A.N. This story will be in chapters, but think of them as several short stories. Each part will have a name that will make sense when you actually read the chapters. Alrighty so this story has some slash and het, but this chapter is mainly slash. Warnings: non-consensual sex and violence. (It's a good thing I rated this M) So enjoy the show. I would love some reviews. Pretty please?

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A quick guide to character name pronunciations...

Ramii: RAH-me

Myrin: MEER-in

Herrad: her-ODD

Laesyl: LEE-sul

Tarek: tah-REK

Arrion: AH-ree-on

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Part 1: The Cruel Princes of Marekia

Long ago, in a world quite like our own, there were two nations steeped deep in war. The first nation, Marekia, whose people were known by their jet black hair, deep brown eyes, and skin a slight bronze, were a proud nation of hard workers who earned their living. The second nation, Pheron on the other hand, had people with hair as white as snow, skin a fine ivory, and eyes ranging from pale blues to striking silver, were self indulgent and thought highly of themselves. This war of theirs had dragged on for generation upon generation, with no end in sight. In the heat of war is where our story begins. Ramii was the youngest prince of Pheron at the age of sixteen.

Ramii waited his whole life to come of age so that he could fight along side his father, the great general Myrin. Everyone respected his father, though at times he could be cruel. He trained his whole life to fight. His first battle was key to earn the respect of his stoic and stern father. Ramii took pride in putting on his fine armor made especially for him. His mother, the queen, would baby him, which is why she worried so much. She didn't want to send him in to battle like his brothers and sister, but her husband convinced her. She appeared into the room where Ramii was getting dressed, and helped him with the final touches. She stifled a sob as she prepared to let her little boy go. This was when he tried to console her.

"It'll be alright mother. I could look after myself."

"I know. It's just that the Marekians could be savage. I hear that they behead anyone they capture and gut their bodies. I just don't want anything to happen to you. I couldn't even think of it."

"If they do capture me, then I'll give them a fight where they have to let me go. I'll be fine mother. Father did train me after all."

The queen said her last goodbyes to her two men and wished them luck in battle. She felt a pain within, telling her that she'll never see her precious Ramii again. She dismissed the feeling as pure anxiety of letting her youngest go off to war.

The ride to the battle field had been long. Ramii was riding a pure white stallion right in front, along side his father. He couldn't feel any more proud. He just hoped his father felt the same way. His father never showed him any kind of affection, or any kind of affection a regular father would at least. He would often criticize Ramii's shortcomings, which made the boy feel insecure, and scold his wife when she would coddle him. Perhaps this was the day to truly make his father proud. Even put a smile on that stubborn face. A boy can hope, can't he?

When they came close to the battle field, the battalion heard the sickening sounds of war. Men screaming in agony could be heard all around. Ramii winced at the sounds, but Myrin stayed as calm as ever. He gave his men a rallying cry and they charged forward. Soon, they were faced with Marekians left and right. It was all a blur for Ramii. One minute he's on his horse, the next he's on the ground fighting off soldiers with ease. At that moment he was so thankful for his training, because he could take on multiple men at once. But there were so many of them and he could only do so much. He was surrounded by Marekian men. He had somehow become separated from his father because he could no longer see any allies. The soldiers were ganging up on the poor prince. He tried his hardest to fight through them, but it was no use. He lost consciousness soon after that.

Ramii awoke in a small room, his armor removed, wrists bound behind his back, and mouth gagged. He tried to remember how he got there, but didn't have a clue. Where was he? All he remembered was being surrounded by Marekian soldiers. He must have been captured. His heart sped up a little. What were they going to do with him? His imagination ran wild at the possibilities. That was when three men walked in. The oldest looking one crouched down and met eyes with Ramii, his breathing becoming shallow.

"Look what we have here brothers. It looks as if our men really did capture a prince."

The man took away his gag and stared right in his face.

"What is your name boy?"

"R-Ramii."

"Ah. You are the youngest prince of Pheron, is that correct?"

"Y-yes."

"How old are you Ramii?"

"Sixteen."

