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"Shit. Shit. Shit." Roman burst through the tavern, jumping over the balcony and using the post to swing himself out into the street. "How the fuck..." He cringed as he quickly shook his head and just kept running. He didn't have time to think about any mistakes he could have made. He knew full well if they caught him he was dead. That or they would take him to the prince. He did NOT want that. He would far rather taste steel than see the look that man would give him.

"HALT! MURDERER!" Roman's face paled as he spotted two more knights in front of him. The four surrounding him were closing in. He could... He... Should he? He's the one that said he wouldn't, but if they catch him that's it. No. Roman's eyes darted up to see a clothesline. He would live to see the night. He was sure of it. He backtracked, using the boxes and tables around him to push himself up onto the roof of a wagon. He wasted no time jumping up, using his dagger to cut the line, and use it to carry him away. He crashed into a building listening to the girls scream around him before running out before anything else could happen. It's not like it mattered much. Sorry ladies but this one's gay.

"Shit, more?!" Roman groaned as he swiftly ran right back into the building seeing the knights coming at him. "Sorry ladies!" He cried out as he passed them all again. He jumped out the window rolling into another, refusing to stop for even a second. He could not allow himself to get caught. He was the one that fucked it all up at the castle. All this constantly running from guard is the consequence to that. He didn't care. He wasn't going to let everything he's done be for nothing just to die or get caught here. "Where is it?" Roman stumbled out of the next building hoping to find the path. "Where..." The wind rushed past him making him smile as he nodded. That way!

"DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!" Roman growled with anger as he followed the wind through the crowd of people, buildings, and alleyways until he found the break in the wall. He was so going to regret showing them this. "MURDERER!" Roman shot one last look back seeing the knights flaring with rage. His eyes spotted a man in a different kind of armor and his face blanched. Oh, he was fucked. Roman slipped back the wall and nearly fell on his face, stumbling to keep running. He ran right into the woods praying the trees gave him enough cover to lose him. Knowing his luck it was possible. He froze eyes wide feeling the wind flurry around him. No. No. No... why could they just leave him alone?

"Why him?" Roman whined as he decided last minute to take a path he had never gone down before. Rocks and pebbles sounded about him as he skidded through the path, fumbling over the rocky terrain. He hesitated slightly seeing the mountain before him only for the wind to egg him on further. "Shit." He mumbled quietly as he pushed on. His hands got slightly cut up climbing through the jagged rocks as he prayed all this was enough. He didn't know how much more he could keep running. Roman grunted in pain as his foot twisted making him fall on his face. He groaned as he carefully pushed himself up, hissing slightly at all the cuts on his hands. He had run into a cave but was so exhausted he couldn't stop himself from tripping.

"Enough of this." Roman's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest, as he jumped up to run only to freeze feeling the blade against his neck from behind. "I said, enough of this."

"Sorry." Roman joked as he tried to ignore how his body was shaking. "I just don't want to die tonight."

"Maybe you should have thought of that before you killed him." Roman's eyes darkened as he glanced back knowing the man would not have been able to see his face.

"Don't assume to know what it is you are talking about." Roman growled only to flinch as the blade pressed farther into him. His hands rose in defense hoping he could calm everything down but it didn't look very good. He was going to have to do it.

"Why'd you do it?" Roman frowned as he let his eyes slip shut. The man behind him shifted, pulling the sword back slightly. "He was a good man. He cared about everyone and everything. He cared about this kingdom and you killed him. Why?"

"Again, you shouldn't talk about matters you do not know or understand." Roman's voice was hushed as the wind flurried quietly at his feet. "It matters not anymore."

"No. I suppose it doesn't." The man hissed back as he grabbed the dagger Roman had suddenly, making him tense up in anger. "Guess I'll take this to the prince then."

"Give that back." Roman was still shaking as his anger began to bubble up bad in him. "Give. That. Back!"

"Where you're going, you aren't going to need it." He kicked Roman to his knees before squaring his shoulders and getting into position. "In conspiracy to steal our fragment of Aesir... As well as the murder of Prince Romulus Zephyr, you are hereby sentenced to death for your crimes."

"As you wish, Deceit." Roman smirked from where he was kneeling noticing the slight hesitation in the Royal knight behind. The man flared as he gripped his sword so tight his knuckles went white.

"I hope the god tare you into shred for what you did." Roman's eyes shot open, energy bursting through the cave, making the earth itself shake. The knight was sent flying into the cave wall as Roman slowly got to his feet and looked back with a sad expression.

"I can't die here, Deceit. Please understand." Roman frowned as he carefully walked over. He checked his vitals sighing in relief as he felt the knights pulse. He took his dagger back, tying it around his belt again as he grabbed the knights sword. "Ok. Now, where the hell am I."

Roman was cautious as he quietly made his way further into the cave, his curiosity winning out over his fear. His eyes caught sight of the markings leading into the cave and they narrowed in concern. He followed them, hearing the moan of wind through the cave mouth telling him to be careful.

"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah..." Roman chuckled as he paused seeing a staircase carved out of the stone. Something similar to a place he'd seen long ago. Roman's heart crashed as he descended the steps into a pit-like cavern that he prayed was not like that oh so familiar place. The second he walked out into the large room, his eyes met with the large purple crystal directly in the center and his body completely froze up. There in the center of the crystal was a man floating as if in zero gravity, swirls of black, white, and dark purple surrounded him as if protecting him. "Who..." Roman was enthralled. He slowly approached feeling the thrum of energy around him. "How did this happen?"

Roman smiled softly as he hesitantly reached out towards the crystal, his eyes focused solely on the man inside it. The second his hand touched the cool crystal he gasped. The wind whipped around him as his eyes started to glow a bright pink. He felt this sudden surge in him. He could physically feel his aura... his soul reaching out to grab hold of the energy trapped inside the crystal. His eyes glowed even brighter as he felt the connection... a bonding between him and that which was trapped.

Then the crystal began to crack.

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Roman jumped back, his eyes still glowing brightly, as the giant crystal cracked and began to break. His heart nearly stopped as it practically crumbled apart. His eyes never left the man as he watched him being to fall.

"NO!" Roman screamed out this sudden overpowering desire to protect him taking over as he blinked, teleporting in to catch him before teleporting out not wanting either of them to get crushed from the falling rock. "No. No. No." He held the man close as he stumbled back trying to avoid the death before him. He had to get the man to safety. He could understand why. He felt how his magic had attached itself to him. They were bonded. Despite it being accidental, Roman had bound their souls together, his desire to protect stemming from that. "Shit. God, it's just one thing after the other." Roman groaned as he cradled the unconscious man into his chest before taking off as fast as he could. He dodged the falling debris, the cave falling apart, as he ran. The second he spotted the opening he teleported them both out just as the cave began to close in. "DECEIT?!" Roman was up once again running over only to freeze up seeing the knight gone before his vision was blocked completely. Deceit was gone. He had woken up and left before Roman ever did. Deceit was safe. Roman was safe. That man...

Roman's attention was suddenly back on the man from the crystal as he rushed over and frantically looked him over. He was pale and small but not in a way that was unhealthy or sick. He wasn't malnourished in the slightest or in any way hurt from being in the crystal. Roman couldn't even tell you how long he was in there, just that the man looked around his early twenties... about his age.

He really needed to get home. He needed to make sure it wasn't found but the thought of leaving the man twisted something in him. Being bound to him made it impossible for Roman to be able to just leave him. And he couldn't risk moving him too much as he didn't know what had happened to him or how he got in the crystal, to begin with. With Deceit gone it made this area a little safer. It was better to make camp and hope the man woke up soon.

Roman sat there, several hours later, listening to the cracking of the fire he had made, as he stared up into the night sky with a sad smile. Prince Romulus Zephyr. Romulus... Maybe it wasn't the right way to go about it? Roman was ignorant to his mistakes. 'Killing' the Grand Prince of Ealdor in hindsight was not right. He could have done something different. He just didn't know what. He was reacted. Following his emotions. He wanted out. Freedom... the only way he knew would do it was to 'kill' him.

He hadn't meant to get caught. No one means to get caught. He was just trying to get out of the castle when one of the guards spotted him. They spotted the dagger and chased after him. It wasn't until later they declared the Grand Prince dead and that he was the killer.

Grand Prince's... The title is so... extra. Grand Prince's are the Four royals who host the magic of the Aesir. The Four Grand Princes each hailing from one of the Four Kingdoms of Aesiran...

Roman sighed as he poked the fire with his stick letting the sparks and embers float into the air. His eyes narrowed as he lightly blew against them and watched as they all started to float together forming a small bird flying around until it vanished. Magic... it was beautiful but it was also chaotic. Without the right control, it can corrupt the world around them. That's why the Grand Princes exist. They don't rule over the four kingdoms. They rule over Magic itself.

A soft grown sounded beside him making Roman's jump, his hand going right to his dagger before relaxing. He didn't feel any danger. If someone was targeting him he would sense them. They were safe. They...

Roman's eyes darted to the man from the cave, his eyes lighting up in relief as he saw the man twitch a bit. He was waking up. Roman was quick to stoke the fire before getting up to help the other. He groaned against gently pushing himself up only freeze in confusion over where he was.

"Hey, don't stress yourself. You're safe." Roman knelt down beside him, his eyes subtly glowing in response to being so close to him. "You're safe. I promise."

"Where..." Roman's heart skipped a beat as the man spoke. Looking at the man you wouldn't expect such a deep gravelly voice. It was light but held a rasp to it. Roman was pleasantly surprised. "Where am I?"

"Ealdor." His eyes shot wide as Roman just smiled. "Right outside the capital. The mountains to the west. Crystal Mountian... Ironic considering how I found you." Roman moved back towards the fire carefully moving some meat away from the flame. "I caught some food if you're hungry. I didn't know if you'd need any but... It was safe than sorry."

"Who are you?" Roman paused, his smile falling fast, as he sighed.

"Roman." The other smirked slightly, his eyes narrowing as Roman refused to look back at him.

"Got a last name Roman?" Roman shook his head as he sat down beside the fire. "Really? Just Roman then?"

"And what's your name then? You know... since you're so keen about mine." The man tensed his eyes flashing lavender slightly before looking away, making Roman falter. "Who are you? Why were you in a crystal?"

"I... I was in crystal?" Roman nodded slightly as the other visibly crashed. "Oh... I guess they actually did it then."

"Did what? Who are you?"

"Virgil." Virgil smiled seeing the apprehension in Roman. "Virgil Ingis. Prince of Raviera."

"Rav... Raviera?" Roman's eyes darkened as he shook his head. "No that... that's not possible."

"And why not?" Roman just sat there as Virgil glared at him defensively. His heart just dropped realizing just how long this man had been trapped. After all, Raviera was the kingdom destroyed in the great war. A war that took place nearly 400 years ago.

"Because Raviera doesn't exist." Roman could see all the life completely drain in Virgil's eyes as he shook his head. "Not since the treaty of Aesiran."

"Aesiran?" Virgil completely crashed as he stared at the ground in shock. "They... they really... all those people. That whole kingdom is gone?"

"I only know what I was told, Virgil. Raviera was destroyed completely 400 years ago. Hardly anyone even knows about it anymore. The Four Kingdoms don't really like to share that side of history."

"Four? Four kingdoms..." Virgil laughed angrily as his eyes met with Roman's. "There were five kingdoms. FIVE KINGDOMS! FIVE PRINCES!"

"Not anymore." Roman didn't even seem fazed by the pure rage he could see in the younger. He just focused on the fire with a sad look. "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this. But your kingdoms gone..."

"As long as I am alive, the kingdom lives with me. Land is just land... I couldn't care less about the beauty they trampled over. I care about the lives they ended for what..." Virgil rolled his eyes as he curled up in anger. "I won't stand for this. They all betrayed me. Called me the villain and imprisoned me. That should have been enough. No... They destroyed my kingdom too." Roman listened as his mind latched onto everything trying to work through everything he was taught or learned. "How dare they... They were the ones that said magic was too pure to use for such violence. They were the ones that convinced me... They made me believe then and their claims that we were guardians."

"The Grand Princes?" Virgil froze as Roman's voice spurred him out of his thoughts suddenly. He had forgotten the man was there. "Are you talking about the Grand Prince's?"

"Is that what we're called now. Grand Prince's? Isn't that a bit... entitled?" Roman didn't know how to react. He should have guessed it. He didn't know why it didn't latch on. Virgil wasn't just some prince of a lost kingdom. Virgil was THE prince from THE kingdom. The prince of Raviera barrier of the dark flame. Roman honestly wanted to through himself into a ravine for his stupidity.

