my bed, that's what!" It seemed Marzio had finally managed to wipe out any sign of sadness from the prince's face.
"Oh, it was only that. I thought you were jealous of your own tattoo," he teased.
"Foolish Angelian!" laughed the prince, slapping his lover's shoulder playfully. "Now, I suggest we get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day for me, and I would rather be awake during it."
Marzio sighed and moved into a more comfortable position, laying his head on Ignis' shoulder. He closed his eyes and let the beating of his lover's heart lull him to sleep. Before falling into a blissful nap, he felt the Demon's jet-black wings surround his naked body protectively.
Sunlight streaming through the semi-transparent lace curtains roused Ignis from his restful slumber. He yawned and rubbed his eyes, trying to chase away sleep. His senses told him the hour was late, compared to the time of morning he usually got up.
His movements made the sleeping form huddled against his body whimper, but did not fully awake it.
For one moment, Ignis could not recall who it was; but then the past night's events came back to him, and a happy grin spread across his face. He wrapped his arms tightly around Marzio, and nuzzled at the soft locks of hair. Golden, just like the light coming in through the window.
He had never thought it would be so passionate, so fulfilling... His heart filled with joy again, casting away the heavy clouds that had gathered during the past three years. Marzio had pulled him away from loneliness, and had taught him to feel love again.
'Such a wonderful night... it makes me wish it had not ended so soon...'
He kissed the locks that tickled his face, and caressed the Angelian's back. Gently, lest he woke him up. He felt warm, and comfortable, and he loathed the thought of getting up. Still, pressing matters awaited his attention.
He carefully pushed away the bed covers and unfolded his wings from around the sleeping man's body to look down and admire his lover in the tender light. So beautiful he was, laying there deeply asleep, curled against Ignis, his left hand across the prince's waist, his face buried in the younger man's chest. Ignis could not hold back an affectionate smile. No reason to wake him just yet.
He lifted up Marzio's body, slowly pushing him onto the mattress. The Angelian stirred, but did not open his eyes. Ignis sat up on the bed, and pulled the warm covers over his lover, tucking him in. Tenderly, he brushed away some of the rebellious blond curls to have another look at the peaceful expression on Marzio's face, and placed a fleeting kiss on his lips. Then he stood up and looked around for his robe. It had landed on the floor, together with the rest of their clothes. He donned it, then gathered the rest of the items and placed them on the trunk at the end of the bed. They were a little crumpled, but there was nothing he could do about that.
A bath was in order, he decided. He made for the bathroom, careful not to make any loud noise. He slinked past the door, and soundlessly closed it behind him.
The marble was cold beneath his bare feet, but he paid little attention to it. Swiftly, he submerged himself in warm water and removed any bodily remains of the previous night. But its memory still burned inside his heart. He laughed while rubbing himself down roughly with a towel, and then put his robe back on. He returned into the bedroom, as quietly as he had left it. His hair was relatively wet, but he had rubbed out as much water as he could manage.
Marzio had moved in his sleep, and was now hugging a pillow. But there was no sign he was awake, so Ignis began the challenging task of choosing the proper attire for the day. He truly hated the over-adorned garments the nobles wore at Court, and therefore all his clothes had a simple style to them. Still, they were made of rich materials, the simple cut and carefully-chosen colours offering him a certain dignity over the peacock-like style of the highborn.
He did not feel like making an appearance that day, but holding open trial was one of the things he felt obliged to do for the lower-ranked and common people, and he had failed to attend that duty for almost two months on account of the recent military campaign. It was going to be a rough day.
Skipping his daily training was also something he regretted, but a glance at the sleeping form in his bed made him change his mind quickly. He'd had plenty of 'training' that night.
There was clatter coming from the other side of the wall, and Ignis knew it had to be Kheerah, setting up his breakfast. He unlocked the heavy door, and entered the spacious room.
The boy bowed deeply as his master approached, and when he straightened his body he was met by a warm smile. There was no doubt the prince was in a good mood.
"Kheerah, did you deliver General Zain-Reil's breakfast yet?" he enquired.
"No, your lordship. He is usually still sleeping at this hour."
Ignis chuckled. "Excellent. When you are done with setting up the table, just go back to the kitchens and bring it back here, alright?"
