(Prince Regius Pictured)

She walked into town, her hood back up and her eyes alert. She planned to meet Notus outside the gates, as usual, as she did not want to go into the castle and alert the family to her existence. She walks through the rather sparse crowds, and darts through an alley before climbing up a wall and getting on a roof. She dashes across them, using a simple Umbra spell to keep her steps light and her form hard to see. She came to a house that was next to the main road that lead to the castle. She was about to jump down, when she saw a large group of soldiers come from the east, heading up the road, with a golden armored male in front, riding a horse of blue.

"Shit." She whispers softly, kneeling down and remaining as hidden as possible. The golden form below happened to be Prince Regius, and she had no idea why he was even out, or why he was with the soldiers. She just watches as he slows to a stop and signals to the other soldiers to halt their progress. He hops off his horse and looks around. She watches as he glares at everything around him before smiling smugly.

"Go on ahead men, I have some business to attend to first. If anyone asks where I am, just tell them I am attending to business and I will be along shortly."

The soldiers nod and start off, heading directly off to the castle. Regius simply stands there for a moment before leading his horse to the stable and ties him to the post. He gives his horse an apple which he procures from his pack. He turns and breathes in slowly before his eyes harden and glare at an unknown figure.

"Well, if it isn't the Consort Child."

She turns her gaze and spies Notus paused, staring at Regius with a blank look.

"Hello Prince Regius. What brings you to town?"

"Well, Consort Child, I had some business to attend to. However, I now wonder what it is that you are doing in town? Shouldn't you be cleaning in the Castle?"

"If I may remind your Highness, I do not have typical duties, being the Son of the Royal Consort. My duties are to train Prince Adrian, Prince Spurius, and Princess Silenda when they require my help, and to spar with them so as they can perfect their mancery. I need not remind you you once trained with me but refused so as to not interact with, as you called me, "a lowly Consort Child born from blood and dirt."

"Notus, do not do anything to get in trouble." Megaera Whispers softly, getting agitated.

The Prince's gaze hardens further and steps closer to Notus.

"I need not remind you to step out of turn to me, for I am a Prince, and I can make your life a struggle. Do not think I do not know what you did today to the child of my Captain."

"He spoke out of turn, and I had every right to reprimand him. My position as the son of the Royal Consort and Mancer to the Royal Children gives me higher rank than him. So, I reprimanded him. Now, I have my own business to attend to myself, your Grace. Pardon me, your royal Highness." Notus states, his face blank still and voice devoid of emotion.

Prince Regius stares at him in anger before a sly grin crosses his face.

"Of course. Be off with you, lowly Consort Child. Attend to your plans. I'm sure Prince Adrian would not mind his little whore to go wherever."

Megaera inhales sharply and growls softly. That was too low a blow, and Regius knew it. Notus face betrays no emotion except Megaera can see his eyes harden slightly.

"But of course, your Royal Highness. Your Brothers kindness can attest to as why he is worthy of the throne and why his little whore may join him in rule, as you must clearly realize based on what I feel you know. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Notus bows low and walks away from the prince, heading off to the meeting point at the South Gate. As he walks away, Regius looks agitated. Megaera stands and makes to turn so she can travel the same way but notices something odd. Regius is glaring directly at Notus and mouthing something. She tunes in and listens to what he may be saying. At that moment, she gasps as she realizes what he is going to do.

"Not my friend you pile of Horse dung." She says quietly.

She points directly at Regius and before he can complete his spell, she uses her Umbra and creates an invisible bubble around him. He finishes casting his spell and a blast of blue fire blasts out, lighting the area around him but it fizzles before it travels far. He stands there, bemused at what had just happened and Notus turns, sensing something off and just sees the end of the fire blast fade. He raises an eye at Regius and turns once more and continues on his way. Megaera quickly makes her way away and hurries to meet up with Notus. She somehow makes it to the South Gate before Notus does and has time to think. Regius has always been a loose cannon but no one would ever attack her friend except her. She was still lost in her thoughts when Notus appears.

"Well, if it isn't my little protector." He says with a smirk.

Megaera starts because he came out of nowhere but she goes back to looking agitated.

"Regius pisses me off. That was low. I didn't really need to protect you, but I had nothing better to do."

"You're right. Considering Fire doesn't hurt me because of my Mancery. But the thought was sweet and I appreciate it."

She curses herself for a second because she had forgotten, but she brushes it off.

"Like I said, I had nothing better to do anyways."

"Well, still, I have to thank you. He is the Prince, so I can't do anything against him, yet."

He smiles ruefully and Megaera can't help but smirk.

"Come on my friend, let's go get some food."

They stride away and make their way to their favorite little hangout place. The Tavern is famous for being the best in the Kingdom, and it did have the best food, even if they couldn't afford it. They sit in their favorite little booth in the corner.Before they can say anything, a girl walks up.

"Well hello there. What can I get you two tonight?"

Their server is a girl by the name of Venea, a local village girl who helped them out more than once after Notus saved her from being raped by a now banished guard.

