Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ The Charade ❯ Stoppin' the Love ( Chapter 8 )

Heavy lime warnings in parts two and four.

Chapter Eight: Stoppin' the Love

 

*****

1

*****

 

In the streets of Laedel, mass chaos had erupted. But it was not the kind that people run from, ducking into their houses and boarding up the doors for, oh, say… ever. Rather, it was the type of pandemonium that citizens flocked to, hoping to take part in the action. It was the closing celebration for the Morcimus Faire. Many people rejoiced the passing of a fairly successful year, while others drank to the coronation of a new king, their beloved Cerasus-dyn.

 

Flamma-regi despised that part of the Faire. The noise gave her a headache, the smells made her stomach lurch, and the mere air itself made her feel like she was dirty from head to toe. All she wanted was for it to come to an end, so she could retreat into her lavish castle and ignore the outside world. She, too, however, had something to be happy about. With her son taking her place on the throne, this would be the very last time she ever had to attend to the obnoxious, three-month long proceedings. All she had to endure was two more weeks of torture, and then it would be over. She could rest. Finally.

 

Then again, that was another source of mixed emotion. With the closing of the Faire would come the end of her days with Calcifex. Even though he was infuriating, rude, and a wizard, he had provided her with a thrill that had been missing from her life for years. The return to normalcy - to boredom - would not be so pleasant.

 

She decided, instead of looking desperate for his attention and calling on him as often as possible during his last fortnight with her, she would refuse to see him at all. Until the last day of the Faire, at least. Then she would bring him to her rooms and keep him busy for the entire night. That would give him something to think on after he was gone. And maybe, one day in the future, he would come back to the palace, and she would have her fun all over again, for a short time.

 

Yes, that was a good plan. Flamma-regi smiled to herself. Of course it was; all her plans were good ones.

 

*****

2

*****

 

One week passed with Calcifex and Cerasus meeting at night, exploring all the things they could do together. The wizard learned that the prince, even though he was always shy, was also very curious. Like almost every other subject, physical passion was something that caught his interest. He was the pupil, and Cal, the teacher.

 

And like any good student, Cerasus wanted not only to be able to understand the material he was learning, but also be able to perform it himself.

 

One night, carefully, unsure of his every move, the boy leaned over and kissed the part of Calcifex's neck where his pulse could be felt, and the wizard practically melted. His dark hair flew wildly when his head fell back, suddenly too heavy for him to support. “Gods…” he had moaned, and Cerasus knew he had made an important discovery. He would remember to do that again, some other time.

 

Like they had promised, they were monitoring their speed, careful not to rush anything. After seven days of lessons, they had not progressed past the point where any state of complete undress was necessary. Both of them had divested themselves of their shirts once or twice, and one time Calcifex had untied Cerasus' trousers, but total nakedness was not yet something they had allowed themselves to fall into.

 

They were running out of time, and Cerasus knew it. Sidereus had confided in him one day that they had only planned in staying in the castle until the Faire was over. The prince knew he had to act. He wanted Calcifex, and the light spirit, too, to stay in Laedel. He wanted to discover more.

 

Six days before the final celebration, five days ahead of his birthday, Cerasus asked Cal to come to his rooms after dark. The wizard showed up on time, and the younger man invited him in, anxious but determined.

 

“Come with me,” he said, beckoning to Calcifex. They went into his bedroom, where all the sheets on the bed were freshly washed, several candles were lit up, and the prince had burned a bit of a sweet smelling spice, letting the scent waft throughout the air.

 

Upon seeing the scene, Cal asked, “What's the special occasion, Cera? Expecting someone?”

 

Cerasus blushed and half-heartedly slapped the wizard's arm. “Stop it… you know I'm not. I just… wanted everything to be nice for you…”

 

Smiling, Calcifex enveloped the boy in a hug, resting his arms over his shoulders and bending his head down to kiss him lightly on the lips. “I know, my love. I'm just teasing. And thank you for going to all this trouble.”

 

“It was nothing…”

 

“Hmm, maybe… But I still appreciate it. It's nice to know you're thinking of me…” Calcifex got a familiar gleam in his eye, and Cerasus knew it meant that the older man's thoughts had turned towards something they could do with their mouths that didn't involve talking. “Now, why don't I show you how grateful I am?”

 

The blood was already rushing downwards to the prince's loins, a now well known sensation, and he bit his lip. “Okay.”

 

Grinning, Calcifex pushed him backwards until his legs met the bed. One kiss later, Cerasus was on top of the covers, and Cal was on top of him. Lips were crushed together, moving desperately, like a starving man devouring a meal. Heavy, humid silence was interrupted by moans, gasps, and dreamy sighs, as hands and fingers slipped into the places they liked best: under necks, over backs, between legs.

 

“Take this off,” Cal said into the kiss, tugging at Cerasus' shirt. The boy complied, peeling the fabric away from his too hot, sweating skin. He followed up the act by taking the initiative to remove the wizard's tunic as well. Another trick the prince had learned was that Calcifex went wild if his belly button was touched. Nimble fingers danced over the place, teasing it lightly. Cal groaned and responded by licking Cerasus' ear, something that made the blond youth whimper loudly.

 

Hungry, Calcifex dragged his mouth back to prince's, sucking on his swollen lower lip. Cerasus abandoned his territory on the wizard's abdomen and clung to his shoulders instead. Throughout the week he had been taught that using his tongue was an acceptable, and extremely desirable, practice. So when he felt the telltale wetness running over his teeth, and the roof of his mouth, he didn't hesitate to meet it with his own. Things were going well, like he had planned them, but they weren't quite there yet. He knew Cal wouldn't go any further without prompting, so he decided to drop the wizard a hint.

 

Quickly, fighting against his timid instincts, he moved his hands to Calcifex's hips, and within seconds had wormed them into his black, form fitting pants. Caught up in the kiss, Cal didn't notice the change until the prince's hands were already brushing over his aching erection. He gasped, green eyes widening to the size of sundials.

 

“Holy-“

 

There was one tentative, gentle stroke, fashioned after how the boy had learned how he himself had liked to be touched.

 

“-shit.”

 

Cerasus took that as a good sign, and attempted the move a second time, with just the smallest amount of pressure applied. Calcifex cried out, so loud that anyone passing through the halls outside the prince's rooms could have heard him.

