Fan Fiction ❯ Shielded in Broken Armours ❯ Part 3: Rise of the Phoenix ( Chapter 23 )
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.30.2004 | Pages: 2 | Words: 5.8K | Visits: 165 | Status: Completed
by Alice Montrose
completed July 31, 2004
Chapter Twenty-Three
Everything had ended; and Marzio knew it was mostly his fault. He should not have turned down Ignis' offer. He should have gone to Demonis and started a new life at the prince's side.
Oh, who was he fooling? It had been an offer made in pity, had it not? And Ignis' last words stung him, gradually making place for a deep ache that consummated his whole being.
A lie, that's what their relationship had been. The prince hadn't really loved him. No one could love him, in spite of all better hope. And why would a Demon feel what one of his own people couldn't? Why would a prince lower himself like this, when he could have anyone he wanted?
Desperately clutching a hand at his chest, Marzio curled up on the bed. He would be asked to leave, soon. He would never see the Prince of Demonis again. And he had nowhere left to go.
His left cheek hurt where the blow had landed. A proper mark, for daring to talk up in such a manner, he reckoned. But it was nothing compared to his inner turmoil, to the deep sorrow in his heart.
He heard the door slam again, furious steps come towards him. The time to leave was apparently nearer than expected. Well, he would go then; go without looking back.
He raised his head to see who the new assailant was. It was Ignis. He would order Marzio away personally, then - it hurt even more, to be cast out by his lover. Yet Marzio knew he would obey; he would obey any order or request coming from the prince.
Hands grabbed him; curiously, instead of pulling him off the bed they shoved him back down, as the red-haired Demon climbed on top of him with no hesitation. One hand pushed the blond mane away from Marzio's face, slender fingers impossibly soft and patient as they spread the long waves in a golden halo around his head. The drowning eyes held no hate or revulsion, but love and desire. And pain.
Then Ignis closed his mouth on Marzio's, ravishing his lips with a passion he had never shown before. He had always been tender, but now he was almost brutal in his need.
When Ignis pulled back, the blond opened his mouth to ask what this was all about; but in a flash he was silenced, a warm tongue forcing itself past his teeth, claming him with ardent passion. And when this second kiss was broken as well, the prince ordered, "Silence, my foolish lover! I don't want to hear another word. I've had enough of talking! I'll simply show you that you are not worthless."
Marzio could only stare at the determination on Ignis' face, at the firm set of his mouth as the pale fingers hastily got rid of the robe Marzio was wearing, one hand pulling him up long enough to push the offending garment out of the way. Ignis' hands were everywhere now, rashly running over Marzio's exposed body, demanding in their urgency.
Still not completely sure where this would lead, Marzio just stood still, afraid he might ruin it. A few moments in Ignis' presence and his fears had already melted away; and the Demon was so eager in his insistence, so willing to please. Suddenly there was no denying what would happen next. And Marzio was frightened at how much he wanted this. Frightened by his body's prompt responses, at the passion growing with each touch.
Placing hungry kisses on Marzio's shoulders and neck, Ignis now firmly pulled his body up again and crawled behind his lover to explore the two long scars. They had healed fast and nicely, two parallel lines of angry red the only proof there had once been wings attached to the broad back. Just a little hesitant, the prince traced one of them with the tip of his index finger, so lightly it could have been a blow of the Mauri's breeze. His lover's body shuddered violently at the contact, and a moan escaped his lips. Marzio could feel the heat gathering inside his body, and he fought the desire to lean back in the touch, gripping violently at a pillow that happened to be at hand.
Pleased with the result, Ignis traced the other scar in the same fashion, and then he bent his head to run his tongue up the vulnerable area. Scar tissue was always more sensitive to the touch than the rest of the skin; yet he had to be careful not to cause pain instead of the pleasure he sought to offer his lover. His foolish lover, who saw himself worthless now that he had managed to warn Ignis of the danger that lay ahead. His foolish lover, who would soon realize he was nothing of the sort.
Lightly running his fingers over the scars one last time, the Demon used his other hand to lift the golden hair and bare Marzio's neck, and he nibbled at the skin behind his ear. It was one of those secret pleasure spots, which had always sent a thrill of sensations through his lover's body. How well he remembered it, as if it had been merely hours ago, not the long winter months that had truly passed since they had last made love.
