Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ The Singer and The Prince ❯ Chapter one ( Chapter 1 )

The palace was buzzing with excitement. People filled the halls, and the ball room was packed with gossiping strangers, dancing to what ever music happened to be playing. Tables were set up every where, simply over flowing with exotic foods, from every corner of the world. They're scents filled the brightly lit rooms. People, of all kinds, had come from all over the kingdom, bringing gifts, or vast entertainment, all to join in the joyous celebration.

 

It was the princes tenth birthday. The adorable, well-loved prince Leo, with his soft dark brown hair, wide, eager hazel eyes, and already sharpening fetchers. Any one who laid eyes on the boy felt drawn to him. To others he was always a perfect angel, mild and quiet… not that he was anything like that normally. Privately he was anything but! Jumping around, playing jokes, distracting the servants with endless questions.

 

However, at the moment, the poor boy was neither. He sat in his fathers throne, all dressed up in a new red shirt, with gold embroidery, and brown breaches reaching half way down his calf, his eyes drooped with absolute boredom. In front of him was a tall man in rainbow colors, juggling near a dozen colored balls, completely unaware of his audience's detachment. Leo blinked slowly, turning his gaze to the dancing couples. They twirled each other across the floor, all the different dresses flowing around like strange flowers. He sighed, glancing at the kids playing in the corner, far too young to be lured by the trill of dancing. They had invited him to play, of course. He was the prince. But their games had turned out to be no more interesting than sitting in the royal chain doing absolutely nothing.

 

A petite woman with long blond hair, all braided down her back, and a pretty pink dress the showed very little skin approached him. Her soft, doll-like face smiled down at him, before she gracefully floated to her knees besides him, her arms resting on the arm of him chair, her head resting atop them. “Hello my little prince. Are you enjoying you party?” She asked, sweetly, her voice a little more windy than one would expect. When she received no immediate answer, her expression fell, begging sympathy. “You're… not having fun are you?”

 

Wondering if it was her expression, or the concern in her voice that touched his heart, the young prince sat up straight. “Of course I am Mother.” He answered quickly, smiling as warm as he could. “I'll never be able to thank you enough for arranging this. I'm just…” He waved his hand in the direction of the juggler. “…trying to piece together how he can continue this for so long. Surly he is tired by now.”

 

The women smiled. “Ah, my silver-tongued son. If it is something new you wish for, I will be happy to oblige.” She rose to her feet, placing a slight kiss on his head as she went. The juggler stopped when the Queen approached him, then laughed at her quiet words, and bowed to them both before departing. Looking over at the prince, she winked, then rushed to find him more entertainment.

 

Insertion of how long her search would take, Leo allowed his eyes to close, and rested his chin on his hand. The party had started early morning, and it was late. Long past the time his parents would normally send him off to bed. He found his conscience begin to drift as he thought of the days events. The tastes, the people, most important to him: the sounds…

 

A clear, pure, crystal-like note reached his ears, amazing him into full awareness. His eyes flew open instantly in search of the noise. Apparently he had drifted longer than he thought, for his mother had found him something new. On the stage, built for players and minstrels and such, stood three people. One was an older man with graying hair, a flute held tightly in one hand. A dark skinned woman sat on a stool beside him, a large harp waited to be played. But neither of them had caught Leo's attention. Sitting on his knees up front, was a small boy, barely seven. Something about the child was… interesting… alluring… Leo scooted forward in the chair, realizing the sound must have come from him.

 

The crowd was growing restless with out any music to dance too, so the Queen motioned for the players to start. The dark women began, drawing her fingers across the strings. Leo, who had always had a good ear for music, could tell immediately that she was only an average player, nothing more. The old man nearly missed his cue, and stumbled to play the right notes. `Most likely his first time before such a crowd.' The prince mused, brushing a stray hair out of his eyes with the back of his hand. He could hear the build up in the music, growing louder and louder, till finally, the boy began to sing.

