Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” Sandro stated as he led him through the Palace.

Esteban had no idea what was going on.

Only a moment ago, he had been spending time with his Mami in the throne room, and she had been talking to him about boring stuff like responsibilities and growing up—which Esteban hadn’t been paying much attention to. He had been too busy playing with his cats and toys, because those were obviously more important than, ‘etiquette,’ or, ‘diplomacy,’ or whatever else she had been talking about, because that was all he could remember.

And then, she’d sent him away, and now Sandro was taking him somewhere and refusing to tell him anything about it.

High Sir Sandro Carrera was a Royal Guard, and Esteban’s personal bodyguard. He was a noble from right here in the capital, the Ciudad Del Fundador, and his Mami was the Lady of the thoroughfare, the city’s main road. He had been best friends with Esteban’s Mami since they were children, and he had been guarding Esteban for as long as he could remember.

Esteban had to be guarded everyday, everywhere he went, because he was important. He was the Crown Prince of Ravarra, which meant that he would one day succeed his Mami, and become the King of all civilization on the continent—which wasn’t actually as impressive as it sounded, because according to the books that they made Esteban read, civilization only took up about a third of the continent, while the other two thirds were populated by wild beasts.

Maybe when Esteban became King, he could go out and tame all the wild beasts and help civilization grow out so that he could become King of the entire continent!

But for right now, he was still just the Prince, and his Mami was the Queen.

And, Sandro was still his bodyguard.

And, Esteban still didn’t know what was going on.

Sandro continued to lead him through the Founder’s Palace. Esteban had lived here his whole life, so he knew where everything was. The route that they were taking could take them to a number of places. The kitchens, the stables, the servant’s quarters—.

But then, Sandro veered down another hallway, and Esteban got confused.

“Why are we going this way?” Esteban asked.

“You’ll see,” Sandro repeated.

Was, ‘You’ll see,’ the only phrase he knew?

Esteban had always thought he was stupid, but this was a new low, even for him.

But, it wasn’t like Esteban could just turn and leave. He would find him eventually and pester him until he followed him back. So, he continued to stay on course. Wherever the course was leading him.

But, considering it was this very hall, Esteban had an idea of where they were going. ‘Why,’ was another question entirely.

Finally, they reached their destination, just as Esteban had predicted.

It was the Royal Guard training room. This was where the Royal Guards went to practice their knightly skills. Esteban liked to sneak down here sometimes to watch them train. Well, the male ones, at least.

Sandro led him inside, where two Guards were training in the middle of the room.

“Clear the floor, boys,” Sandro called.

It was High Sirs Tomas Rosales and Santiago Fuentes. They were both nobles from the Llanura De Rosas.

High Sir Tomas was the younger twin of Lord Rosales, and he was fat, like him, but a different kind of fat. Lord Rosales was the kind of fat person that would just sit around eating and giving out orders to people. High Sir Tomas was the kind of fat person who could lead a battlefield charge and pummel three people at once.

High Sir Santiago was the newest of the Guards, and he was also the youngest by far. He was only a few years older than Esteban, and Esteban found him the most attractive, because he had a cute face and a nice butt.

The two Guards saluted to Esteban, and went to the benches on the other side of the room.

Esteban turned back to Sandro, who retrieved a wooden training sword and was weighing it in his hand.

“Why are we here, Sandro?”

“To prepare you for the next stage of your life.”

Sandro crossed to the middle of the room, swinging the wooden sword around as he did.

“What does that mean?”

“It means what it means... Crown Prince Esteban of House Reyes.”

“That’s me...”

“Future Reigning King of Ravarra.”

He pointed the sword at him.

“Next week is the thirteenth anniversary of your birth.”

“...Y-Yeah, it’s called a birthday.”

Did they not celebrate those on the thoroughfare?

“Pay attention, Your Grace,” he stated, “In a few days, you will be setting sail north, for your official coronation as Crown Prince of Rueno, which will solidify your stance as the future King of Ravarra.”

Esteban didn’t understand why he needed an, ‘official coronation,’ it wasn’t like the Crown was going to anybody else.

“What does that have to do with us being here?” He asked instead.

Sandro waved the sword around again.

“It means that, before you know it, you will be eligible to become King in your own right should something happen to your mother. No regents, no advisors, just you and the Throne, making all the decisions by yourself.”

Well, when he put it like that, it sounded scary.

Maybe there was some sort of magic spell or something to make him stay twelve forever...

“Rueno and the Lordship of Belatierra will prepare you for that. You will have your viceroyalties to advise you, but ultimately all the decision-making will be up to you. You are growing up, Your Grace. From now on, every step you take brings you closer and closer to maturity... And, that is why I have brought you here.”

He pointed the sword at him again.

“You are a Prince, and someday you shall be a King. Mature Princes do not hide behind their walls and Guards. It is time for you to take the lead.”

He used the sword to poke at the little wooden knight in Esteban’s hand.

“And, first things first, you’re far too old to be playing with dolls.”

Esteban scowled at him, “It’s a figurine!”

“It’s a toy,” he stated, “It’s time for you to put down your toys, Your Grace, and time for you to pick up your weapons.”

Esteban looked around the room, “So, that’s why you brought me here? To... train? To learn how to fight?”

“That is correct, Your Grace,” he nodded, “A Prince should have the body of the knights that surround him. Your mother went through this exact stage when she was your age. And now, it is your turn.”

He pointed at the rack of training swords.

“Now, go pick a blade.”

Esteban walked over to the rack, hugging the knight figurine to his chest.

“Step to it, Your Grace.”

“I... think I’d be better with a bow.”

Esteban had always been good with a bow, and a crossbow, and anything that shoots. Everyone always told him he had good aim, which Esteban liked hearing, because it sounded like something else that his cousin, Amador, had taught him that was funny.

“I know you would, Your Grace. You have excellent aim,” he stated, forcing Esteban to hide a snicker, “But, a bow can only help you from a distance. It’s time for you and danger to get up close and personal. Now, pick up a blade.”

Esteban placed his wooden knight on the floor, and looked over the blades. He picked one at random, because they all looked the same, and weighed it in his hands. It was heavier than it looked.

“Good,” Sandro stated, “Now, come.”

Esteban headed back to the fluffy-floored center of the room where Sandro stood.

Sandro raised his blade, “Now, into position.”

Esteban paused for a moment. He wasn’t entirely sure what that meant. He raised his blade and tried to get into a fighting stance.

When he got it wrong, Sandro stood down and helped him get into a proper stance, then got back into his own position.

He nodded, “Your move.”

Okay...

This didn’t seem too hard.