"You're the dark prince." Virgil's eyes narrowed as Roman poked the fire, annoyance clear on his face. "You're the dark prince and I'm the moron that let you out."

"I'm not dark. I'm guarded." Virgil frowned as he curled up a bit more. "If being protective is dark than fine. It's not my fault nobody trusted me. They all thought my magic was evil."

"Magic isn't evil it's just chaotic." Virgil's eyes snapped over as Roman smiled. "It doesn't have a physical form. You will it into existence with your thoughts. To be judged over a dark flame is wrong. It's what you do with it." Roman pointed over at him with this look in his eyes as Virgil tensed. "According to the stories you were the most violent. You set fires to whole villages until they yielded. You were secretive and manipulative. Nobody trusted you because they were scared you would burn them all to ash."

"It's funny how history gets so twisted. You say they didn't want to get burnt. Well... If they did it would have been by their own hand. They said they wanted heroes." Virgil forced himself to lay down, far to emotionally drained to care anymore. If he died, he died and that was that. "They wanted a weapon."

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"Virgil, I got fish... if you want some." Roman spoke softly as he crouched down and lightly nudged the prince's shoulder. "Virgil?"

"I'm sleeping..." Virgil growled as he rolled over. "Fuck off."

"You've been in crystal for 400 years. How much more sleep can you need?" Roman teased as he moved back to the fire, earning an obvious glare from the prince. "Besides I really need to get home and I don't want to just leave you stranded."

"Why didn't you just kill me?" Roman paused as he looked over to see Virgil slowly sitting up, a confused frown on his face. "Given the twisted history, you seem to have in memory... Why didn't you kill me?"

"I can't." Virgil's eyes narrowed as Roman gestured to the fish. "Breakfast?"

"What do you mean you can't?" Roman sighed as he took one of the several fish he got and just handed it over, smiling as Virgil took it without question.

"Do you know what a bonding is?" Virgil nodded as Roman sat back down with his own fish. "That makes this easier to explain then. When I touched the crystal you were in it bound me to you." Virgil's eyes widened as Roman just laughed. "Don't worry though. So far it's just been about protecting you, making sure you're safe and healthy. Bonding isn't a permanent thing and it's not all or nothing either. There are some bonded people who never see each other."

"Things have definitely changed then." Virgil mumbled as he carefully bit into the fish he had, making Roman tense up. His eyes were trained on the prince as Virgil took another bite only to cough a bit making Roman's anxiety spark.

"Don't choke." Virgil flinched as Roman slapped a hand over his mouth. "Sorry. It's just you... and the fish... they have bones and..."

"Protective. I see what you mean now." Roman grumbled silently under his breath as virgil chuckled softly. "Don't worry. I'm not going to choke." Roman nodded as he picked at his own food not wanting to really continue after his small outburst. "What exactly is the plan then Just Roman?"

"It's Roman. Not... Nevermind." Roman sighed as he shook his head before staring out into the woods. "I need to go home. I've had a bad feeling lately and that's never a good sign. I figured I would take you into capital. After that... You can do whatever you want."

"And if I said I want to kill the kingdom for revenge." Roman's eyes flashed, his eyes darting over to see the serious look in the prince. "What would you say then?"

"Don't kill the whole kingdom... or the innocents." Virgil faltered as Roman looked away. "Look I don't know what to tell you. I'm bound to you. I can't... As of right now, all I can think of is your safety. That being said if you do plan that and I find my brother... my... forget it. We need to get going."

"I don't want to you know." Roman hesitated as Virgil quickly spoke out, watching him get up. "I don't want revenge. I don't care. I just... wanted to know your stance. It almost sounded as if you didn't care what happened to the kingdom?" Roman couldn't help the way he laughed at that. He pushed all the would apart and carefully doused the flame as he smiled.

"I care deeply about the kingdom and about every life that in it. I just don't really know what you'd expect me to do if I couldn't stop you."

"I guess it's a good thing I don't want to then." Virgil teased before getting up to help with the small camp. "I don't want to 'exact revenge'. That was never my style but... I do want to reclaim my throne." Roman's eyes narrowed in thought as Virgil waved his hand over the fire pit completely killing out any and all heat and smoke it was still producing. "I'm one of the Five prince's and they completely cut me out of everything. They ripped my kingdom out of history. I can't stand for that. I want to get it back."

"Well, we won't get anywhere standing here." Virgil nodded although still his head as Roman pulled his bag over his shoulder. "Let's head towards my home first and then I can take you back the capital."

"Wait do you live out here?" Virgil stumbled after him as Roman started to walk off not bothering to look back to see if he was being followed. "Why not in a village or..."

"I'd rather the privacy." It was all Roman said as they made there way. The two hardly made any conversation as Roman's sinking feeling only got worse. The closer they got to his cabin the slower he got, that protective bubble building up in him. His body reacted before his mind even caught on. His hand shot out to stop Virgil from proceeding as he tried to take in his surrounding. "Something's wrong."

"Wrong? What do you mean?" Roman's eyes flashed pink as he pulled his dagger out and grimaced.

"I mean I have a feeling that someone's going attack. Stay close to me." Virgil nodded as Roman took his hand quickly and carefully began to move closer to his cabin. They hid behind it by the back door as Roman groaned. He could see the damage done to it from when, what was no doubt, the knights kicked the door open. "Someone's been here."

"Than shouldn't we go?" Roman rolled his eyes as he gently pushed the door in, hearing Virgil give an exasperated sigh in response. "I guess not."

"Just stick close. I don't want you getting hurt." Virgil hesitated only slightly before following after. As annoying as the other was Virgil had to admit he didn't exactly want Roman getting hurt either. Roman was furious. They had torn the place apart as they searched it all. His eyes caught sight of a broken chest and he panicked. "Damn it." He raced over picking the chest lid up as he felt around the linning. "Please... Please... Yes!" Roman beamed as he tore the lining out letting a bag tumble into the mess waiting for it. He pulled the bag he had on off and quickly emptied its contents into the other. As long as the bag was safe he didn't care. He was just pissed they practically destroyed his house. "We should go..."

"Oh, I don't think you're going anywhere."

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"Oh, I don't think you're going anywhere." Roman whipped around, face blanched, as he found Virgil standing there with a knife against his throat, a knight gripping him tightly from behind. "Hand over the dagger and the bag." Roman flared as his hand went to his dagger, rage in his eyes. "HAND. OVER. THE DAGGER!" Virgil whimpered as the knife cut into him.

"Fine!" Roman pulled the dagger free from his belt as his eyes caught sight of the blood dripping from the cut Virgil got. His heart stopped as he held the dagger out. The second the knight grabbed his everything crashed in him. He refused to let go. Roman's eyes narrowed as he gripped the dagger even tighter. "Let him go."

"You first." Roman pulled the dagger closer slightly only making the knight smirk. "Unless you want him to die." Roman instantly let go of the dagger, his heart shattering as the knight laughed. "Good man. Now... The bag."

"There literally nothing in it that you would want. Just let him go. You got my dagger..."

"You mean the prince's dagger." Roman faltered as the knight glared Roman down. "This dagger belonged to the Grand Prince Romulus. Now it belongs to his brother."

"Let Virgil go." The knight only smiled as he gestured for another knight to grab him. Roman was shoved to his feet as he growled. "Here we go again..." Roman tensed feeling his magic surge in him. Virgil was just standing there face blank as his eyes turned lavender. "Virgil... It's going to be ok."

"I know." Virgil's voice was hoarse as the one holding him tried to pull him back despite Virgil refusing to move. "Doesn't mean I'm ok with there disrespect." Roman could only laugh as the prince growled at the knight holding him. "Yank my arm like that again and I'll send you into an inferno."

"Learn your place." The knight backhanded Virgil causing the prince to freeze up in shock. Roman's whole body went completely rigid as the knight pulled out a sword aiming at him. The anger Roman felt as Virgil gently wiped the blood off his lips sent his magic in a flurry. As the knight went to kill him Roman jumped up, using his magic to create a glove-like shield over his hand, blocking the blade with his palm before punching the knight out cold. He grabbed the sword and used that to parry another's attack. His body was reacting without any imput from his mind. He kicked his leg out make the one fall before jumping back to avoid another only this time Virgil threw his hand out sending a blast of energy into the knight sending him flying into the wall. Roman threw the sword onto the floor not even caring as he ran over to check the prince over.

"Virgil? Virgil..." Roman brushed his hair away as he gently lifted Virgil's head up to look into his lavender eyes. "Are you ok? He didn't hurt you to bad right. God, your neck." Roman rushed to his dresser pulling out a cloth before pressing it against Virgil's cut to stop the bleeding. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. "Virgil?"

"They weren't after me." Roman flinched as he tried to stay focused on caring for the prince. "Roman, they weren't after me."

"They didn't even know who you were so... no. No, they weren't." Roman sighed as he took in the cut on Virgil's lip with a very angry look. "I said to stick with me and you still ended up hurt. I'm sorry."

"I've dealt with worse. I'm more concerned about you." Roman frowned as Virgil shook his head. "Roman, they weren't after me. They were after you. You and that fancy knife of yours."

"My dagger. I know." Roman visibly crashed as he looked away. "It would be safer for you if we got to the capital as soon as we can. The less time we are around each other the less of a target you have." Roman jumped as Virgil suddenly grabbed his wrists.

"Why are they targeting you?" Roman shook his head as he pulled his hands free. "Roman."

"It's not going to change anything." Virgil watched in disbelief as Roman grabbed his dagger off the one knight with a pissed of expression. "We need to go."

"Not until you tell me why they want you dead."

"They think I killed the Grand Prince of Ealdor." Virgil's eyes flashed as Roman froze in his spot gripping the dagger so tight his knuckles turned white. "I'm wanted for the murder of Prince Romulus Zephyr."

"And did you?" Roman shot back a look of confusion as Virgil clenched his fists. "Did you kill him?"

"Kill Romulus?" Roman smiled slimly as he nodded. "I guess in a way. Yes. I guess I did." Virgil frowned as Roman's smile turned sad. "But it isn't what it sounds like. They just don't understand."

"Why did you do it?" Roman's arms dropped to his side, dagger hitting his leg as he did so. "Why kill him?"

"I wanted freedom." Roman quickly tied the dagger to his belt before grabbing his bag and hurrying off to the door. He paused only once to give the prince a sad look. "Are you coming?" Virgil's eyes darkened as Roman tried to offer a reassuring smile. "I can understand if you don't want to or... I told you I can't hurt you. I..."

"I'm coming." Roman smiled as he nodded as gestured for the prince to come. He waited for Virgil to pass him before blinking and sending a small magic flame to burn in the house.

"Let's hurry up." Roman rushed off, hoping they could get far enough away before the fire became obvious. Virgil only nodded in silence, following close behind.

"Do you regret it?" Roman stumbled slightly at the sudden question, freezing up as Virgil caught him to keep him from getting hurt.

"Regret what?"

"Killing him. The prince..." Roman frowned as he nodded.

"Like I said though, it's not like it sounds. It's not so cut and dry as that." Virgil just laughed as he waved him off. "Virg-..."

"I've done a lot in my life, Roman. I've had knights swear fealty to me after committing crimes you would not believe. If they were worth redemption then I gave them the opportunity to do it." Roman came to a complete stop as he just stared over at the dark prince. Virgil was standing out in this beam of light making him look almost as if he was glowing, flora at his feet swaying slightly in the wind. "If you swear to me his death wasn't..."

"I only wanted freedom. I just wanted to live my life. I..." Virgil's eyes narrowed in interest as Roman let out a shaky breath. "I didn't know any other way of getting out."

"We're you a slave?" Roman almost laughed at the idea. He shook his head as he glanced off into the woods.

"A slave is someone who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them. No. I was not a slave. Not to another human being anyway." Roman's hand went to his chest as he sighed. "Doesn't mean I wasn't trapped. Stuck there under everyone's scrutinizing gaze. I couldn't do it anymore. Maybe I was being pathetic. Maybe I was being selfish. Either way... I don't regret my choice to leave. I just regret how I went about it."

"You know, Roman..." Virgil smirked slightly as he looked the other over. "You're exactly the kind of person I would have excepted as a knight." Roman's eyes shot wide as Virgil just laughed. "Then again... they always did think I was a child for that. No matter... I had a loyalty from my knights and servants they could not claim to share with theirs."