 

Not only did his voice make up for how average the players were, but he made them sound as though they belonged in no lesser place then where they were. The Kings Palace. It seemed everyone in the room was capture in a spell. Not a soul moved for the longest time, each staring in rapture at the boy. By the fifth verse of a song he'd never heard, Leo could stand it no longer. He slid off the chair and crossed the room to his mother's side. Up close he found the singer was even more beautiful. All though he looked nearly starved by his thinness, his neck-length pure white hair was well kept, and he wore a new white robe-costume, with bits of silver thread sewn in to make it sparkle. Not that the boy needed such clothes, his abnormally pale ski, and angelic face earned enough attention by itself. Leo was reminded of an exotic bird as he watched the boy sing. A white song bird that could sing ice to water.

 

The song drew to a close and everything was silent for a moment, before the room burst into deafening applause. Still astonished from such a voice, Leo blindly reached out, never once removing his eyes from the singer, and grabbed his mothers dress. “Mother…” He whispered, so soft he wasn't sure if she would hear him. “…I want him.”

 

His mother nodded.

 

…………

 

The celebration continued on late into the night. Leo didn't know how long he stood, rooted in one spot, listening to the angel sing. But he hung on to each note to the very end. He'd planned to catch them when they were done, and speak to the singer, but they managed to disappear into the crowd before he had the chance. This left him with the agonizing task of finding them.

 

It took some time but he eventually found himself wandering non-crowded hallways… and came upon exactly who he was looking for. The small boy was peaking around a corner to a different hall. Quietly, as to not alarm him, the brunet walked up and looked around as well. His mother and father (a strong, broad man, with traits similar to his son) were speaking to the old man and dark skinned lady. He could only make out bits of the conversation. Things like trade, proper food, learning… Leo realized they were trying to convince the strangers to sell the boy. “Oh…” He whispered, not thinking.

 

The boy jumped, spun around, and pressed back against the wall. Leo finally got a good look at his, now thoroughly frightened eyes. They were icy blue with hints of gold. The smaller child took a while to realize who it was in front of him, but once he did he dropped to his knees. “M-My Lord.” He whispered, each word escaping him throat like a song.

 

Leo grabbed him arm quickly, but gently, and pulled him back to his feet. “Now none of that.” He said with a smile, hoping to put him at ease. “For right now I'm only a friend.”

 

His plan didn't seem to work as the boy lowered his eyes and bowed his head in a submissive, not-worthy jester. “I-I think not, My L-Lord. I am a-a lowly commoner.” He kept his face low, his small body shaking almost violently.

 

“Your are no `lowly commoner' with a voice like yours.” He rebuked firmly, clenching his fist as though to prove a point. “'Lowly commoners' shouldn't even be allowed in your presence! Lords and Ladies should be showering you with gifts! If any one should be kneeling here its me!” Not even hesitating, he dropped to one knee, and crossed one arm over his chest, like a knight pleading loyalty.

 

The boy reached out, as if to stop him, but quickly jerked his hand back. “N-No my lord! P-Please don't! I'm n-not at all important!” His voice shook with emotion, sounding like the boy might actually cry.

 

Horrified that he'd gotten such a reaction, Leo sprung to his feet. “What's wrong?” He asked. He'd done exactly what he'd seem others do to win some ones interest. Polite, complementing, but he'd been completely truthful, where the others had not. He wondered if that had been his mistake. Would lying have provoked such a negative response?

 

“Nothings the matter… your Highness. B-But please do not act in such a way.” He glanced back down the hall looking fearful again, but pleased to find their yelling hadn't drawn their attention. “My dear Aunt and Uncle would be furious. They forbade me from talking to anyone. If they were to hear or see…” He trailed off, shivering.

 

“Would they punish you?” Leo asked angrily. The idea that someone could possibly bring harm to the lovely singer was infuriating. He would not allow it!