 

“W-wait, Cera,” the man gasped, trying to gather his scattered thoughts. “If you keep doing that, I'll-“

 

“I know, Cali. Please… Let me.”

 

The wizard searched Cerasus' beautiful face, looking for any trace of uncertainty. “But…”

 

“I want to do this… I want to.” Blue eyes hardened resiliently.

 

Slowly, Cal nodded. This was so out of character, so bold, but if Cerasus wanted to do it so badly, why should he say no? “All right… But, hold on a second. It'll be easier… Like this.” He shifted and with one twist, had managed to grasp his pants and pull them off. He was entirely bare. The cold air of the room clashed with his overheated skin, and he shuddered involuntarily.

 

Cerasus was transfixed for a moment, his hands frozen in their place around Calcifex's arousal while his eyes raked over the toned body hovering over him. “Oh…” His own hardened manhood, still enclosed rather uncomfortably in his britches, twitched in reply, begging to be touched.

 

But Cal's desperate thrust into his fingers brought him back to the current situation. He took a deep breath and began to pump at a steady, leisurely pace. All the while, he marveled at the reactions he was drawing out of the wizard. Calcifex was not the kind of man to ever lose all of his composure, so every pained moan and call was a rare sound, something only the prince had ever been privileged enough to hear. Every shiver, and each frantic undulation of his hips was a treasure that Cerasus reveled in. Bravely, he took things to another level. One small hand left Calcifex's throbbing shaft and moved down, carefully cupping his tightening balls.

 

That was all it took. The wizard lost himself in the feeling, felt a flood of pleasure race through him as his essence exploded from him in long arches, falling over Cerasus' belly. It took all of Calcifex's remaining strength - which wasn't much - not to collapse on the boy, and before his elbows could give out, he rolled over, falling back onto the cool bed.

 

He was almost embarrassed, having climaxed so easily, but Cerasus looked so happy that it was hard to feel anything but satisfied. “Where ever… did you learn… to do… that?”

 

The prince shrugged a little and looked up at the painted ceiling. “From myself, I guess…”

 

Out of the corner of his eye Calcifex saw a small amount of movement, and when he glanced down, he realized that Cerasus had yet to be relieved. Normally, they would both just try and get rid of their conditions, but after the wizard had just been treated to such a service, he felt it wasn't fair for the boy to be denied the same thing. However, he didn't want to do anything Cerasus didn't want to do.

 

“Looks like we still have something to take care of…” he said casually, directing his gaze southward.

 

The prince blushed. “I… no, thank you… Not yet…” Even after all he had just done, he didn't think he was quite ready to be touched the same way. Not by anyone else, anyway. And, part of him admitted, that part of his body still made him embarrassed. Calcifex was bigger than he was, and he didn't want the man to think of him as inadequate.

 

“All right,” Cal said, grabbing the end of the top blanket. He turned towards Cerasus and used the cloth to carefully clean off his stomach. “Fix yourself up, and I'll go get us something to drink.”

 

After he dressed and was gone, the prince started thinking of his mother naked, effectively putting an abrupt end to his passion, and pulled his shirt back on.

 

Calcifex came back a little while later with a bottle of wine and a couple goblets, finding Cerasus waiting patiently on the couch in the parlor with his hands folded in his lap. The man smiled, struck at how adorable the boy could be.

 

“Here you go, love,” he said, filling up a cup and handing it to Cerasus, who took it with a word of gratitude. He poured another for himself and sat down on the other half of the couch.

 

The wine, like usual, was delicious, made from the finest grown grapes in Laedel. They drank it in silence, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. Outside, the chilly night wind blew through the willow trees, making their branches sway to and fro, like so many arms on dancing women, performing under the waning moon. The candles burned low in the room, casting a dim orange light and long shadows.

 

In the quiet, Calcifex could think. He thought on the past couple hours, reflecting on things said and done. Cerasus had initiated something sexual, but had not wanted the act reciprocated. Cal would have never expected the prince to do anything of that sort, long ago having designated himself as the one who started things: the one in charge. That was not to say he minded what had transpired; quite the opposite, in fact. Cerasus' hands on the most private place of him had been all too welcome. He suspected that the extra high he had felt was a result of being touched by the one he wanted most. Wasn't that normally the way it worked? Only most couples claimed that no one else could ever make their eye wander… And yet… Calcifex had been brought to completion by Flamma-regi, a woman he had grown to detest. Her hands and mouth on his body garnered the same reaction they did when he first arrived at the palace, even though his mindset was entirely different. The thought of what he had done with the queen made him physically hurt, and he knew it was because he had betrayed Cerasus.

 

“Cali? Are you all right?”

 

The prince's soft inquiry snapped him out of his melancholy daze. He looked up quickly. “Oh, I'm fine, love.”

 

“Are you sure?” the boy asked, expression worried.

 

Cal smiled for Cerasus' sake. “Yes, Cera. I'm sure.”

 

“Okay…”

 

They spent the rest of the night together, just enjoying the novelty of being with the one they loved.

 

*****

3

*****

 

Even though their midnight meetings went on, and each evening Cerasus managed to goad Calcifex into getting naked, the prince would never do the same. He would treat Cal to an exquisite session with his hands, and then force his own arousal down.

 

The morning before Cerasus' seventeenth birthday found the two of them lying in his bed, just waking up as the sun poured through the windows in waves.

 

“Can you imagine, my love?” Calcifex said, following it up with a yawn. “Tomorrow… You'll be the king.”

 

Cerasus looked at his hands, worrying his bottom lip with his teeth. “Yeah…”

 

“Oh, don't look so glum. You'll make an excellent ruler. And the title suits you.”

 

“Cerasus-regna? Hardly… It sounds horrible to me…”

 

Scowling, Calcifex rolled over, pinning the boy to the mattress. “Stop it. Your people love you already, and they will even more once you take the throne. I don't want to hear anymore negative comments coming from you; is that clear?”

 

The prince wouldn't answer.

 

Cal's hands shot out, latching onto Cerasus' sides and tickling them like mad. “I said, is that clear?”

 

Giggling and squirming, trying his best to escape the assault and failing terribly, the boy finally gasped out, “Y-y-yes!”