"You don't... I thought... But I 'killed' a grand prince."

"And?" Virgil shrugged seeing the pure confusion in the other. "Roman, I've gone to war. I've been at the forefront of many... many battles. I've burned places to ash. I don't care what you've done in your past as long as your future is to me and the kingdom. Understand?"

"Then..." Roman faltered, his heart racing slightly as he fumbled around with his thoughts. He didn't understand why he was actually considering this but now it was all he wanted. Virgil wasn't anything like the history told. Roman found himself hoping Virgil's goals succeeded. "Would you actually accept me?"

"Accept you?" Roman smiled as he nodded.

"As your knight." Virgil's eyes shot wide as Roman's smile only grew.

"I was just... I wasn't actually. Roman, I..." Roman blinked, his thoughts running rampant as he tried to think about everything his life had been before. After everything he did to get his freedom, would he really be willing to... Actually, yes. Yes, he would. For many reasons but one big one simply being protection and understanding.

"Sanctuary." Virgil's face fell as Roman's smile turned awkward. "Sanctuary, Virgil. For freedom and protection, one would do almost anything."

"You would swear yourself to me... for sanctuary?" Roman nodded as his hand already started to move towards his dagger. "You would swear fealty... to me? Roman, I'm the 'dark Prince' as you've called me."

"And I'm the man that killed the Grand Prince Romulus. If my past does not matter to you... then yours do not matter to me. I care about your strength of character. Your emotions and empathy... Actions are important but there's always something that drives them. If you cannot understand that then you'll never understand the person. I cannot judge you without knowing why you did it in the first place." Virgil laughed softly as his expression soften. "If you are truly willing to look past my crimes and offer sanctuary then... I think that shows to me exactly the kind of person you are."

"You're serious about this?" Roman only nodded again as he held his dagger out. Virgil's eyes filled with shock as he took hold of it. "I'll ask you one more time Roman..." Virgil gently unsheathed the dagger and stared at the light golden blade with a soft expression. "Are you sure you want to swear your loyalty to me? To be my knight? A knight to the Prince of Raviera... the barrier of the dark flame... The Weapon of the new world... The demon of magic?" Roman's eyes narrowed as he smirked and nodded again. "So be it. On your knees. I suppose this dagger shall work well enough."

"It better. It belonged to my mother."

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Roman sat there staring blankly at nothing, his mind flurrying about with thoughts as he glanced over to see the sleeping prince in the other bed. After everything that had happened in the woods Roman had gotten into the capital through a different break in the wall. He got them into a motel as fast as he could but Virgil could tell Roman was always looking over his shoulder. So much so the prince didn't bother asking to go anyway. They just stayed there in the motel room until night fell.

"What am I to do, Mother?" Roman whispered out to the wind smiling sadly as it brushed around him making his hair move a bit. Roman glanced over to his bag before sighing and pushing himself up. He pulled the bag up, carrying it over to the dresser before leaning against it, just staring into the mirror with a frown. "You would be so angry at me." Roman's eyes narrowed as he looked himself over, raking his hand through his hair. "You always did love my long hair." Roman sighed as he shook his head. "I need another hair cut. God forbid they recognize me over that."

"Do I even have clippers or..." Roman laughed as he grabbed his dagger. "Guess I'm back to using this then." Roman swiftly made his way to the bathroom. His eyes narrowed as he carefully went about trimming everything. Don't be stupid. Don't do what Roman was. He's a swordsman. He knows how to handle a blade better the any of the knights that are adamantly hunting him. He knows how to do this. And even then he's risking his safety just to cut some hair. "Mother really would be angry at me." Roman let out a puff of breath as he let his dagger rest on the sink with a frown. It was uneven and crappy but it was something for now. It was a start. After caring for the mess he went back to his back pulling out everything from it before picking up a black mask and tensing up. It was a plain slick black mask that covered the top half of the face hiding even the eyes, though you can still see out of it. There was no strap to hold it up. It was just this harden fiber-like plastic that was formed to the face. He didn't know why he had kept it but he was glad he did now.

"Roman?" The knight tensed as he suddenly looked over to see Virgil sitting up with this look of confusion in his eyes. "Did you get any sleep?"

"Some... then my thoughts woke me up." Virgil sighed as he nodded before his eyes narrowed in intrigue.

"What's that?" Roman smiled as he moved to sit down beside the prince. "A mask? Can you even wear that? There's nothing to keep it on."

"I can wear it." Roman laughed as he gently placed it over his face making Virgil roll his eyes. He let his hands drop and Virgil froze seeing that the mask was still on. "See. I told you."

"How..."

"Magic." Roman teased before taking it off only to see Virgil glaring at him. "What?"

"Don't make jokes like that. Magic is serious."

"You're completely right. That's why I wasn't joking." Virgil's eyes shot wide as Roman jumped up again going to his bag. "Did you know that when a grand prince excepts his own personal guard, those men or women get a small bit of magic themselves." Roman draped a black cloak around his shoulders before grabbing his dagger and smiling. "They get abilities to help protect the Grand prince they pledged allegiance too." Roman put the mask back on smiling wider as he pulled the dagger out of its black sheath. The white designs reflecting off the soft gold of the blade. "Isn't that cool? How do I look?" Roman put the hood up and laughed as Virgil kicked his feet over the side of the bed. "So? You think it'll work?"

"Work? For what?"

"Hiding my identity." Roman responded nonchalantly as he set his dagger by the bag. "You want to go the castle right? To reclaim your throne?"

"Reclaim my... Roman, are you going to be ok going there?" Roman paused as Virgil shot him a concerned look. "Desquise or not... Are you sure..."

"The difference Virgil is, when I return there... I won't be what I was." Virgil's eyes narrowed as Roman's hand slowly started for his mask, hesitating slightly before pulling it off. "I'll be there by choice. I'm there for you. Besides, Virgil I swore to be your knight. That doesn't just stop because your going to the castle."

"Roman..."

"You want to reclaim your throne and title. The only way to do that is to go there. So will the mask work?" Virgil sighed as he nodded making Roman beam. "Yeah! I'm glad. At least this way I don't have to go buy something."

"What was the mask for?" Roman's smile fell instantly as Virgil frowned.

"I... uh..." Roman set it and the cloak on the dresser before slowly stumbling over to his bed and collapsing into it. "I wasn't alowed to leave. I was always being watched. The only time I got any freedom was when I would sneek out and hid in town for a few hours. I'd wear the mask and cloak so no one would know who I was and accidentally tip off the wrong people."

"Roman, were you a knight?" Roman laughed as he turned to look over at Virgil who was a bit lost in thought trying to figure Roman out with the little he was given. "You had mentioned how personal knights got a small bit of magic and... We're you Romulus's knight? Was that why you killed him?"

"No." Virgil faltered as Roman shook his head and stared back up at the ceiling. "No, I was not a knight. Besides, The grand prince never had knights... he had jailers. I'm going to sleep, Virgil. We have a lot to do tomorrow." Roman rolled over till he was facing away and Virgil just sat there stunned.

"O-Ok." Virgil slowly laid back down curlling up lightly on the bed as he just stared at the man on the other one. He sighed finally giving up for the night before letting his eyes slip shut. "Oh, and Roman?" Roman hummed in response making Virgil chuckle a bit. "Come morning I am fixing your hair." Roman burst out laughing as he nodded and closed his eyes as well.

"As you wish."

Chapter Text

"I can't believe you used your dagger to cut your hair." Virgil grumbled as the two walked done the streets, Roman wearing his mask and cloak with the hood down.

"You use what you've got. I had a dagger." Roman chuckled as he glanced about the place, keeping an ever-constant eye on everything around them. "Besides, you fixed it up nicely, thank you."

"I wasn't about to let you walk around looking like someone took a hatchet to your head." Roman gasped dramatically as he pouted.

"My hair did not look THAT bad."

"Roman any shorter and you would have looked like a baboons ass." Roman flushed with embarrassment as Virgil just chuckled. "I'm kidding. You looked fine considering the tool used. I just thought I would fix it better for you."

"Well thank you. I like how you did it." Roman raked his hand through the dark brown curly floof he had. It melted into a fade-out a slight design shaved into it all. He frowned slightly, eyes narrowed under his mask. "Are you sure about this, Virgil?"

"About what?"

"About waltzing up to the castle." Virgil nodded as his eyes darkened. "How do you even know they'd let you in?"

"I have you." Roman stopped short making Virgil pause with a confused look. "I wouldn't let them have you. I simply now that they'd permit an audience do to you. You don't have to worry."

"I don't particularly want to see the prince, Virgil." Virgil frowned as Roman sighed and looked away. "However if it is what you wish, I shall accompany you. As your knight, I am to be at your side just... I can't lose my dagger, Virgil. They will try to take it."

"Roman, I won't let them. You swore yourself to me. I don't take things like that lightly." Roman nodded as he pulled his hood up and let out a deep breath. "Now let's go. I want to get there before dark."

"As you wish, My Prince." Virgil faltered as Roman took the lead and neutral expression on his lips. The closer they got to the castle the slower Roman got and Virgil could tell by how twitchy the knight was that something was wrong. His eyes darted about taking everything in, hidden by the mask, as he tuned into anything he could hear. He knew he was feeling targeted but it was much worse than usual. It twisted his gut like his own aura was trying to suffocate him. Roman's eyes shot wide as he stopped short and growled. "Someone's spotted you."

"Spotted me?" Roman nodded as his hand slowly went to his dagger. It was a very bad feeling indeed. "I thought no one knew who I was."

"They don't, but they do know that you were with me." Virgil's eyes widened as Roman discreetly looked around him trying to find anything out of the ordinary. "If they so much as..."

"Roman, leave it for now." Roman jumped as Virgil placed a soft hand to his back. "I understand your protective of me. Right now our mission is to get to the castle. That feeling your having is only going to get worse from here. Try to ignore it. Just this once ok?"

"Are you certain? They could attack..."

"I don't think they'd risk possible information." Roman sighed as he moved his hand away from his dagger, still far to tense. "They're on guard but they won't make a move until we pass the castle wall. When they do, let me handle it."

"They could hurt you..."

"Roman." The knight tensed before nodding making Virgil smile sadly. "That bond you have with me... how strong is it?"

"Very." Roman glanced behind him sucking his teeth as he finally spotted where the bad feeling was coming from. Deceit was standing there in the crowd watching them with narrowed eyes. Roman frowned with anger as Deceit suddenly vanished. "We need to move. Should we remain still, Deceit will not wait."

"Alright then." Roman waited a half a second before following after Virgil. He made sure to be watching everything just to be on the safe side. He was tense and clearly ready to jump in if needed. Yet at the same time, he showed none of it. His posture was straight and guarded. He was light on his feet, quiet, and attentive. He made no movement besides the subtle twitch of his fingers. Roman's eyes narrowed in waiting as they passed the castle gate. Virgil smirked the second the wind shifted around them. "Ro?"

Roman blinked finding himself suddenly standing before the prince dagger out against Deceit's throat who looked highly pissed off as it was. He hadn't even realized he had moved. His grip tightened on the dagger as he shifted just enough to show Virgil he was indeed listening to him even if his attention was on the knight before him.

"Relax." Roman groaned angrily as he forced himself to step back. He sheathed his dagger but didn't move too far away from Deceit, putting himself in between him and Virgil. Deceit hissed as he rubbed glared Roman down.

"That mask isn't going to hide who you are... Murderer." Roman smirked as he tilted his head slightly.

"It wasn't supposed to." Deceit's eyes flashed as his hand went to his sword only for something to stop him cold. Virgil's eyes were a bright lavender, his hand outstretched as he sighed.

"I wish for an audience with your prince." Deceit laughed as he continued to glare unendingly at Roman.

"Not on my life." Roman smirked as he shook his head.

"That can be arranged." Virgil faltered slightly at the slight rasp Roman forced in his voice. "Though I would rather not."

"After murdering MY BEST FRIEND... I really don't see how you could ever give a shit." Roman's smirk fell instantly as he stepped away from the other knight, putting himself beside Virgil, who was watching him with sad eyes. "You'd probably jump at the chance to kill us all."

"You'd be surprised." Roman forced out with a growl clearly trying to mask his voice a bit. "However, threaten my prince and I will not hesitate."

"Your prince?" Deceit crashed, eyes filling with confusion, as Virgil's brow quirked.