Yes, they would have that closeness again. Nothing would part them this time, not even Marzio's silly ideas that had led to their earlier fight. Ignis realized they had this tendency to always make love after they had quarrelled. It had been some sort of unwritten ritual, to forget all about the harsh words in the heat of passion.
This time didn't seem to be an exception.
His restless hands found Marzio's already building erection and stroked it mercilessly through the cloth of his trousers. The deep throaty sounds his lover was making only served to turn him on more. An urgency he had not felt before was taking hold of him and making his motions almost aggressive.
But Marzio did not mind; quite the contrary. Fighting back the urge to abandon himself to the sensations and feeling such need he had not experienced in a very long time, he suddenly whirled around and pinned Ignis down on the mattress, letting go of all thoughts except having the prince squirming under him as soon as possible. His desire, repressed for too long, finally took over as he straddled his lover and forced his hands up, holding them over his head in a firm grip, looking down at his captive prey in hunger and anticipation.
He licked his lips. Ignis' false helplessness had him looking as tempting and alluring as the most forbidden of pleasures, eyes half-lidded and mouth parted invitingly, body trembling slightly as if in fear. The illusion was perfect, although Marzio was sure the prince could have broken free at any moment if he wanted to.
Marzio looked around him for something to bind Ignis with. The easiest choice was the sash that had held his robe into place, and luckily it was within a hand's reach. As he made a lounge for it and grabbed it, Ignis' eyes widened. But he did not protest when Marzio bound his wrists together, over his head. Now Marzio had all that lean body to himself, to sweetly torture his lover until he would beg for release.
Too late did he realize Ignis was still clothed.
Well, truth be said, he actually enjoyed ripping the shirt from the man's upper body. After all, what was a ruined piece of clothing compared to the toned and yet stunningly soft flesh that it hid from sight?
Soon, not an inch of exposed skin had escaped Marzio's unrelenting caresses, his fingers running over his lover's lean abdomen as he bent down to bite at a pink nipple. The stretched body under him tensed as he ran his tongue over Ignis' chest, taking a sharp breath as Marzio's teeth finally closed on their target.
Delicious, the musky scent coming from the Demon's flesh, the slide of his skin against Marzio's as the prince pulled himself up, using the headboard and his feet for support, his manhood rubbing against the Angelian's in the motion.
A fire erupted inside Marzio, and he could wait no more. Instinctively reaching out for the top drawer of the little nightstand, he found what he was looking for - a little glass vial. He cast Ignis a glance to find him grinning sheepishly, and he laughed out loud. In his mind, he praised his lover for anticipating this. But Ignis had made it clear that no words were needed. Words would bring pain where there was no need for it.
Sighing, Marzio decided not to dwell in it for too long. Instead, he took off the rest of their clothing and ran his fingers up Ignis' thighs, enjoying the familiar feel of muscles under tender skin, of tendons stretching as he parted the Demon's legs, at the same time pushing his knees up and positioning himself between his lover's legs.
Ignis was proudly erect, demanding Marzio's attentions. As he bent down and ran his tongue over the oversensitive inner side, the Demon gave sound to a loud moan which soon turned into a desperate groan as Marzio ran slow circles with his tongue down the shaft, and sucked at each testicle.
Now Ignis truly began trashing under him, almost wild with desire. He wanted Marzio inside him, filling him, completing him. He pulled at the bonds tentatively, careful not to hurt himself and yet strongly enough to loosen them and free himself from their restraint.
Marzio took no notice of this as he continued licking Ignis' erection. Feeling his lover's distress, he finally pulled back and poured some of the oily liquid onto his fingers, lightly running them over Ignis' opening. He pushed one inside, muscles quickly clenching it in exquisite heat. He pulled it out and penetrated Ignis again, with two fingers this time. The prince buckled under him, biting his lips and struggling with the bonds, apparently to no end. Roughly inserting a third finger, Marzio delighted in a loud groan of agonized need. He kept moving his fingers in and out, and used his free hand to lubricate his aching erection. He would soon be buried in the searing heat of Ignis' body, muscles clenching his burning desire. The mere thought made him shiver as he removed his fingers and prepared to enter his lover.
It was the perfect timing for Ignis to make his move. Gripping Marzio's waist firmly with his feet, he finally managed to release his arms and used his full strength to turn Marzio over, pinning his back and arms against the headboard, a grin his reply to the sheer amazement in the Angelian's eyes. Now Ignis had Marzio right where he wanted him.
