The morning dawned bright and clear.

Part of their event was a horse race, or rather, betting on a horse race. And although Sivan had never really been someone who was interested in horse races, the idea of seeing the Arkham prince again was enough of a motivation for him to get out of bed.

'Your finest I see, I didn't think you would have much time to dress up. Barely having slept last night.'

Sivan sighed as his sister chuckled. He turned to raise an eyebrow at her. She stood near the doorway, just having entered his room. 'You are a lady now, Sylvia. Perhaps it is time for you to act as such?'

Sylvia giggled, seemingly unbothered by her elder brother's little jab. She was dressed in a plain sundress, elegant and yet simple. Her dark hair, which all the Dialantey siblings except for Sivan, had got from their parents, were set in intricate curls.

'Besides,' Sivan said, turning to look at his reflection. 'I would barely call this my finest.'

He knew it was a bit of a lie. He could barely call his white vest his best, however, there was no denying that it did suit him. Maybe a bit of a clash with his platinum hair, but it seemed to accentuate the icy blue in his eyes.

'I do realise this is quite inappropriate,' Sylvia continued, sitting on the bed. 'However, I am rather curious to know what transpired between you and the Prince of Arkham? For rumours, have been flying around.'

'We played a game of Faro, had some conversation. That was it,' Sivan said, his face heating up as the images from the previous night came to forefront of his brain again.

'Ah, I see,' Sylvia said. 'Did you win?'

'It was not even remotely close, I'm afraid,' Sivan sighed, finally turning his eyes to look at his sister. 'He seems to be...a bit of a prodigy at Faro. Victorious at every wager. I am quite ashamed to say I have never faced such resounding defeat.'

'How intriguing...' Sylvia sighed after a while, her playful mile disappearing. 'I just want you to...be careful, brother.'

'When am I not?' Sivan smirked, lying through his teeth. Caution wasn't exactly something he ever practiced. Leap before you look, had always been his motto.

'I know you like to...have your fun,' Sylvia shook her head. 'But...this is the Prince of Arkham we are talking about. You must treat carefully around him.'

'You believe the rumours then?' Sivan asked in a low voice.

Syvia nodded, chewing on her bottom lip. 'Indeed, I do. I have every reason to. You do know he has the entire Obsidian Palace, all the houses wrapped around his finger. He was the one who had the most to gain from his father and brother's passing. He was the one that none of the Houses even dared to raise a finger at. And yet, he succeeded his father so quickly. Without hesitation. The same night.'

Sivan sighed, raking a hand through his hair as Sylvia continue.

'I did not believe that he was a sorcerer. Never have. However, seeing the way you acted last night, so entranced. I have never seen you like that. And...it did scare me a little bit. Do not get carried away, brother. He may be dangerous. Fatally so. Do not treat this as one of your flings.'

Dangerous? There didn't seem to be anything Izer could gain from harming Sivan. If being the Heir of the Obsidian Crystal was all he wanted, he had already achieved it.

'I appreciate your concern, dear sister,' Sivan said, trying hard to keep the moving tone out of his voice. 'I shall be on my guard.'

Sylvia stared at him for a few seconds before she nodded and rose to her feet. 'I will also have you know, I will be betting on Spade.'

Sivan's eyes widened as he stared at her, affronted. 'The Horse from Nocturna? You would rather bet on a different house than your own?'

'It is a well known fact that Nocturna breed the most elite horses. I am merely going with the odds. If you want luck to favour you, you ought to favour luck first.'

She left the room, leaving Sivan second guessing his own bet on his own House, and also on Izer.

*

The euphoric energy in the air was palpable.

The townspeople did not have much to celebrate, with disruption of the crystal and the subsequent bad luck, the people had not seen a bountiful harvest. Which meant that nobility sponsored events such as the equestrian fair was a good opportunity for them to experience some joy.

Sivan sat in the front row of the circular stands, the deafening cheers of the crowd around him infectious as he felt himself merge with the excitement of the public. He glanced at the spot beside him, feeling an unexplained pang in his chest. Towards his left, PrincessOrlannah and Isleantey stood cheering on their respective houses. However, the King of Hearts was yet to arrive.