They circled each other for a few seconds.

Then, Esteban raised his sword and rushed him.

“Ya!”

Sandro blocked, and pushed him back.

“No,” he shook his head, “Again.”

Esteban got back into stance. He rushed him again. He swung. Sandro blocked a couple times, then pushed him back again.

“I saw that one coming a kilometer away. Again.”

Now, Esteban was starting to get annoyed.

Esteban rushed back, swinging and hitting, and Sandro blocked all of it as if it were nothing.

“OOF—!”

Esteban grunted as he was knocked off his feet.

The fluffy carpeting suppressed his fall, but it still knocked the wind out of him.

Sandro poked his arm with the sword.

“Get up. You can sleep later. Now, we fight.”

Esteban scowled as he pushed himself to his feet.

He attacked again, and Sandro blocked him again and again.

“UGH—!” Esteban grunted as he was knocked to the ground again.

“Get off your back, Your Grace. This is a Palace, not a brothel.”

Now, that made Esteban really annoyed.

He pushed himself back to his feet, and ran to attack again. Swing, hit, block, block, and then there he was, on the ground again.

“You seem to have a penchant for laying on your back, Your Grace,” Sandro accused, “I thought I was training a Prince, not a red light district tavern whore.”

Now, Esteban was just mad.

He was the Crown Prince of Ravarra. This man had no right to talk to him that way, no matter who he was to him.

Esteban should’ve had him thrown in the dungeon or something.

“Hey,” High Sir Santiago called, “Go easy on him, Sandro.”

“Hear that, Your Grace?” Sandro taunted, “Sounds like Iago wants to pay for your bedding services.”

“Wha—? Hey!”

Esteban felt his face heat up. He had forgotten that he was there.

Esteban may have had a bit of a crush on High Sir Santiago, enough of one for it to be embarrassing to be seen and talked about in such a weak position. Esteban hoped he didn’t think he was weak...

“When it’s your turn to train him, Iago, you can go as easy on him as you want,” Sandro poked Esteban, “Now, get off your back.”

Esteban pushed himself to his feet. Sandro was really looking to get his butt kicked right now, and clearly Esteban was the only one to do it. He raised his blade, got into position, and attacked again.

He made a little more progress this time. He managed to push Sandro back a few steps, and even almost caught him off guard at one point.

But eventually, Esteban messed up again, and was once again knocked to the ground.

“Agh!” Esteban growled and started seething.

“Shall I fetch my coin purse?” Sandro taunted above him, “Or, are you one of those dumbass whores that winds up with their throat slit in a filthy, shit-covered alley?”

“I’m not a whore!”

“Then, get up off your back.”

***

And, that was how it started.

After his Princely coronation, Esteban began to practice regularly with Sandro and the other Guards. And as time went by, he started to get good. Really good.

And by the end of that year, he had grown to become formidable in his own right.

The years went by, and Esteban continued to practice and train. Esteban was starting to look like a true warrior. His strength was his offense. His will was his defense. And, his dominance was his all.

He was no longer a tiny child who cowered like a bitch at the first sign of trouble. He was no longer looked down upon like some insignificant nobody. And, he was certainly never put on his back ever again like some defenseless tavern whore.

Esteban was a Prince. The rightful heir to the greatest monarchy to ever exist in the known world. A boy, slowly turning into a man, fit to be a King.

But, he wasn’t perfect.

And at one point, he fucked up.

And, that fuck-up cost him Sandro’s life, his own freedom, and the peace and stability of the entire Kingdom.

Suddenly, it was as if everybody thought of him as a tavern whore again. And, one that everybody wanted a piece of. Rough hands groping here and there all over his body, it was a wonder nobody ever succeeded. Esteban had started to give up.

But in the end, his hope was restored, and all of the trials and tribulations that he had been forced to endure were all made worth it.

Because, that was when he’d met Victor.

A lowborn, bicolored Río boy sent by holy prophecy to rescue him with a magic sword and a fiery passion.

And of course, the most beautiful eyes to ever exist.

Esteban had fallen in love with him instantly. And if he wasn’t mistaken, Victor had done the same with him. Everything had gone so fast after that. It was a common Reyes weakness, falling in love far too soon.

But luckily for him, it was a weakness that Victor shared.

***

“Victor... ACK—!”

Esteban shouted as he came, the world turning white as he began spurting in spasms, filling up the tight little asshole of his lover beneath him.

As he finished his release, the whiteness started to recede, and his muscles started to soften as the weight of the world started to pull him down. Esteban let it.

“Ohh, Victor!” Esteban gasped as he collapsed on top of him, trying and failing to catch his breath, “Santana la Luz... That was amazing! This feeling... The way you make me feel... There aren’t words to describe it!”

That had been the greatest experience of his entire fucking life!

“There are,” Victor panted below him, gorgeous eyes visibly exhausted even in this darkness, “Three of them, to be exact.”

Esteban laughed at that. Of course there were. Three very accurate words.

He kissed him, “I love you. Valorous Victor.”

“I love you too. Benevolent Esteban.”

Esteban felt a pang in his chest at that, briefly reminded of the argument that had led to this intimate moment, but he forced it down.

They did love each other. Esteban loved Victor, and Victor loved Esteban.

Esteban was going to spend the rest of his life proving that. Tonight was just the beginning. There would be so many, oh so many more nights like this to come.

He didn’t care who knew. He didn’t care who disapproved. Fuck them all to hell.

Victor was the love of Esteban’s life.

He belonged to nobody but Esteban.

He was...

“My grandmother’s going to spank us,” Esteban realized out loud.

Victor laughed, “How is she going to know?”

“She’s the smartest person in the Kingdom. She’ll know.”

God, that was going to be awkward...

“She’ll spank you. I’ll make a point of staying away when she attacks.”

Esteban snorted at that, “No the fuck you won’t!” He leaned down and started to nibble on Victor’s delicious little earlobe, “You’re mine now. I’m going to use you however I want. If I’m getting spanked, you’re getting it with me!”

Esteban breathed into his ear, and started to feel both himself and Victor start to harden once again.

“You’re all mine now, you commoner bitch!”

Victor gasped at that, and Esteban fought back the urge to gobble him up right there.

Victor was all his.

He belonged to him.

His body, his dick, his butt, his eyes... all of it belonged to Esteban.

He could do whatever the fuck he wanted to his little common lover. Because, he was the big, strong, dominant Prince that he was always meant to be, and Victor was his tiny, submissive butt-boy, ever at his superior’s side. Underneath his superior’s body. Legs ever spread and asshole ever present for his superior to fuck as he pleased.