"I said I wanted an audience with your prince." Deceit's eyes shot wide as Virgil's eyes narrowed. "If that is too much for you to comply with I will gladly take it up with another who WILL." Deceit stood there frozen in thought as his eyes darted between the two. Roman watched as he glanced down at the dagger making him tense a bit and go to hold it. "Well?" Virgil cut in after a while of silence. "What is it going to be?"

"Make any sudden movements and the both of you won't ever leave." Roman growled only to freeze up as Virgil shook his head. Deceit sighed as he turned away and gestured for them to follow. "Prince Remus is not going to enjoy this."

Chapter Text

The two slowly followed after Deceit as silence fell over them. Roman was tense. It was obvious. Virgil could see it clear as day. Roman's breath was whispy, his focus nonexistent, and his stance was stressed. He was strained and one good tug to snapping. His hand was permanently placed on his dagger only serving to unnerve the other guards and knights around them that all glared endlessly in their direction.

"Roman?" Virgil gently pressed a hand to the knights back making Roman snap over only to freeze seeing who it was. "Are you ok?"

"It's... It's a lot." Roman's voice shook as he twitched slightly spotting a knight go to grab his own sword in warning. Deceit frowned as he tuned in to what was going on behind him obviously aware the two had started conversing as they walked. "All the eyes... the hostile intent. I feel like... I feel like I'm being targeted by a million knights with heavy armory. It's hard to breathe through it."

"Is it because of the bond?"

"That would only matter if you were the only one being targetted but I know it's me." Roman grunted as the room started to spin slightly making him falter in his steps, catching several knights who instantly went for there weapons. "Though, you being here in their crosshairs aren't helping. It's making everything worse." Roman literally could not relax. "And that's all coupled on top of the anxiety I already had over being back here."

"Is there anything you think can help?" Roman just shook his head as he forced himself to let go of his dagger despite the icy feeling of fear crawling down his spine.

"Only exposure at this point. They aren't going to just suddenly not hate me. Just as long as they don't try anything with you, I can hold myself back." Virgil's eyes narrowed as he stopped them both short making everyone tense up. His eyes flashed lavender making Roman frown as he sighed. "I can't help my defenses, Virgil. I've always had them. The difference is I've learned to manage them. This bond... It's powerful."

"How powerful?" Roman's eyes flashed pink unknowingly behind the mask as he shook his head. "Roman?"

"Deadly." Virgil's eyes went wide only for Deceit to hiss making them snap over to him.

"Move or be impaled."

"Try anything and I'll..." Virgil quickly pulled Roman back making him freeze with a very guttural growl. "Do not threaten my prince."

"Coming from a murderer, I'm afraid I do not see the merit in those words." Deceit glared ragefully only serving to make Roman even more on edge. "The second you try anything every single knight here will move to take your head." Virgil just shot the other a look of boredom as he rolled his eyes.

"And I will burn this castle to ash with a flick of my wrist." Deceit paled instantly seeing how Virgil lavender eyes seemed to smoke and trail. "I take oaths as serious as any declaration or written contract. He is my knight and therefore under me. Shall any harm come to him it would be an immediate declaration of war. I suggest you take me to your prince without the harassment of your... lap dogs." Virgil's voice came out in a growl as he smirked viciously showing just how serious he was. "Do not test my patience any further. And Roman..." Roman frowned as he gently shifted just to show his attention. "Relax as much as you can. There on edge as much because you are."

"I can't help the bond."

"I know. Just try to breathe." Roman nodded as he turned to doing as he was told and focused on his breathing. By the time they finally made it to the throne room Roman actually did feel like vomiting. His breath hitched the second the door opened making everyone tense up and watch him like a hawk terrified for their prince's safety, who sat glaring at them from the throne. Roman didn't even see him at first. No. The first thing his eyes caught was the large painting hung directly above the gilded thrown. And by the way Virgil froze, It was clear he had noticed it too. "Oh, wow." Deceit paused, giving them a snarky smirk, as he just scoffed and nodded.

"Prince Romulus Zephyr..." Virgil's eyes shot wide as they darted over to see Roman cringe. "Prince Remus had the painting done in memorial and hung above the throne in his honor." The dark look that knight gave him could literally curdle your blood. "How does it feel to be glared down by the very man you killed?" Roman honestly could only laugh.

"It's like looking in a mirror." Deceit hadn't managed to hear it thankfully but Virgil's grip on his arm only tightened. Roman place a hand over the prince's shaking his head slightly. "Not right now, please, your highness? If you permit it... I would much rather discuss this after." Virgil sighed as he hesitantly released his grip following closely behind Roman as the two walked center of the room. The second Roman looked up to see Prince Remus glaring at them his heart just completely shattered.

"The man who murdered my brother is standing right there... alive. Why?" Remus hissed as he shot a glance over at Deceit who stood directly beside him. "You all had the chance to kill him before he even got here. Why isn't he dead?"

"I'm afraid he was in the company of possible royalty, your highness." Remus groaned as Deceit smiled sadly. "I couldn't risk the possibility of retaliation. Even for him..." Virgil just stood there taking everything in subtly as Remus quite literally sized him up.

"Royalty? He doesn't even look like common trash." Roman flared, his entire body visibly tensing up making Remus's attention snap over to him as Virgil shifted to tell Roman to relax. "I want to know something. Before we get into the political nonsense and all that... Why'd you do it?"

"Remus..." Deceit tried to calm the prince down only Remus just smiled psychotically as he leaned in against his knees.

"Why'd you kill him? Royal assassinations I can understand. I do. Sometimes bad kings need to get put down. But Ro?" Roman frowned as Remus's eyes just bore into him. "Ro was going to be a great King. He cared about everyone. He wanted to help people. He wanted to do his kingdom right. So why? Why kill him? Why kill a good man?" Remus jumped up, his eyes filled with such hate and rage. "WHY KILL MY TWIN BROTHER?!"

Chapter Text

"Why'd you kill him? Royal assassinations I can understand. I do. Sometimes bad kings need to get put down. But Ro?" Roman frowned as Remus's eyes just bore into him. "Ro was going to be a great King. He cared about everyone. He wanted to help people. He wanted to do his kingdom right. So why? Why kill him? Why kill a good man?" Remus jumped up, his eyes filled with such hate and rage. "WHY KILL MY TWIN BROTHER?!"

Roman flinched bad, his hand going to his mask as his mind flurried with incessant thoughts. The glare Remus was giving him with tears streaming down his face only served to brake Roman more. He couldn't help but cry right alongside him. He just wanted freedom. He couldn't stand it anymore. It was never his intention to cause so much pain. He didn't know how else to get it. He just... He couldn't live like a porcelain doll with fragile strings... Put up on display in a glass box for everyone to see but never able to do a thing. Remus growled as he reached for his sword only for Deceit to quickly stop him.

"The answer I provide... will do nothing to ease your mind." Roman forced out with a harsh rasping tone. It damaged his throat but it was better than the alternative. If they learned the truth... he would lose all the freedom he fought so hard to get. He wasn't going back to that life. As much as it hurt seeing Remus like this... he couldn't live like that. "The past won't change."

"Why. did. you. kill. him?" Roman smiled sadly as his tears slid past his mask not that Remus even noticed. Deceit did though who's grip relaxed as his eyes softened in confusion.

"If you must know..." Roman took a deep breath as he stared Remus right in the eyes. "I wanted my freedom."

"Treason is a death sentence. So unless you meant freedom from your 'mortal coil' than you made the WRONG choice... bud." Remus's voice hissed as he forced his arm out of Deceits grasp shocking the knight who stumbled a bit.

"Jan-..." Roman clammed up as he forced himself not to move. He stepped back and looked away as he bit his tongue to keep from saying anything.

"It matters not. Your charges are severe. You cannot run from them." Remus fixed his posture before pulling his sword out and gripping it tightly. "You are charged with conspiracy to steal our fragment of Aesir." Virgil's eyes shot wide as they darted over to see Roman not even reacting. "The murder of Prince Romulus Zephyr, Grand Prince of Ealdor and Heir to the High King's throne." Roman rolled his eyes under his mask as he clicked his tongue in annoyance. Remus's gaze only hardened after that. "Evasion of punishment and assault of royal guards."

"It wasn't assault. I protecting myself. When one has a sword to your throat you fight to survive."

"As Prince of Ealdor, Remus Zephyr, First of my name, sentence you to..."

"I'm going to have to stop you right there." Virgil's voice rang through the room making every knight go for their weapon causing Roman to whimper under the pressure. Deceit's eyes shot up the second he heard the sound noticing right away how Roman grimaced, his hand going to his dagger. "Breathe, Roman."

"Can't... Too much... They're... You... The bond." Virgil took his hand sending a soft lull of calming energy to go down Roman's spine as he turned his attention back to Remus. Deceit's gaze never left Roman who was still grimacing but no longer going for his weapon.

"I cannot allow you to kill my knight." Remus just laughed as he held his sword to the point where his knuckles were white.

"You have no say in Ealdor business. Therefore you cannot stop me from sentencing him. He killed my brother..." Deceit once again tried to pull Remus back nearly making the prince snap at him only Dee wasn't looking at Remus. He was still looking at Roman, who was panting as he looked around at all the knights glaring into Virgil's back.

"V-Virgil... th-the bond." Roman whispered as his hand free hand moved to hold Virgil's while he shifted so that his other arm was around the prince effectively shielding his back from the other knights.

"I know, Ro." Virgil whispered back as he squeezed his hand ignoring the position Roman had put them in knowing it was about protecting and nothing more. Virgil sighed as he looked around at everyone before meeting Remus's gaze again. "My name is Virgil..."

"I do not care about..." Virgil held his hand up making Remus falter as Virgil's eyes turned lavender.

"My name is Virgil Ignis, third of my name and crowned Prince of Raviera." Remus's eyes bugged as his sword dropped with a clang. "I am the sworn ruler of the 5th kingdom of Aesir. I am the barrier of the dark flame... The Weapon of the new world... The demon of magic as... many have unfortunately called me."

"The dark prince..." Remus shuttered as Virgil's eyes only glowed brighter. Remus's gaze darted from Roman to Virgil several times before growling out in frustration. "How do I even know you are in fact you say you are?! Plus... Raviera is dead and gone." Roman tensed as Virgil visibly crashed beside him. "Your kingdom and therefore your claim is no more."

"I am still a prince of the old world. A Prince of magic... A 'Grand prince' as you've labeled us." Remus frowned as Virgil stepped forward despite the hiss Roman gave at the movement. "My kingdom may be gone but I am still here. As long as my connection to the Aesir Crystal stands... so does my rite and rule." Remus's eyes narrowed as he clenched his fist.

"I guess we'll just have to see about that. Won't we?"

Chapter Text

"I guess we'll just have to see about that. Won't we?" Remus smirked as he turned to speak to Deceit only... there was a spark in the air.

Roman's eyes went wide as his blood twinged and his whole body went rigid. Both Virgil and Deceit who were paying extremely close attention to Roman jumped as the knight suddenly disappeared from the very spot he stood. There was a cry that rang through the room making everyone jump over to see Roman standing there holding a man back. One hand gripped the unfortunate knight's wrist, twisting it so he couldn't hold his sword properly, while the other handheld his dagger pointed right against the knight's throat. No one could see but Roman's eyes were a bright electrifying pink as he growled in anger.

"Roman!" Virgil called out with narrowed eyes, not angry but still. Deceit faltered a bit as Remus held his hand out to stop the other knights from retaliating. "Please, explain..."

"Drop your sword." Roman growled out again as he dug his dagger deeper making the knight whimper and obey. As soon as the sword was on the ground Roman released him and pushed him away causing him to fall onto the ground as Roman kicked the sword over to Virgil.

"Roman?"

"Sorry." Roman rasped as he glared daggers into the knight before him who tried to scramble away. "Murderous intent... I snapped." Roman met Virgil's gaze and smiled softly. "I had to protect you. The bond... I'm sorry. I told you if they tried anything against you I wouldn't be able to stop myself." Virgil sighed as he nodded. Roman didn't miss a beat teleporting back to Virgil's side glaring back at the other knight who at this point were scared to even breathe. Virgil called his name and Roman nodded as he turned back around to see the knight trying to beg Remus to kill Roman for that. "You should count your blessing I have as much self-control as I do."

"You are not helping your case here, Roman." Virgil glared as Roman's expression deepened.