"My name is Herrad and these are my brothers Laesyl," he pointed at the handsome looking one, "and Tarek," he then pointed at the large, muscular man.

"You will be our prisoner with which we may do as we like, except, sadly kill you. Understood?"

All Ramii could do was nod his head. He wasn't sure what to think at that moment. He couldn't remember being this afraid in his whole life. It made all the other times he was afraid seem like a walk in the park. He began to shake. Herrad scoffed and stood up. He led his brothers out of the room. Ramii was left alone. Tears started to fill his eyes. He was always taught to not cry. His father would be disappointed if he cried. He never approved of it. Ramii stifled a sob that threatened to come out. What would his father think? Did they even realize he was gone? His mother would be devastated to find her son had been captured in his first battle. He couldn't take it anymore. He let his tears overwhelm him. The hot water traveled down his cheeks, mixing with the dirt from fighting. He wished he never got out there in the first place. He had a fitful sleep after that. It had been a long day. Perhaps this was only a dream. Yes. Only a dream.

Ramii awoke the next morning, feeling pain all over his body. He realized he couldn't move his hands. That's when it hit him what happened the day before. He was startled when a boy, about the age of eighteen, walked in to the room with a bowl. He has on some peasant's clothes. Perhaps he was a servant.

"Hello there," he said cheerfully.

"H-hello."

"You must be Ramii."

"Y-yes."

"My name is Arrion. My job is too feed you and take care of you in general."

Arrion knelt down next to Ramii, until they were face to face.

"I'm so sorry about all of this," Arrion said as he put the spoon in the bowl and scooped out some soup. He raised it to Ramii so he could eat. Ramii sipped at it carefully, not wanting to spill any.

"The princes are known to be cruel sometimes."

"Those were the princes?" Ramii asked in disbelief. He had heard stories of them. They were portrayed as monsters that came from the belly of the underworld just to cause havoc on Pheronians. No regrets about the sins they would commit. Obviously it wasn't true, but some other stories might be. One of the rumors say that they take prisoners and torture them until they die. Ramii shivered at the thought.

Then, suddenly, one of the princes barged in to the room. The tall, muscular one, Tarek.

"What are you doing here Arrion?" he demanded.

"J-just trying to take care of the prisoner."

"He doesn't need any care."

"I need to keep him alive.

Tarek then started to get annoyed. He rushed over and grabbed Arrion by the hair. Arrion reached up to relieve the tension, but to no avail. Tarek was just too strong. Tarek took the boy and threw him out of the room, soup and all. Arrion landed hard outside the room, soup getting everywhere. Tarek then proceeded to lock the door behind him. Tarek looked back at the helpless Ramii, still on the floor.

"Hello my pretty," he said as he kneeled in front Ramii and took his face in his hands, "You sure do have a pretty face. It would be a shame if something happened to it."

Tarek pulled out a dagger and placed it gently on Ramii's face. Ramii flinched at the cold metal.

"Oh, don't be afraid little one. I won't hurt you too bad."

Tarek gently dragged the blade down Ramii's cheek, drawing a slight amount of blood. Ramii winced at the pain, but didn't move. He was paralyzed with fear. The blade made it to the boy's neck.

"I wouldn't want to damage that beautiful face of yours. But your hair is quite another matter. Only nobles should be allowed to have long hair. Since you are no longer noble, it has to go."

Tears streamed from Ramii's eyes. He thought of the times his mother would dote over his long white hair. How she would brush it when he was a child. He missed those times when everything was innocent in his eyes. A thought came to him from the night before the battle. His mother wanted to brush his hair one final time. He had objected but his mother wasn't hearing any of it. She sat him down and brushed it out. She couldn't do that with their other children since they had long since moved away, but with Ramii still at the palace, she could baby him all she wanted. Ramii didn't like it and wanted his mother to treat him like a man. Now, he regretted ever thinking like that. Oh how he wanted his mother to brush his hair again. Just like when he was a child. But that would never happen again.