He could do whatever he fucking wanted with him. He could kiss him whenever he wanted. Touch him wherever he wanted. Fuck him however he wanted.

He could...

“Come on,” Esteban suddenly decided, flipping them over so that Victor was on top, “You’re still mine, but I’ll play fair. Besides, you seemed to be enjoying it very much,” he reached back and spanked Victor’s perfect ass, “Give it to me!”

There had to be something to this butt-stuff. Especially with the faces and noises that Victor had been making.

“As you wish, my Prince.”

He brought up his fingers and poked them at Esteban’s lips.

“Open.”

Esteban gave Victor’s three fingers a good, thorough sucking, just like he’d done for him before.

“I think that should be enough,” Victor stated as he pulled them back, “Should I...?”

“Yes,” Esteban nodded, “Do it. Your Prince commands it.”

Victor bit back a smile, and slowly started to lower his fingers down.

Esteban lay his head back, and prepared for whatever sensation would come from this. Prepared for—.

‘Get off your back, Your Grace. This is a Palace, not a brothel.’ Sandro had said.

Esteban’s eyes shot open.

He looked down at Victor, whose fingers were coming closer and closer to Esteban’s hole below him.

‘You seem to have a penchant for laying on your back, Your Grace,’ Sandro had said, ‘I thought I was training a Prince, not a red light district tavern whore.’

No.

He was a Prince.

He was.

He wasn’t a whore.

He wasn’t—.

‘Then, get up off your back.’

“W-Wait!”

Victor sat up, confused, as Esteban pushed away.

“Uh... Did I do something wrong?”

“...N-no!” Esteban shook his head. He hadn’t even touched him yet, “I-it’s not you, it’s not! It isn’t! I-I just... I didn’t like that position.”

That was all he could say.

It was true, he hadn’t liked it.

It had made him feel... less in power than he had been before...

It had made him feel...

...Weak.

“Oh,” Victor nodded, “Okay. I understand. It wasn’t my favorite position either. I, umm...” he blushed, “...I liked it when you were on top of me.”

Esteban felt his dick twitch. He’d liked being on top of Victor too. Very, very much. But, he also kind of wanted to experience... whatever Victor had experienced. And, he wanted Victor to experience what he had experienced. Huh... Maybe...

“How about,” Esteban grabbed him, “like this...?”

He flipped them so that Victor was under him again, but this time instead of being between Victor’s legs, Esteban was straddling his waist.

“Oh,” Victor looked up, “I-I guess we could try it like this. It’s... intriguing. But, it’s a little confusing... Who’s... Who’s topping?”

Esteban... actually didn’t know.

He wanted to say that he was, but he really didn’t know. He wasn’t exactly an expert on sex positions, as he’d been a virgin until not even an hour before.

“...I-I’m not sure,” Esteban admitted.

“Huh... Well whatever, we can decide later,” Victor smiled, “It’s the act itself that’s all that should matter. Let’s just do what we’re trying to do in the first place, yes?”

“Yes,” Esteban smiled back, “Let’s do it... Now, uh... s-stick your finger up my asshole! If you don’t mind... Your Prince commands it!”

Victor giggled, “As you wish, my Prince.”

***

It had ended up being not so bad. Not as good as the first time, which proved where both their preferences were, but it had still been enjoyable. They could probably do that again. Sometime. But, they clearly knew which positions they preferred.

But, none of that mattered. What mattered was that they loved each other, and they’d shown that to each other that night. And as Esteban had predicted, they continued to show that to each other on many, many more nights—and days and every time else—afterward, all the way through to the Assault on Castle Rivera, Esteban’s return home, the Battle of the Ciudad Del Fundador, Victor’s ennoblement and placement as Esteban’s new bodyguard, and ever since. The love that they had for each other was immeasurable. Nothing in the world could ever hope to stand as it’s equal.

But, Victor didn’t love Esteban as much as Esteban loved him.

It was a horrible truth that he’d learned before in that very same night that they’d escaped the treachery of House Robles. When Victor had accused Esteban of using him, and not being sincere in his love.

Victor did love him, Esteban knew that. But to throw out such a baseless accusation, and much worse, to not believe in their love? Esteban would never have done that to him, no matter what forces tried to convince him otherwise. And, that’s how he knew that their respective loves for each other could never be the same.

And, that’s why Esteban had sworn to himself that he was going to spend the rest of his life proving his undying love to Victor. So that nothing like that would ever happen again.

Victor was all his. The most valuable possession he’d ever own. He didn’t need any figurine knights to play with anymore. He had a real knight to play with now. The best toy he would ever own.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t the only one to recognize the value of his new toy.

When Victor died, it had shattered Esteban to his core. Even if it hadn’t been permanent, the very fact that it had happened had broken Esteban. It had scarred him for all eternity. God had seen fit to give them a second chance, and Esteban was not going to waste it. He was going to make the most of every second they had together, and nothing was going to stand in their way. Esteban would make sure of that.

But now, everybody knew his one weakness. Everybody knew exactly how to get to him. And, there were definitely going to be those that tried.

Esteban was the strong, dominant Prince he was always meant to be now, and that would never come into question again. But now, that meant that his opponents couldn’t come straight for him to get to him. All of the sudden, now to hurt him, they had to hurt the one closest to him. They had to hurt Victor.

And, Esteban wasn’t going to let that happen.

With God and magic as his witnesses, Esteban swore that he would never let anything bad happen to Victor ever again.

Everyone wanted to touch Esteban’s new toy. Everyone wanted to play with Esteban’s new toy. Everyone wanted to break Esteban’s new toy.

Fortunately, Esteban had never been fond of sharing his toys.

***

“Leon,” Premier Luis pointed out on the map, “The great city in the north. A testament to the resourcefulness of it’s people, with walls high as hills and damn-near as thick. It’s almost impregnable.”

Esteban held in a snort at his choice of words, and couldn’t help the jokes that floated through his mind at that.

Out of everyone here, the Knight Premier definitely had the highest chance of impregnating it. Most likely on accident.

That’s how Aurelio’s sister had been conceived, after all.

“Indeed,” Warden Anselmo nodded, “It seems the perfect staging point for the rebel threat. Furthermore, it is the seat of House Porra, which reportedly appears to be very high in the rebel chain of command.”

Ugh, Porra.

That was a name that Esteban did not enjoy being reminded of.

And, he knew for a fact that he wasn’t the only one here who thought so.

“My people within the city do report a spike in activity,” Lady Ayala added on, “Knights visiting from other rebel-aligned lands, especially from the Bosque Oscuro, which is more than a little out of the way for them.”