 

Satisfied, the wizard stopped, withdrew his fingers, and got up. “Good,” he said, searching around on the floor for his shirt and trousers. “Ah, there they are…”

 

While Calcifex was wiggling into his clothes, Cerasus swung his legs over the edge of the bed and sat there, staring out at the castle landscape. The usual partying would begin soon, and then the roads would be filled with people. People who would be his subjects in twenty four hours. He felt sick.

 

“Here you are, love,” Cal said, throwing the prince's discarded tunic at him. “Want to take breakfast up here?”

 

“Mnang-“

 

“Come again?”

 

Cerasus pulled his shirt down over his head and repeated himself. “I can't. Mother wants to have a talk with me this morning. Probably about the ceremony tomorrow.”

 

“The coronation? Ah, well. Lunch, then. Out in the stables.”

 

The prince nodded, straightening his hair a little with his fingers. “All right. We can take Amiculi out for a little bit… She needs some exercise.”

 

“It's a date then, yes?”

 

They smiled at one another.

 

“Yes.”

 

Calcifex parted ways with the boy outside his bedroom door, heading towards his own quarters while Cerasus went downstairs to the great hall.

 

Flamma-regi was already at the table, being served her breakfast. When she saw her son, she gestured towards the chair to her right. “Sit down, my dear.”

 

He did as was instructed of him, folding his hands in lap and averting his eyes from her face, as he had come accustomed to doing.

 

“Tomorrow, of course, will be one of the most important days of your life. The day you become king.”

 

Cerasus wondered if she was saying all this because she thought he didn't know.

 

“Now, I admit, I wish I could have taught you more in this past year so you would be better prepared. However, I also believe that you have been raised properly enough to fare just fine. Any additional training you need can be taught before you're married, here in the palace.”

 

She paused to take a sip of her milk.

 

“Tomorrow morning I want you up early so the maids can help you dress for the occasion. I will not have you doing such an important thing yourself. Remember this: when all else fails, look good, and people will follow you. Also, do not forget your vows. They are the blocks upon which you shall build yourself in the eyes of the citizens. Get them wrong, and your foundation will crumble.”

 

The prince nodded, thinking once again that this was an unnecessary reminder; his coronation vows had been ingrained into his head from the time that he was five. He knew them front to back, back to front, inside and out. The only way he would botch them up was if his clothes spontaneously caught on fire, or if someone threw a goat at his head… Or something. Since neither of those things, or any of the other random and violent instances he could come up with, were likely to happen, he figured he didn't have to worry about saying his vows. That, at least, was something in his favor.

 

“Is all that clear to you, my son?”

 

Struck by the familiarity of that phrase - hadn't he heard something similar coming from Calcifex only a short while ago? - Cerasus did something that he was not used to doing, a practice he had taken up recently.

 

He straightened his head up and looked his mother square in the eye. “Yes, ma'am.”

 

If the queen noticed the change in the prince's demeanor, she chose not to say a word about it. “Good. Now eat breakfast and go take a bath. You smell rancid.”

 

A servant hurried forward to put a plate of food in front of him at Flamma-regi's words, and even though he wasn't all that hungry, he ate most of it without complaint. He was finished before her, even having come in later, and left the table before she could protest about his leftovers.

 

Back in his chambers he shed his clothing and filled his tub with water. One thing his mother did have right: he stank. But spending the night doing strenuous activities with a passionate wizard could have that kind of effect. He sank into the bath, sighing as the warm liquid splashed over his skin. For a minute, Cerasus contemplated staying thus for the rest of the day, submersed in hot water and without a single care in the world. Oh. Except becoming a king to thousands of people.

 

Sometime as he was soaping down his arms, there was a knock on his parlor door. As he was, it was impossible to answer the call, and after a short while he heard the sound of the door opening. There was a series of footsteps, a moment of quiet, more footsteps, and the door closed again.

 

`A servant,' he thought to himself. Most likely a butler delivering a message. Interested, he sped up his washing pace a little. He dried himself with a cotton blanket and slipped into some fresh clothes. Sure enough, when he ventured into the parlor, a folded white piece of paper had been set on the table. It bore no seal, so there was only one place it could have come from. Or rather, one person.

 

`Cerasus,

 

Let's skip lunch. Instead, come see me at the back door when dinner is called. I'll be waiting.

 

All my love,

Calcifex

 

The prince smiled wide, wondering what the wizard was planning. Knowing Cal's love for dramatics, it was probably something extravagant, like a picnic under the stars or a dance to no music. Suddenly, despite the looming presence of the following day, he wished time would start to speed up, so he could be with the dark haired man. Spending the night with Calcifex always made things more bearable, no matter what the case was.

 

He sighed. But it was only late morning, and it would be at least half a dozen hours until supper time. Cerasus looked out the window at the sun.

 

`I guess it's all right, though,' he thought. `I could wait for Cali forever.'

 

*****

4

*****

 

Calcifex came back into his rooms about an hour before dinner, looking like he had gotten into a tussle with a tree, and the tree had come out victorious.

 

“Woah, pal, what's with the new look?” Sidereus asked, eyeing his companion.

 

The wizard pulled a twig out of his hair. “I was getting everything ready for tonight. And I couldn't use my magic, so it took a little physical labor.”

 

“Why the magic reserve?”

 

“I need a lot of power for the finale.”

 

The light spirit nodded sagely. “I see. And what, pray tell, is this… finale?”

 

Cal winked and wagged a finger at Sidereus. “Sorry, Sid, but it's a surprise. Just look out the west window around nine and you'll find out.”

 

“That big, huh?”

 

“Only the best for Cera.”

 

Sid rolled his pebble like eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”

 

Calcifex walked over to a chair and sat down in it, starting to brush the dirt from his pants. “Another thing, Siddy…” He looked up at the spirit, serious. “I'm going to tell him tonight.”

 

Floating over to hover several inches above the wizard's legs, Sidereus replied, “Good. And don't be too nervous about it, Cal. Cerasus isn't a spiteful kid. He'll forgive you, even if it's not right away.”

 

Calcifex stopped in his endeavor to rid himself of all foliage and sighed. He let his neck go limp, his head dropping to rest on the back of the chair. “I suppose that would be better than if he never forgave me, wouldn't it?”

 

Sidereus nodded. “Definitely.”

 

Green eyes grew scared and bright. “What will I do if he hates me forever?”

 

“He won't.”

 

“He could!”