 

Uncertainty bloomed in the boys eyes. “I… I am not sure my lord. I have never before disobeyed them.” He looked ashamed of him new ability. “But my dear Aunt once told me that to ignore one speaking to you is rude.” He seemed to have lost a bit of his nerves, perhaps coming to trust the older boy. He was only a child.

 

A grin came to the prince's face. “Absolutely! That is true! Tell her that, and if that doesn't work, tell her I ordered you to do it.” He almost laughed when he remembered that's what he told all the staff to do to keep them out of trouble.

 

“But that would be a lie, my lord.” The boy gasped. The thought of lying clearly didn't sit well with him. “Lying is wrong! I couldn't do that!”

 

The boy was so cute and innocent; Leo hadn't the heart to tell him lying was a part of life. Nor could he give the boy an order to make it true. So instead he changed the topic to a more pleasant one. “Would you sing again? Please. Just for me.”

 

The request surprised the boy, and he faltered. “S-Sing?” He smiled, but once again looked nervously over at the adults. “I… I suppose a quiet song would be ok… what would you like to hear?”

 

“Anything.” Leo whispered, waiting expectantly. “So long as you're singing it, I'll be happy.” The boy thought about it, then began to sing, filling the princes head with pleasant noise. Both distracted, neither noticed as the king pressed a large purse of gold into the old mans hands.

 

…………

 

The next day after waking from a sweet dream, Leo had gone out in search of the singer. He ignored all the others still around, hoping to catch his, or another royals, eye, stopping only to ask if they'd seem the boy of his relatives. It was a guardsman at the gate who finally answered him. “A dark skinned wom'n ya say?” He muttered in a strange thin accent. “Trav'len with an ol'man, right?” Leo lit up at the recognition, and nodded. The guardsman looked at him with sympathy. “Sorry m'lord. Seen `em ride off just thi' morn'en. Candle marks ago.”

 

A blanket of depression settled over the prince and stayed with him. It lasted past the time all the guests had left, and he sat with his parents for the mid-day meal. “Well that was exciting, but I'm glad it's over.” The queen said with a laugh. The cooks served some of the foreign food they had, because there was just too much left to get rid of. “It's nice to have everything quiet again.”

 

The king smiled lovingly at his wife across the table. “It was your idea to have the celebration.” He pointed out. “I'm terrified to see what you'll do when he turns twelve.” They both laughed.

 

The joy was lost to Leo as he sat in the center of the long table, poking aimlessly at his food. His mother noticed his behavior and became worried. “Honey? Is something wrong?” She asked.

 

Leo didn't respond right away, choosing instead to stare at his plate. He was kind of angry that his mom hadn't listened to him, but he knew it wasn't her fault. He sighed. “My songbird is gone…” Sorrow crept into his voice. He'd never even gotten his name.

 

His mother smiled softly, giggling at the pet name. “Leo dear… would you like your birthday present now?” She motioned for one of the servants to bring something in her bracelets clinging together as she did.

 

Leo shrugged, truly not interested. To be frank, he'd just figured the party had been his present. He had gotten more than enough gifts. “Thank you mother. But perhaps you should wait until I'm in a better mood. I'd hate to disappoint you.” He wasn't up to pretending to be trilled.

 

She laughed, and even his father chuckled. “I won't be disappointed… and I think you need it now.” Leo blinked at the `need', and frowned when she motioned to someone behind him.

 

The room was filled instantly with soft singing that made the prince gasp. He recognized the voice, and was out of his seat so fast the chair toppled over. The boy stood singing next to one of the servants, still dressed in the costume from the night before. Leo stared in shock for a moment, before turning to his mother with a wide smile. “Really!? He's mine!?” He exclaimed. She nodded, and received a big hug in reward. “Oh thank you Mother!” He hugged his father as well. “Best present ever!”