"Will it be the usual for you two tonight?"

"Not tonight Venea. Tonight we will have the lamb ribs and the potato stew, with carrots and onion if you will."

"Oh, expensive tonight. Okay then, what do you want to drink?"

Before they can say anything, Vanea nods and winks, walking away. They just sigh and smile.

"You know Notus, I'm glad you saved that girl. She is a very valuable asset here in town." Megaera comments.

"Well, it was the right thing to do. That guard had caused trouble in the past. And you are correct, she has become very valuable." He replies nonchalantly.

They look to the kitchen to see Vanea putting in their order and talking with the chef. Not only did she give them food when they were hungry, even if they didn't have enough, she gave them information. She gave them secrets, Notus kept her safe and happy, getting her a position in the Tavern she now worked in. She comes back carrying to mugs and sets them down. When they look inside the mugs, they find Regalia Red Ale, the most famous and expensive.

"Venea, we couldn't...." Notus begins.

"Don't worry about it. I know you guys technically can't drink yet, but I say to Hades with it. You guys have done so much, and besides. You guys are getting lamb ribs. This is a perfect drink for it. Take it, on the house."

She moves away, leaving Notus and Megaera to drink their ale. Notus takes a sip and summons a small flame in his hand, letting it curl around his fingers like a snake. He just stares at it in silence before Megaera speaks.

"Notus, are you alright?"

"I'm alright. Just thinking about some things."

"If it's about what that Royal Pompous Ass said, don't think on it. That was a low blow, and it was incorrect. Obviously, you are not just a whore to Prince Adrian. You two care for each other. Ooh, I should have choked him with darkness."

"It wouldn't have done good. You would have been tracked down and killed before you could get far. Besides, I know I'm not just a whore to Adrian. That isn't what I worry about. It's the fact that he even knows of Adrian and I's relationship to begin with. How could he? We tell no one."

"You do realize Regius has spies everywhere. If he knew, its because someone overheard something and reported it. But let's not focus on that."

"I also said I would join Adrian when he takes control of the Throne. It was said in jest and to annoy him, but I also felt it true. I know it can't be because of our plans, but I also know Adrian would make me his forever if he could, and I would rule beside him. It's a very complicated situation I am in. However, i know my path. I just hope that Adrian will forgive me, or at least, that he will not end up dying."

"You think too much. We will concern ourselves with that later. For now, let us get ready to go."

Their food comes to the table and they dig in ravenously, not even breathing after taking a bite.

"Notus, what do you think your Father would do if he were here?"

Notus looks up shocked, staring at Meg before swallowing his food so he can answer.

"I don't know. I suppose he would tell me my path is true and that I should follow my heart and follow my dream. He would also tell me not to be weak and not to let them see that weakness inside. Basically, he would talk to me in such a way that would confuse me but yet I would understand. That, and he would probably have taken over by now."

Megaera nods and sighs, biting into her lamb. They eat the rest in silence before Notus pulls out his money pouch and pulls out some gold coins to pay for the meal.
"Well, I must head back to the Castle now. I will meet you at the docks at sunrise."

He leaves and heads swiftly out the door, leaving Megaera to just stare at him as he goes. Venea appear from nowhere and grabs their dishes.

"You know, I feel kind of bad for poor Notus. Being the son of the Royal Consort must mean he gets a lot of trouble from the Royal Family. And it also must be hard considering who his father was."

Venea meant well but she had no true clue. Megaera stands, thanking her and leaves herself. Meanwhile Notus was back at the castle gates. He comes to the Gate Master and drops his hood.

"Open the Gate please Martin."

"Of course sir."

The Gate opens and he enters in, making his way to the Bakery. He enters to find his godmother sipping on her tea and chatting, with Princess Victoria. They are alerted to his presence and smile at him.

"Ahh Notus, I heard you would be leaving on a journey at dawn tomorrow. It is a shame, since I was looking forward to hearing you sing once more." Victoria smiles.

"Yes, it is a shame. But it is for the best. I have much to do and much to attend to before I sleep. If you'll excuse me."

He bows and leaves them, and he walks slowly back to his chambers. The Castle is dark, lightened only by the flame in his palm . He heads up the stairs and down the hall to his chambers. He enters and ignites the candle by his bedside. He undresses and places on his sleeping bottoms, feeling the scar on his chest, a remnant of his past. He prepares to turn out his candle when there is a knock at his door.

"Come in." He says.

Who enters is unexpected at the least. At his door is Prince Adam, dressed only in his own royal purple night pants, his bare chest glistening in the candle light.

"Prince Adrian. I wasn't expecting you this late."

"Well, I won't be up to see you off in the morning, so I thought I'd come say goodnight and goodbye." He smirks softly.

He saunters over to Notus' bed and sits down, smiling gently up at Notus.

"Adrian, I deeply appreciate it. But, shouldn't you be heading off to bed already? It is getting quite late." Notus says, a little flustered.