His excruciating wait thankfully, did not last long. Just a few moments later, Prince Izer appeared beside him giving him a short but deliberate nod that he couldn't return, mesmerized by his aura immediately. Izer gave him a slight nod, which somehow affronted Sivan. However, Izerwasn't truly obliged to treat Sivan any different just because they had had a small experience.

Sivan took a deep breath, pushing the tempting images of a naked Izer out of his head, or atleast, trying to. But it felt like the harder he tried, the more desperate he became. The more he he could feel the Arkham Prince's warmth beside him, the seductive scent, the erotic moans piercing the night.

Sivan sighed and quickly reached to take a long drink of water. Cold water. Was it normal for him to feel this way? He wasn't sure. And yet, he couldn't help but feel this way.

Maybe it would be easier to focus on the race once it began. Maybe it would be enough to keep his mind off the Arkham prince.

The air was alight with euphoria as the public cheered, grateful for the few blissful moments of fictitious joy. Everywhere that Sivan looked, he saw people in colourful robes, waving coloured flags with beaming faces. This was one of the reason why it caught him off guard when his eyes fell on the two princesses now making their way towards their stand.

Orlannah and Isleantey, dressed in their respective house colours of black and red. Both of them nodded and bowed at Izer and Sivan, who couldn't help but feel like something was off. Maybe it was the way the two women stood awkwardly away from each other, or maybe it was just the air between them that felt solid. Or was he perhaps overthinking?

There was again, the possibility that the broken engagement between Princess Orlannah and Princess Isleantety's cousin was weighing heavily on them. Sivan remember what a huge scandal it had caused. A scandal that was of course, still fresh in the public's mind. How the Prince had been left at the altar, how Orlannah had simply refused to turn up. Giving no statement to the public about her behaviour whatsoever. Causing an almost unbreakable rift between the houses. 

And probably one of the biggest reasons the Obsidian was at a breaking point.

Sivan glanced at Izer, almost without thinking. He couldn't really complain about the Obsidian cracking however. Since, it did let him relish in a few rather grand indulgences.

The deafening din as the race commenced made Sivan forget about the hostility between the two princesses, and his own internal battle against his desires. He watched as the four horses started at a lighting pace, almost all of them in a similar stance before one of them, the horse from Nocturna, surged forward. The House of Spades, just as his Sylvia had predicted.

Sivan cursed under his breath as the house of Spades won the race easily, followed by the house of Hearts and Clubs, and way far behind them, tottered the House of Hearts.

'He is beautiful, but quite a moron,' Izer said, leaning slightly into Sivan. The whiff of sweet scent made his heart seize for a moment before he got a grip on himself. Izer was smirking, clearly amused by his own horse's failure.

'He was still a joy to watch,' Sivan muttered as the crowd broke in thunderous applause. 'But I suppose, I am sorry for your loss.'

Izer turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. 'My loss? I do not lose wagers, Prince Dialantey. I assumed-' he leaned in, speaking so close to Sivan's ear that he could feel his hot breath electrifying each of his senses. 'You would know that by now?'

'You as well, bet on Nocturna?' Sivan asked, half amused and half exasperated. Izer chuckled.

'Indeed. But I suppose, I am sorry for your loss.'

Sivan sighed and shrugged. 'He is beautiful. But quite a moron.'

*

Sivan decided to retire to his own room that night. It wasn't like him to skip the post event celebrations, but that night, he didn't seem to have the heart.

He instead took to standing on his balcony, leaning against it with a glass of rich, red wine in his grasp. He gazed at the serene garden sprawling in front of him, the dulcet tones of the music from inside the palace hanging blisfuly in the air. It was almost better than being in the party. Although it was hard for him to ignore the bubbling guilt in his stomach. His father wouldn't approve, of that he was aware. But Sylvia was at the party, socializing as a noble should. Surely, one night, he could excuse himself.

His aimless trail of thoughts came to a stuttering stop when his eyes fell on a figure in the gardens. A women dressed in a grandiose, shimmering lilac evening gown. And yet, something about her was anything but grand.