 

His father caught him by the ear before he could run off. “Now listen to me son. He's your responsibility now. You've got to take care of him. That means: making sure he eats, finding a good place for him to sleep, getting him new clothes when he needs them, taking care of him if he gets sick, or finding someone else too…” Leo nodded eagerly, hoping he'd let go. “…and just because he's yours, that doesn't mean you can treat him like an animal. Always remember he's a human being.”

 

“Of course father.” He responded, wondering who in their right mind could forget the boy was human. “Now this kind of hurts father. If you wouldn't mind…” His father released him, and he bolted to the singer. “Bring my food to me room.” He told the servant, and grabbed the singer's wrist, cutting him off. “Come on!” He cheered, pulling him out of the room. The boy wasn't much of a runner, as Leo soon realized, when he stumbled to keep up. Despite his excitement, Leo forced himself to slow to a walk. He didn't want to strain the smaller boy, but he was just so happy to know the beautiful singer could be by his side at all times. “This is the main hall.” He said, motioning to their surroundings. “That door leads out side, the room we were just in was the eating hall, that door leads to the basement, it used to be a dungeon, but father thinks it's horrible to keep criminals were we live, and-has anyone shone you around yet?” The boy shook his head. “Good. These doors lead to the servants corridors, but they don't like me playing in there, and those stairs lead-well-upstairs.” He led the boy over to them. “There are a lot of hallways in this place so you should pay lots of attention. Some places are rarely visited so if you get lost there…” He stopped before he could scare him. “…my rooms this way!”

 

They walked threw the twisting halls before they reached his room. Leo pushed open the large doors and pulled the singer inside. It was a small room compared to the rest of the castle, because he was still a child. It was a simply furnished room with a large bed pushed against one wall, a dresser, and some bins holding all his toys, but it was his room none the less. “…and now…” Leo said, turning to the fair boy. “…this is your room too.” The singer nodded. “I'll have a servant bring up a bed for you and… ok, why aren't you talking?”

 

The boy looked down. “N…No reason Master…”

 

Leo faltered, rubbing his neck in embarrassment at the title. “You don't have to call me that. We're equals.” When he still didn't get a response, Leo crossed his arms. “You're still not talking. Why?”

 

“R-Really Master-“ The boy began, not dropping the term. “-its nothing. I'm just… just getting used to a new place…” He smiled, but anyone could tell that it was fake.

 

Leo felt his spirit sink. The smaller boy was unhappy. Why? Did he not like the castle? The room? Was he hoping for a different owner? An older or more experienced one? Maybe he just didn't like Leo? Leo, of course, didn't like any of these possibilities. “Come on. Please tell me. After all I'm a prince. I'm sure I could fix it.”

 

“You can't fix what isn't broken…” The boy muttered after a moment. “There's no point in trying…” He looked back down, his white bangs hiding his eyes.

 

`At least he's talking.” Leo mused. But the boy was still depressed, and Leo didn't want that. His songbird should be happy, smiling and singing, not hurting over something. “Then tell me what `isn't broken'.” He insisted, feeling bad about pulling authority so soon. “Tell me now.”

 

The boy flinched, and then muttered something under his breath. It took until Leo ordered him to speak louder, before he practically yelled. “They sold me!” He recoiled as soon as he said it. “I'm sorry M-Master…” He whispered, his shoulders tensing as he awaited whatever punishment he would receive.

 

Leo didn't deal one. Instead he crewed on the inside of his cheek, pondering the boy's words. It hadn't occurred to him that the singer would be upset about being bought and sold. But… the two from before couldn't possibly be related to him… could they? “Why should that upset you? They were clearly poor masters, and my father must have paid handsomely. Wasn't that the reason to even come here?”