Esteban’s mother nodded from her ostentatious Queenly chair at what was apparently the head of this very round table, “Can your people on the inside make any sort of action against this rebel activity within?”

Esteban rolled his eyes.

That was a dumbass question.

“I’m afraid not, Your Grace,” Lady Ayala shook her head, “They are far too few and far too embedded. To act now would only expose our operations and leave us blindsided to their movements.”

Obviously...

Esteban wished he could be anywhere but here. He was tired, hungry, and maybe even a little horny.

But instead of dealing with all of that like he should have been, he was here with his mother and these four other cocksuckers strategizing their moves against the rebellion. Or, trying and failing to, at least.

“Whether it is the true heart of activity is up for debate. But, Leon does appear to be a center-point for movement at the very least,” stated the lots-of-fun Lord Ignacio Duran beside him, the only cocksucker here who wasn’t on Esteban’s last nerve, “And, at such a fortified position, it could prove to be a potential threat.”

“All the more reason to make our own move as soon as possible,” Warden Anselmo stated.

“Agreed,” Esteban’s mother nodded, “Give me our options.”

“I have an army back in the Valle that would love nothing more than to sack Leon and unseat it’s heads,” Ignacio stated, “But, with the city’s vast defenses, it’s far too large to just push inside.”

Esteban smirked and leaned over as others started throwing out their dumbass ideas, “‘It’s far too large to just push inside?’ Is that a problem you have with your lovers as well?”

Ignacio’s cheeks turned a funny shade of red. “Perhaps we should be focusing on strategy instead of humor, Your Grace,” he muttered.

“What for?” Esteban sat back, “It’s all bullshit anyhow. Our so-called, ‘strategy,’ here is far off course and is only set to lead us on a wild goblin chase that is sure to make us look like idiots and cost us dearly in the future.”

“Then, perhaps you should help us to fix it and figure out where we’re going wrong.”

“Mm, that sounds like a lot of work.”

Esteban appreciated the young master of war’s presence here.

He was fun to mess with, and it was nice not being the youngest at the table for a change.

Plus, it was also nice that at least one of these cocksuckers had at least some shred of sense.

Most of the time.

Goddamnit, he was bored.

“Perhaps,” Warden Anselmo suggested, “if we were to amass a small, but elite military force, we could use it to infiltrate the city and stir up trouble while the rest proceed to the main gates, where our armies will be waiting outside to—.”

“That would never work.”

Everyone looked at Esteban.

Esteban didn’t care anymore, this was just getting ridiculous.

“It wouldn’t,” he repeated, “The second they saw our armies marching, the whole city would go on lockdown, and we would stand no chance of infiltration, much less getting to the gate. And, if we were to go straight to the infiltration, if we were even able to get to the gate, there is no way that we would be able to keep them open long enough for our armies to arrive.”

“Erm, do you have a suggestion of your own, Your Grace?” Warden Anselmo asked.

“For sacking Leon? I would have a number of suggestions for that, but instead I’ll give you one better. Focusing on where the true heart of rebel activity is instead of where they might want us to believe it is.”

“Your Grace, respectfully,” Premier Luis looked confused, “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about not being blindsided by an obvious ruse,” he sat up, “If any of you had actually read the reports in full, you would have seen that, yes, there has been a spike in rebel activity in Leon, but not nearly as big of one as there should be for it to be so crucial to their efforts. There have been a number of other spikes, much, much larger than this one, and all of them appear to triangulate here,” he pointed on the map, “At the edge of the Bosque Oscuro.”

“There is nothing at the edge of the Bosque Oscuro,” Warden Anselmo protested.

“Not at first glance,” Esteban moved his finger, “But, if we were to move just a few leagues this way...” He stopped right at the point.

“What is that?” Premier Luis asked.

“Claro Benigno,” Lady Ayala stated, “A Bosque town in a clearing near the region’s border, with a major river running right through it’s middle.”

“Claro Benigno is an insignificant borderland,” Esteban’s mother argued, “A stop for travelers to rest and recuperate on their way to somewhere truly important. It’s only advantage is it’s pretty location.”

“Precisely,” Esteban nodded, “A useless, forgettable... spacious replenishment point at the edge of the border that separates rebellion from royalism...”

“...Perhaps... His Grace might have a point,” Ignacio helpfully admitted.

“Exactly,” Esteban nodded, “So, if we are truly to follow the rebellion’s tail, we should start here,” he tapped, “We’re no doubt to find something, and once we do, we come at it from all sides and,” he clapped his hands, “exterminate the threat,” he sat back, “Problem solved.”

Look at him.

Showing up all these adults.

It felt good.

Well worth the effort.

“‘From all sides?’ Well, I’m not exactly sure we have the resources for... all of that,” Esteban’s oh-so-gracious mother countered.

Esteban had to hold back an eye-roll at that.

“Of course,” he nodded instead, “Richest realm in the world, so rich the commons get fat in the winter,” he shrugged, “And yet, we cannot even amass the resources we need to keep our throne in power. Makes perfect sense.”

“Riches are useless when what we need is not on the market.”

Esteban smiled, “Which is why we should come to an agreement on how best to conserve our available resources instead of, oh I don’t know, attempting to exploit them for our own personal gain, yes?”

This probably wasn’t the best time to bring up his and his mother’s little trade war, but hell, if not now, when? He was on a roll today.

His mother sat back in her ostentatious chair, looking like she was about to start twitching.

“...It’s been a long day,” she suddenly decided, “I think we’ve all deserved a bit of rest. I call this meeting adjourned. Thank you, everyone.”

Everyone got up, bowed or curtsied, and left the room.

Everyone, except for Esteban.

Because, the look on his mother’s face indicated that their own little meeting was far from over.

Once the door closed as the last of them departed, his mother sat back and sighed.

“Esteban Reyes Del Mar.”

Mmm, three names.

Esteban must be in trouble.

Esteban smiled, “Yes, my Gracious Queen of a Mother?”

She didn’t smile back, “What was that?”

He shrugged, “I gave my input. Which I assume is why you wanted me here in the first place. You’re welcome.”

“Mhmm,” she nodded slowly, “And, why did you only do so after remaining silent throughout most of the meeting? And seemingly, only to drag the rest of us through the mud?”

He smiled again, “It seemed the most beneficial time to do so.”

“For you?” She raised her eyebrows, “And, you preach against personal gain.”

He waved a hand, “This is hardly the same sort of personal gain, I assure you. Everyone benefited from it after all, I turned us in the right direction, and now we’re back on track to defeating the rebels. I just happened to make all of your advisors look like idiots in the process, and you a tyrant who can’t even—.”