He squinted, trying to see the woman under the dim lights of the garden. He recognized the bright red lips, the curly dark hair and high cheekbones that reflected the moon's light. Princess Orlannah of House of Corsux. However, her slumped shoulders and her trembling fingers as she placed them on her face, gave off an odd sense. Something was terribly wrong.

With a split second's decision, Sivan decided to talk to her. He wasn't sure if he was close enough to be her confidante, but the idea of leaving a distressed woman alone at night didn't sit right on him, Especially considering how much stress the Houses were in.

As he made his way toward the garden, he saw her outline, her back turned to him. Her shoulders trembling. As he walked even closer, he heard her stifled sobs.

'Princess Orlannah?'

The sobs stopped suddenly and after a few seconds in which she straightened her shoulders, sniffled loudly and finally turned to face Sivan. He walked over to her and wordlessly, pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket. Orlannah took it, slowly dabbing at her face as Sivan looked away respectfully.

'I apologize to find you this way,' he said. 'I was merely concerned.'

'That is quite alright,' Orlannah said, her voice thick as she sighed. 'I have bene having...a rather hard time. With all these people around.'

'It can be rather overwhelming, yes,' Sivan agreed, walking closer to her. 'You should considering retiring early to your chamber perhaps? I myself did not have the heart to attend the event at all. I do admire your courage for doing so.'

Orlanna laughed. 'Courage? Or audacity?'

Sivan shrugged. 'Is one distinguished from the other?'

Orlannah gave a watery chuckle, and for a few moments Sivan was reminded of several summers ago that he had spent with the nobility. Back when they were still children, spending a few careless days in a far off island, in the golden sands. Shielded from the public's eye.

'I must say, you have been carrying yourself truly magnificently,' Sivan said. 'And if I may be so bold as to give you an advice, perhaps you should give yourself more credit.'

Orlanna looked at him for a few second, her dark eyes sparkling from the building tears. And something seemed to shift in her as she broke down crying again, her shoulders trembling as she profusely tried to wipe her tears away. Sivan felt a pang of pity and walked over to her, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. He lowered his head, speaking gently, 'May I?'

Orlannah nodded as he embraced her, offering his own warmth as comfort. Orlannah sobbed for a few more moments before she slowly seemed to gather herself and leaned back, dark streaks running down her flawless skin. 'You truly are the perfect gentleman we have heard tales of.'

Sivan scoffed. 'Hardly. I do have my moments, I suppose.'

Orlannah opened her mouth to say something, however, a loud rustling sound distracted the pair of them. Sivan glanced behind him at the source of the disturbance, his heart almost failing when a familiar figure emerged from the thicket of roses.

'Ah. A budding romance,' Izer slurred, a lopsided grin on his face.

Orlannah stepped back and quickly turned to face away form the men, wiping the tears away as Izer walked towards them.

'I was merely...comforting Pirncess Orlannah,' Sivan said, feeling suddenly hot around his collar. Had he gone too far with the embrace? Hopefully, it wouldn't cause any unruly scandals. He couldn't deal with more of them.

Izer laughed and as he leaned closer to Sivan, he got a whiff of alcohol. Izer was inebriated. Was that the reason for his unnatural joviality?

Orlannah finally turned to face Izer, giving him a quick bow. 'I have been...dealing with some rather personal issues. And Prince Dialantey here has been nothing but a perfectly charming gentleman. And...I must say I do not care for your implications, Prince of Arkham.'

'I am not implying anything,' Izer said, tilting his head. 'I am merely saying, that Prince Sivan seems to have found himself a new object of attraction.'

'Prince of Arkham!' Sivan said, disgusted by his words. 'You are inebriated. Perhaps it is of your best interest to retried to your chamber before you humiliate yourself further by your shameless words.'

'I would admit your anger is justified, however-' he squinted his eyes, wiggling his fingers as he spoke, 'I have heard...what they say about you.'

'Excuse me, Gentlemen,' Orlannah said. 'I am afraid I do not have the mental capacity to be dealing with such baseless claims. I will be taking my leave. Good night.'

She held her head high, walking back towards the palace without a backward glance. Sivan took to follow her lead before he felt a strong, vice-like grip on his hands. He stared, shocked, as Izer leaned into him, speaking with a slur so pronounced that he was barely comprehensible.