 

“They w-weren't my m-masters…” The boy replied, his voice shaking with unshed tears. “…t-they are m-my Aunt and U-Uncle.” He sniffed, closing his eyes tightly. He tried to ignore it, thinking he'd displease his master if he cried and be put out. Forced to live alone on the streets… but the prince had insisted upon talking and now he couldn't stop. “T-They took m-me in when my Mama d-died. They took c-care of me, and fed m-me, and s-said they loved m-me, b-b-but they s-sold me. Like n-nothing… like I m-meant n-nothing to t-them.” Tears slipped down his cheek, clinging to his chin for a moment, before dropping to the floor. “…t-they d-d-didn't e-even s-say goodbye…”

 

Leo felt sick. Sick at those people for doing that… and sick at himself for being so happy they had. He went over to the dresser and pulled out a handkerchief. “There, there little one.” He said softly, mimicking the words his mother used to say when he cried. “…everything is ok…” He lifted the singers chin, and dried his eyes with the soft cloth. “I'm here. Don't cry.” The smaller boy stared at his master in surprise, and was even more surprised when he was pulled into a tight comforting embrace. “I'm sorry…”

 

The boy shook as the tears came faster. “W-Why are you s-sorry?” He asked, resisting the urge to return the embrace.

 

Leo sighed, not releasing his captive. “Because I asked my mom to get you, but…” He held him tighter. “…I'm glad she did. If she hadn't, someone else would, and who knows what type of person that might be.” His young mind thought only of a mean person who dealt punishment too swiftly, or had no children for companions to the singer. “Its better this way.”

 

The tears began to ease as the boy nodded slowly. He knew the situation had worked out in his favor, even if he'd rather it hadn't. His Aunt and Uncle couldn't have children so they had never settled. Always traveling, never making any friends, always worried about being attacked, wasn't really the best way to live. And they had been greedy. Hording all the money they could, they bought minimal supplies, and food. He relaxed even more at the thought of hot filling meals every night, warm baths, a soft bed to sleep in… and he could tell he would like spending time with his new compassionate master. He sniffled once more, then smiled warmly, pulling back to look up at the older boy. “T-Thank you Master.”

 

Relived Leo let him go. “You welcome.” He handed the handkerchief to the boy so he could finish drying his face. “Now if you done being sad-“ There was a knock on the door. “Oh! That must be our food. Hungry?”

 

…………

After they ate Leo insisted on getting the boy outside. Because he was so small it took a while to find anything that he could wear with out tripping. All of Leo's clothes were given away or turned into scraps when he'd out grown them, and none of the servants had any children the right size. However the gardener had a present he was going to send to his grandson, that he was more than willing to part with for a gold necklace.

 

It was a simple green shirt, and brown pants made with some cheap material, but they fit well enough and didn't look like they'd come apart. “As soon as someone goes to town, we'll get you some good clothes.” Leo promised as they trekked across the field, the singer right by his side. The sun beat down warmly, and a soft late summer wind blew, making the long grass dance at their feet.

 

The boy smiled warmly, not bothered that he had to work harder to keep up. “I don't need anything new Master. These are very nice.” A bird called nearby and he answered it with a quick whistled tune.

 

Leo rolled his eyes at the comment, inwardly chuckling at the exchange. “Those colors don't suit you.” He lied. Surely any color would suit him, being that he was pure white, but the point of the argument was to convince him to let Leo get him new clothes. “Besides… do you really want to deny me the chance to dress you up? I can't wait to see you in all sorts of clothes, different colors and styles and everything.” He already had dozens of ideas to try out already.

 

The younger boy giggled, the bell-like sound nearly making his master trip. “I suppose… a new outfit wouldn't hurt…”

 

“'A'?” He asked with a faint whine. “But I was thinking something new every day…” The small boy flushed at the idea. “I wasn't kidding about being showered with gifts.” They reached the stables. “Ok, were here.” He said opening the door, and motioning for him to fallow. The stable master looked up as they entered, but didn't say a thing, simply began saddling a young brown mare. Crossing his arms proudly, Leo nodded at the horse. “She's mine. I've been riding her since last year. I named her Ann.” Suddenly something occurred to him (though it should have much earlier). “Hey! You never told me your name!”