"Attempted murder of a Grand prince is treason. Just to speak of it is conspiring against the crown and you will be put to death. Law clearly states anyone who threatens the crown is to be run through. Any civilian, knight, or otherwise who takes it upon themselves are even to be regarded as heroes." Remus was about to say something about the irony no doubt but the knight pathetically groveling at his prince's feet spoke up before him.

"I wasn't..."

"LIAR!" Roman's voice boomed through the room, his magic flaring making Deceit's eyes shoot wide. "You were going to attack my prince with the intent of murdering him."

"How would you know that?" Remus smirked as he glanced around. "How would you know what he was intending? I have half a mind to consider this an act of..."

"He was targeting my prince and I felt it." Remus's smirk fell as Roman clenched his fists. "As knight to Prince Virgil I..." Roman faltered his word not quite finding sound.

"We're bonded." The room went silent as Virgil's hand once again met with Roman's. "He's bonded to me and therefore is... protective of me."

"Shit." Roman chuckled slightly as Remus pouted. He knew the law better than most. If Roman was indeed bonded to Virgil that meant his actions were not completely that of his own control but that of the Aesir. That meant not only could he not be charged... but it meant there was weight to what he said even if he could not be trusted. If the Aesir wanted it... Remus could not go against it. "Stand up." Remus hissed angrily as the knight stumbled to his feet. "Aesir, guide me... Did you or did you not attempt to harm that of a possible grand prince while in the presence of myself and his..." Remus clearly didn't want to say it but he swallowed his disgust and pushed through. "... his bonded knight?"

"I did no such thing." Remus frowned as his eyes darted to Roman seeing how the man was about to snap again. Roman practically bared his teeth and his anger pooled in him. His magic tumbled about creating shifts in the air around him and Remus sighed as the knight held a fist over his chest. "I swear on my oath I did not."

"I'm truly saddened to see you hold so little to your oath." The knight's eyes widened as Remus stood there feeling how the wind angrily moved around him, whipping his hair around. Roman stood there holding himself back as to him everything was calm... as if he stood in the center of a hurricane... the eyes of the storm.

"You lied." The knight jumped as Roman stared him down. "You lied again."

"I did no-..." The man's voice cut out as the wind suddenly blasted into him knocking back into Deceit's arms who gripped him tightly with a frown. "I don't understand." Virgil glanced over at Roman who relaxed slightly as let the other pull him a bit closer to help ground him. "What happened?!"

"You angered the Aesir." Remus responded with a missed beat. "Janus?" Remus glanced over at his friend and smiled sadly. "Please have him escorted to the dungeons. And after if you can send word to the other Grand Prince's..." Roman's eyes shot up in shock as Remus looked away. "We'll need them here to confirm This... Virgil's claim as I have no right to."

"As you wish, My prince." Deceit quickly started to leave, knight in hand, as Remus turned his attention back to Virgil and Roman.

"You are only on Remission of you sentencing until his claim can be verified. Until such time you two are both to remain here at the castle where you will be monitored." Roman shivered as he suddenly took a step back making Virgil worried. "You are not to leave the grounds for whatever reason to ensure you don't run."

"No." Roman whined before slapping his month making Remus stop with a glare.

"What was that?" Roman couldn't help how he started to tear up. "If you intend on keeping that head of yours, you will abide by the stipulations. Otherwise, war be damned... I'll kill you right now."

"I can't go back to that... I-I can't. I can't be trapped. I..." Roman growled at himself as he shook his head trying to push down the anxieties. "I...I-I..." He forced himself to relax as he gripped his arm tightly. He should have realized this would happen. It's better than being dead... and he can stay with Virgil and help him get his throne back. He shouldn't be so upset. So what if he was back to be locked up in the very castle he ran away from. So what if his own brother was sentencing him back into the hell he gave up everything for to leave. "I understand. I'm sorry for my outburst. I will accept any stipulation... as long as my prince is safe."

Chapter Text

"Here's your room. You'll both be staying here." The guard so 'nicely' said as he practically shoved Roman into the room. Roman paled as he stared at the single bed, Virgil had sat on, before just shaking his head.

"But hey... what about..."

"No!" The door was slammed in his face making Roman frown over the disrespect. Yes, he gave his status up but... He still didn't like it. It didn't matter in the end. Roman sighed as he turned back to Virgil, who was watching him with a sad look in his eyes.

"Don't worry. I'll just take the floor." Roman smiled softly as he looked around, trying to get a good idea of where things will be. He had to make sure they'd be safe after all. He couldn't completely deny any chance of an attempt at assassination. Of course, Janus was probably doing the safe for Remus. Janus might not be Remus's personal guard but they are best friends. There was no way that that knight was going to ignore a possible 'threat'. "I'll probably set my bed up by the window. I'll set up some charms and wards around everything just to be safe but if I'm by the window then I'll at least have a boost if I need it. If I have access to the outside in someway I'll always be stronger than say... if I wasn't."

"Roman." Roman shook his head as he walked over to the window and opened it up. His eyes narrowed as he looked around just to see if there were any risk points. There were a few but Roman knew with a few well-placed charms it should be ok. As long as they let him. Chances are the guard would stop him every chance he would get. "Roman, we need to..."

"Not right now, Virgil, please? I'm trying to make sure this place can be secured."

"You can do that in a minute. Roman, sit down." Roman's eyes widened as Virgil glared over at him, pointing to the spot beside him. "Sit. We need to talk."

"I'm not relinquishing my vow." Virgil's eyes widened as Roman slowly took his mask off with a frown. "If that is what you want to talk about... I refuse. I swore an oath to you to be your knight."

"Roman..."

"I swore an oath." Virgil sighed as he looked away. Roman just set the mask down beside him before undoing his cloak. Chances are that for the rest of the night at least, they would not be leaving the room again. "I understand your hesitation now but... I knew what I was doing when I made it."

"I didn't." Roman's eyes darkened as Virgil barely whispered his words out. "I didn't know. I... You told me you were wanted for murder."

"I am." Virgil scoffed as he gestured wildly at him and the door. "I did not lie. I said they believed I killed the grand prince. I said that it wasn't what it seemed. I never lied to you. I just... I just never told you the whole truth."

"You didn't 'kill' the Grand Prince... Did you Roman?" Roman's eyes darkened even more as he just sat there not giving an answer. "You ARE the Grand Prince. You are Romulus... aren't you?"

"I faked my death but got caught trying to escape." Roman let out a shuddered breath as he curled up a bit into himself. "I just wanted freedom. I was tired of being trapped. I couldn't take it anymore. I was suffocating."

"Roman..."

"I never meant to hurt them." Virgil stopped short the second Roman started to cry. "I know it was going to happen. I know they cared about me. I just... I didn't WANT to hurt them. I just couldn't do it anymore. I was a doll in a glass box. A puppet with frayed strings... I was told what to do and I did it only to be locked in my room. I hardly ever even got to walk the castle grounds let alone out of it." Roman's eyes were a bright emotional pink as his tears fell endlessly, making Virgil's chest tighten badly. The darker prince wanted nothing more than to make the other smile again. This urge in him to comfort and protect, bubbling up in his chest. "I hate the choice I made. I hate how badly it hurt them... my brother... my friend. I hate it but... I do NOT regret leaving. I needed to. I was going to end up dying here if i didn't. I just... I'm sorry." Roman completely broke down curling up into a ball making Virgil's eyes flash flashed purple. He wrapped his arms around the other before his mind even realized what was going on. "I'm sorry."

"Shh. Roman..." Virgil lulled as the other latched onto him and cried into his shoulder. "It's ok. The last thing I'm going to do is judge you. I know what it's like to be afraid. I know what it's like to be stifled."

"They had me locked in my room." Virgil frowned as Roman's voice shook, the lighter burying himself into him. "I was locked in my room all the time. Once I was crowned to be High King... I was never allowed out save for special events, where I sat in a chair and barely even spoke. The only freedom I got was when I snuck out for just a few hours. I couldn't take it anymore."

"It's ok, Ro..."

"Don't make me go back." Virgil's heart completely shattered as Roman whimpered in his arms. "Please? Please, don't make me go back to that." Virgil just held him tighter, this feeling in him burning brightly as his magic urged him to never let go. The bond... He realized it quickly as he smiled and just nodded. He felt the bond. The protective need that Roman felt for him... He felt it too. There was no getting past this. There was no separating them. Roman needed to be with Virgil.

And Virgil needed to be with Roman.

"I won't let that happen. I told you, Roman. I take my oaths seriously. You swore to be my knight... to protect me with your life..." Virgil's eyes shined as he pulled away just enough to stare into those bright pink eyes. "And I will do the same for you. We're bonded, you and I. They can't fight against that."

"I won't..." Roman choked slightly as he wiped his tears away. "I won't get trapped... not like that again... right?"

"Roman, I'm not giving you up. You're oath remains. You stay with me." Roman's eyes lit up as he smiled and just hugged Virgil again, despite his shaking. Virgil just sighed softly as he turned his attention back to comforting, that need in him still just as strong. "It's going to be ok, Roman. We're in this together."

"Together."

Chapter Text

"How's this?" Virgil asked softly as they walked out into the garden. He had grown quite worried about his friend as the day went on. From the moment they had woken up Roman was withdrawn... silent. He'd stare out the window when not being spoken to. Virgil thought maybe it was just being stuck in the room all day but even walking around the castle wasn't good. It didn't help that Roman had to fight against the bond every time a guard so much as looked at him. That's why Virgil had brought him outside. Even with the mask and cloak on he could see that Roman was relaxing. "Is that better?"

"You didn't have to trouble yourself." Roman mumbled as he took a deep breath and just melted into the air. "But... Yes. Thank you. It does help."

"I'm glad. I was getting worried." Roman frowned as Virgil started to walk further into the garden making Roman have to follow after. "It's our first day here and you were already withdrawing."

"I'm sorry. I was trying. Really..." Virgil stopped making the knight stop short with a sad look. "My Prince?"

"I'm not sure being here is good for you, Roman." Roman smiled as he shook his head and looked around the garden. As horrible as the memories he had here were, he did have good ones... and he had missed this garden greatly.

"I'll be ok, Virgil. I just... I have a problem with confinement." Virgil's eyes narrowed in concern as Roman stared at the path they were on finally noticing how thin the walkway was. He never realized how little room people had to walk it... or how tall the bushes were. One wrong step and you'll get cut on some thorns or fallen into the brush.

"Are you claustrophobic?" Roman's eyes shot wide, not that it could be seen under the mask, as Virgil gently took his hand. "It's alright if you are. I probably would be to if I could remember the crystal any."

"They had me locked in my room all day... every day." Virgil's eyes darkened as Roman's grimaced. "Even when I wasn't there I was sitting in my throne or in a chair completely surrounded by guards. No matter the size of the room I was stuck... trapped... suffocating."

"Roman." Roman gasped as he jumped back suddenly startled by the way Virgil took his hands. "It's ok. Look at where you are. Look up at the sky." Roman nodded as he did what he was told. He looked up and his eyes shined seeing all the clouds slip past. "Look at all that space... the wide-open sky. It goes on forever with nothing to stop it."

"I could just... breathe." Roman smiled as he closed his eyes to take a deep breath feeling himself relax. "Thank you. I didn't realize I was setting myself off." Virgil smiled sadly as Roman shook his head and laughed at himself. "Not exactly the best knight to have with such a fear as mine."

"It makes no difference to me." Roman smiled as Virgil continued to hold his hand, carefully leading the two of them off further down the path. Roman sighed as he pulled his hand free and just stuffed them both into his pockets. He was happy watching as Virgil gazed at all the flowers with this awed expression, but one thing just kept nagging on his mind.

"How did you know how to help me?" Virgil hesitated as Roman frowned seeing the sudden change in the prince. "When I was beginning to panic... you stepped in to help calm me down. How did you know what to do?"

"I uh..." Virgil sighed as he shrugged. "I'm familiar with anxiety. I have panic attacks myself. Nothing too serious but... I do know what it's like. Plus... before I was the weapon of the new age... I was more of a therapist than anything."

"Wait what?" Virgil laughed as Roman just blinked stunned behind his mask.

"We were at war, Roman. People were scared. I helped calm them down. Despite what people think nowadays... I was well-liked in my kingdom. I was kind, just, and protective. My people knew me to be nurturing and loyal to them."

"The stories paint you as..."

"I know what they paint me as." Roman clammed shut as Virgil tensed up badly. "I said my people saw me that way. To the outside, I was secretive, untrustworthy... dark. They saw the protective walls I put up to guard myself and my people. They thought me conniving. They fought to use that to their advantage."