 

“He can't.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Because he loves you.”

 

“It's a fine line, Sidereus.”

 

“Think about it, Cal. Could you ever hate Cerasus for anything?”

 

“… No.”

 

“It's the same with him, probably even more so, since he practically worships you and the ground you walk on.”

 

The wizard ran his hands over his face, ruffling his black locks. “Even if there is any truth at all in that, I can't stop being worried. So many things could go wrong.”

 

“Calcifex. Look at me.”

 

He did, meeting the spirit's stern gaze reluctantly.

 

“Things will be just fine,” Sidereus assured him. “I have faith in you guys… Both of you.”

 

In spite of himself, Cal's lips quirked up a little. “Thank you, my friend. That means a lot to me.”

 

“Of course it does. You love having your ego stroked.”

 

“And inflated.”

 

“And pampered.”

 

“And fed a three course meal of praise, love, and respect.”

 

“It's going to get fat.”

 

“Shh, don't say that, Sid! You'll hurt its feelings!”

 

“… This is sad, Cal. Talking about your ego like it's a living thing.”

 

Calcifex nodded. “But it might as well be.”

 

They laughed, neither able to deny the residual truth in that statement. Then the wizard glanced out the window and noticed that it had turned dark.

 

“Damn it!” He jumped up from his chair and ran into his bedroom. From the parlor, Sidereus could hear him throwing his clothes around, trying to find something nice to wear.

 

“I'm going to be late if I don't hurry!” Calcifex shouted, hopping into the room on one foot while he tried to put his other one into the leg of his trousers.

 

“Don't forget your hair,” the light spirit called after him as he disappeared back into the bedroom. Fifteen minutes later, during which curses and loud thumps could be heard coming from the man's direction, Cal was ready.

 

“How do I look?” he asked his friend, spinning around slowly to give the full view of his black and green suit. He had taken a brush to his tresses and rubbed the remaining dirt from his face. The bottoms of his pants were tucked into polished black boots.

 

“Like you're about to cause trouble,” Sidereus replied.

 

Grinning, Calcifex said, “Excellent.”

 

“Now get going!”

 

In another second the man was gone, half-sprinting down the corridors of the castle. He skirted around corners and people, almost tripping when he raced down the stairs. For once, he was the first one to arrive at the back door. He stood there for ten minutes, nervous and pacing back and forth. Only a short while after the dinner call was made, Cerasus arrived. His customary shyness was there, but it was ingrained with excitement, like he had been waiting for their meeting all day. Calcifex hoped that was the case.

 

“Ready to go, my love?” he asked, holding his arm out to the boy.

 

Cerasus accepted the gesture with a tiny smile as they slipped outside. “What are we doing?”

 

“You'll see.”

 

The wizard led the prince to the stables, where the first portion of his surprise was waiting. There stood Amiculi, decked out in her beautiful white and brown riding gear, the set saved only for special occasions, since it was so high-quality. Tied to her saddle was a small pack. Cerasus was pleased to see his beloved animal, and he stroked her head fondly. “She looks lovely… You did all this yourself?”

 

Calcifex nodded and told him, “She was very cooperative, especially after I told her who it was for.”

 

Blushing a little, Cerasus made to climb onto the horse's back, but Cal stopped him with a gentle hand on his shoulder. “No,” he said. “Tonight, I'll lead.”

 

“But… do you even know how to ride her?”

 

“I've watched you, and I practiced a little today when no one was out here.” The wizard grinned at Amiculi. “She and I work well together. Don't we, girl?”

 

The mare tossed her head and whinnied, and Cerasus gave in. “All right. If you really want to.”

 

“I do,” Calcifex confirmed, and with that he heaved himself aboard the animal with ease. He winked at the prince. “I've gotten better, haven't I?”

 

“You have,” the boy agreed, clambering on behind him. He snaked his hands around Cal's waist and wove his fingers together. “I'm ready.”

 

“All right. Come on, Ami, let's go!”

 

One swift kick of his heels made the horse set off at a gallop, her pace making the scenery around them blur. They rode off of the grounds and into the same forest they had visited weeks before. It didn't take long for Cerasus to recognize the path.

 

“We're going to the clearing?”

 

“Yes,” the wizard replied, and said no more.

 

They passed trees and bushes and even several nocturnal creatures, all of which scampered away at the sound of their thumping approach. When they began to hear running water, Calcifex slowed Amiculi down to a trot, and finally stopped her at the pool with the lone oak growing at its edge.

 

Both of them jumped to the ground, and Cerasus tied his horse up while Calcifex took a blanket out of the pack on the saddle and spread it on the ground. They sat next to each other in the almost darkness, content with enjoying their company in silence.

 

Not for long, however.

 

“I was thinking of this ever since you sent that letter,” Cerasus admitted, looking at his feet as a flush crept up his cheeks.

 

Calcifex smiled and put his hand over the prince's. “I'm glad.”

 

“Cal…” All at once the stress of the day was too much to hold in, and Cerasus let go of the thing that had been eating at him the most. “I don't want you to leave after the Faire is over!”

 

The wizard's happy expression faltered and faded away. “I suppose Sid told you that?”

 

The boy nodded and bit his lip.

 

“Yes, well, I don't either, Cera. Believe me, that's really the last thing I want to do.”

 

“So stay!”

 

“It can't be that simple-“

 

“Yes, it can! I'll be the king! I'll order you to stay, just please, please, don't go!”

 

“Cerasus, you don't understa-“

 

The prince never gave him the chance to finish. He flung himself into the man's lap and desperately pressed a kiss to his lips. Small, quivering hands held onto Calcifex's shoulders with an impressive amount of force, like they were afraid he would disappear if they let go. Cerasus kissed Cal with all the passion and love he could muster, forgetting, for once, to be timid and subtle. He broke away, but only a fraction of an inch, so their noses were still touching, and begged in a voice barely more than a whisper, “Please, Cali… I'll do anything…”

 

That was an argument Calcifex always had trouble fighting against. He knew he needed to tell Cerasus about Flamma-regi, and about everything else he had kept hidden, but maybe… Maybe if he just…

 

“I'll make you a deal, Cera.”

 

The prince moved back enough to look the wizard in the eyes. “A deal?”

 

“Yes. I want you to give me two hours to do whatever I want.”