“How is Victor?”

...What?

“Umm...” he looked at her suspiciously, “Fine... Why?”

“Just curious,” she shrugged, “I haven’t had much chance to speak with him lately, you’ve been keeping him all to yourself. You’re treating him well, I assume?”

“Of course...”

“Of course, I should hope so,” she chuckled, “I just hope you’re not... physically hurting him in any way. As I understand, you two make quite a lot of noise in your chambers...”

“Mother...”

Esteban was suddenly very uncomfortable.

His mother looked thoughtful for a moment.

“I wonder... do you think he would make all of that racket... if I took him into my chambers, instead?”

“Mother!”

What the fuck was she talking about!?

“Oh, I know, I know,” she giggled, almost giddily, “I’m just a woman. A much older woman.”

Then, she gave him a look of utter seriousness.

“But, as your dear departed father can attest, God rest his soul... I can be very... persuasive.”

Esteban pounded the table, standing up and glaring across at her.

“Mother... Whatever game you’re playing, you’d better stop it right now, or I’ll... I’ll...”

“You’ll what? Do tell, little princeling,” she folded her hands, “What is it that you will do to your mother if she takes away the most precious thing that you possess? Hm?”

Esteban was silent for a long moment, just standing there, glaring at her, as he tried to find a retort...

...Then, he gave up, and sunk back down into his chair.

“Smart choice, young one.”

His mother stood up, and crossed around the table to where he was sitting.

She smiled down at him, “Never spar with me, boy. Remember,” she pinched his cheek, “I am the Queen of Ravarra, and you are the Prince of sitting on your behind. And, your only true subject is the one that you make bend over.”

She kissed his forehead.

“Have a good day, my little Prince.”

She turned and strode out of the room, leaving Esteban with nothing but his stormy thoughts.

He had no idea what had just happened. But, whatever that was, he hadn’t liked it. To even joke about something happening to Victor...

...But, there was nothing that he could do.

As much as it pained him to admit it, his hands were tied from any sort of retaliation.

If there was one person in this Palace that one never messed with, it was Esteban’s gracious mother.

***

“How is it that you have not yet secured a betrothal, Your Grace?”

There it was.

That one damned question.

That one dreaded question that every credulous idiot in the Kingdom wanted to fucking ask.

And, it always sparked the same damned conversation that would come after.

Esteban smiled politely at Lady Allende, “I suppose I have yet to meet someone who could fulfill my needs in marriage, my lady.”

“‘Fulfill his needs,’ he says,” Lady Guerrero giggled, “Your Grace, bachelorettes from across the realm would flock to you if you let them. I’m sure more than a few of them would be delighted to,” she looked him up and down, “fulfill your needs.”

Fucking creepy bitch.

“I see,” Esteban nodded, “If I ever find one, my lady, I will be sure to let you know.”

She blinked a little slowly, “Do...”

“His Grace is still quite a ways from the point where a marriage alliance would be crucial,” Ignacio helpfully put in, “with Her Grace the Queen still strong on the throne. And with good fortune, she will hopefully stay so for many more years to come.”

“Yes, of course. Agreed indefinitely,” Lady Allende nodded, “But sooner or later, His Grace must see that finding a suitable woman to tie the knot with is crucial to the future of the Reyes legacy,” she pointed at him, “And, you as well, Lord Duran. As the last liege of one House and the last heir to another, you too have a duty to continue your intermixed bloodlines as soon as possible.”

“I’m still young,” Ignacio defended calmly, “And, overwhelmed with the responsibilities of a master of war on the brink of wartime. My family legacy can wait.”

“Agreed,” Esteban put in, because some Princely approval never hurt anybody.

“Hmm... Perhaps you make a decent point for yourself, my lord,” she turned back to Esteban, “But, Your Grace, you should have your family’s future as one of your top priorities. While the rest of us are off fighting a war, you should be here fighting for your succession.”

Esteban held in a sigh.

Everyone always assumed that Esteban didn’t work—Esteban worked, he did. He didn’t just sit around in a tower waiting for some... fantastical heroine—or even hero, for that matter—to come and vie for his hand, and then win his heart and ride off with him into the sunset. He was the liege of two overseas territories, for God’s sake. The amount of paperwork that he’d had to sit through that morning alone would have made Lady Allende pass out.

Ugh.

This was what it was like every time.

‘Marriage,’ this, ‘legacy,’ that, every single time Esteban attended one of these social events.

Tonight, it was another banquet, just as most social events were. And this time, he and Ignacio were locked in this torturous conversation with three respective Ciudad noblewomen. Ladies Ines Allende, Serafina Carrera, and Dama Guerrero.

The middle-aged Lady Allende and the much younger Lady Guerrero were actually the ones doing the torturing. The elder Lady Carrera was more of a simple presence occasionally putting in an unbiased opinion.

Despite everything, it was good to see the old Lady of the thoroughfare out and about. Ever since Sandro’s death, she had kept mostly to herself in mourning. But now, she was content enough to return to noble society, albeit still hiding all but her face in a mourning black mantilla.

“The war has yet to come, and I believe that when it does, His Grace will be given his own priorities within it, Lady Allende,” Lady Carrera spoke up, “A Prince has many more duties than simple marriage and succession. Perhaps even more than we can understand.”

Finally, somebody got it!

“Perhaps, but marriage and succession should be a priority near to the top,” Lady Allende argued, “Surely you must agree, Lady Carrera, that His Grace must choose a bride for himself before they are all taken.”

Lady Carrera locked eyes with Esteban.

The elder lady smiled, “I believe in His Grace’s ability to set his own pace.”

Esteban smiled back.

She had always been an understanding woman.

“Maybe so, but I, for one, prefer to be fully prepared for whatever the future brings,” she pointed at him, “I have a daughter not but a few years Your Grace’s senior. If Your Grace would approve, I shall introduce you.”

Ugh.

Here we go.

“I thank you for your generous offer, my lady,” Esteban bowed his head, “I shall consider it thoroughly.”

Not.

Lady Allende looked disappointed, “Consider soon, Your Grace. She will not remain ripe forever.”

That made Esteban’s dick recede.

“No woman ever stays ripe for long,” young Lady Guerrero joked, “With Your Grace’s appearance, it’s a wonder they’re able to keep their composure at all.”

“Agreed. You are a handsome boy, Your Grace,” Lady Allende smiled, “If you would open yourself up more, you would have the young bachelorettes vying for your hand in no time.”

Lady Guerrero bit her lip, “With a face and body like his, I’m sure it will be the bachelorettes opening up for him all the way...”