 

The boy looked at him, tilting his head in slight confusion. “You never asked.” Leo faltered. He couldn't argue with that. “My name is Azuri. Mama told me it means `white rose' in my father's native language.”

 

`What a pretty name…' Leo thought, taking a carrot piece from a bag. `…and how fitting.' He noticed Azuri stayed back out of reach, staring nervously at Ann, but didn't comment on it just yet. “Tell me about your father. Is he dead too?”

 

“I don't know.” He answered, watching wearily as Leo gave the mare her treat. “Maybe. Maybe not. Mama talked about him all the time, but he was only in town for a little while before he `left. I never met him.”

 

Leo frowned slightly, then smiled and held out his hands. “Come here.” He said. Obediently Azuri moved closer, not taking his eyes off the large animal that could no doubt stomp him flat. The childish fear was so cute; Leo couldn't help but laugh as he snatched up the boys hand and helped him stroke the horse's neck. Azuri jumped when his hand contacted the animal's soft hide, but Ann didn't even acknowledge him, munching loudly on the carrot. “Soft, isn't she?” Leo whispered. Relief speed threw the singer as he realized nothing had happened, and he nodded. “She won't hurt you.” The prince promised, letting go. Once he was satisfied the boy wouldn't leave, he turned around to grab a stool.

 

As soon as she was done with her carrot, Ann immediately looked to see if her kind master had another treat for her. Upon seeing him out of reach, she searched for nourishment elsewhere, and went to nuzzle the hand of the strange boy stroking her. Easily mistaking her goal, Azuri let out a fearful scream and lunged away, certain she had been trying to take his hand off. The mare started at the loud, thought beautiful, sound and the stable master had to restrain her lest she bolt. As soon as she was clam the man looked over at Leo… and they broke into laughter.

 

Embarrassed, Azuri seemed to find his feet very interesting, and observed them as the two tried to quiet their laughter. The prince walked over and hugged him tightly, realizing that he had to be upset. “I'm sorry, Azuri. I should have warned you. She likes to do that.” He shook his head, still clearly amused, then went over and mounted the horse with much skill for a ten year old. “Come on.” He said, almost playfully. “We're going for a ride.”

 

The boy's eyes widened until they resembled saucers. “R-Ride?” He stuttered, stepping back. “N-N-No thank y-you Master. I-“ He gasped when the stable master scooped him up with ease, and placed him on the saddle right behind Leo. “I-I-I-I-I-`m n-n-not g-good with h-heights!!!”

 

“Then you'd better hold on tight.” Leo advised, feeling more than pleased when two arms wrapped tightly around his waist. With a smirk he jabbed his heels into Ann's side. The mare pulled back onto her two back legs, forcing a shriek from the singer, before taking of at a full speed run straight out of the stable. Poor Azuri turned deadly pale as they flew across the field, startling small birds in their wake. Once they were a good distance from the castle Leo pulled on the rains, calling the horse to a stop. “See.” He said laughing. “That wasn't so bad.” He glanced back at the boy, and winced when he saw how terrified he was. `…crap.' Ann pulled against the rains, wanting to run again, but Leo held her firm. “Sorry. I shouldn't have gone that fast to start. Are you ok?”

 

“Ah-“ The boy began, seeming to have trouble with his voice. “I mean… I-I'm f-fine… Master…” He swallowed and held on even tighter, daring to look down at the ground. He immediately didn't like how far away they were.

 

Leo sighed. “So… tell me about your life before now.” He said, hoping a change in topic, might put the singer at ease.

It took a moment while Azuri convinced himself the horse wouldn't put on another burst of speed, before he could answer. He explained that he was born in a small village, and lived in an inn where his mother worked. Because of the way he looked and his voice, she had been terrified someone would kidnap him, so he spent most of his time in their room, or in her company alone out back. When he turned five, his mother came down with a fever that claimed her life. Luckily her much older half brother and his wife were in town for a while, and took him in, knowing he would pay for himself with his singing. Since then he'd been traveling from place to place, singing when there was an audience, trying to entertain himself when there wasn't. That went on till his Aunt and Uncle heard about the celebration for the prince, where everyone was invited. And of course past that was obvious.