He was pulled out of his thoughts when Tarek roughly pulled the white strands through his fingers. Ramii yelped at the surprise and was completely unprepared when Tarek started to roughly hack at the hair. Little by little, the strands fell all around. Ramii couldn't do anything, his wrists were still bound behind his back. Soon, his hair was messily cut short, close to his head. Ramii was left crying on the floor. How could they do this? Tarek replaced his blade in his belt. He grabbed Ramii's short locks and threw him across the room where the boy lost balance and fell to his side. Tarek walked up and kicked the boy a few times in the ribs. Ramii screamed in pain, unable to move. He then lifted the boy's chin and slapped him hard enough to leave a bruise.

"Boy, don't think this is the worst of it. My brothers have their own ways of treating you. Just think of this as going easy on you."

Tarek spit on Ramii as he left the room. He couldn't imagine anything worse. Was that what Marekians thought as "going easy"? Ramii curled up in a fetal position and fell asleep, tears still in his eyes. His father would surely find him weak. The great general Myrin's youngest son a coward. Wait until the people of Pheron hears about this.

Ramii was awoken by a gentle nudge on the shoulder. Above him was Arrion, kneeling down with a concerned look on his face.

"What did he do to your hair?" Ramii remained silent.

"I'm so sorry. Did he hurt you too much?" Ramii still didn't say a word.

Arrion shook his head and reached for the bucket of water he brought with him. In that bucket there was a rag, which he put up to Ramii's face. He wiped off the blood dried on the fair skin.

"Why can't they be as kind as you?" Ramii finally spoke up.

"I just don't know."

"Will the next one be as terrible?"

"Next what?"

"The next prince."

"Laesyl?"

"Is that his name?"

"I wouldn't worry too much about him. Blood makes him dizzy."

That put a smile on Ramii's face, which made Arrion smile. Arrion leaned in close. He wasn't quite sure what he was doing, but he was doing it anyway. He leaned in and placed a small, chaste kiss on Ramii's lips. It was over before Ramii knew what was going on.

"What was that?"

"I-I'm so sorry. I just- I don't know." Arrion scrambled up to leave with the bucket.

"No, wait. It was…nice."

"I have to go."

Arrion left the room, leaving Ramii to go over that kiss in his mind. It really was nice. Perhaps he would do it again. He could only hope.

The next day, Laesyl came in to the room. He was a handsome man with women regularly fighting over him. He was probably the most feminine looking of the brothers, but with that square jaw of his, he was definitely male. He pulled out his own dagger. Ramii scooted as best he could to a corner of the room.

"Come on, let's do this quickly." Laesyl said, little emotion in his voice to indicate what he was feeling. He quickly walked up to Ramii and roughly turned him on his stomach. Next he did something that Ramii really didn't expect. He cut away the coarse rope that had been digging in to Ramii's wrists for the past few days. Laesyl stood as Ramii rubbed at his purple wrists.

"Get up boy."

Ramii didn't hesitate a second. What could he possibly do?

"Take your clothes off."

"W-what?"

"Did I stutter? Take off your clothes, now!" Ramii didn't dare hesitate any longer. He unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off his shoulders. He felt uncomfortable with the prince staring at him.

"Good, now for those pants." Ramii's breath hitched as he slowly worked his breeches over his hips. A few tears threatened to spill, but he held them back. He couldn't cry at this. This would truly mark him as weak.

"Now, come with me. You will be my personal servant for the day." At this, Ramii flushed. People would see him like this. They would see him vulnerable. He couldn't believe it. The only people to see him nude were his family, and that was when he was still a child.

"How adorable. You turn pink when you're embarrassed. Now, come." Ramii followed with his head down.

The day was spent doing petty things for Laesyl, such as filling his wine glass, or bringing him things he needed. Laesyl enjoyed showing him off to other men, who would touch him in inappropriate ways. Ramii couldn't do a thing about it. They started to get a little rough. Who ever would take sexual interest in a coward like him?

"Perhaps he could warm my bed tonight," one of the men said.

"You sure got a pretty one there, Laesyl," another said.

"Gentlemen, he's all mine," he said as he got in between Ramii and his associates, "That is until Herrad has his go." The last part was almost a whisper. Almost as if he were afraid. Ramii didn't pay much attention to it. Why would he be afraid of his own brother?