Lady Allende gasped, “Ay! Lady Guerrero, that is sincerely indecent!”

And, entirely uncalled for, in Esteban’s opinion!

He really needed to get out of here...

She shrugged, “People have needs, my Lady Allende. No morals or values can deny that,” she turned back to Esteban with a hungry smile, “It’s only natural for us to indulge them with the most... appealing other.”

Well, Esteban could agree with that, but his natural needs could never be indulged by what she was suggesting.

“Our morals and values are what keep us above the animals. But, you do make something of a point,” Lady Allende stated, “People do have needs, which is why a suitable marriage should be one of our first priorities.”

Lady Guerrero sauntered forward and leaned up to Esteban’s ear, “Don’t take everything she says too seriously, Your Grace... You don’t need a marriage to indulge your needs...”

Esteban’s dick was so shriveled it felt like it was gonna fall off.

“I don’t think that marriage should be such a top priority,” Ignacio disagreed, “Helping those around you, being good to your people, being a decent person, those are what should be a higher priority any day.”

“It is a nice sentiment, my lord, but one cannot deny nature,” Lady Allende pointed, “Every man needs a woman just as every woman needs a man.”

That was a dated opinion if Esteban ever heard one...

“Hmm,” Lady Carrera nodded, “And as if on cue, here comes Lady Leyte Vidal.”

Lady Guerrero gasped when she saw her, “Good God, is that woman wearing trousers!?”

“Ugh!” Lady Allende looked disgusted, “Honestly, this... liberal trend is getting far out of hand!”

As if on cue, indeed.

Across the room, having just entered the banquet, was Lady Yazmin Leyte Vidal. The Lady of the merged Houses Leyte and Vidal. Her parents had been the respective lieges of their Houses, and defying society’s expectations, had chosen to marry each other instead of lesser noble offspring. Lady Yazmin was their sole child, and now that both of them were gone, the leadership of both Houses had fallen to her.

She was a young woman in her very early twenties, somewhere around Lady Guerrero’s age, with darkish skin and curly hair. Women almost never wore pants outside of the militaries. But like her parents, Lady Yazmin was too defying society’s expectations, wearing black trousers and a vest instead of the traditional dress.

Lady Yazmin peered across the room, hands on her hips, already looking bored. When she spotted them all staring at her, she made her way over to them, walking in a manner that was definitely less than ladylike, and bowed her head, “Your Grace, my lord, my ladies.”

“Good evening, my lady,” Lady Carrera greeted politely while Lady Guerrero looked her over with a curious smirk and Lady Allende just stood there all but scowling at her, “How are you this evening?”

“Tired,” she sighed, “Agitated. Damn thirsty—Thank you!” She swiped a drink from a passing handmaiden’s tray, taking a big, loud gulp, “Ahh, that’s much better,” she wiped her mouth on her sleeve and tipped the sloshing chalice to them, “Yourselves?”

“Busy,” Lady Guerrero smiled the fakest smile in existence, “Very busy. It was nice seeing you—Come, my ladies, let us away.”

Lady Guerrero took Lady Allende and Lady Carrera by the arms and departed in what was basically the most refined scurry they could manage.

Lady Yazmin snorted, “Cunts,” she downed her chalice and practically threw it over her shoulder onto the tray of another passing servant, who glared at her as he stabilized himself before continuing on his way. Lady Yazmin placed her hands on her hips again and nodded to Esteban and Ignacio, “What’s happening, guys?”

“Not much,” Ignacio stated, “If I may be so bold, thank you for rescuing us from them.”

“Be as bold as you want, I don’t give a fuck,” she pointed a long finger, “And, you’re very welcome, but now you owe me one.”

“Noted.”

“I assume you’re as bored as we are?” Esteban asked, scratching an itch in his back since he was finally in a setting that wasn’t so formal.

“You’d better believe it, I wanna go home,” she looked around the room, “If someone had told me that high society came with such high expectations, I’d have flung myself from the Ciudad walls before I could walk.”

“There’s something we can all agree on,” Esteban sighed.

Lady Yazmin smiled, “If only God had seen fit to make us all farmers and cobblers. So,” she clasped her hands, “since we’re stuck here and it’s just us, we may as well make this, ‘pretending to socialize,’ crap entertaining. Let’s talk about sex.”

“Let’s not,” Ignacio blushed.

“Sex. Sure,” Esteban ignored him, “How much of it are you getting?”

“Good amount,” she shrugged, “Could always use a bit more. Fucked this beautiful southern damsel the other day, but you don’t wanna hear about that,” she nodded, “What’s up with you and Lord Eyes?”

“Going strong,” Esteban smiled, “Pretty sure we’ll cause a scandal one of these days, but it’ll be worth it. Everyone is jealous of us and rightly so.”

“Rightly so,” she swatted Ignacio’s arm, “Your turn. How much are you getting?”

Ignacio blushed, “My sex life is just fine, thank you very much.”

“We know that, what we want to know is how many manservants’s butts you’ve pounded since returning to the capital.”

Esteban and Lady Yazmin chuckled as Ignacio blushed harder.

Lady Yazmin then nodded behind Esteban, “Speaking of Lord Eyes...”

Esteban turned just in time to see Victor coming over to them with Gilberto and Benedicto at his heels.

Victor smiled his cute smile and bowed his head, “Good evening, Lady Leyte Vidal, it’s good to see you. I like your vest.”

“Thanks. Don’t actually remember where I got it,” she fiddled with it, “But, I’m sure it was expensive. I like your matching attires.”

“Thank you.”

Tonight was one of the rare nights where Victor wasn’t wearing his Royal Guard armor. He was wearing noble formalwear, and since their House colors were so similar, he and Esteban were wearing almost matching outfits, albeit with his looking much less regal than Esteban’s. Esteban thought they looked pretty cute.

Esteban turned to Gilberto, “Please tell me you brought something to tide me over until this night is over.”

He held up a cup, “How about some maté to keep you awake?”

Esteban took the little cup of eastern tea and took a sip.

Mmm, that was better.

“That’s not the only thing he brought that would keep us awake,” Benedicto shook his head, “This little infidel thought it was a good idea to get a plate of raw jalapeños for us to eat...”

“Oh!” Esteban perked up. Gilberto held up the plate and Esteban took one of the peppers and plopped it into his mouth, biting into it with a satisfying crunch.

“Heathen!”

Esteban stopped chewing and stared at Benedicto’s scandalized face.

“...You would talk to your Prince that way?”

“I would talk to a heathen with unnatural tastes that way!”

Esteban rolled his eyes as he continued chewing.