"Maybe, but I would rather have come here to see you before you leave. Would you deny me that?"

He stands and plants a kiss on Notus lips and Notus breathes in his scent but recoils slightly, which does not go unnoticed by the Prince. Adrian pulls back slightly and looks at him, concerned.

"What's wrong love?"

"Nothing. I'm fine Adrian."

Adrian traces the scar on Notus' chest with the tip of his finger and stares into Notus' eyes with concern.

"Did someone try to hurt you again?"

Notus recalls the time he got his scar, he had traveled into town to grab some cherries for his Aunt and had forgotten to take off his Royal garbs. He was recognized, and a man had attacked him, cutting into his chest with a silver knife. He was taken back to the castle by a guard, near death. The knife had been poisoned and his mother was too distraught to really help heal him. Instead, the Queen had healed him. She was able to draw out the poison and save him from death, but the scar would never fully heal, a side effect of the poison. The man was executed the next morning.

"No, I promise. I'm fine." Notus says, withdrawing slightly more.

"Notus, I know something's wrong. You can tell me, I swear to you." Adrian whispers softly.

Notus stands there silently, looking away before sighing and turning back to the Prince.

"You truly love me, right?" He asks in a small voice.

"Of course love. Why else would I visit you this late? Why else would I call you love? What's going on?"

"So, I am not simply your whore?"

Adrians eyes flare with a warm fire and he grabs Notus arms in concern.

"No, you are not simply my whore, and I would never put anyone in that label or situation. Who said you were simply my whore? It's not like our relationship is known. Who said it? Was it one of the staff?"

"No, Adrian. The person who said it is of no relevance."

"That is not acceptable. Whoever said it is not irrelevant. I will make them issue a formal apology, and you can decide what will be done after."

"Adrian, it simply cannot happen. They would never, and even then, I would suffer repercussion for it."

"And why is that? They must atone for their wrong."

"Adrian, it just won't work." Notus insists, trying to divert the subject.

Adrian sighs and stares into Notus eyes, obvious worry and anger inside the violet pools.

"Why Notus? Just tell me."

"Because Prince Regius said it to me!" Notus blurts out, tears beginning to well up.

Adrian stares at him for a second, confused, but anger soon fills his eyes.

"That arrogant fool should not have said that. I will talk with him and we shall see who he wants to call a whore."

"Adrian, don't, please. It will just lead to trouble. He may decide to launch another fire ball..."

Notus cuts his speech and steps back as he realizes what he just said. Adrian stares at him, shock on his face.

"Did...Did he try to hurt you?"

Notus says nothing, turning away with tears in his eyes.

"Notus, did my brother try to hurt you with his mancery? If so, you need to tell me."

Notus dries his eyes and turns, a stern look on his face.

"Yes, he did."

Notus can see the calm rage welling up in his love and places a hand on his arm.

"Adrian, it is alright. He didn't succeed. His spell fizzled before it got anywhere near. Plus, I can't be hurt by fire, so no harm would have come to me. If anything, my clothes may have burned off, but I was fine. It was no big deal."

Adrian sighs and sits down on the bed, his head in his hands.

"Notus, you just do not understand. You are mine, you are my love. I will never let someone hurt you in any way. I don't care who it is, no one will disrespect my Other."

Adrian looks up and Notus can see the real concern in his face and the worry in his eyes. Notus sits down next to him and places his arm around him.

"I understand that. But there is nothing that can be done."

"No, there is. No one will ever hurt you, and they can never say or do anything to you again, not even my siblings."

"How would that happen?"

Adrian slides down onto his knee in front of him and pulls a small golden object out of his pocket and holds it out. Notus can then see it is a ring, with a sapphire as the gem.

"If you will do me the honor, and be my betrothed. We will marry whenever you are ready to, and there will be no rush. I love you, and you alone. Please, be my love forever."

Notus is left speechless and can only cry.

"Notus, will you be my betrothed?"

Notus sees the love in Adrian's eyes and softens. He nods and allows Adrian to place the ring on his finger. Adrian stands and sets back down on the bed.

"My father will make the Royal Proclamation tomorrow at noon. He will announce that I have found my betrothed. You will have the protection of the Royal Guard, the respect given to my family, and will never have to fear danger. This also means that you will also have dominion over the guard, including my brother and his captains. They will never say anything, to you or behind your back. Once we are married and I ascend the throne, you will be King Notus, and you will have me forever."

Notus sighs and kisses Adrian softly and sighs. Adrian stands and turns to leave.

"I will see you when you return. By that time, I will have an apology ready from Regius, and he will give you a favor for his disrespect."

Before he can move, Notus grabs his arm.

"Stay with me?" He asks quietly.

Adrian smiles and sits back down on the bed, stripping off his night bottoms, leaving him completely exposed. He gets under the covers and Notus slips under next to him. He snuffs out the candle and snuggles close to Adrian, closing his eyes. He breathes in his scent as Adrian closes his arms around him and he falls into slumber.