 

Cerasus looked confused. “Anything you want?”

 

“For two hours.”

 

It was an odd request, the boy couldn't help but think to himself. He wondered what it was Cal would need to do that would require a rule free session. But… He wanted the man to stay, so…

 

“All right…”

 

Calcifex nodded. “Good. Now… first thing is first. I want to see you.”

 

“Um… What? I don't understand…”

 

Slowly, Cal lowered his green eyes down, resting them on the shadowy place between the prince's folded legs. “I want to see you.”

 

Realization dawned on the boy like a bucket of cold water being tossed over his head. His skin instantly burst into red and his gaze became wide. “B-but-”

 

Calcifex stopped his protest with a finger on his lips. “You made me a deal, love…”

 

Cerasus felt like he was drowning. He trusted the older man, and knew how important it was to him for them to share the same levels of intimacy, knew how badly he wanted this because he had desired it so strongly before. But he was so nervous. What if he just didn't measure up to the wizard's standards?

 

The sensible voice in his head argued how ridiculous that notion was, since Calcifex had felt him before, and he never complained then… Plus, this time, it was dark. The visibility in the clearing wasn't all that good, and he could hide in the night itself if he had to.

 

His hands were shaking as he slowly lowered them to the tie of his trousers, but Cal stopped him. “No,” he said, shaking his head. “Let me do it.”

 

His bigger, stronger fingers gently pulled the prince's away, then returned to the spot and tugged lightly on the string. The knot came undone easily, sliding apart. The sound of it rubbing over itself was like thunder in Cerasus' ears. He could feel every tiny shift, hear every sound, including the crashing beat of his fluttering heart. His temperature spiked, and he thought as his pants were pushed down on his hips that he might pass out from the heat.

 

Nimble hands glided over the soft, sensitive skin where his legs met his torso. The tiny blonde trail of hair that grew from his belly to above his penis seemed to fascinate Calcifex, who smiled like a child and traced the path with his index finger. Cerasus shuddered in spite of himself. He was scared as hell, but the wizard's touch was too nice, too welcome for him to completely resist.

 

Calcifex used his height advantage to reach one long arm down beneath the prince and lift him off the ground enough to slide his pants the rest of the way down his legs. Suddenly he was bare from the hips down, and very self conscious. He tried to cross his legs, but Cal wasn't having it. He spread his own legs out and trapped the boy between his knees. Then, with slow determination, his hands grabbed Cerasus and gave him a deliberate stroke.

 

Stars exploded. The prince let out a loud, ragged cry, his voice cracking and straining under the intensity of the feeling. Another stroke - the delicious friction of skin on skin - and he felt himself growing harder, growing hotter, growing frantic. His body moved with a will of its own, thrusting up into the touch, moving in time with Calcifex's caresses. He ached, burned, and melted all at one time, and the warring sensations were making a mess out of his thoughts. There was no room left in his brain for modesty or reservation, just the desire to be touched and touched and oh, gods-

 

Cal had moved. Fiery wetness like he had never known engulfed the head of him. The wizard's swirling, eager tongue branded him. Cerasus used all his deteriorating control to stop himself from plunging into the man's mouth, to hold himself back from coming. He would not, could not do that.

 

The teasing came to an end when Calcifex took more of the prince in his mouth, swallowing, moaning, sucking, using almost every trick he knew to help Cerasus climax. For some reason, even though he knew the boy was ready - he was so hard he was shaking uncontrollably - nothing was happening. He glanced up at the blond's face, contorted into a tortured expression, and knew something was wrong. Why was Cerasus holding back? Was he afraid? Cal wasn't sure, but realized he had to get him to let go before he hurt himself.

 

Hit by inspiration, he used one hand to snake up to his nipple and tweak it, while the other softly rubbed his hips, encouraging. The onslaught wreaked havoc on the prince. He wailed, shivered, and gripped the blanket beneath him so tightly that his knuckles had gone completely white. By chance, or fate, or whatever one would like to blame it on, Cerasus let his head fall forward and his eyes shot open. In that instance, they met the green ones of the man in front of him. That sight, Calcifex between his legs, pleasuring him like he was born to do it, pushed him off the precipice he had been teetering on. His orgasm was powerful, and he felt for a long moment that he was no longer on the ground, but rather, floating somewhere among the heavens. He screamed Cal's name as he was going up, and moaned it as he was coming down. After it was done, he struggled to catch his breath, to recollect his thoughts.

 

By the time he had obtained coherency, Calcifex had cleaned him up with the blanket, tucked him into his trousers and tied them up.

 

He was smiling. “Thank you, Cera.”

 

The prince could never stop blushing. He nodded in response.

 

The wizard straightened up and leaned forward, until he was straddling the boy. He made sure to keep most of his weight off of him, however. Leisurely, he draped his arms over Cerasus' shoulders and ducked his head down to kiss him.

 

Their lips met gently, and there was no demanding or urgency. Just that moment, the two of them, and their hearts beating to the same rhythm.

 

Until there came the end of the world.

 

“Scoundrel!”

 

“Rogue!”

 

“Heretic!”

 

The very cold, very unforgiving blade of a sword was suddenly pressing into Calcifex's neck, and he couldn't move an inch, lest he be cut open from ear to ear. The royal guard had arrived. Five men, dressed in the traditional uniforms, and two big, angry looking hounds, surrounded the pair. Each one of them had their eyes trained on Cal, daring him to make an attempt at escape so they could attack him.

 

“What in the gods' name are you doing?” Cerasus cried, terrified.

 

“Don't worry, Your Highness! We'll save you from this vile brute,” one of the men said, sounding brave. He must have been the leader.

 

Calcifex's mind was working at a hundred miles per hour, trying to think of a way to break out of the situation intact, and with the prince in tow. His first instinct was to use his magic, but he quickly reminded, and cursed, himself: all his reserves had been spent on the trick he had prepared for Cerasus, the one it seemed he would never get to perform. He was powerless. The boy underneath him was in a state of panic. If he wasn't a professional at keeping his cool, Calcifex knew he would be going mad as well. As soon as these guards made him their prisoner and brought him back to the palace, Flamma-regi would be called upon, and then everyone would know… everything. He was doomed. No one, not even Sidereus, could help him out of this mess. This disaster that, like so many others, he had created with his own foolishness and arrogance. The difference was that all the other times had resulted in his own personal victory. This time… He would lose. Fear gripped his every nerve. Fear for himself, fear for Sidereus, but more than anything, and most surprisingly, fear for Cerasus, who would be hurt so badly by what was about to happen. How long would it be before the boy opened up his heart to anyone, after Calcifex was gone?