It wasn’t his fault that northerners couldn’t handle a bit of spice.

Victor, Gilberto, Lady Yazmin, and even Ignacio—who must have inherited the tolerance from his mother’s side—each took a jalapeño as well.

Gilberto shrugged at Benedicto’s glare, “They’re yummy.”

“I hate all of you...”

Lady Yazmin swallowed her pepper with a sigh, “Well, as much as I’ve enjoyed this, I should probably pretend to socialize with other people while I’m here,” she saluted sloppily, “It’s been fun. Catch you later, Your Graciousness.”

“See you,” Esteban waved as she departed.

Benedicto nodded slowly, “She’s interesting.”

“She is,” Gilberto agreed, “She has a very interesting... fashion choice.”

“‘Fashion choice?’” Benedicto smirked, “You’ve never seen a woman in pants before?”

“I have not. Not women who weren’t knights or sell-swords, at least,” Gilberto nodded, “I like it. The crossdressing. Especially in such a bold setting as this.”

“‘Bold,’ is certainly one way to put it,” Esteban mused as he sipped his maté.

“Maybe I should try it sometime...” Gilberto played with his hair, “I bet I would look pretty in a dress...”

“No,” Esteban shook his head, “If you ever come into my chambers wearing a dress, I’ll throw you off the balcony myself.”

Victor snickered, “Someone’s masculinity is fragile.”

Esteban gave him a look before sipping more tea. Just for dramatic effect.

“Mm,” Benedicto nodded ahead, “Speaking of pretty dresses, your sister just arrived, Gilberto.”

Everyone turned to where he was looking.

Sure enough, Warbler Ten was on the other side of the room with her wizardess companion, starting a conversation with the three Ciudad ladies.

“Hmph. Now, there’s a real heathen,” Gilberto shook his head, “I’m definitely not going to her and little Leandro’s wedding.”

“You would be absent from your own sister’s wedding?” Victor asked.

“I would if she was a heathen.”

Esteban supposed that wasn’t unbelievable.

“Speaking of weddings,” he remembered, “Victor, isn’t your Godmother getting married soon?”

“It’s coming up,” he nodded, “I’m gonna need to go on leave so I can attend.”

Esteban frowned, “Must you?”

“I must,” Victor chuckled, “I hope you’ll be able to manage without me.”

Then, he looked across the room.

“Actually, I see Lady Arias over there. Since we’re on the subject, I should probably confirm with her that everything is prepared,” he smiled, “I’ll see you later... Your Graciousness.”

Esteban smiled as Victor went to talk to his... God-grandmother, or whatever she was, passing by Gilberto’s sister and the three ladies as he did. Esteban saw Lady Guerrero notice him, her eyes following him as he walked by, and for some reason, she was licking her lips.

Just then, Esteban noticed Ignacio departing from the group, “What is it?”

“Nothing,” Ignacio stated, “I’m just going to the privy.”

Esteban handed his cup to Gilberto, “I’ll go with you. Gilberto, keep an eye on Lady Dama Guerrero,” he cast one more glance in that direction, “I don’t like that look in her eye...”

Gilberto bowed his head, and Esteban followed Ignacio out into the empty hall.

“So, despite everything,” Esteban brought up, “I’d say it’s been an interesting night.”

“It’s certainly been something,” Ignacio muttered, “I could have done without bitch and bitchier basically telling us to man up and marry women...”

“You should be grateful that you weren’t the one that bitchier was trying to get her hands on,” Esteban noted, “But... they did make something of a point. About natural needs and all that.”

“I can comfortably speak for both of us when I say that neither of us need women to satisfy our needs.”

“That, you can. But then, that brings me to what Lady Yazmin brought up,” he smiled, “You never did answer her question.”

Ignacio blushed, “I never agreed to.”

“It’s only fair, oh great Lord Duran. Come now. I know you’ve been with at least a few people...”

“Maybe I have, and maybe I haven’t. That’s my business.”

They turned a corner and spotted a privy just down the hall, and started to make their way toward it.

“You have. You’re not as subtle as you think you are,” he chuckled, “I certainly hope those boys you’re committed to gave their approval.”

Ignacio stopped walking, “What?”

“That Zapata sorcerer,” Esteban stopped with him, “And, that bicolored commoner you’re with. I admit, at first I was curious about which one you really had your eye on, but then I saw how committed you were to both of them, and it dawned on me,” he smiled, “You’re fucking both of them.”

Ignacio stared at him for a moment.

He crossed his arms, “I’d rather that stay between us, if you don’t mind.”

“What for?” Esteban asked.

“I just would.”

“Keeping it from the traditionalists, sure, but there’s no reason to keep it from your friends.”

“Please don’t.”

“But, Ignacio, I don’t see any—.”

“Your Grace,” he interrupted, “I have as much respect for you as a source and the heir to the throne deserves, but this is something you need to keep between us. I’m serious.”

Esteban chuckled, “Well, I don’t, ‘need,’ to do anything, you know. I’m the Prince, I can do whatever I want.”

Ignacio scowled at him.

“What? It was a joke.”

A truthful joke. But, still a joke

“Your Grace, respectfully,” his eyes squeezed shut, “this not a joking matter...”

“On the contrary, I find it quite hilarious. And, slightly hurtful, considering how reserved you are about it. I think it would only do you wonders if it were more out in the open—.”

“Your Grace!”

Esteban jumped as Ignacio’s eyes shot open, glowing and glaring with magic.

“I’m. Not. Joking.”

“...Alright, alright, take it easy,” Esteban raised his hands, “I’ll keep my mouth shut. Goodness.”

“Good choice...”

Ignacio’s eyes returned to normal, and he turned and stormed into the privy.

Esteban, very perplexed, followed him in.

When they entered, Ignacio went straight for one of the waste-holes near the middle of the wall, unlacing his pants as he stopped in front of it. Esteban walked over and went two holes to the left, because that was the unspoken rule of the privy. As he unlaced his own pants, Esteban looked over at Ignacio, who had his eyes down at what he was doing.

“So...” Esteban spoke up as he started to piss, “Something is clearly bothering you... Do you want to talk about it?”

Ignacio’s face then lost all seriousness, and he started to look sad.

“I... It’s just...” he shook his head, “I’ve had a hard enough time coming to terms with my sexual preference, and an even harder time being... open with anyone about it. I don’t need everyone to think that I’m... bigamous as well.”

“By current definition, I don’t think that three males can be bigamous,” Esteban looked back down.

“You know what I mean. It’s going to be a thing that people think,” he pouted, “It’s hard enough for society to swallow the idea of same sex romance, but... romance between more than two people... that’s near impossible... And besides, I don’t want Piero and Niguel dragged into my messes.”