The day ended with Ramii being booted back to the room he had been locked in to. That wasn't so bad after all. At least it didn't hurt, and it seemed that Laesyl sort of cared for him. Maybe. He found his clothes folded neatly by the door. They had been washed. It was probably Arrion. He's just so kind. So sweet. Not to mention adorable. Ramii slipped on his clothes, thinking how nice they smelled. He smiled at the thought of Arrion taking care to wash his clothes. Ramii had the best night's sleep he had in days.

Morning arrived to find Arrion sitting on the floor, with a tray full of food. They sat there in silence for a moment. Ramii smiled up at him, but Arrion didn't seem in the mood.

"I've brought you food," Arrion finally said.

"Thank you," Ramii said as he scooted in closer. Ramii ate in silence as Arrion just looked at him.

"What's wrong?" Ramii asked.

"I'm afraid what Herrad might do to you," Arrion replied softly, "I don't want to see you get hurt again."

"Is he that bad?"

"He's probably the cruelest prince of all."

Another moment of silence filled the room. Ramii moved in closer to Arrion and placed a kiss on the other's lips. This time he won't be a coward. Arrion was stunned for a minute, but soon reciprocated the motion. They broke apart, slightly panting. It was very sweet actually.

"I've never felt this way about anyone before," Ramii whispered.

"Me neither," Arrion replied.

They leaned in for another kiss, this one a little longer. Arrion was the best thing to happen to Ramii since he had been taken prisoner. He hoped this relationship would never end.

The rest of the day went by without anyone entering to torture him. Maybe they were tired of having Ramii around. Maybe he would be set free. He could only hope that was the case. But he knew that was too good. Perhaps they wouldn't come to the room that day. A day was more than enough to gather himself. He closed his eyes to sleep. It only seemed like seconds when he was woken up by a rough kick to the stomach.

"Wake up you little piece of garbage," a deep voice said. Ramii was still in a haze when two hands wrapped themselves around his collar and sat him up. His back hit the wall hard.

"W-what-?"

"Shut up!"

Ramii was slapped hard in the face. That certainly woke him up. He realized that the man in the room was none other than Herrad. What was he going to do to him?

"Now I'm going to punish you as my brothers should have done. Sometimes I'm amazed we're even related," he said as he ripped open Ramii's shirt. Ramii squirmed out of the way and tried to crawl toward the door. Herrad's powerful arms grabbed Ramii and shoved him on to his stomach. He put his full weight on to the frightened boy.

"We could do this the easy way or the hard way my dear Ramii," Herrad threatened.

"No, please," Ramii begged, fully aware of what Herrad had planned. The rumors said that the eldest prince enjoyed to sodomize his prisoners. He would reduce them to sniveling piles of former men.

Herrad flipped Ramii over on to his back as he climbed to straddle the boy's hips. Ramii tried to fight back, scratching and hitting anywhere he could. It was not enough. Herrad grabbed the boy's tiny wrists and pinned them above his head. Ramii squirmed for what he was worth, but soon tired himself out.

"Shh. Calm down. Now that's better." Herrad used one of his hands to hold down the wrists while the other one ventured down to the boy's pants. He pulled them down in one easy motion. Ramii bucked his hips in and attempt to get away, but Herrad was just too strong.

"I guess I'll have to do this the hard way."

Herrad roughly flipped Ramii on to his stomach. Ramii's breath became heavier with each passing moment. He still struggled. Tears flowed freely from his eyes. Ramii heard the sound of rustling fabric above him. He turned his head but couldn't see what was going on. All too sudden, he felt something in between his buttocks. Something hard and warm. Ramii struggled even more as he was penetrated. He screamed for help but he knew no one would come and help him. It was probably the most painful experience he had ever felt. Worse than being kicked in the ribs multiple times. Ramii squeezed his eyes shut and prayed that the violation would be over soon. Herrad grunted every time he thrust his hips. Ramii started to sob. This couldn't be happening. Harder and harder the prince thrust his hips. He was going to wreck the boy, just as the boy's father had done to him. Memories from that night came flooding back. The pain and humiliation. He wouldn't allow those awful memories to surface again. Oh how it felt good. He should do this more often. The complete power that he had over the boy was just intoxicating.