Grabbing the sash Marzio had used to bind him, he gave his lover the same treatment, only he fixed the Angelian's wrists apart on the headboard so there would be no chance of escape. He could feel Marzio's hardness pulsing firmly against his buttocks, ready for penetration. Well, he would not keep him waiting for long.
Pulling himself up on his knees, resting his palms on Marzio's broad shoulders for leverage, he started his slow descent over the awaiting rigidity of his lover's glistening erection, fighting the inevitable resistance of his muscles. Something like 'we shouldn't have waited this long...' vaguely crossed his mind, but it was not the time to reflect on such issues. He needed to show his Marzio how precious and dear he still was to him. And if words were not enough to convince him of his devotion, he'd use the full force of his passion as his soundless cry of love. With that purpose in mind, he took a deep breath, and willed his body to embrace his lover's velvety heat.
Pain. Nothing he had not known before. Stillness, and his lover's look of concern. He didn't know if he wanted to kiss him or slap him again. This was not their first time, after all! When was Marzio going to learn he was not made of glass? Clenching his teeth to drive away the pain he had no means escaping, he forced himself down until Marzio was fully inside him, his erection pulsing in the tight depths of his body.
The Demon seethed. It had been a foolish thing to do, but he had waited for too long to give up at the last moment. He closed his eyes and breathed steady for a few moments, feeling the need to have his lover's guidance through this. He blindly reached out and unbound Marzio, apologizing with a kiss for what could not be unsaid or undone.
He was a little anxious, but the blond's reassuring smile told him it was going to be all right. Drawing a sharp breath, Ignis forced his body up and then down again, a little unsteady until he found the right pace and angle. Marzio's large hands took hold of his lean hips, gently helping him into finding a natural, comfortable rhythm.
It went smoothly from there. Frenziedly, urgently, but smoothly. Marzio's right hand left Ignis' thigh after a while to stroke his lover while the Demon continued his wild rhythm, head thrown back, hair fawning around him savagely.
Ignis was stunning in his passion, like a god of fire caught in the middle of his coupling dance, Marzio decided, increasing his rhythm in time with his lover. And his, all his! He could not remember why they had argued, or why he had ever doubted Ignis' love for him. There was no greater proof than the sheer abandon to passion that the prince showed, the chanting groans leaving his lips as he continued to willingly offer himself to Marzio, making sure his lover would receive the most pleasure he could offer.
It became unbearable, for both of them. Finally, the Angelian could hold back no longer; this sudden display of fervour combined with nearly five months of abstinence said their word as he came inside his lover's body with the same violence that had been at work throughout the whole experience. His release triggered off Ignis', who with a final moan came all over Marzio's hand, shouting his name again as he had done their first time together. Then he let his body fall on top of his lover, arms limp at his sides, his breath the only sign he was actually alive. He did nothing to prevent Marzio's arms encircling him, stroking his sweat-glistening skin and pushing away plastered hair from his face and lidded eyes. He just laid there, motionless, wings still fully stretched out as they had been when he had reached completion, heart beating wildly in his chest, mind blank except for the remains of the immense pleasure that had drowned him barely moments before.
"You are a bit crazy, you know that?" Marzio finally said.
Had the prince's head not been on his shoulder, he would have missed the weak nod. Ignis' lips moved twice before a weak sound was uttered: "... drained..."
Marzio smiled, knowing this to be an extraordinarily achievement considering the young Demon's seemingly endless stamina. "I can't believe I finally managed to wear you out."
A soft chuckle as Ignis' fingers regained their ability to move, running up Marzio's arms, delicate and moist and completely seductive in their innocent movement. The prince finally opened his eyes, blinking to clear his vision. The mid-afternoon sun cast orange and red reflections in the room through the pulled curtains, bathing them both in a soft and warm light. He looked up at Marzio, taking in the fair beauty of his features. In this light, his lover's hair was the colour of molten gold. He mustered enough strength to run a strand through his fingers. Yes, definitely golden.
"You are gorgeous," he whispered. "Utterly irresistible..."
This time, Marzio did not try to deny it like he had countless times before.
Ignis closed his eyes again, enjoying this intimate proximity of skin against skin. Marzio was still buried inside him, but the undemanding invasion of his lover's spent softness did not bother him at all. A secret smile played on his lips as he pondered with the idea of staying like this forever. It did not displease him one bit.