"I don't think of you like that." Virgil paused for a second as he glanced back to see Roman give him a soft smile. "You've been nothing but kind to me from the start... besides the attitude but... that's just a part of your charm."

"I'd hold my tongue, dear knight..." Roman rolled his eyes as Virgil laughed tauntingly at him. "... lest someone believe you to be flirting."

"My Prince." Roman smirked as he gestured to the end of the garden with a bow. Virgil just chuckled as the two made their way out.

"I must admit, I did enjoy the flow-..." Virgil stopped short seeing the way Roman suddenly stiffened. This wash of need pulled him under, making him tense with a need to protect. He sighed as he turned to see a guard glaring down at them, his hand firmly on his sword. Virgil almost wished he had the gift Roman did. Roman could sense danger and ill intent. He always knew when someone was watching them with the intent to harm them. That way he always knew when he needed to be on guard. Virgil didn't have that. No, he only knew something was wrong when he noticed Roman react. The issue with that is Roman has a very hard time holding himself back. The bond affects Virgil in a much lesser form than it does to Roman. "Yes?" Virgil tried to be civil. He was a guest at another royals castle even with the circumstances around it. The only problem with that is it doesn't matter if, in the end, the other doesn't want to be civil back.

"What are you two doing?" Roman flinched subtly as his breathing lapsed. Virgil's eyes widened as he stepped slightly in front of his knight as if to guard him instead.

"We are walking the grounds," Virgil answered matter of factly only making the guard growl.

"Whatever you two are up to it ends now. Return to your room or..."

"Last I check the orders from Prince Remus were to remain at the castle. The outer grounds are a part of that. He never once stated that we had to remain in our room." The guard's grip on his sword tightened making Roman growl as he went for his dagger catching Virgil's eye. "We are not prisoners. We are guests of his royal highness. My knight was even given remission on his crimes... a temporary pardon which means you are not to treat us as criminals."

"Your 'knight' murders our grand prince. As far as I'm aware... your all going to burn in the Aesir." Virgil's eyes lit up purple as Roman's went pink behind the mask.

"I'd watch your tongue." They BOTH hissed out as their magic swirled around them. Roman forced himself to look away to calm himself down as Virgil growled and took a step closer making the guard tense up. "As a grand prince myself, I take that as a threat. Do not take the Aesir so lightly as to punish innocence. You have no right to spout any of that."

"My Prince... it's alright." Roman spoke softly as to not allow his full voice to reach past the winds. "Let's not cause too much trouble. Not over me at least..."

"Ro..."

"It's safer for you if we're inside anyway." Roman frowned as his hand twitched wanting nothing more than to grab his dagger. "It's alright."

"We're going to need to bring this up with Prince Remus." Virgil growled as he nodded and pushed, quite violently, past the guard forcing Roman to chase after him. "The health of my friend is more important than those guards. You can't be cooped up."

"Virgil, I'm just a knight..." Virgil stopped them both short moments from the castle doors as Virgil glared him down. "You needed to worry about me. My job is to serve and protect you... not the other way around."

"You are a prince, Roman." Virgil whispered so that only Roman could hear. "You are THE prince. Even with your sworn oath as my knight you are STILL royal blood and should be respected as such."

"I am your knight..."

"Yes, you are..." Virgil's eyes darkened as he just sighed and shook his head. "But you are also my comrade. A fellow Grand prince..." Roman frowned as Virgil took his hand again. "Now... We're finding your brother, be prepared for him to... well... not like having you there."

"Understood, My Prince."

Chapter Text

"Remus!" Roman's eyes shot wide as he tried to pull Virgil's hand back only for the darker prince to not listen. The guards all went for their swords making Roman whimper under the massive pressure on the bond. The second Remus heard Virgil's voice he groaned and started to walk off not wanting to deal with them at all.

"Remus, stop." Janus quickly called the second he heard the cry. His eyes went straight to Roman who was trembling under it all as Remus just shot him a confused look. "Call off the guard."

"I don't think..." Janus shot him a glare making Remus tense before nodding and holding a hand up to make the guards relax. Roman let out a sigh as he relaxed too. The pressure was still there but it was less intense now that the entire room wasn't a move away from running his prince through. None of that deterred Virgil however, as the man stormed his way closer to the two just standing there in the throne room. Remus glared him down before his eyes went to Roman, who just managed to catch up to Virgil. "What do you want?"

"Some semblance of freedom." Roman's eyes went wide as Virgil hiss out in anger. "Considering you gave my knight remission on his crimes..."

"Of killing my brother you mean." Remus cut in with a vile look that only made Virgil angrier.

"Last I checked remission was a temporary pardon." Virgil's voice came out with a growl as his eyes locked onto Remus. They started to glow a dangerous lavender making the other prince falter. "We shouldn't be confined to our room."

"Is that what the problem is?" Remus rolled his eyes as he waved Virgil off. "No, I never said you HAD to be confined to your room but it is safer for your... precious knight." Remus hissed as he clenched his fist tightly. Roman stood there dazing out as he realized what that meant. He could feel his hands beginning to shake. They were going to lock them in their room. He was going to be trapped in his room again. He was going to be... No. No... He can't. He can't do this. Roman flinched subtly as his anxiety started to rise. He shuffled back as his mind told him to run only...

"I am not asking to leave castle grounds. I am not asking you to let us go into town. Despite the fact that I am a prince, and this is foul treatment... I am merely asking you to allow me to walk the gardens or around the inner castle wall. Fresh air... to breathe." Roman whimpered quietly catching Virgil's attention who instantly held a hand behind his back for the other to take. Roman smiled softly as he held it melting into the soft calming energy Virgil helped to give off. "I am not a prisoner."

"No, but he is." Remus pointed at Roman as he shook his head. "Remission or not he killed my brother. A grand prince who was highly loved and respected..." Roman laughed instantly slapping a hand over his mouth as the room went silent. Remus's eyes darkened as the pressure of murderous intent drowned over him. His brother was going to kill him. Roman tensed, his eyes going pink under his mask, as the wind shifted pushing Remus away just enough for the prince to frown in confusion.

"I did not mean to laugh." Roman whispered quietly, so quietly it was hard to hear.

"My brother was the best fucking person alive and you mock him. Everyone loved him."

"No." Roman frowned as Remus growled at him. "Not everyone loved him."

"Clearly... considering you killed him." Roman deflated as he fell back into the silence not wanting to deal with this anymore. Virgil simply squeezed his hand to help ground him more as Remus spoke. "You're request is denied. I'm not having a murder walk the grounds."

"My statement wasn't a request." Virgil cut in as Remus went to leave. Janus just stood there staring at Roman who was just staring at the floor visibly deflated. "I will be allowed to walk the grounds with my knight. I will not be stopped and told to return to our room. I am not a prisoner and as my knight neither is he, regardless of what you say. He was given a pardon. Even if it was temporary, it still stands." Roman shifted as he tugged on Virgil's hand, shaking his head. "Don't tell me to stop. I'm not going to." Roman did it again more forcefully and Virgil paused, this look of concern in his eyes. Roman squeezed his hand as he gestured towards the door and Virgil sighed. "I'm not dropping this."

"You have no choice." Remus hissed as he stuffed his hands into his pocket. "I'm not changing my mind. Return to your room yourself... or I'll have a guard escort you."

"As you wish." Roman whispered, watching Remus walk off, as he gestured yet again to Virgil with a sad smile. "It'll be alright." Janus hesitated in following as Virgil shook his head with a broken laugh.

"No... It's not going to be ok."

"Virgil..." Roman called out as the dark prince stormed off making him crash. "Virgil wait!" Roman ran after as Janus just stood there with a confused frown. "Virgil!"

"God damn it, Princey!" Roman's eyes shot wide the second he walked into the room to find Virgil on the bed.

"Princey? What?" Virgil sighed as Roman just shook himself out of his thoughts. It's not the time to fight over names. He had a prince to comfort. "Virgil..."

"You can't be locked up. I made you a promise." Roman sat down beside him as he just stared at his hands. "If you had just let me... I could have talked him into it."

"No, you couldn't have. Virgil, I know my brother." Roman smiled sadly as he took his mask off and set it beside him. "He's stubborn and thick-headed. He will fight tooth and nail to the death for what he believes. We both would." Virgil's eyes darted to his as Roman gently took his hand. "There is no getting through to him."

"But you need to..."

"I will make do."

"Roman..." Roman squeezed Virgil's hand cutting the prince off as he shook his head again.

"I am your knight, Virgil. I will go through anything to make sure you're safe. If that means being locked up again like this... As long as in the end you're ok..." Virgil pulled him into a hug making Roman tensed up slightly before relaxing into it. He couldn't help the way he broke down. His body shook as he gripped Virgil's shirt tightly.

"I won't drop it, Roman. I will get you out of here..." Roman whimpered softly as Virgil just held him close. "And I don't mean out of this room... You'll have your freedom. I'm not giving up."

Chapter Text

"Roman?" Virgil stood there staring at the man that just stared blankly out of the room window. "Roman... Are you..."

"It looks nice out." Roman smiled softly as his eyes went pink. "Then again it's always nice. Even in the winter."

"Roman." Virgil hesitantly approached the seemingly out of it man before placing a hand on his shoulder making him jump a bit. "Are you ok?"

"'m fine, Virgil. Just thinking. It's a lot warmer by the window." Virgil frowned as Roman titled his head in thought. "Why is the room so much colder?"

"It's not." Roman shivered as he hugged himself making Virgil's eyes narrowed. "Are you cold?"

"Freezing." Roman whined but just shook his head and closed the window. "Forget it. My mind's just a bit... hazy. I must be tired." Virgil watched as Roman went over to sit on the bed before opening the window back up knowing it helps his friend. "What time is it?"

"Nearly lunch." Roman's eyes widened a bit as Virgil sighed sadly. "You've been staring out the window for hours now."

"I dazed out? Well, that's not good. I'm supposed to be keeping you safe. I can't do that if my heads not on right." Virgil groaned as he sat down beside his friend making Roman tense up and crash. "H-How... How long have w-we been stuck?"

"A few days now."

"Days.... oh." Roman cleared his throat as he shook his head. "It's felt... longer. I'm sorry."

"Roman, I've told you this before, do not apologize for your triggers. I understand them." Roman smiled sadly as he glanced around.

"The rooms so small." Virgil's eyes flashed as Roman's breathing began to hasten. "My old room was so much bigger than this and even then... The walls never hesitated to close in on me. I couldn't breathe. It's like they wanted to suffocate me. I... I-I couldn't escape. I couldn't... I... I can't..."

"Roman? Focus on me. Ok? It's going to be ok." Roman shivered as the bond twinged in Virgil making his own anxiety pull at his seems. "That's it. We aren't staying in here any longer."

"No. No... Can't... too dangerous." Roman whined as Virgil got up to look around for Roman's things. "It's fine. I'll be fine. I just... I... I have to breathe. If the walls would stop closing in." Virgil tensed as he gripped the mask tightly. "I'll be fine."

"Here, My sweet knight." Roman's eyes darted up to see Virgil smiling down at him, his mask in his hand. Roman cautiously took it before looking over to where he had put his cape letting Virgil get it without searching for it again. "Come on. Up." Roman grunted silently as he did what he was told and Virgil laughed as he put the cape on his knight with a gleam in his eyes. Roman's hands twitched as he forced himself to put the mask on and Virgil beamed. "Let's get you out of here."

"But the guards..."

"Will end up eating smoke if they try to stop us." Roman paled as Virgil growled and opened the door. "You can't be locked up and I am NOT about to let my friend suffer through that JUST because he takes his role as knight far too seriously. Self sacrificing is not a good look, Honey."

"I don't know..." Roman smirked as he stuffed his hands into his pants and let Virgil lead the way. "I seemed to think I look hot." Virgil blanched in shock as Roman just laughed. "Sorry. Sorry. I didn't mean to... uh... It's a habit." Virgil coughed as he tried to kill the blush on his cheeks but that didn't work very well.

"Don't apologize for speaking the truth." He mumbled very quietly making Roman quirk a brow.

"Did you say something, My prince?"

"Nope." Virgil smiled as he took Roman's hand and laughed. "Let's go see what other stuff you have around the castle."

"A fountain?" Virgil whispered out seeing how Roman practically raced to it with a giggle. "You're excited over a fountain?"