 

Two guards, under orders from their commanding officer, stepped forward and used the shackles hanging on their belts to secure the wizard's ankles, and then his hands, pried from the worried prince's neck.

 

“Stop! Stop it! Why are you doing this? Leave him alone!” the boy shouted, in tears now. Calcifex couldn't say anything to comfort him; he didn't have the right to.

 

They dragged Cal to his feet and shoved him this way and that, having their own fun while the leader of the group escorted a half-sobbing Cerasus to Amiculi. The horse, sensing the strained atmosphere in the clearing, and not recognizing the strange man approaching her, began to panic as well. She rose up on her hind legs, kicking at anyone stupid enough to come close. The prince, too distressed to calm her, did nothing.

 

“Leave the animal,” the chief finally said, after several minutes of trying to subdue her and failing. “Bring the captive back immediately. Put him in the dungeons until Her Majesty can deal with him.”

 

The remaining four guards, obedient to a fault, marched back to the castle with Calcifex chained up between them. The walk was long and tiring, but they never slowed or faltered, and slapped the wizard hard in the head whenever he lagged behind. Behind him, he could hear the heart breaking sounds of Cerasus' crying. He wanted nothing more than to take the boy in his arms and never let him go, but in his condition he was in no position to even try it. Besides that, he didn't deserve to even touch the prince anymore.

 

The palace came into view just as twilight was beginning, and even though the sky was turning a beautiful pale blue, like the color of Cerasus' stunning eyes, Calcifex found no joy in the sight.

 

One of the guards jerked him hard and sneered. “This'll be your last time seeing the light of day, villain. Cherish it.”

 

At the front door, Cerasus finally put up a true fight. He screamed and kicked and squirmed, even bit the captain's arm, trying to earn his freedom. Trying to get to Cal. The wizard couldn't bear to watch the display; he cast his eyes to the floor and let himself be carried away, led to the dungeons that were so familiar to him, even though he had only been in them once before, weeks ago. The smell - dank and musty - infiltrated his nostrils and stayed there to turn his stomach. His feet dragged, his back slumped.

 

A big, brawny sentinel, the one who had shackled his ankles together, pushed him roughly into the first unoccupied cell. Calcifex stumbled forward and fell on his hands and knees, hissing in pain when the unforgiving ground scraped his skin. Each one of the men took turns spitting at him, then left, locking him inside his prison. There were no windows inside, or on the door, no torches to provide any light, and everything went black. Calcifex couldn't bring himself to move, even when something warm and furry and small scampered over his fingers. The only sounds he heard through the reinforced walls were the drip-drippings of water and the scurrying of tiny feet.

 

`Finally,' he thought ruefully to himself. `I'm where I'm supposed to be. Alone… with the rats.'

 

*****

5

*****

 

“Let me go!” Cerasus screeched, struggling like his life depended on it. In his anger and distress, he yelled the first thing that came to mind. “On behalf of the throne of Laedel, I order you to let me go!”

 

The chief guard gasped and instantly released the boy. Or rather… the king. It was morning, and even though he hadn't said his vows yet, at seventeen, Cerasus was technically no longer a prince. Quickly, almost falling over in his haste, the guard kneeled down and bowed his head. “Your Majesty! I apologize… I forgot that…”

 

“Forgot what, Mister Dreyson?”

 

Flamma-regi's imperious voice rang throughout the entrance hall, and both Cerasus and the captain turned to look at her. For the first time in his life, Cerasus was truly happy to see his mother. He ran up to her and launched into speech.

 

“Mother! Tell the guard to release Calcifex, please! They've taken him prisoner!”

 

One perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose at this information. “Oh? And why would they do such a thing to our guest?”

 

Dreyson spoke up. “Please, Your Grace, I would explain.”

 

“Then do so, sir. Today is an important one, and I do not have the time to waste on trivial matters.”

 

Cerasus would hardly call Calcifex's unrighteous capture `trivial', but he didn't dare open his mouth to argue.

 

“Yes, Your Grace, I'm sorry… But… The wizard was violating His High- er… Majesty.”

 

“… Excuse me?”

 

“We found them in the woods. The wizard was kissing your son, Flamma-regi.”

 

The queen did not show any outward signs of surprise, anger, or any other emotion at this confession. But ever so slowly, she turned to face Cerasus. Her slate gray eyes stared holes into his own.

 

“Is this the truth?”

 

“Y-yes, but-“

 

“Kill him,” Flamma-regi said instantly.

 

“What? No!” The new king was beside himself. “He wasn't violating me, he just-“

 

“Hush, my son. I understand you must be very traumatized after such an incident… In fact, why don't we make the wizard's death a public execution, as a gift for your ceremony? Dreyson, hold him in the dungeons until after the coronation. Then, bring him to me.”

 

“No, stop, wait! No!”

 

But neither of the adults was paying any attention to Cerasus. The captain bowed once to the queen and took off in the direction of the cells, while Flamma-regi glided into the great hall. The boy-king started crying again, helpless and unable to do anything else. He sank to his knees and sobbed into his hands, just as alone as the wizard he loved so much, locked away in the shadows.

 

A maid found him. Her name was Ulele, and she was one of Flamma-regi's personal lady servants.

 

“M'dear prince, what ever is the matter?” She hunkered down by his limp form. A plain country woman at heart, she had never mastered true propriety. Cerasus had always loved her company. But now he couldn't answer her. Saying the words felt like bringing them to life, making them a reality. He shook his head.

 

“Well, if ya' don't want to tell me, that's fine. But yer mum wants to talk to you, so you'll have to come with me, a'right?”

 

Without the heart to resist, the boy let himself be led into the great hall and sat down across from the queen at the dining table. Ulele curtsied and left them alone.

 

“Cerasus, why are you acting in such a disgraceful manner? You are becoming the king today, and I won't allow this!”

 

No reply came.

 

“Don't tell me you actually cared for that wretched man. Did you think he loved you because he was trying to kiss you? Is that it?”

