Love is not Required 18+ (Wolfenone and Dusutii)

[Wolfenone]

Jyden was frowning deeply at Daeniz as he walked into the room, he didn’t bother closing the door this time as he stalked up to Daeniz, he leaned down and pressed his lips against the other’s to help silence him for a moment. His features were hard and aggressive however softened as he held up a letter. “We need to talk to your father as soon as possible,” he said flatly and offered Daeniz the letter. He didn’t take his eyes off the prince.

 

‘Jyden-

I will not bother with formal greetings to you. I have grave news. An assassin made for our father’s life. He is in critical condition, the assassin did not live for longer than a few minutes, searching the body we found a letter with the Selanem royal seal. I hope you find this as odd as I do, ask your own questions. Stay safe. Be well. More news will follow.

By my hand,

Jagen ‘

 

“You’re father’s life may be in danger,” he supplied. “We need to talk to him, preferably now.” Looking at the prince for a moment longer, “Daeniz, I hope to the Goddess above that your father didn’t send an assassin. He hasn’t before, I don’t know why he would now,” he left the threat trail as he backed away from Daeniz before turning around and going into his chambers he left the door open. He put on his boots and pulled the sleeveless tunic over the long sleeve shirt. Egan held out the dagger darts. Jyden ignored them.

 

His face tightened as he sat in the chair for a moment thinking. His hands came together and he placed them against his face, standing he walked back into the other room. “Ready?”

[Lady.Taser]

The kiss was unexpected however successful in silencing him, it did not reduce his anger though. Had Jyden not shown him a letter he would have started yelling, instead he took the letter from the man keeping his face neutral and impassive. His face remained so until he read about the royal seal, at which point his face darkened and brow furrowed as he tried to sort it out. By the end of the letter he was perceptibly shaking from anger and pushed the letter back towards Jyden as he turned away.

 

"Don't you dare insinuate my father to be that low and Make sure you bring that with you!" He growled as he started to get ready, after that he ignored what the other was doing. Flinging open the doors to where his clothes were stored he pulled out a very specific item. The trousers were effectively riding breaches that were blood red in colour, hugging his legs as exchanged the thin cotton ones he was wear for them and pulled them on. Following this was a thick, black leather tunic which laced up from mid chest. Next he found a heavy pair of boots, they stopped just under his knee and were armoured up the shin.

 

As Jyden re-entered his room and called out he turned, his face still angry as he walked over his his weapons stand. Buckling two small daggers around his waist he also grabbed his boy and a quiver of arrows. "I am now. Lets go." Without even waiting for an answer Daeniz left the room and headed for the throne room. Most of the servants cowered back from him , while one or two of the braver ones ran ahead to warn that the 3rd Prince was not in a good mood and was headed to the throne room.

 

When he arrived at the throne room the guards attempted to take his weapons from him as was normal, however Daeniz turned to the. His eyes were bright with anger and voice low with threat. "As the head of the country's army, and holder of the title Protector of the Throne, I invoke the right to have a confidential audience with His Majesty the King and Prince Jyden of Rethallen. Right Now." The guards both took a step back and one saluted before marching into the throne room.

 

A few moments passed and the man returned, followed by the members of the court, the other princes and the guards who took up stations around the door as Daeniz walked past them all and into the room.

[Wolfenone]

Jyden didn’t respond as he followed Daeniz out letter in hand. He said nothing on the way either; he stayed silent as Daeniz ordered what was to happen. Guards left and then came back, his eyes scanning the people and the princes as they passed however he was only a step behind Daeniz into the throne room.

 

Once inside the throne room his expression changed, he gave a short bow before he walked up to the king and handed him the letter for him to read over. Stepping back down he stood beside Daeniz.

 

He crossed his arms over his chest. “My thinking majesty is you haven’t used an assassin before, why would you start now, and more so when I am currently in your kingdom and palace,” Jyden started. “If you truly wanted the war to continue it would have been easier to wait until I was here, or not go into an allied marriage. I don’t believe, I don’t want to believe you sent an assassin after my king. But because of this, your life may be in danger,” he held his hands up in passiveness. “Not from me. I will do what I was instructed by my king, so long as I am alive.” He said and lowered his hands.