Still, he pulled away, carefully sliding off his lover, kissing Marzio tenderly. He could taste him for ages and still ask for more, he decided. But again, it was only an idea. Claiming his side of the bed, he moved to pull Marzio's body in the circle of his arms, dark wings enfolding him once more as if to reassure him of their owner's protectiveness.
"Did you sense it too?" the prince asked as he began playing in his lover's hair absent-mindedly.
"Hmm?"
"The way it feels like when we make love. It just seems right."
"Now that you mention it, I do feel something is different when I'm with you. I thought it was just me, but..." Marzio shook his head. "Tell me the truth, Ignis: did you ask me to be your Consort just because of this prophecy, or did you really mean it?"
"To hell with the prophecy! I would fight a thousand wars to have you by my side." Ignis sighed. "I just wish you would learn to trust me, beloved. I also wish you'd start seeing your true value. What you did in these past few months takes real courage, and it will only raise you in my people's esteem. Was it selfish of me to ask you to come back to Demonis and have your proper place at my side?"
Marzio let his hands circle the prince's waist. "No, just unexpected. I fear I have lied to you - right now there's nothing I want more than to be with you. But becoming your Consort... That's a serious commitment, Ignis. I'd just like to put some of order in my life before I can answer that."
"I understand." Ignis caressed the cheek where his slap had ended earlier. "And I apologize for hitting you. Normally I would never do that, but I've reached the limit of my patience a bit too often these last couple of days."
"It's all right. I should be the one apologizing. I should never have said those things, to you of all people." Marzio tightened his hold. "But I thought..."
Long fingers silenced him; warm lips touched his brow lovingly. "I know what you thought. Never out of pity, Marzio - do you hear me? I would never ask something as important as that out of pity. And you can take your time with the answer. There is no hurry. We have all the time in the world, my love."
Marzio wanted to believe him; he couldn't remember himself wanting something with such intensity before.
Then, typically, he remembered something he'd been meaning to ask the prince. "Ignis, about this prophecy... you were given a choice just like me, right?"
"Yes; when I was twelve. My mother had died half a year before, and I was having trouble finding a purpose in life. Then the Sorceress asked me if, were I given the chance to change the world, I would try to do it. Even then, I was such an idealist! What would a child know about changing the world? But I accepted. And here I am."
"Here we are, you mean," Marzio corrected him. "That woman... the Sorceress, you called her? She said I would never see you again if I didn't do this. I could not live with that, just as I could not live with the thought I might have been one of the causes of your death. And there was this voice in my mind that couldn't refuse the chance I was being offered. It kept saying I could start a new life, one in which I made my own destiny. And maybe, just maybe, you would be part of that new life too. So you see, in a way we are both idealists."
He laughed, and so did Ignis. "I knew you had it in you, Angelian! Now, how about we actually rest for a while, mm? We're busy tonight, remember?"
"Khest!" Marzio grumbled. "You're supposed to meet Ceni this evening."
"I'm sure he'll be happy to know you are safe. Now go to sleep, before I change my mind and ask for another bout of retribution! And if I have to do that, I swear I won't go any easier on you!"
Marzio chuckled knowingly. "Yes, I noticed you were quite enthusiastic. Not that I am complaining, mind it."
His mind drifted off, 'No, I am not complaining at all...'
Ceni knew something was wrong the moment Meris Owen met them at the gates that evening. There was a dark look in the Dreak's eyes he had not seen before, and that had not been there the last time they had seen each other. And the request for this meeting, though not really suspicious, had left the Angelian officer thinking about the last time when he had been supposed to "discuss security" with the captain, and had gotten to talk to Prince Sagni-Dor instead.
Ceni knew that today was a bad day to meet with the prince. A courier had arrived that morning from Angelia, bringing with him the news that Marzio had disappeared from the prison in Mnemon. Not escaped, but literally disappeared; and nobody had known where he had gone. So Ceni had spent the rest of the morning organizing guard posts at every single access gate into the city, a task that needed to be done but which he didn't enjoy. Laying traps to capture one's best friend was not something one could be proud of.
And on top of that, Princess Selena had practically stormed into his room that afternoon and demanded to be taken to see the Prince of Demonis, because there was something urgent she needed to tell him. After much persuasion, she had finally given in and told him what it was all about, and Ceni had just clenched his teeth, got her the most inconspicuous clothes he could find on such short notice, and smuggled her out of the palace.