 

He found his voice with a sudden rush of conviction. “He does love me!”

 

Flamma-regi scowled, but her face barely moved. “He does not. Calcifex is a thief and a liar.”

 

“Don't talk about him that way!”

 

“Do not begin to think that you can understand such things! You do not know him at all.”

 

“I do so! I know him more than you, Mother!”

 

The queen's nostrils flared and her eyes turned cold. “Is that so? Then tell me, did you know this? The first two weeks of the Faire, he seduced his way into a farmer's household and impregnated all three of the man's daughters.”

 

Cerasus' mind went blank, and he couldn't think of something to say before Flamma-regi marched on.

 

“Or, perhaps you knew that he has been sleeping with me in my bed for the past two months? Did he tell you that, hm?”

 

“W-what? No… That can't be true…”

 

“It is every bit the truth, my son, and you had better accept it. Do not waste your affection on that toad; he will do nothing but betray you.”

 

Things that the boy had excused as no big deal suddenly made sense when he least wanted them to. Why the wizard almost never was able to spend nighttimes with him when they first became friends… Why he was even in the castle in the first place… And the strange, unreadable light in his eyes that Calcifex tried to hide.

 

`No.'

 

They had been so close… Cerasus had shared more with the wizard than anyone else before. He had given him everything. And the man had claimed to care about him. But he just wanted to… To seduce him… And he had managed it.

 

`He never actually said he loved you.'

 

All at once Cerasus felt violently ill, and he leaned over the side of his chair and wretched all over the marble floor.

 

*****

6

*****

 

Sidereus knew something was wrong when neither Cal nor the prince had returned before sunrise, and the spectacular show that the wizard had promised never happened. When the breakfast hour was called he began to panic. Desperate, he left his rooms. Outside in the hall were two cleaning ladies, sweeping the floor. Not wanting to be seen, the light spirit flew up into the high ceilings. He made to go on past them, but one - short, fat, and brown haired - said something that caught his attention.

 

“-threw him right in the jail, they did.”

 

Sid stopped and listened.

 

“Serves him right, too! Dirty scoundrel, trying to do something so vile to our sweet prince like that!”

 

That was all Sidereus needed to hear. In a rush, he zoomed down corridors and staircases, not even being entirely careful about keeping himself hidden. Weeks later, several servants would swear they saw a ghost buzzing by them. He used his only experience with the dungeons to remember where they were, and he only made a couple wrong turns before he found the bleak place. It was completely silent inside, so Sidereus decided to take his chances.

 

Outside the first closed door he whispered, “Cal?” There was no answer.

 

The second one presented much the same results, but the third was different.

 

“Calcifex?”

 

It was quiet for a couple seconds, and the spirit thought maybe he got the wrong cell again, but then, “… Sid? Is that you?”

 

The wizard's voice was croaky and thin, like he hadn't had a drink of water in days. It made Sidereus feel sick.

 

“I'm here, Cal. I'm going to come in through the crack under the door, okay?”

 

“All right.”

 

Sid made himself as small as he possibly could, which, in turn, resulted in his rays becoming extremely bright. He quickly squeezed under the door and immediately returned to his normal size, lest he make his friend go blind.

 

The cell lit up. Calcifex was in one corner, having ultimately dragged himself over there simply for a place to rest against. His clothes were dirtied and he looked… well… Old. Like his two hundred and some odd years had finally caught up with him.

 

“Oh, Cal…”

 

The wizard laughed even though the situation was anything but funny.

 

“What happened…?”

 

“They caught us, Sid… They caught us, and now I bet he knows everything… I bet that woman is telling him right now… The captain of the guard told me I'm going to be hanged. Right in front of everyone, as a birthday present for Cerasus… Can you imagine?” He laughed again, and it was weak and hollow.

 

“Sidereus,” he croaked. “How did things get so bad?”

 

The spirit shook his head. “I don't know… But come on, Cal, don't give up… Magic your way out of here and-“

 

“I can't. I used all my power for Cerasus' surprise. It'll take another day before it all comes back, and by then…”

 

“But… Calcifex… You can't just… die.”

 

“I can't live, either. Not after this. I hurt him. I hurt him so bad, Sid. I was asking for this all along… You were right.”

 

“Don't say that! Not now! I didn't want to be right, Cal!”

 

The wizard shrugged. “It's too late now. I've got until this afternoon, Sidereus, so just stay with me, all right? I want to be with you right now.”

 

Sid couldn't believe what he was hearing. His friend, the closest one he had ever had, the man who could do anything, was throwing in the towel. He was going to be killed. There was nothing he could do. He sunk to the floor by Calcifex's legs. They sat like that for a long time, or it could have just been a couple minutes, it was impossible to tell in the cell, until Cal asked what was on his mind.

 

“Do you think any of it was worth all this, Sid?”

 

“Did you love him, Calcifex?”

 

“I still do.”

 

“Then yes, it was worth it.”

 

*****

7

*****

 

Every street of Laedel was crowded, but none more so than the roads that led into the Herza courtyard, where the prince's crowning was to be. People had packed themselves in the place like so many sardines, chatting with excitement. In the center of the square was a platform with two thrones on it, the same used throughout the entire Faire for Flamma-regi and sometimes, Cerasus-dyn.

 

Said members of the royal family were each seated in their respective chairs, overlooking the citizens below. At the queen's right, Cerasus was staring off at the horizon, a million miles away. Flamma-regi put a hand on his forearm.

 

“Focus. Do not think on the past. Your future is here.”

 

Nodding robotically, the prince tried to pay attention to whatever was going on around him. A royal guard, dressed in white for the occasion, stepped forward with a long piece of parchment in hand. He unrolled it and began to read in a deep, booming voice. The crowd quieted instantaneously.

 

“'People of Laedel',” the man shouted, “'This day is a joyous one for us all. For not only do we celebrate the passing of another year since our beloved prince was born, but we also welcome him with open arms onto the throne, where he shall sit as king!'”

 

There was a general round of applause and cheer at this. It died down, and the guard continued. “'Cerasus-dyn, please step forward and place your hand on the Staff of Justicia'.”

 

This was Cerasus' cue, and he stood and did as he was told, curling his fingers over the handle of the golden cane that a sentry brought forth.

 

“'Please recite the vows of Laedel'.”