"Milord?"
The young attendant was a little disoriented at first, but the look on the prince's face spoke volumes.
"Just do as I say. And no word of this to anyone, understood?" he added, on a somewhat threatening tone.
"Y-yes, my Lord Prince!" the boy shied away.
"Good," he nodded, returning to the bedroom.
Marzio was beginning to stir, and as Ignis approached the bed and sat down on its edge sleepy green eyes looked up at him.
"Good morning," he smiled, reaching out to caress a tanned shoulder creeping out from under the covers. "Did you sleep well?"
"Mmm... absolutely," Marzio grinned back. "There were voices coming from the other room, and you were not here, and..."
"And?" The Demon raised an eyebrow.
"And I was beginning to miss you!" the Angelian complained, then suddenly sat up to capture the prince's lush lips in a kiss.
Ignis' body shuddered with laughter as they lost their balance and fell back on the bed. He could get used to this.
He pushed the blond man away, sitting up again. "Alright, most eager one, time to get up! Breakfast is here, and we haven't got all day!"
"Breakfast?" the general questioned, following the prince in his motions, oblivious to the fact he was stark naked. He pushed his hands under Ignis' ceremonial robes, caressing the Demon's chest and shoulders. He licked his lips provocatively. "Mmm... I could use an appetizer..."
Ignis was beginning to get aroused, but as much as he wanted to abandon his duties in favour of much more pleasurable activities, he could not do it. He shot Marzio a reproachful glance, gently removing the skilled hands from under his robe. "I am truly sorry, but this is not the right time."
Marzio's face fell, and Ignis cursed himself under his breath. He had hurt him without a reason.
"Marzio, as much as I would like to spend the day with you, this land does not rule itself. And right now, I must attend to my duties. You know this." Marzio nodded, still disturbed, so the Demon continued, "However, I am sure I can find out a way to make up for it, later tonight."
A brilliant smile curled Marzio's lips, and the Demon found himself caught in a searing kiss once more. He embraced the Angelian really tight, and hoped he would not be exhausted by the time night fell. That would prove a real impediment.
Marzio pulled back and caressed the wet reddish hair that tumbled on Ignis' shoulders. "Hmm... At least let me brush your hair for you. I've always wanted to do it."
The prince agreed, pulling out of his arms. "So, what are you waiting for? Get dressed already. Or are you planning on having breakfast in the nude?"
Marzio looked around for his clothes, and Ignis indicated the place he had put them. He watched his lover while he got dressed, admiring once more the toned body and the way he moved. He really had to have a sparring match with Marzio one of these days.
Something wicked crossed his mind, and he voiced it. "Kheerah almost fainted when I told him to bring your food here."
The general froze into place, staring back at him open-mouthed. Ignis giggled, and busied himself tying the Angelian's shirt and jacket laces.
"Don't worry, he is absolutely discrete. The Court may not yet be aware of our little adventure last night... and if it gets out, it won't be from Kheerah's mouth."
He brushed his lips against Marzio's soft cheek, something he had discovered he really enjoyed doing. He checked him from head to toe and, knowing this was as good as it would get, he started pulling the man into the other room. "Come now, I'm getting hungry!"
Breakfast proved to be a good idea, also because Ignis informed Marzio he did not have to spend his days locked in his rooms. In fact, he even wondered how come the general had not explored half the palace by now, and had a good laugh when Marzio replied that it did not feel proper to do so without permission.
"You can go wherever you want, just as long as you don't leave the palace grounds without an escort. I'll get you a plan if you like, but meanwhile just feel free to ask around. The guards can be extremely useful, given a chance."
"So you train them to be tour guides or something?" Marzio chuckled.
"Not at all, beloved," Ignis replied, and Marzio's heart jumped at the endearment. "But they won't mind a little chat while they're on duty. Standing there all day doing nothing can be so boring."
Oh yes, it could. Marzio had been through it, and probably so had the young prince; it was all part of standard military training.
"Besides," the prince added, "my guards really like you. You haven't given them any trouble this far."
That did not feel right. "What did Kelan do this time?" he couldn't help asking. He knew the man would be trouble, no matter where he was.