“But, that’s what lovers are for,” Esteban stated, “To help you clean up your messes.”

Ignacio looked thoughtful for a moment.

“...Maybe you’re right.”

CREAK

“Room for one more, boys?”

Esteban and Ignacio both tensed at the voice that had entered the room.

“...Th-this is the men’s privy!” Ignacio quivered.

“Oh, is that what that symbol on the door meant?” Lady Yazmin asked as she came into Esteban’s viewpoint between them, “And, here I thought this was where the manservants came to suck each other off.”

“That doesn’t happen on the mainland,” Esteban countered, just for something to say.

“Pity,” she turned around, unbuckling her belt, “I would have so liked to have walked in on that.”

Esteban and Ignacio both averted their eyes as her trousers came down, and she plopped herself right onto the waste-hole between them.

“Hmm,” Lady Yazmin stared openly at Ignacio’s dick as she relieved herself, “Not bad, Duran. I can see why you’re so popular.”

Ignacio’s face turned near blood red as he fiddled to put himself away.

Then, she turned and looked at Esteban, “And, you, Your Grace... Damn me to the crevice, you’re by far the biggest I’ve ever seen.”

“Th-thank you,” Esteban stuttered.

“I can see what High Sir Cuteness sees in you. Fuck me... Literally. I wouldn’t mind going for a ride on that...”

“You’re hardly my type, my lady!”

Lady Yazmin shook her head, “It’s a true crime, keeping such a marvel from the girls of Ravarra...”

Esteban wanted so badly to put himself away, but he was still peeing, so he really had no choice but to just stand there and endure it until he was done, and—Goddamnit, he wished this woman would stop staring at his cock!

Finally, mercifully, his stream died down, and Esteban was finally able to put his dick away and hide it once more in the safety of his pants.

Only when it was gone did Lady Yazmin look away, “Oh well, I like pussy better, anyhow.”

She stood and hefted her trousers back up, starting to walk as she buckled her belt, “Now then, let us return to the festivities, shall we?”

Esteban and Ignacio briefly exchanged looks as they followed her out of the privy.

They had barely made it a few steps out into the hall before Gilberto and Benedicto came rushing around the corner.

“UCK—!” Gilberto grunted as he bumped into Lady Yazmin.

“Hey, watch it, curly!”

“Your Grace!” Gilberto bowed his head quickly, “Did you see Victor or Lady Guerrero walk by here?”

What?

“No, we just left the privy,” Esteban looked around the empty hallway, “Why? Has something happened? Did Lady Guerrero do something?”

“Well... we don’t know,” Benedicto admitted, “Victor came looking for you, so we pointed him in your direction, and he went to look for you. Then, Gilberto’s sister and her wizardess came up to us, and that’s when Gilberto and Lupe started arguing—.”

“While Benedicto and Rita started flirting!”

“I was not!”

“People don’t giggle like that from nothing, Benedicto!”

“...W-well, you were flirting with that apprentice last time!”

“Are seriously still on about—!?”

“Children!” Esteban shouted before they got off track, “What happened then?”

Gilberto and Benedicto looked at each other.

“Well,” Gilberto explained, “once we were done... conversing with them, that’s when we noticed that Lady Guerrero wasn’t with the others. We spotted her just as she was going down this hall. And... that’s when we lost her.”

Esteban stared. Both of his servants avoided his eyes.

“You lost her?... I gave you one job—!”

“Hush!”

“Don’t you, ‘hush,’ me, nobody hushes the Pr—!”

“Shut the fuck up!” Lady Yazmin held up a finger, “Do you hear that?”

Esteban gave her a look, but that’s when he heard it too.

Voices.

Muffled, as if behind a wall...

...And, both of their pitches sounded awfully familiar.

Gilberto pointed, and they all looked at a closed closet door.

Esteban crept forward first with everyone following behind. When he got closer, he finally started to make out what was being said.

“...my lady, I really think you’re misunderstand—!”

That was Victor. And, he sounded frightened.

“Shh, shush your pretty mouth. It’s just you and me here now...”

That was Lady Guerrero. And, she sounded hungry.

And, Esteban was about to explode.

“My lady, please, I—!”

CREAK

Esteban practically pulled the door from it’s hinges.

Inside, Lady Guerrero had paused with her hand dug into Victor’s shirt.

“Este—!”

Esteban grabbed Victor’s arm and pulled him away.

At some point, Gilberto had pulled out his crossbow and was aiming it at the predatory noblewoman.

Benedicto and Ignacio did the same with their wands.

“Girl...” Lady Yazmin was shaking her fists out, looking ready for a fight, “you fucked up.”

Esteban looked at Victor, “Are you alright?”

He nodded, “She told me she needed help looking for something. I didn’t realize she was looking for...”

Esteban hugged him. Then, he glared at the Lady Guerrero.

“I can see that this appears as... an unfortunate situation,” she looked at all of them, “Hopefully, one that we can move on from. Why don’t we all just go our separate ways and forget this ever happened... yes?”

Esteban gave her a fake smile, “Nice try.”

“The dungeon, Your Grace?” Gilberto asked.

Lady Guerrero’s expression turned into one of panic, and this time, the smile Esteban gave was genuine.

“Yes. Take her away.”

***

Obviously, the liege of a noble House didn’t stay locked up for long. Predictably, her family appealed to the Crown for her release with the typical mixture of deference, supplication, and threats.

But, it didn’t matter. Esteban’s message had been heard loud and clear.

Nobody messes with the Prince’s retinue, and especially not with Victor.

The Guerrero liege was hardly the first to threaten Victor. Neither was Esteban’s mother, nor anyone else before or since. But, no matter the individual, Esteban always found a way to keep them from hurting his beloved.

With people he was close to, like his mother, the easiest way to avoid any sort of outcome would be to just... not piss them off. They were his family and friends. They didn’t mean anything they said. It hurt to hear, and Esteban oftentimes wanted to hurt back. But, they never meant it. Esteban knew that. So, the best way to avoid hearing it was to, at the very least, keep them from getting angry with him.

Well... keep them from getting too angry with him.

But with everyone else, that was where he got to pull all the stops.

If anyone talked about Victor the wrong way, looked at Victor the wrong way, or even thought about Victor the wrong way, Esteban would fire back with full force. He had no tolerance for anyone who posed even a shred of danger to the love of his life.

If they wanted to fight, Esteban was ready to fight back.

Because, Victor was all his. The most precious toy he had ever been given.

And, nobody else gets to touch the Prince’s favorite toy.