 

“I sent Morgen and Ian back to gather what information they can. While my king is in this state his highness Prince Jagan is in ruling command. There is nothing else I can do from here, we need to keep you safe,” he looked at Daeniz and then back to the king.

[Lady.Taser]

Daeniz didn't stop as he strode in, leaving Jyden to start the conversation and instead walking the perimiter of the room, checking all exits and even the secret entrances for any people who were hiding. When he was satisifed there was no immediate threat Daeniz moved over to where Jyden stood and ignored all formalities. When he had something on his mind he did tend to forget and ignore everything else.

 

"Father. I trust him, at least on this matter and at least for now." Turning to Jyden he spoke loud enough so that the king could hear. "When Morgan and Ian send any information back it will be shared with me as well, all of it however inconsequential it may be. If any of it gets left out and it ends up leading to problems then not only could you have prevented it, but you will also be accused of not honouring the marriage."

 

Then he turned to the king, his gaze still as hard as when he had looked to Jyden. "The seal. Where is it kept and who else other than you has access to it father? Has anyone seen it recently."

 

The King's expression didn't change through the whole of the talking and he stayed silent for a few moments after Daeniz stopped talking before he stood up and stared down at the two who were alone in the room. "Daeniz. Your words sound like you believe we are actually responsible. You must be careful what you say boy. Your brothers and I are the only ones who know of the whereabouts of the seal and Only myself and Taerurn have regular access to it."

 

Daeniz frowned but inclined his head before speaking again. "Then, Your Majesty may I at least have permission to delay to 2 month stay in Rethallen as the marriage agreement states tostay and make sure you are safe and therefore do the duty I have been assigned."

 

"No!" The King replied shortly, "You are to hold to the marriage agreement. Due to this agreement you will now be spending half the year outside of the country, therefore you are no longer able to uphold the duties that the Protector of the Throne and leader of the army needs to. Therefore I strip you of that title, it will be made official once everyone is back in the court and the role shall be handed to the crown prince." Saying nothing more the king sat down again glaring at Daeniz, who had clenched his fists tightly.

 

With a quiet mutter he began to undo the daggers strapped around his waist. They were oranately decorated and razor sharp. He dropped the daggers in their sheaths and the belt that held them to the floor with a loud clatter. "As you wish... Your Majesty. I return to you the daggers which symbolise the role and i do hope you know what you are doing with Taerurn..."

 

Turning on his heel he paused to mutter to Jyden, "Say whatever you wish to him, I am going back to my room." Offering no more he stormed out throwing the door open and causing a few small screams from the more light hearted courtiers. Leaving the door wide open he headed back to his room.

[Wolfenone]

Jyden gave Daeniz a look when he was being accused of not honoring the marriage for lack of information, but didn’t comment on it at the moment, instead looking back to the king when he started talking. He crossed his arms and looked between the two of them for a moment. He watched silently as Daeniz left the throne room, the daggers on the ground his eyes landed on them and then looked to the King.

 

His expression was hard and showed nothing that was on his mind. “Your Majesty,” he started low. His steel blue eyes looked at him and then to the daggers. “I am going to speak very bluntly,” he paused for a moment so the king could prepare for this. “That was very stupid of you, I brought this to your attention so you could be protected. Judging from what happened yesterday, Taerurn hasn’t an idea of how to organize a simple escort, let alone an army of what, thousands… There is a reason why soldiers protect the land, the people, the king, and not those who hold no experience in the field,” he turned towards the exit and looked over his shoulder; he didn’t say anything else as he left the room. Walking out his eyes fell on the crown prince before he walked past the mumbling crowd and back to the chambers he shared with Daeniz.

 

Not bothering to ask he walked into Daeniz room and leaned against the wall. Egan had vanished from the room. Jyden looked to Daeniz but remained silent for a moment.