So here they were, following the Captain of the Prince's Personal Guard through the villa's courtyard with the man looking not too pleased - a thing that could be due to Selena's presence, but also to something by far more serious. And no, the Angelian officer did not want to think what that 'something else' could have been. If Selena's warning came too late...
"Your lady friend shall have to wait here," Meris Owen said as he stopped into an empty receiving hall on the second floor.
Ceni cleared his throat. "Well, you see... she would like to speak with Prince Sagni-Dor, if possible. And she is not exactly my friend. More like a pesky acquaintance."
Selena stepped on his foot, making him yelp in pain.
The Demon crossed his arms over his chest and addressed Selena for the first time that evening. "State your name, rank and business with the Prince."
The Angelian princess looked around and, seeing that there was no one there except the three of them, removed the hood of her cloak. "You already know my name, and this is a matter that cannot wait."
The dark-haired captain raised a brow, then bowed ever so slightly. "Please wait here for a moment, both of you." Then he hurried through a door on the left.
"Khest! Did you have to step on my foot quite that hard? That was a very unladylike thing to do!" Ceni hissed at the princess once they were alone.
"You called me pesky. No one calls me pesky."
"Well, you are! And don't even think about throwing one of your fits now, because that will only keep you from seeing the prince. Why the hell did you have to come with me, again?"
"Because it was I who overheard Kelan, and because I don't trust you."
"Fine! Because I don't trust you, either!"
"Fine!"
"Are you two quite done yet?"
Blood rushed in Ceni's cheeks as he turned to see that the Demon captain was back. Thankfully, the princess looked quite flustered as well.
Meris Owen shook his head and held the door open for them. "Come this way."
Ceni could not quite shake the feeling that they were literally dumped into the opulent receiving room and left to their own devices... but it wasn't quite so, for they were not alone. Prince Ignis was seated elegantly in an armchair and looked at them with an expression that was only half-serious.
"Your Highness, Lieutenant-Colonel Mah-Kel," he greeted them, not standing up. "Why don't you have a seat?" He indicated a couch in front of him.
Both Angelians accepted his invitation, and Ceni made sure to sit as far away from the princess as possible. Though they were both friends with Marzio, for some strange reason they simply could not stand each other; and Selena tended to act like a brat around Ceni, which didn't help his composure at all.
"I do not mean to sound impolite, Princess Selena, but is there a reason for your visit?" the Demon asked. "If I recall correctly, my meeting this evening was only with Lieutenant-Colonel Mah-Kel."
'Oh hells! He knows about Marzio's escape!' That was the first thought that came into the officer's mind, and he tried his best to keep breathing steadily. If he knew, then he was planning something. Again. And Ceni wasn't very sure he could turn him down if he asked for his help. He hadn't been able too, before.
If the prince noticed anything, he did not comment on it. In fact, he wasn't looking at Ceni at all.
"I hope you don't mind my presence," Selena replied.
The Demon raised a brow. "Actually I do mind your presence, but not for the reasons you think. You simply shouldn't be here, lady."
"And why is that? Because women shouldn't interfere in men's business? Well, I choose to interfere! What are you going to do about it, spank me?"
The prince's face was firm, but his lips twitched up even so slightly. "If you insist... There is no law, written or unwritten, that prohibits women from taking part in any type of conversation in Demonis. But if your father finds out you came here, he might interpret this as an attempt at seduction on your behalf. And we don't want him to think his dear daughter would be attracted to filthy Demon scum, do we now?"
Selena bristled, but managed to keep her mouth shot - something that surprised Ceni to no end. "The reason I insisted on coming here tonight is a serious one. I overheard Lord Kelan..."
"... talking about a possible assassination attempt on my person, with Lord Lucifer right in the middle of it." The prince laughed at what must have been the Angelians' poleaxed expressions. "But as far as I know, my dear, you overheard this discussion quite a few weeks ago, in which case it does not explain your need to suddenly divulge this secret to the lieutenant-colonel here, after having been totally against the idea when General Zain-Reil suggested that you did so, also several weeks ago." He grinned. "Did I get that right, or were there some details that I missed?"
Selena seemed to find her feet most interesting. "H-how do you find out all this?" she asked.