"It's my mo-... uh..." Roman's eyes narrowed as he spotted several guards glaring at him from the castle wall and he deflated under the pressure of their gazes. "The Late Queens Fountain." Virgil's eyes widened as he slowly walked closer to see how Roman shifted his weight like he was swaying to an unheard beat. "We're of the tempest but... She was originally from Athens of the Aquos." Virgil nodded in understanding seeing how Roman spun about just melting into the cool crisp breeze the fountain gave off. "She loved the water and had this fountain made when she married the king. When I was a boy, I'd just sit here and relax as if she were there with me. Sometimes I would even talk to her. I miss her."

"She was your mother." Virgil whispered as Roman nodded with a solemn smile.

"Being a parent doesn't automatically make you someone worthy of being missed..." Roman cut in remembering the stories his friend would give him whenever he'd visit. "But I had lucked out with mine. Both my mother and father were exceptionally kind. All I wanted to be was loved like they were. Then again I wasn't expecting to take over my uncle's job as a grand prince. Or get chosen as the next high king but The last one. I just... It was too much to put on the shoulders of someone so young."

"I completely understand that. Prince or not I was the one that governed my kingdom. I was going to be coordinated asking when the war started and I push all that aside so that I could help my people. No one thought that was a good idea and begged me to take the mantle as to have a 'stable' rule but... I told them a title doesn't make me a king. It's the loyalty and support of my people that do... that they are more important. The other grand princes didn't quite agree with my sentiment it seems."

"I do." Virgil smiled softly as Roman let his fingers slip into the others. "We have the same sentiment." Roman whispered softly as he let himself bask in it all. The air, the open space... everything in him started to relax as he just... breathed. That was until...

"Arrest him!" Roman jumped as he felt arms suddenly pull him back, his eyes going wide as this sense of murderous intent drowned him completely.

"VIRGIL!" Virgil growled at the arms of the guards that held him back as well. Roman was in a state of panic. They were surrounded by guards. The bond completely crashed over him as he furiously kicked through the people holding him but nothing. Nothing worked... and he couldn't breathe. His panic burnt him up until he was weak and unable to move.

"Honestly, Your highness." Roman cringed at the familiar voice as he looked up to see a man he wished he'd never see again, glaring at his brother with disappointment. "I leave to find a suitable ally for your kingdom and I come back to find this. The traitor living under the same roof... and this... heretic claiming to be the Dark Prince. Impossible." Roman growled dangerously as his mind made him tumble. All those nights of being locked in his room... The whispers in his ear... The orders of how to rule... the words he'd twist around so badly till Roman was nothing but a puppet for his control. "Take them inside." The man sneered vilely making Roman quite literally flinch at the sight of it. "By order of the Royal advisor, Darren VonTrent, you are nearby arrested for the crime of Murdering his Royal Excellence the Grand prince of Ealdor... Romulus Zephyr."

"ROMAN!" Virgil cried out as the guards dragged the poor knight away. He tried to get himself free but if he hurt anyone in the process they both would end up dead right then and there. "No... Roman! Fuck. HE HAD A PARDON!" Remus flinched at the growl Virgil gave but did not meet his eyes. Darren just laughed as he shook his head and gently forced Virgil to look up at him with a smirk.

"Not anymore he doesn't."

Chapter Text

"ROMAN!" Virgil screamed out as they dragged them both back inside the castle. He could feel his magic burning in him, turning his blood to literal lava. His eyes glowed as cracked around his eyes grew. He was enraged. The bond pulled at them both urging them to protect each other but... Virgil couldn't hurt anyone without damning them both... and Roman was into much of a panicked state to be aware of what was going on. "Let him go!"

"Enough!" Darren growled as the knights literally threw Roman to his knees. Roman just grunted as he stared blankly at the floor, his mask still on his face. Remus grimaced as Virgil shot him this rageful look. "Knights... a sword please?"

"He had a pardon! You can't do this!" Virgil pulled at the men that held him as Remus's eyes darkened with guilt. Darren just laughed as he took hold of the sword one of the knights gave him.

"Oh, but I can. You are nothing but a heretic to the Aesir. Claiming to be the very prince that plague the four kingdoms with death, flame, and shadow." Virgil's eyes darkened as he suddenly went rigid. "That cursed kingdom was but ash at the foot of those blessed princes and is no more. You... You are nothing but a hollow man with nothing to his name."

"Don't..." Roman choked out, his voice coming out harsh against the panic. "Don't talk... about my prince that way." Darren just smirked as he used the tip of his sword to lift Roman's face up and make him stare into his cold prideful eyes.

"He is not a prince... and you are a traitor being put to death. You have no right to give me any such order." Roman laughed through his dry throat as his hand went and gripped the blade tightly, his magic protecting his skin.

"You are just an advisor to the crown." Darren's eyes flashed as Roman lulled out with a very obvious growl. "You have no authority to sentence anything." Darren yanked the sword from Roman's hand as the lighter grand prince just laughed. "You can't give the order of my death... only Remus can."

"And he did... with my suggestion." Roman tensed as Remus curled up into himself trying to avoid the glare Virgil was giving him over what Darren had said. "He gave the order... I'm seeing it through."

"So one prince wasn't enough. You had to go and worm your way around him too." Roman crashed to his hands as he shook his head. "You gonna puppet him to his death too?" Virgil's eyes shot wide realizing what was going on and the anger in him only burned hotter.

"Puppet him to... Oh, my dear boy... YOU'RE the one that killed Romulus. Not me..."

"Are you sure about that?" Janus's eyes flashed as Roman glanced back up at Darren, his pink eyes hidden under the mask. Darren just snarled as he snapped making the guards react by pulling Roman's arms back as they pushed him forward.

"It's time this traitor dies." Roman grunted in pain as he shook his head.

"I'm not the traitor here, VonDork." Darren flared as he pulled the sword back to aim. Janus's eyes filled with tears as Roman just smirked.

"Burn in the Aesir." Darren called out one last time before he sent his sword slicing through the air. Roman didn't blink. He didn't flinch. He didn't move. He just stayed there smirking as the air burst with warmth around him. Suddenly the blade stopped moments from his skin as this dark black and purple flame burned around the blade forcing it to still. The guards holding Roman all cried out as they reeled back, flames licking at their arms. Virgil was seething. The guards all hold him jumped back seeing the fire only to yell as these burns appeared on their skin.

"Do not touch my knight." Virgil growled, his voice distorted from the magic. His eyes glowed the brighter lavender Roman had ever seen as Virgil suddenly grabbed the sword out of Darren's hands and threw it straight the wall, impaling the brick as if foam. "Or you will be the one burning in the Aesir."

"Virgil." Roman whispered softly as he stumbled to his feet, wrapping his arms around the other's shoulders just to hold him closer. The heat that radiated off the darker prince did nothing to harm Roman as he smiled against him with relief. "I'm ok."

"No... put you will be." Virgil held his hand out, igniting it in that dark flame he was so known for but... The second Roman laid his eyes on it all he saw was beautiful magic. How could anyone ever think such a glorious flame as that was evil? He just didn't understand it. "My knight had a temporary pardon. During which time he did nothing wrong. He even strived to follow through with your ridiculous rules. I was the one that pulled him out of the room. Yet... You'd kill him anyway."

"I..." Remus stepped back feeling out the wind pushed against him. He could feel the magic pressure coming off the two before him and he had enough knowledge to know to be afraid of him.

"What did I say would happen if any harm came to him?" Remus's eyes shot wide as Virgil's fire only got stronger. "I said I would burn it all down. I said I'd consider it a declaration of war."

"You and what army?" Darren hissed back angrily as he took the sword back out from where it impaled the wall. Virgil just laughed as he side glared him with a smirk.

"I don't need an army... when I have the Aesir on my side." Roman frowned as he tugged on Virgil's arm shaking his head. "I know..." Virgil sighed as he turned to see the frown Roman was giving him. "I know. I'm not condoning violence through magic... I'm merely stating I will defend my knight even should it result in that."

"Move." Darren barked as he stormed his way back over. "Move or I'll run you both through."

"Wait, Darren..." Remus went to stop him only for the advisor to glare back at him and effectively shut the prince up.

"I said move." Darren held the sword right, positioned to stab them both through, as he snarled in anger. "Or I'll end you both here and now, heretic!"

"I won't let you." Both Roman and Virgil said, their voices mixing as the fire around them began to swirl with the wind Roman was creating. Darren just smirked as he gripped the sword tighter.

"And I'll only repeat myself... Burn in the Aesir... both of you." The sword went to impale only to freeze yet again at the combined power Roman and Virgil were giving off.

"Why don't you..." Roman chuckled lowly so only the three of them could hear. "Or better yet... Why don't you feel what it's like... to lose... to feel weak and powerless. You find a real puppet to pull the strings on... and leave my family alone." Darren gapped in surprise before Roman twitched and he was sent flying back, hitting his head against the brick. Roman leaned against Virgil, panicked and exhausted as their magic died down around them. Remus just stood there stunned staring at Darren who was passed out.

"Well, isn't this... loud." A new voice sparked the attention of everyone else, making Remus jump yet again to see a tall man standing there behind everyone with his sharp blue tie. Remus's eyes went wide as the man glared everyone down. "Had I known my arrival would coincide with such... activities I would have delayed my departure from home."

"Logan..." Roman smiled as Logan's eyes darted over to his in confusion. Virgil frowned as he helped his knight to stay standing. "I should've known."

"You must be the traitor..." Roman's smile fell as he looked away. He had actually forgotten about the mask and everything. Virgil just held him close as Logan turned his gaze to him drilling straight through him with contempt. "And you must be the one claiming to be Virgil Ignis."

"I AM Virgil Ignis." Virgil said curtly as Roman started to pull away, forcing himself back into an appropriate character for a knight. "And the is Roman... NOT traitor. He's my knight."

"I do not care either way. Though I will state... Romulus was one of my only friends. That being said, I'm not here for the man that killed him. I'm here for you." Virgil's eyes narrowed as Logan once again glanced him over. "I am Grand Prince Logan Brine, from the Kindom Athens, the home of the Aquos fragment and divine chalice."

"Yet you seem as stiff as rock." Roman paled as Virgil teased, only making Logan's eyes narrow a little bit. "I thought those of the Aquos was fluid... emotional."

"Not me." was all Logan said as he turned his attention back to Remus. "Was my informant wrong or were these two not on a temporary remission."

"They were but... But then... Uh..." Remus's eyes darkened as he crashed into himself. "Darren came back. He told me to undo it. Said the traitor shouldn't live... said Virgil was a liar." Logan sighed as he just shook his head.

"Last I checked the remaining royal of this kingdom was you... not Darren. You make the calls, Remus. Not anyone else... You need to stop relying on others to govern for you." Remus just nodded as Logan grim look softened, if only a tad. "Since it wasn't REALLY your order but his, I take it these men are still pardoned. I'll be in my room until the others arrive."

"Wait but... Your room isn't..." Logan paused, having started to walk away until Remus called out. "It's not uh..."

"Worry not, Remus... By my room... I meant His." The sound of steady footsteps echoed through the room as Virgil glared the unconscious advisor down.

"I want him GONE!" Remus huffed as he just shook his head.

"He's my advis-..." Remus started only for Roman to growl this time.

"I want him gone two." Janus's eyes snapped over as he took in Roman's stance. "VonDork needs to go."

"VonDork..." Janus repeated with a very shakey whispered only making Remus frown.

"Janus?" Remus called out softly as the guard shook himself out of his head and nodded. "Really? But... But what am I..."

"He needs to go Remus. You are the prince... not him. Yet this whole thing was completely under his command. he refused to listen to you." Remus's eyes darkened as Janus took his hand and whispered so only he could hear. "Romulus would want you to fall like that. You know how he wanted you to rule... so rule." Remus nodded as he swallowed his fear and walked out to his guards.

"As of now, Darren VonTrent, is stripped of his title as Royal advisor, and released from his duties effective immediately. I want him out of my castle." A cacophony of 'yes, sir's filled the air as Remus's eyes only darkened. "And the remission on the knight is in effect again. This time... I expect it to be obeyed until the truth of Virgil is found." Remus clenched his fists as he gritted his teeth. "But considering the magic we've seen him use... be prepared for the possibility... the knight might be pardoned for good."

Chapter Text

"Roman?" Virgil's voice was soft and light as he gently brought the other over to the bed. "Roman, it's ok. You're safe now. He can't hurt you."