 

“Morgan will try and steal the letter the assassin had on him, that will be his first goal if I know him, it will take time,” he licked his lips. “All we can do is wait, listen, and learn.” Pushing off the wall he took a step to Daeniz. “What can we do to insure your king’s safety?”

[Lady.Taser]

"Good. I need to see the seal, there is a small chance it is forged. There is also the chance one of my brothers is responsible. Courtiers never get to see the seal, let alone touch it so it isn't a fake then it is one of them." He placed his bow back onto it's stand, wanting to train to help vent his anger, but knowing he didn't have the time.

 

"Taerurn is too proud as the crown prince to ask for help. Tomorrow I will talk to the commanding officers that work directly under the army commander. They may be able to advise him, at the very least i may be able to sway some to doing what i ask." The court tailor had not been among those who left the court room earlier, which means he had not been summoned by the king as he informed Daeniz earlier.

 

He stepped up close to Jyden, close enough to feel the man's breathing. "I need to know all the information you know, unless it is proven otherwise I will trust you. Also regardless of what has just happened we will still be expected at the celebration." With a sigh he moved away and lay down on the bed, legs hanging over the side.

 

"Clothes... on the chair, you can also see if whats in the wardrobe fits. You are a little taller than me but we are about the same build..." He waved in the general direction on the room before putting him hand over his face. "I will come up with a full list of possibilities in the morning... right now..."

[Wolfenone]

Jyden watched the other and nodded his head. He walked over to the bed were Daeniz lay down on it; he leaned on a post and watched the other. “As I promised before Archer, no one else and your needs will be met; this is one of your needs, you will know the information the same time I do nothing secret,” he replied as he then looked over to the pile of clothing on the chair and then back to Daeniz. He pushed off the post and walked to the chair.

 

He only took a moment to figure out that the formal wear was well, very colorful, and he wasn’t the colorful type of person. However he did lay out some pants as he walked around back to Daeniz. “I want to see some of the soldiers that you can trust with your life. I want to hold some training with them and you, secretly,” he said. “Egan and I are going to train you and them in Rethallen combat,” he looked down at Daeniz. “You are already very stealthy, and you have amazing skill,” he finished.

 

“Egan enter,” he said as the man walked in with the tailor before him, Egan’s hand on the other’s shoulder. Jyden leaned over Daeniz and smirked, tapping his own ears, he leaned down farther, "trust me," he whispered before he placed a kiss on the other's lips, his kiss was deep but not as needy as before, he parted and stood up.

 

“Do you know the punishment for lying to a royal family member is in Rethallen?” Jyden asked as he walked past Egan into his chambers for a moment. “If the offense is found great enough, skinning, sometimes the liars live, most time they don’t,” he walked back in with a different pouch and sat it on the table and opened it up. Several very sharp knives and other gruesome looking tools sat. Jyden rolled up his sleeves, the bandage on his arm was still there and the wound had started to bleed through. “On the border I have had experience, a bit of experience skinning Selanem’s soldiers, it works quite well when trying to get information from locked mouth soldiers,” he tilted his head to the side as he looked at the man. He took a small knife out and sat it down as he unwrapped the bandage from his arm. Setting that to the side he walked a little closer to the man and showed him the cut on his arm from Egan’s sword that morning. He then pushed the small knife through the wound. “First we make a cut like this, and stick the knife in like so,” he sliced some of his own skin back, “until we see the muscle under like this,” he stuck the handle into his mouth and pulled back the skin he cut showing the tailor. Then he tapped the man’s nose with the flat of the bloody blade. “Why did you lie?”

 

Egan’s hand tightened on the man’s shoulder.

[Lady.Taser]

Not moving his hands Daeniz nodded, "I will make sure I share information with you too... once i have it straightened out in my heard that is." He still making mental lists of who knew who and who they needed to be careful of at the celebration tonight. "I will pick one or two in the morning. However don't expect more than that."