 

To get all this information took lots of questions on Leo's part, and actually took hours. By the time it was done, they were both tired of riding and it was getting late. They returned to the stable, and dismounted to let the stable master do his work. Leo chuckled as the little singer stumbled once on the ground. "Hey there..." Leo said, catching him. He knew after such a long ride it would be difficult for him to walk, so he held on to him as the walked back to the castle. The setting sun set the entire field ablaze with reds and oranges, and the two talked about how pretty is was until they reached the door.

 

Dinner was different then dinner or the noon-meal, for close relatives also lived there, and they all ate together. Leo explained to the singer that the reason there were no kids around was because his father believed that hard work, and not having everything delivered to you on a silver platter made good strong men, so all the children were kicked out once they were old enough to fend for themselves. The prince was an exception, because he was the heir to the throne, and needed to be taught from an early age how to take his fathers place.

 

There were three large tables sitting people and one at the front of the room where his parents sat with whoever they chose to talk with that day. Leo sat at the front table, at his normal place, and motioned for Azuri to sit besides him. A murmur went threw the other tables, but passed quickly. Every once in a while Leo would bring a servants kid, or someone from town to dinner to talk with, so it wasn't very unusual. `Just wait till they realize he'll be sitting here from now on.' He thought with a snicker, wondering just how they would act.

 

When dinner was over they returned to Leo's room, and talked until someone came and told them it was time for bed. Leo, figuring the over sized clothes would be fine for sleeping, allowed the songbird to wear on of his larger shirts. Another bed had already been brought to the room, so they both laid down in their own bed when Leo turned out the light.

 

But the young prince was far to excited to sleep. “Today was really, really fun, wasn't it!?” He asked happily. A soft agreement came from the dark. “And tomorrow will be really fun too!” He insisted. “I mean… I have to go back to my lessons tomorrow, but they don't take all day, so we'll be able to play almost all afternoon! You seemed to like being out side. Maybe you could play in the garden in the morning, so long as you don't wander to far from the palace. If you find someone to play with, you can tell them that I ordered that they have to play with you or-“ He stopped. A strange feeling settled over him as he thought of the singer spending time with someone other than himself. “Or… or not. I-I know your used to being alone and are shy, plus the servants have work to do, and my parents might get annoyed, and-“

 

“Master?”

 

He paused at the interruption. “…yes?”

 

He could hear the sheets ruffle as Azuri sat up. “When my Aunt and Uncle had trouble sleeping, they liked it when I sang them to sleep. Would you like me to sing?”

 

Leo was hesitant. On one hand he didn't want the boy to think he needed to sing to him… but on the other hand, he hadn't heard the boy sing almost all day. “…I'm not having trouble sleeping…” He answered, evasively. “…I just don't want to go to sleep.” Azuri smiled warmly, though it went unseen in the dark, and walked over to sit on the corner of his bed. Before the other could protest, he began a soft lullaby about dancing flowers, and flying owls, and gentle rocking waters. The prince felt his eye lids droop immediately, the sweet words tugging at his subconscious. `He… he should have music…' He thought, rolling onto his side. `…perhaps I'll arrange… for someone… to teach him… how to play… while I'm at my lesson…' With that thought in mind, he allowed the boy to lull him to sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

This is my new story inspired by Mercedys Lacky's Free Bards book. Warning: Yaoi, and M for all sorts of things… ok, no. Just the lemon, swearing, swords play, and attempted rape. Any of these things disagree with you, don't read. Oh! And the next chapter of this story will not be updated for a long time.

 

Free Bards © Mercedys Lacky

Everything else © me!