'Looking for something else to fuck because I didn't give it to you?'

Under normal circumstances, Izer's physically proximity to him would have made Sivan lose his mind. However, considering how drunk he clearly was, and how he had insulted the Princess of Corsux, he found nothing but anger within himself.

'Let me escort you to your room,' he offered after taking a few deep breaths to stabilise himself.

Izer gazed at him for a few seconds before his grip finally loosened and he burst out laughing. 'Offering to escort an extremely drunk person to his bedroom? Dropped your gentlemanly act already, have you?'

'I put up no act,' Sivan said. 'Consider it a request. You are currently a stark danger to yourself.'

Izer gazed at him for a few second, his eyes narrowing as he considered Sivan's offer. 'Orlannah has a habit of...leaving people high and dry,' he smirked. 'I'm sure you have heard. I'm not sure chasing her would be worth your timing.'

'I am not chasing anyone,' Sivan said truthfully. 'I do not chase. I was merely comforting her and you have completely misconstrued it through your own twisted perception.'

'I suppose I cannot blame her for making herself vulnerable,' Izer said after a while as Sivan blinked, not understanding where the conversation was going.

Izer half shut his eyes, leaning closer to Sivan as he held his breath. 'I must say...I am having an extremely difficult time keeping my own wits about me.'

'I would blame the alcohol in your beings,' Sivan said, half amused as he gently pushed Izer away from him. 'I am flattered by your advances, truly. However, you are extremely drunk an-'

His words were cut short as Izer placed a hand on his mouth, speaking in a low, sultry whisper. 'Do not lie to yourself, Prince for Dialentey. I saw...what watching me did to you last night. I saw the hunger in your eyes.'

It took every ounce of his willpower to keep himself in check as Izer's hand wandered lower down Sivan's torso. Lower till it rested between his legs, rubbing ever so slightly against the fabric. Sivan gasped, the teasing touch almost too much to bear.

'Did you think about my naked body while you pleasured yourself, Sivan?'

Maybe it was just the way he slurred his name, or his scent mixed with intoxication, or maybe it was touch. The sinful blend making Sivan's head light. He reached for Izer's hand, pressing it closer to his straining arousal as he whispered back, 'Do you require me to admit that?'

Izer smirked, seemingly pleased with his response. 'I do like to hear, how much you crave me.'

'I would assume...you can feel it by now,' Sivan spoke, his voice hoarse.

Izer bit his lower lip, his hand fiddling with Sivan's trousers. 'I can. It's...quite impressive I must admit.'

Izer seemed to enjoy himself, smirking slyly when his hand inched towards Sivan's waistband, slipping inside the clothing before his slender fingers slowly stroked him. Sivan let out a moan inspite of himself, reaching at the breaking point of his self control as he quickly reached for Izer, grabbing his waist and pulling him close.

Izer's fingers moved deftly, alighting fiery sparks in Sivan's belly. He couldn't help but imagine how his lips, his mouth would feel if they replaced his fingers. Izer leaned into him, burying his face in the crook of his neck. Sivan shuddered as his soft, hot mouth found the sensitive skin of his neck. His lips parted, inviting his tongue to snake across his heated skin. His lips clasping hungrily onto his skin as he let out another gasp.

Sivan surrendered, his pleasure rising under the dual onslaught. Izer's lips expertly marking his skin, while his fingers continued to tease him. Sivan placed a hand on Izer's face, gently pulling him towards him. His lips glistened, his eyes dark with fiery lust. Sivan leaned into him, his own lips craving a taste from the Prince of Arkham. As soon as he did however, Izer stopped his hypnotic movements, taking a step away from him with his mischievous smirk back on his face. Sivan watched, mesmerized as Izer lifted his hand to his lips, his tongue snaking out to seductively lick his own fingers, his gaze fixated on the transfixed Prince of Dialantey.

'Perhaps a different night, we may have another game of Faro?'

Sivan gulped, his brain still not fully comprehensive as Izer turned around, leaving him alone in the dark gardens. And once again, Sivan was left shackled in the torturous grip of his own insatiable hunger for the Prince of Arkham.