 

When Jyden ordered Egan in Daeniz pulled his hands from his eyes and looked up at the man, more than happy to return the kiss but saying nothing. As attentions were turned to the tailor he sat up, pulling one leg on the bed and resting his chin on his knee as he watched quietly. It was an interesting insight watching Jyden, the man didn't seem to be bothered by the pain. The tailor on the other hand was shaking like a leaf and looked as though he was going to pass out. He had also gone rather pale.

 

"I..... I-i-i-I w-w-was only... d-d-doing what t-t-hey told m-me to...." He managed to stammer and stutter out a reply his eyes inevitibly drawn to the peeling skin, wincing at the tightened grip.

 

After a few moments of watching and still thinking Daeniz's brain clicked some pieces together. This tailor he was one of Haines's men. Haines, the second Prince and advisor to the king. Rubbing his forehead he decided he also need to talk to Zaiden to find out where his last brother stood in realtion to all this. He may be a flirtatious bastard but the man was still his twin and at least to this day had not been able to like to Daeniz.

 

Standing up he approached Jyden from behind stopping when he was level, "He may know more, he may not. He works indirectly under Haines." Throwing a side ways glance at Jyden then down to the wound before smiling a little. "I always did wonder if those rumors were true." continuing past he got a drink of water, sitting down on another chair in the room to watch.

[Wolfenone]

Jyden watched the tailor as he shook in Egan’s grip. “Doing what they told you,” Jyden said and his attention turned to Daeniz. “Rumors, there are some truths to rumors I guess, depending on the rumor, I am not a man eating monster, but, on the border things tend to bed slightly. Did you know, that a settlement in the Northestern part of Rethallen the people there cook the meat and flesh of their enemies, before they eat it? Very rarely is it even eaten raw,” Jyden chuckled. “Egan, I think I will start with his left hand please,” he said and walked to the table to get a longer knife.

 

Egan grabbed the man’s left wrist and pulled the sleeves up slightly. Jyden walked back over to him and looked at the hand. “See shaking like that will cause my knife to slice into the muscle, we don’t want that, it causes too much of a mess. I remember, a soldier, a captain I believe that had been captured. He shook much like this,” Jyden informed gesturing to the shivering man. “Sloppy work that day, got more muscle than I intended to get, sowed the skin to another man and sent him back to the camp, do you remember this Daeniz, or were you not there?” he asked. He took the tailor’s hand in his own and turned the hand over palm up. “The hand has always been my favorite to do, so many nerves all bundled together…” Jyden looked to the tailor and pressed just slightly down on the pad of the man’s index finger just enough pressure to cause a small cut. “Who told you what?” His steel colored eyes watched the tailor carefully.

[Lady.Taser]

The tailor tried to pull away as the knife drew nearer, eyes wide with fright and face pulled taut with terror. Some tears even started making tracks down his face. Not experienced at keeping secrets and rather interested in self preservation the man became to talk, so fast that he stumbled over the words at points in an attempt to get the all out as quickly as possible. "eeeee!! No please don't!! It was earlier today... I-I-I was doing a fitting for their highnesses Taerurn and Haines and they told me that if you required me to do anything more than deliver clothes then I shouldn't help you and that I should say I was summoned by the king as neither of their summons could override yours as you hold the title protector of the throne!! When I was leavingn I heard them joking about saying that by stopping me from helping you they would embarress the Prince of Rethallen at tonights celebration. I couldn't refuse or His Highness Haines would have fired me. Oh Gods please don't hurt me! Thats all I know!!"

 

At the end of the outburst the man broke down into sobbing and Daeniz stood again, walking over the the three men and pulling the knife away fromthe man's hand. Turning his head to Jyden he spoke softly. "That really is all he knows, the courtiers have no willpower to be able to lie under torture... even something as small as that."

 

Next he turned to the the tailor, hand reaching up and closing around the man's throat, squeezing lightly. "Tell no one of this little conversation. What ever they threaten you with just remember that Jyden will be able to inflict horrors you can't even imagine if you do speak of this. If anyone asks about that small cut you hurt yourself on your equipment." releasing the tailor he turned away, his face set in a hard mask as he strode back over to the clothes, looks at the trousers that Jyden had set apart and then digging through for an approprate shirt to match them.