The Demon gave her a mysterious smile. "Oh, I have most reliable sources. Still, it does not explain your presence here, Princess."
"I though... that is... if I told you myself, you might believe it, so..."
Ceni groaned. "Damnit, Selena, why didn't you tell me sooner? If Marzio said to tell me, then you should have."
"Because you're an oaf. And how was I to know you would not run and report to Kelan instead?"
"I would never betray Marzio's trust!"
"Like hell you wouldn't!"
"Would not!"
"Would too!"
The prince's laughter interrupted them. "Marzio was right, you do bicker like a married couple."
"Marzio said that about us? What else did he say?"
"He said many things, my dear princess, but it is not for me to reveal them. Still, as entertaining as it may be to witness one of your arguments, may I remind you that we are running out of time?"
She blinked. "Running out of time for what?"
"For the meeting, of course. And there was something I wanted to know, something relatively important."
His eyes turned to Ceni, who found himself sitting up straight on the couch. 'Here it comes...'
"Something that has to do with the treaty."
The Angelian officer didn't realize he had been holding his breath until her released it.
"Oh, and I can see how that is more important than your personal safety," Selena jumped in. "We came here to warn you that your life might be in danger and all you care about is your blasted treaty?"
Prince Ignis rested his chin on one hand and studied her through narrowed eyes. "The treaty means a great deal to me, and I need to know how your people feel about it. Since I cannot rely just on my sources for that information, and since I am sure there are in fact different opinions and speculations, I thought I might ask someone who knows what goes on."
Feeling left out of the conversation, the princess huffed. "Ceni isn't the only one who knows what's going on, so listen here! Not only are my people quite happy with this treaty thing, but they are most unhappy with Kelan doing his best to sabotage it, and say that if daddy had more brains then he would have done this a long time ago. How is that for information?!"
Ceni fought hard not to groan at the fact that she had just given the Demon very valuable information without realizing it, and at the language she had used. When she got angry, she did not sound like a princess at all. More like a spoiled brat... though one had to admit she was not stupid.
Prince Sagni-Dor was smiling. "Thank you, your highness. That was most valuable information. And I do believe that, with a few lessons in manners and speech, you would make an excellent politician."
Whereas she had been angry, now she blushed and looked down in her lap. "You really think so?"
The Demon laughed. "I think so. Lieutenant-colonel Mah-Kel, is something bothering you?"
"If I could have a word with you in private..."
The prince nodded. "If you excuse us, Princess," he said in his most charming voice as he escorted Selena to the door, leaving her no time to realize she was being kicked out until the door closed in her face.
Ceni stopped kneading a corner of his cloak in his hands and stood up. "A courier arrived today from Mnemon. Marzio escaped from prison nearly two weeks ago."
The prince did not seem surprised at all. "Please continue."
"King Teh-Kai... Well, not him but the Council members, ordered patrols posted at every gate of the city. They think he might be coming here. Your highness, I... I do not mean to sound cruel, but if they catch him there is nothing I can do to help him. So I thought you could... I don't know what I thought you could do. I... I just wanted you to know he escaped."
Ignis stepped forward and placed a hand on Ceni's shoulder. "Don't worry, Ceni. I can guarantee no patrol will catch Marzio sneaking into the city."
"He trained those men himself..."
"I do not doubt their abilities; but they will not catch him. Not because they are not well-trained, but because Marzio is already here."
If not for the prince's hand steadying him, Ceni would have probably felt on the floor in a heap. As it was, it was all he could do to keep his knees from completely giving up on him as he looked at the Demon hopefully.
"Understand that I am telling you this because you helped me send that note to him even if you didn't have to, and that even if you tell anyone your people cannot come and take him away from me. But I also wanted to give you a fair warning. Marzio will be with me in the City Hall tomorrow, a thing that might not make Lord Kelan very happy."
"I understand. But... can I see him? Speak to him? Please, I have to..."
The prince shook his head. "He doesn't want you to see him. I think he is, in a way, ashamed of what happened to him. But I am sure he'll appreciate your concern."
"Then please give him a message from me. Tell him... that while I think he's the craziest person I've ever met, I am glad that he finally came to his senses and got out of Angelia for good. He didn't fit in there anyway. His ideas were far too progressive for our people."
There was a hidden sadness in the prince's smile as he released Ceni and led him to the door.