Herrad ravaged the boy's body for another hour, blood dripping all around them. Herrad finally climaxed, his seed mixing with the blood, which dripped down the boy's legs. Ramii was in so much pain. Herrad stood, pulling his pants up. Ramii lay there sobbing. What did he do to deserve this? Why would anyone allow this to happen? He just felt so dirty and used.

"Why?" It was barely a whisper.

"I'm sorry boy. It had to be done."

"Is this what the royalty of Marekia do?"

"We do anything we could to win."

"It's disgusting when a prince has to stoop so low, when a servant is the only one kind to me."

"Who may I ask is that servant?"

"His name is Arrion, and he's better than you will ever be!"

"Arrion? Oh you mean my baby brother."

Ramii was taken aback. He certainly wasn't expecting that.

"No. You liar!"

"Why would I lie to a little maggot like you?"

"No…"

"Now I see. You have feelings for him don't you?" Ramii remained silent, but with tears still spilling from his eyes.

"Perhaps my youngest brother is the cruelest prince of all."

Herrad chuckled and left the room. How could Ramii be so stupid? He knew Arrion was too good to be true. He just knew it. How could he be stupid enough to fall for that charm? Perhaps it was his plan to make him fall in love then betray him later. Yes that must have been it. Who could ever love someone like him? That was the cruelest thing he could think of. Ramii curled up in the filth left behind and tried to hold back the tears. He felt as filthy as he probably looked. Maybe even more so.

Outside of the room, Arrion bumped in to Herrad as he exited. Arrion noticed that the prince was covered in blood.

"Herrad!" Arrion practically yelled, "What did you do to him?"

"Nothing as traumatic as you've done baby brother. I am truly proud of you. I must congratulate you."

"What the hell are you talking about Herrad?"

"After I had my fun with him, I told him the truth."

"What did you tell him?"

"I simply told him of our lineage. Of our relation. That you are the youngest prince of this nation."

"No. You didn't."

"I must applaud you. I would have never thought of leading the boy on. You've truly outdone yourself."

"Why did you tell him?"

"It's of no consequence really unless- Oh, don't tell me. This is precious. You have feelings for him, don't you?"

Arrion blushed and looked down. Suddenly the ground seemed a lot more interesting. He then stepped aside and walked in to the room to find Ramii curled up, blood everywhere. Herrad chuckled and walked off.

"Ramii! What did he do to you?" Arrion cried as he rushed over and fell to his knees next to Ramii.

"Nothing as bad as you've done," Ramii replied, voice full of venom and tears.

"No, Ramii. Please, listen to me-"

"Why should I?"

"Please. I really care about you."

"If you cared about me, you would have told me."

"I-I just wanted you to like me for me. I didn't want you to judge me based on my brothers." Arrion reached out to touch Ramii.

"Don't touch me!"

"Please."

"No! No more! Just leave me alone."

"I have to clean you up."

"Just go. I don't want to see you ever again."

"I-I'm sorry." Tears spilled down on to Arrion's cheeks.

"What don't you understand? I don't care. Just go. Leave me alone."

Arrion stood and wiped the tears from his eyes. He turned to leave the room but turned back.

"No matter what, I still care about you. I-I love you." With that he left, closing the door behind him. Ramii cried until sleep overwhelmed him.

Ramii awoke in pain. He couldn't even move and to top it all off, he was covered in his own blood. He never thought anyone could bleed as much as he had. The door opened and a stranger walked in. It was a woman with a bucket and wash rag. She quickly stripped him and washed away the blood from his body. She was very impersonal. Not at all like Arrion. Then he remembered he was mad at the prince. The woman scrubbed the floor as best she could then left. She returned a minute later with a new set of clothes. They weren't much to look at, but they would cover his body. He slowly changed in to them, feeling the pain from the night before. The woman left without a word. Ramii sat and wondered what would come next.