 

Like he had practiced for so many years, the words rolled off his tongue without prompting. His voice was shallow and unaffected. He no longer felt the fear he had been plagued with all of the previous day. Nor was he excited, or nervous, or even interested in what was taking place. He wanted to go back to his rooms, curl up on his bed, go to sleep, and never wake up.

 

“I, Cerasus-dyn, do so solemnly swear to protect and cherish this great kingdom of Laedel, and bring it to greatness with a firm hand…”

 

He rattled off all the things he was supposed to, not leaving out a single word. Flamma-regi grinned from her seat, glad that nothing so far had gone amiss. She was also looking forward to after the coronation…

 

“'And now, we, the humble citizens of Laedel, present you, our new king, with this crown, and this title: Cerasus-regna!'”

 

Cerasus bowed his head as the ceremonial coronet was placed on his blonde head. In the streets at his feet, people roared, and calls of, “Long live the king!” could be heard through the ruckus.

 

The former queen let this go on for several minutes before raising a hand to stop the commotion. The silence was abrupt.

 

“Now,” she announced, “Let us give the king a proper gift! Guards!”

 

Four royal sentinels marched forward from some unseen place, dragging a prisoner with them. Behind the group, more men were pushing a gallows that was mounted on a quartet of wheels. The crowd parted to let them through, and a sudden whispering broke out among it. No one had expected this.

 

Cerasus knew what was happening without having to even see the procession. He didn't want to look, but Flamma-regi grabbed the back of his cloak and pulled him into his throne. “Happy birthday, my son,” she said, smiling triumphantly as her cold eyes followed Calcifex's form.

 

The gallows were put twenty feet away from the royal platform, and the captive pushed up its steps. One guard went with him. Once everyone's attention had been gathered, he spoke.

 

“Prisoner! You have committed crimes against the crown that are unforgivable! They are as follows: Treason, debauchery, promiscuity…”

 

The list went on, and Cerasus idly thought that some of the charges didn't make much sense. He ignored them.

 

“You're not really going to let them go through with this, are you?” a familiar voice asked from by the king's ear. He jumped an inch in the air in surprise, but luckily it went unnoticed by Flamma-regi, who was still fixated on the doomed wizard. The crowd, too busy watching the display, didn't see him either.

 

“Sidereus!”

 

“Quiet!” the light spirit hissed, looking pointedly at the woman next to them. “And how could you let this go on?”

 

“You knew!” the boy accused, his eyes stinging with tears that he didn't want to come forth. “You knew, and you didn't say anything! I trusted you both!”

 

“It wasn't my place to tell you. Calcifex was planning on telling you last night, but I guess that backfired, didn't it?”

 

“How can I believe anything you're telling me?” Cerasus said, looking hurt.

 

“Because I never lied to you. And Calcifex… Well, he was scared. He loves you, kid. Loves you so much that he thinks he deserves to die for hurting you like this.”

 

“But…” At a loss for words, Cerasus just shook his head. “I don't know what to believe…”

 

Sidereus glared. “Look at him, Cerasus. Look at Cal. Tell me you can't see it in his eyes. Tell me that you want him to die, and I'll leave you alone.”

 

“I… I… I can't-“

 

“You can, damn it, and don't tell me otherwise! If you can honestly say to me that he means nothing to you, then do it. If you can't, then stand up and stop this idiocy, because time is running out.”

 

The young king looked lost. His heart was torn between thinking for itself and listening to his rationalizing brain, which told him the wizard was no good, that he would just get hurt again… But Calcifex… Cerasus, against his better judgment, stole a look at the man, and his heart cried out inside him. Cal had seen better days. He was broken and hopeless, standing there with his legs and hands chained together as all his sins were read for the world to hear. The guard was coming to an end with the crimes, though, and the time to act - or not to - was rapidly approaching.

 

“… The punishment for these transgressions: hanging by the neck until death!”

 

The people cheered again, for no other reason other than the fact that the guard had told them he was a criminal.

 

The noose was put around Calcifex's neck. Cerasus was panicking. Sidereus was growing nervous, unable to tell what the boy's decision would be. He wanted to rush over to the gallows and burn the guard who was tightening the rope to a pile of ashes. Remarkably, he held back.

 

“Prepare to die, prisoner!” the sentinel shouted ominously, placing a hand on the lever that would release the trap door under Calcifex's feet. From his place on his throne, Cerasus could see his lover swallow hard and close his brilliant green eyes.

 

`No, no, no, no, no-`

 

“Stop!”

 

Every person in the vicinity turned to look at their new king, who was on his feet, looking frantic. “That's enough!” he shouted, his heart pounding in his ears. “Let the man go!” Sidereus breathed a sigh of relief.

 

The guard hesitated, unsure.

 

“I said let him go!”

 

That did it for the guard. He hurried forward and began to free Calcifex. Flamma-regi was outraged.

 

“What are you doing?” she cried, standing up.

 

Cerasus-regna, king of Laedel, turned on his heel and stared his mother down. His mouth was in a hard line and his eyes were on fire. He looked every bit the man she had told him he would be.

 

“I am not going to let you murder the man I love, Mother. Now stand down, or I'll have you removed from the courtyard.” His voice shook here and there, but he never backed down.

 

Flamma-regi, stripped of her dignity by the son she had always disregarded, was fuming. Her hands clenched into tight fists, and she looked ready to scream.

 

“Your Majesty?” a voice asked.

 

Both the king and former queen looked down to see a guard standing there. “Yes?” they asked. Cerasus shot the woman a fulminating glare.

 

“Uh… What do you want us to do with… him?” The man titled his head towards his right, where three other sentries were escorting Calcifex forward by the arms.

 

Cerasus took a deep breath and studied the wizard. Behind him, he could feel Sidereus' vigilant gaze.

 

“Bring him back to the palace,” he ordered. “Have him cleaned up, and then… Accompany him to the great hall. I will meet you there.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the guard said, bowing.

 

The king felt weak suddenly, and he dropped back into his throne, rubbing his hands over his eyes. In his ear, he heard a tiny whisper of, “Thank you…” When he turned around, the light spirit was nowhere to be found.

 

*******

 

Disclaimer: This story consists purely of fiction and is a product of the author's imagination. Any person/place/thing/event contained within that has any similarities to something or someone in real life is completely coincidental.

 

Constructive criticism is welcome.