 

Daeniz himself didn't plan of changing out of what he was in now. He had never enjoyed these functions and in his current mood no one would question him, after all while the clothes were not the current fashion for formal wear which elaborate colours and designs they were traditionally formal Made of good material and unlike the formal clothes that many courtiers wore this outfit actually suited him.

[Wolfenone]

Jyden pulled the knife away before Daeniz could but allowed him to take it rather easily. He let out a sigh and turned towards Daeniz, he pulled a cloth from his pocket and placed it on his arm. When Daeniz was finished he nodded to Egan who patted the man’s shoulder and turned towards the room and came back with a wooden box. Jyden took it and sat it on the table. Opening it he took out an already threaded needle and started to sew up his own arm. His focus on the needle being pushed through skin as he looked up for a second to see what Daeniz was doing.

 

“Harmless,” he shook his head. “Egan take the tailor into the other room and let him clean his face and calm down,” he said. Egan placed hand to heart and moved the man into Jyden’s chambers. He waited a few minutes as he finished his work and cut the thread and then rewrapped the arm in a clean bandage. “It’s called a scare tactic, no one in their right mind would start with a hand, its too delicate, most wait until the other is dead before working on hands and feet. We’re not at war, I will not kill a civilian,” he said leaning on the table.

 

Shaking his head he closed his eyes. “That man will have nightmares because your brothers want to embarrass me, how old are they seven?” he started to drum his fingers on the table. He walked over to Daeniz and his arm went around the other’s waist. He pulled the other back against him and placed a kiss on the other’s neck. “All will be well,” he whispered. “Thinking of having him fit these to me?” his breath hot against the other’s ear.

[Lady.Taser]

"The civilian doesn't know that now does he. My words were just as much a scare tactic as your knife was. Most likely the man will drink himself into a stupor and convince himself that that was the nightmare." Daeniz scowled at the choice that was in the pile and in the end found the most plain article there, a simple black colouring with gold stiching at the seams. Throwing it over to where the trousers were just as he felt Jyden encircle his waist.

 

"Try that... it is the least repulsive thing here. I won't be changing." Closing his eyes he leaned against Jyden's body. This seemed to be becoming a habit, but it was one he was hapy to accept. "What I was more thinking was to avoid doing exactly what my brothers seem to want and yes mentally they are seven. Hopefully that is it."

 

Twisting round in Jyden's arms he leaned up and kissed the man, separeting after a moment or two form breath but only hovering an inch from his face. "Now if we start this now we may just be late for the celebration." With a grin he kissed the man again, more than happy to be late to the celebration just to spite his father and brothers.

[Wolfenone]

Jyden looked to the clothes that Daeniz had gotten picked out, however his attention was back to Daeniz and his lips. “We were never told a time,” he breathed against the other’s lips. His hands on the other’s hips he pushed him back, lips locked in a kiss until Egan cleared his throat at the door. Jyden lifted his head and looked to the man.

 

“It would be best if you are not late sires,” he said.

 

Jyden looked back to Daeniz, he gave him another kiss before he moved off of him and started to undress and gather the clothes that the other picked out. Surprisingly the clothes fit rather well, premade made to be tucked in rather than pulled out. He turned to a mirror as he shoved his feet into the boots.

 

“You look like a horse wearing a dress,” Egan stated, Jyden chuckled. “You should fit right in with the other horses.”

Over all the black formal wear didn’t look bad on him, matched with a belt over his waist to hold the over shirt so it fit his frame. He shook his head. “I hate formal wear,” he said. He turned to Daeniz and stepped up to him, his hands falling back to the other’s hips. He brought the other closer to him; he took the other’s hand and kissed the inside of his wrist eyes locked on the other. “We’ll just have to show your brothers, that I am not easily embarrassed,” he said against the wrist. “Nor will their child-like games work on me. As promised I will stay by your side, and not leave without you,” he sealed the other’s lips with his own and after a moment again Egan cleared his throat.