The next few days came and went without too much happening. Various servants would bring him food. He stayed in that room wondering if he would be set free. Many servants came in, but none of them like Arrion. Perhaps he judged him too harshly, but he's hardly to blame. What else was he supposed to think? He contemplated all of this in a corner of the room when suddenly the door burst open. It was Herrad, Laesyl and Tarek. What do they want? Ramii tried to back away. He was cornered and Tarek easily grabbed him. Herrad tied Ramii's wrists behind his back and quickly placed a piece of cloth over his mouth. Ramii grunted against the gag.

"Tarek, take him to my special room. Laesyl, you distract Arrion. I will prepare my tools. We meet after all is said and done. Understood?"

The other two brothers simply nodded and did as they were told. Tarek easily lifted Ramii and heaved him over his own shoulder. Ramii kicked and screamed, but Tarek was a monster made of muscle. All three of the brothers left the room and split, each in their own directions.

Tarek swiftly and silently made his way across the palace grounds. He eventually made his way to some steps that led underground. He walked down those steps, Ramii in tow. Tarek dumped the scared boy in to a room that looked like some sort of dungeon.

"You're probably wondering what's happening, aren't you?" Ramii didn't dare move.

"I'll tell you anyways. It seems as our youngest brother has a crush on you. That's a bit of a problem considering that Arrion is all set on going in to battle. You can't just love your enemies."

Ramii's eyes grew wide. What did they intend to do with him? Were they going to kill him? As if Tarek could read minds, he answered Ramii's question.

"No, we're not going to kill you. We'll just make you disappear, but Herrad wants to have a bit of fun with you before that happens." It wasn't long before Herrad entered with a table full of torture devices.

"Oh my. He is quite the sight. Now we just wait for Laesyl." As if on cue, Laesyl entered, out of breath.

"I sent Arrion off on an errand. It won't be long before he returns so this has to be done as quickly as possible."

"Tarek, tie the boy to the post and remove his clothes. He won't be needing them."

Tarek approached the boy and untied his wrists. He took out his dagger that Ramii hadn't seen in days. Tarek sliced at the boy's clothes until he was nude as the day he was born. Then he roughly tied Ramii's wrists to a post in the middle of the room, his hands tied in front of him, above his head. Herrad picked up a whip from the table. He smiled down at the boy, then without second thought, struck the boy. Ramii screamed at the burning sensation across his back. Why was this happening to him? Another strike across his back. He abruptly arched his back, as if to get away from the pain.

Wanting to get in on the action, Tarek grabbed a riding crop and gave Ramii a good hard strike on the shoulders. So hard that it actually broke skin. Laesyl looked away. He couldn't stand the sight of his brothers beating the poor boy. He decided it would be best to be lookout. Herrad and Tarek each took turns scarring the boy's back. Ramii couldn't help the tears of pain from developing. Is there anyone that will save him? Probably not. Soon, his back was a bloody mess. Herrad picked the boy up by the hips and had him stand, bent forward. Once again he forced himself on Ramii. This was more painful than the last experience since he really hadn't healed from the first time. It wasn't long before he was bleeding profusely again. Herrad finished and dumped the limp body like it was garbage. Tarek took the boy and turned him over so that he was facing out. He slapped Ramii across the cheek to wake him up. He punched the boy in the stomach several times until bruises appeared.

It seemed as if they were letting out their frustrations on a defenseless boy. Tarek grabbed the riding crop once more and let it rip on Ramii's skin. By then, Ramii was bleeding everywhere. He eventually lost consciousness. Herrad and Tarek became bored and decided to leave the boy there for a while as they prepared to leave him in the forest. They took Laesyl with them, though they were a bit disappointed that Laesyl didn't join in. They left Ramii all alone. It was a while before anyone came in. Ramii was slightly awake at that point. He expected Herrad so he flinched away. He wasn't expecting Arrion at all.

"What have they done to you?"