"D-Darren..."

"Isn't here, Ro. It's ok." Roman whined as Virgil dropped to his knees to stare up into the other's eyes. "It's ok."

"That man... Virgil, He..." Roman choked as he tried to curl up only for Virgil to hold his hands firmly in place. "He's the one that... He... He kept me locked up. He told everyone it was for my own good. He told me what to do and when to do it. I had no control. He... As soon as I was named to inherit the High King's throne... he took everything over, spouting lies about knowing what was best... that I was just a kid... that I needed a firm hand to guide me." Virgil's grip tightened as the rage burned in him over the tears falling from Roman's face. "I was nothing but a figurehead. I was his puppet. I... I was a doll for him to govern. He tried to do that with Remus. I could see it. I could see it in his eyes. Virgil..."

"He's gone, Roman."

"I'm scared." Virgil crashed at just how broken Roman looked as the other slowly glanced up to give him such a sad smile. "Either I come out and reveal who I am to everyone... and lose every ounce of freedom I fought so hard to gain... or I keep lying and... and get us both killed."

"I won't let that happen."

"Virgil, it almost did. We both almost ended up dying..." Virgil quickly shook his head making Roman stop short in confusion. "Virg-..."

"You're forgetting one thing here, Roman. The Aesir... It bound us together. It's magic courses through the both of us. It won't let us down... just as we won't let each other down. We're loved by it and it will keep us safe."

"Where was the Aesir when I was literally trapped and fearfully... SOBBING in my room because I could not even leave for a single second, just to see my own twin on our birthday? Where was the Aesir when I was being hunted down by my best friend?" Virgil sighed as Roman looked away, this blank look in his eyes. "The Aesir may love us... but it won't save us. That's not how magic works. It's chaotic and unruly. We are the beings that give it form. If we don't have a strong enough will... it will eat us alive."

"I know." Virgil grimaced as the unwanted memories flashed through his mind. Fire burning through the skin... the scent... the screams... the scaring it all left behind. "Trust me. I know, but that doesn't change the fact that it is there for us. Roman, it bound us together for a reason."

"Says the one that doesn't feel it..."

"Hey." Virgil snapped squeezing the other hand-making Roman's eyes dart over to his. "Who says I don't feel it?"

"Virgil, you don't have to lie or anything. I know I'm the one affected. To be honest I just figured... My job... My purpose is to protect you."

"Roman..." Roman pulled his hand from Virgil's as he shook his head. "Roman." Virgil called more forcefully only to freeze up as his knight glanced up at the door, pulling his mask back on just in time for it to open, revealing Janus standing there with tears in his eyes. "Ro-..."

"Deceit." Roman husked out making Virgil give up and stand to focus on the knight that just barged into their room. "What is the meaning-..."

"VonDork?" Roman's eyes widened as Janus's tears only fell harder. "Von.... FUCKING Dork?"

"Janus..."

"VonDork." Roman cringed as Virgil glanced between the two in confusion. Janus just gave a broken laugh before closing the door behind him as he slowly ventured further into the room. "I would have killed you. I almost killed you."

"I don't know what your..."

"Romulus cut the shit!" Roman flinched as Janus glared him down. "Did you think I wouldn't know? VON FUCKING DORK?! We are the ONLY ones who EVER called the dick that behind his back. It was our joke... OUR THING! Not even Remus called him that and Dork is literally HIS WORD."

"Janus, I think maybe you should..." Virgil tried to calm the situation only to stop as Roman grabbed his hand. "Roman?"

"I was... expecting it. Virgil, it's fine. Let him yell."

"You're damn right I'm going to yell! What the fuck were you thinking?!" Janus cried out as he hugged himself tightly. "We may not be blood but you and Remus are the only family I have... and I thought you were dead. Remus thinks your dead. Not only did I have to greave over you but I watched as your twin shattered. Why would you do that?" Roman didn't respond. He just reached up and gently pulled his mask down revealing his bright tear-filled pink eyes and everything broke in Janus. All the anger died to relief as Roman set the mask into his lap and blankly stared at nothing. "You... Romulus... You really aren't dead? You're here. You're real. You're... You're alive?"

"Roman, do you want me to go?" Virgil whispered softly as glanced between the two of them again. "I understand if you do. I can..."

"No." Roman whined as he met Virgil's eyes with a pleading look. "Please don't leave me."

"Roman..."

"Please don't leave me, Virgil." Virgil's heart clenched, finding himself nodding before his brain even registered, as he sat down beside his knight with a soft reassuring smile. "Thank you."

"Romulus..."

"It's Roman." Roman cut in making Janus flinch a bit. "I go by Roman. I understand if you're mad at me. I do. What I did was horrible. I let you all believe I was dead but... I don't regret leaving. I CAN'T regret leaving. I miss you. I miss Remus. I miss everyone... but I can't come back. Not like that. I'm sorry. I just... I can't."

"You need to tell your brother..."

"I can't." Janus flared as Roman gripped Virgil's hand tighter just staring off at nothing. "I can't, Janus."

"HE'S YOUR TWIN!"

"AND YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I LEFT!" Roman yelled creating a blast of wind to tear through the window making Janus stumble back. "None of you know. So none of you would EVER understand. I left for a reason. I CANNOT come back. It's better this way. I hate that I hurt you all but... Romulus stays dead." Janus scoffed as he wiped his tears away and nodded. "He died Janus. Romulus is dead."

"You're right about that." Roman's eyes flashed as this pain sparked in him over how empty Janus looked so suddenly. "My friend did die... All I see in front of me is a stranger."

"Janus-..." Janus turned away cutting Roman off who was practically sobbing at this point. "Janus, I'm sorry. I..."

"Goodnight, you two." Roman crashed as Janus slammed the door behind him. Virgil quickly pulled him in his arms letting the other break down into his chest.

"It's ok, Ro. It's ok." Virgil lulled softly as he let that familiar calming energy surround them both. "He's just a bit upset. He'll come around. It's ok."

"I don't think it will, Hun." Virgil smiled softly as he just let Roman melt into him. "I've lost everyone."

"You've still got me, My Knight." Roman chuckled as he nodded and gently nuzzled against the other just grateful for the contact and support.

"Yeah. I guess I do. Thank you, My prince."

Chapter Text

"Remus, I would like to talk with you for a moment." Virgil called out the second he spotted the Prince walking down the hall. Janus tensed badly as he looked up to see Roman standing there, a neutral expression on his face, behind Virgil without the slightest thought over the matter. Virgil sighed as he tried to be a bit calmer over everything. This was Roman's family after all and Virgil could see how much everything was hurting his knight. "I am ... aware that the position you were forced into is not an easy one... and with how sudden it was... I can understand your decisions. However... I would very much like to request some time out of the castle."

"No." was all Remus said as he went to leave. Roman actually frowned in confusion as he hesitantly placed his hand to Virgil's arm making the Dark Prince just sigh and gently nudge it off... not that he didn't want Roman's contact, he just had to stay in character and Roman had a way of making him soft.

"I am... willing to negotiate terms and rules over doing so-..."

"I said no." Virgil's eyes flashed as he glanced back behind him to see how tense Roman was before straightening his posture, making Janus grab Remus's arm anxiously. The knight didn't want anything more to happen than what already did between them all. Remus stopped the second he felt Janus grab him and he sighed as he met his friend's tear-filled eyes. "What am I supposed to do?" Remus turned back to Virgil with this defeated look. "This is for just as much your safety as it is for ours. It's hard enough trying to control all my knights when they want to just end him. How am I supposed to do anything about those outside of the castle?"

"For starters, they don't know who I am." Virgil started only making Remus crash. "I am willing to consent to a curfew, to check in's... Honestly, I am about willing to consent to anything at this point short of a search." Remus frowned as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot accept it." Virgil clenched his fists as Remus met his gaze with such a serious glimmer. "I can allow you to roam the castle grounds, seeing as you ignored that anyway. But in terms of leaving all together-..."

"You're the one who broke the terms of a pardon." Remus literally flinched making Janus glare over at Virgil who simply just stood there with an almost unfeeling expression. He could feel how Roman shakingly grabbed at his shirt from behind him. "And in doing so nearly resulted in the death of not only my knight..." Janus's eyes went dark as he suddenly looked away making Remus frown in concern. "... but myself as well. Now, I have been nothing but forgiving. I've dealt with your ridiculous rules and foul treatment. I even refused to act on such blatant hostility considering the position that you were in on the matter. I could demand retribution for all the absolute insanity you forced me AND my knight to endure but instead... All I asked for was a compromise. Time allowed out of the castle with my knight... AND promised to adhere to any rules set in place to do so. I've been nothing but compliant."

"You aren't the problem."

"And yet the only time he has ever spoken or moved against ANYONE was in regards to me and my safety." Remus faltered suddenly as Roman jerked back a bit, forcing himself to stand up straighter and step back so he looked more like a knight again than just leaning against Virgil. "My knight has neither tried to fight your unreasonable demands nor has even attempted to be anywhere but at my side. He's even more compliant than I am over everything and you all treat him as he is some rabid wolf-... dog." Virgil swallowed as he just deflated, revealing just how desperate he really was. "Your highness, with all due respect, I really MUST ask that you allow this."

"I cannot insure anyone's safety and therefore really must deny it." Remus spoke firmly despite the teary haze in his eyes. "Compliancy and Pardon aside, your knight committed high treason and murdered The Grand Prince of Ealdor. That is not something I can ignore... putting my feeling about my brother aside. He was to be high king... that's not just treason against Ealdor... but against the four kingdoms themselves. He's lucky the other grand princes didn't demand his execution... otherwise I would not have been able to spare him." Roman tugged on Virgil's shirt making the dark prince tense up with an odd look. Virgil shot a look back seeing how withdrawn his friend was before growling making Roman tug on his shirt again, trying to get the other to just back off.

"Remus, I cannot be bound to my bed chambers."

"And you will not be... not anymore, but the castle itself-..."

"You're sentencing me confinement either way!" Virgil finally snapped as Roman grabbed both his arms to hold him back. Even though his harsh grip, Virgil could feel that Roman was falling into his panic. " Just because you can see the sky doesn't mean the wall isn't still there. No one handles confinement well, Your Highness." Remus's eyes flashed as his face suddenly fell. "It doesn't matter where you are. If you're trapped... even home will feel like a prison." Roman whined quietly behind the other making Janus's eyes widen a bit, shock pooling in his gaze. Virgil just held back his tears as he placed his hand over Roman's. "Please, your highness. I'm not asking for much. I've even said countless times that I'd comply with rules and a curfew, just as long as we can get some form of air OUTSIDE these castle walls." Virgil swallowed his anxiety for just a bit allowing himself to show his panic for just a second making Remus falter at the sight. "I'm literally begging you, Remus."

"Fine." Virgil fell in shock, eyes lighting up, as Remus just nodded and turned away. "I will permit you to walk the city but that is it. The capital is your boundary and no further." Virgil couldn't stop the smile that grew as he felt Roman's grip tighten in his shaky hold. "You are to report to the guards when you leave AND when you return. You are only allowed to leave once a day at most. However, if there is something going on that could be perceived as distracting to me or the guards you are not allowed to leave the grounds. Your curfew is sundown and not a moment later."

"Thank you so much." Remus frowned seeing the pure relief in Virgil's eyes as the other started to actually tear up over it all.

"Don't thank me... just make sure there aren't any unnecessary scenes." Remus said before starting to walk off. He hesitated slightly as he sighed and turned back with this look in his eyes. "I do know what confinement does to a person. As harsh as I am about it all... I'd never wish a torture like that on someone without a good enough reason to. That in mind, keep yours and your knight's identity a secret out there lest we must return to such an unsavory deal. Understand."

"Again..." Virgil smiled softly with a nod as Remus took Janus's hand and left the two there in the hall on their own. "Thank you, Remus." Virgil beamed as he turned back to see the tears falling from under Roman's mask. "I did it." Virgil lulled as he gently took Roman's mask off seeing the absolute shock in his knight's pink eyes. "I kept my promise."

"We... I..." Roman gasped out as he just hugged Virgil tightly, oblivious to the shadow hiding at the end of the hall. Janus frowned from where he watched the two. "I'm not stuck anymore... We... We can leave?"

"It's not much but it get's you out of the castle."

"Thank you. Thank you." Roman cried as he just shuddered in Virgil's hold. "Thank you so much."

"Anything, My knight... absolutely anything."