Ignis sighed. "Not too much, just the usual scheming. Or so Tempesta says. I have yet to see the man myself - and I admit I am not looking forward to that moment. Oh, and she also says they miss your presence. At Court."
Marzio glared at him suspiciously. "What do you mean, at Court?"
"Well, I couldn't have kept them locked in their rooms, could I? And Lucifer insisted that they see 'Demonis in all its glory'."
There was a dark irony in the prince's voice as he repeated the High Priest's words, and Marzio had a fairly good idea why. "The two of you don't get along too well, I take it?"
Another sigh, and Ignis tossed down half of his wine. "Let's just say that, if possible, I would throw him down the highest tower without a second thought."
"Throw who down a tower?" came an intrusive voice, and Marzio turned around at once. Praise the gods, it was only Owen. Still, Marzio could not suppress a shudder as he realized the Dreak would know why he was there.
Ignis seemed calm, and obviously not surprised at his Captain's sudden appearance. "You're not stupid, Owen, and you damn well know who I'm talking about, since you've been here for five minutes already."
Now Marzio was really surprised. Ignis had not looked at the door once while they had been in the room. "You could hear him come in?" he asked, not very sure if it was the right thing to do.
"Hear him is not the correct word," the prince replied, and Marzio sensed the change in his tone. Subtle, almost non-existent; and it had been there ever since he had said the Angelian should feel free to explore the palace. 'Which was precisely five minutes ago,' he realized.
"Feel me is more like it," Owen agreed. "He says he can smell me occasionally, although how he does it is still a mystery."
Ignis leaned forward to whisper to Marzio, but his voice was loud enough so that the other Dreak could overhear his words. "Only when he has sex. I smell perfume all over him."
Marzio blushed furiously, and coughed to hide his discomfort; Ignis chuckled devilishly, knowing perfectly well whose perfume it was, and Owen looked totally befuddled; but all three let it go.
"You missed training this morning, so I was worried something might have happened," the captain finally cleared things out. "I came to see if you were alright, but Kheerah said you were having company for breakfast."
Marzio was a little baffled by this exchange, not sure what to believe anymore. Thankfully, Ignis decided to finally put an end to the whole discussion, lying through his teeth with such ease only a good politician could use. "You worry too much. I simply got up late, and decided to have breakfast in pleasurable company." And it just had to sound completely reasonable, of course. "Besides, I must say I am not looking forward to attending trial today. I thought Marzio could help me relax a little."
Owen smiled. "I see. I shall wait for you outside, then."
Ignis sighed deeply when he heard the door close. His smile returned, and so did a part of his good humour. "One would say that my missing training is the end of the world. Don't worry, beloved, he doesn't suspect anything," he added, turning to Marzio and hugging him.
"How can you be certain?"
"It's not so hard. He is aware I favour you, of course; but I do not have the habit of spending the morning with my bed mates, and he knows that perfectly well. Your very presence deceived him."
Marzio could not help but feel an annoying pang of jealousy at the mentioning of other people sharing his lover's bed. He tried very hard not to think how many there had been before him, or if Ignis truly held him in a high, special place in his heart, from where he could look down at the others and claim with true conviction how little they had meant to their prince, and how impossible it was for them to ever get a glimpse of Ignis' love.
The prince got up. "I shall see you tonight, then. Or perhaps you will come see me in the Great Hall today?"
'Great Hall? Oh, that's right; the trials.' "Yes, I might stop by later. I thought I'd begin my 'exploration' with the library."
Ignis smiled, then bent down and stole a quick kiss. "Whatever you wish, Marzio. If you do, you'll have a pleasant surprise waiting for you there. And remember," he threatened him with one finger, like one did when chastising a child, "I know where you live."
Marzio stood as well, accompanying the prince to the door. There were at least ten guards outside, but none seemed to find his presence there threatening, or at least strange. Ignis introduced them all by name, and they were all were quite friendly, in spite of their stern faces and stiff position. Then Ignis was on his way down the stairs, and the Angelian returned to his own rooms, making a plan in his mind of what he should go see first. He was particularly curious of the library - where he would probably find plenty of information on Demonis - and the barracks. All the talk about training had reminded him it had been quite a while since his last fighting practice, and there had to be some sort of facility built near the soldiers' quarters he could make good use of.