That was the last thing Ramii heard before he slipped away in to darkness. Ramii would wake up in a deep haze and black out again. Every time he woke up, there was always someone there looking after him. He could feel a cold cloth go over the injuries on his fair skin. Who could care for him as such? What would Herrad do if he found out? He never was conscious enough to contemplate the answers to those questions. He always heard a gentle voice soothing him. Perhaps this was what death was like. It seemed peaceful enough. He would much rather die than face Herrad again.

One day, Ramii awoke in a strange room. He had never seen it before. He was lying on a bed, completely nude. He pulled up a blanket to cover up. He realized that his whole body was in pain. He looked down to see scars everywhere. Who had healed him? Arrion walked in to the room.

"You're awake," he said as he rushed over to Ramii and gave him a hug. Ramii flinched because he was still in pain.

"I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you?"

"No." Ramii's voice was very hoarse.

"Ramii, I thought they killed you. I couldn't live with myself if that happened." Ramii started to tear up. Arrion really did care.

"Where are your brothers?"

"Father has sent them off to battle."

"What now?"

"My brothers won't be gone for too much longer. We have to get out of here."

"What?"

"How about we run away, to a place all our own?"

"That's not possible."

"If my brothers get their hands on you, nothing will stop them from killing you, even if father imprisons them."

"But what about you? You have a home here."

"They won't miss me much. I'm youngest after all. I know of an abandoned cabin deep in the woods at the border. We can live there together."

"Why are you doing this? I treated you terribly."

"It was my fault for not being honest with you. I love you."

Arrion leaned in and pecked Ramii right on the corner of the mouth.

"We must get out today. My brothers should be getting here soon. I've got clothes for you here."

Arrion gave Ramii a set of clothes from underneath the bed. He helped the boy put them on.

"Can you walk?"

"I-I think so."

Arrion helped Ramii out of the bed. Ramii was a bit weak in the knees, but he managed. Arrion put a cape over Ramii, as to disguise him. He led the boy out of the room, going slowly and carefully. He didn't want to hurt Ramii any more than he was. They neared the front gate when they saw three black stallions coming down toward the entrance.

"No. They're early. Come on, we'll go over that way."

Arrion led Ramii over to another side of the palace grounds. In a garden where the hedges had grown tall. They hid for a little while before Arrion thought it safe. They left the garden, sure that they would get away. Unfortunately, they were dead wrong.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Herrad growled low, almost like an animal. The three princes were a few feet away.

"I'm getting out of here and I'm taking him with me," Arrion said defiantly.

"Like hell I'll let you. Let's say I keep him, and you forget all about him? Doesn't that sound like a good deal to you?"

"No! I won't let you."

"I am your superior Arrion, in case you forgot."

"I don't care! You can't hurt him anymore!"

"Come on brothers. Looks like we need to teach our little Arrion a lesson."

All three stepped forward, but Laesyl stepped further. It seemed as he would strike Arrion. Arrion and Ramii both closed their eyes awaiting the pain. When none came they looked up. Laesyl had turned and had a defensive stance against Herrad and Tarek.

"What are you doing Laesyl dear?" Herrad asked incredulously.

"I won't let you hurt them Herrad. You've done enough damage."

"You traitor. Are you going to let the enemy escape?"

"Who? This boy right here?"

"I know he's a boy, Laesyl. Don't you have any other arguments?"

"He's a child Herrad. He hasn't done anything to you."

"Did you forget who his father is? Or do you think that incident must pass?"

"No, I didn't forget Herrad. I will never forget what he did to you. But I have to say you are no better. Worse even."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"I didn't want to do this. It seems as if I have to kill you too. Come on Tarek." Tarek didn't move.

"No Herrad. I can't kill my own brother. You are on your own." He shook his head and left toward the palace.

"Fine. I'll do it myself."

Herrad stepped closer toward Laesyl with his sword drawn. Laesyl drew his sword with much more grace. The first clash of metal startled Arrion and Ramii. They jumped and their hearts leaped to their throats.

"Ari, run!" Laesyl shouted as he kept fighting off Herrad. Arrion didn't hesitate taking Ramii by the wrist and bolting. A few clashes of metal and a scream of pain. Arrion dared to look back to find Herrad's sword in Laesyl's side. Herrad took the blade out and Laesyl fell to his knees. Herrad brought his sword up to strike his own brother, but was blocked by his blade. Laesyl fought back with all his might. He was rather graceful with his rapier. Most men were envious of his skill with the sword. Arrion kept running until they couldn't hear the fighting anymore. They got away, and they would be safe.

Herrad eventually had Laesyl in a submissive position. Laesyl was lunged over on one knee, pain written all over his face. Both were out of breath. This was it.

"Now dear brother, you die. I didn't want a threat to the crown anyway."

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't you think I hear the conversations you and father have?"

"I-"

"Don't start. I know you're his favorite. Everyone knows," tears started to form in his eyes, "I hear what he says to you. 'Laesyl my boy, why weren't you first born. You are much more suited to rule than your brother Herrad.' Did you think I would take that lying down?"

"I-I didn't know."

"Of course you didn't you spoiled child."

"That's not fair Herrad."

"What's not fair?!" Herrad shouted, tears freely flowing down his cheeks, "That I get wronged and father does nothing about it? That I try my best to adjust, but he takes a liking to your pathetic self? That I'm not as handsome as you are? That I can't find a mate because of what I have become? That you are so perfect in everyone's eyes and I can never meet those expectations?"

"Herrad. Please. I would never even think of taking the throne from you."

"Of course not," Herrad said as he composed himself, "Now, do you have any last words?"

"I am so sorry, and I love you."

"Sorry for wh-?"

Herrad was interrupted by Laesyl's blade going through under his arm and out through his neck. Herrad collapsed as Laesyl removed the blade, a look of disbelief in his eyes. Laesyl stood, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry my brother. You didn't deserve what happened to you." Laesyl knelt down and closed his brother's eyes. He would be next in line to be king.

In the forest, Arrion and Ramii stopped to rest. They ran as far as they could.

"Do you think your brother will be alright?" Ramii asked, concerned.

"Why would he do that? He took part in torturing you."

"Actually, he wasn't so bad. He made me walk around naked, but that was pretty much it. It seemed as if he didn't want to hurt me."

"What about when I found you half dead? Wasn't he part of that?"

"No actually. He wasn't. He didn't stop it, but he wasn't a part of it."

"That's just as bad. Come on Ramii. We're almost there."

They made their way through the forest until they reached an old cabin, near nightfall.

"Here we are."

"Oh, Arrion, it's perfect."

Just as Ramii said that, a bolt of lightning streaked through the sky. Just as suddenly, rain started to pour down hard. They rushed in through the front door. It was roomier than Ramii thought. Arrion went toward a closet and came back with a lantern and some matches. He lit the lantern quickly.

"It'll be perfect, just the two of us and no one will ever bother us," Arrion said excited.

"Won't it get kind of lonely?"

"Not when we have each other."

They leaned in close to kiss each other when they heard a tapping at the front door. It was so faint, it was a miracle they heard it at all.

"Did you hear that?" Ramii asked.

"Yeah…"

Arrion stood and walked towards the door, when there was another tapping, this time louder.

"Who could that be?" Ramii was curious.

"Stay behind me Ramii."

Arrion pulled out a dagger from his belt. Yet another tap came from the door. Arrion cautiously opened it. The door swung open to reveal a little girl, looked no older than five, covered in blood, tears streaming from her eyes. She had black hair and brown eyes. Definitely Marekian. Ramii rushed over to the frightened girl and lifted her up. He hugged her close. She started to sob in to his shoulder. They all sat in the center of the floor after Arrion closed the door.

"What's your name?" Ramii asked.

"C-Circia."

"Where are your parents?" Arrion asked.

Circia started to sob in to Ramii's shoulder. She became hysterical.

"Arrion!"

"What?" Ramii just gave him a look then turned back to the girl. He shushed her and cradled her in his arms.

"Now, Circia, how old are you?"

"S-seven."

"Would you like to live with us?"

Circia nodded her head. Arrion opened his mouth to argue but decided against it. It would be hard enough to keep the two of them fed. Adding another mouth certainly would be more difficult, but not impossible. Maybe they could make this little makeshift family work.