 

“As wonderful as it is seeing you two get along, at least in one area, there are more pressing matters,” Egan said. Jyden looked over his shoulder. Jyden looked back to Daeniz and offered his hand to leave. "Sire," Jyden waved him off of the offer of his weapons. He didnt want to be caught with them.

[Lady.Taser]

With a sigh Daeniz watched the other get ready and spoke in a rather annoyed tone at no one in particular, but rather everything at once. "I'm sure our lateness would be of no consequence, they will still drink and talk. They are less horses and more hyena's with their horrid laughter."

 

Before looking at the offered hand he debated over taking a weapon of his own with him. Though with the tilte now being stripped from him he would be in trouble if he were caught carrying a weapon at the event. Leaving his weapons he turned and walked to the door. "Sorry to say Jyden, but I am not a woman who needs to escorted. If you wanted one of those you should have convinced them to send someone else in your place." He said with a small smile.

 

The man may be helping him with the situation with his father possibly being at risk and he may be engaged to the man, but he did not plan to show the any affection he felt outside of his rooms. It was true that he was actually impressed with the man and there could have been worse alternatives, but anything like love wasn't allowed. Daeniz knew he had enemies, personal ones and he didn't want to do anything to encourage them.

 

"Not leaving my side is as much to your benefit as mine, we don't know if anyone may be after your life as well, and this way I can keep an eye on who is saying what around you." Walking out the door he began to lead the way to the castles ballroom. It was larger and less protected than the Throne room and if it wasn't such a good place to gather information he wouldn't even be going.

[Wolfenone]

Jyden smirked at him, “I wouldn’t mind being late, but Egan is well Egan.”

 

“Thank you sire,” Egan grinned at him. “I am sure if you were late, Prince Daeniz’s brothers would come up with an embarrassing story about it, and make you and Rethallen look bad.”

 

Once outside the room, he too seemed to revert back to being a soldier, hands behind his back he followed Daeniz down the hall ways. “As you wish,” he said softly as they headed towards the ball room. His hands he ran through his hair as they neared and his jaw sat tight for a moment before he relaxed and checked for the dagger darts, not on him as he remembered leaving them behind. When they approached the door it was opened for them, entering he turned his head to the side and placed a hand to his nose.

 

“Goddess it stinks,” he muttered as his eyes scanned the area. “Only thirty guards?” he asked in a whisper as his eyes swept the room again. Courtiers were dressed in colors of every shade, he looked for the nobles at once, checking to see if they actually for a crest of any kind. However he was following Daeniz, on his right and just a step behind him.

 

And it looked like there was going to be music, and dancing with the way some of the women were dressed, he also guessed whores were allowed here, however he remembered that this kingdom it was acceptable to have one or two lovers while being married.

 

“How long are we required to stay here?” he whispered.

[Lady.Taser]

"Too long" Daeniz whispered back, walking through the crowds directly to where his brothers were stood. "You are not required to great anyone lower than yourself, only my brothers and father." Scanning the crowd it was quite easy to spot the men in question.

 

Stopping in front of his father Daeniz bowed. "Greetings father, this is a wonderful celebration you have organised to welcome my fiance to your lands." The greeting was said as though Daeniz gueninely meant it, despite the fact they were forced and fake. The king glanced down at Daeniz then acknowledged the greeting with a quick, gruff response. Turning away head off to anther part of the ball room.

 

His hands balled into fists at his sides, the dissmissal was rude even for his father, especially considering the celelbration was meant to be a joyous occasion. What made it worse was Taerurn sauntering over with two ornate daggers sat on his hips. "Well, well, well. Dear Brother I see you still fail to dress for the occasion. In fact I am amazed your man is even presentable."

 

"Watch your tongue! Whatever authority Father has given you I could still kill you, now even with you being armed and me not. Honestly Taerurn I could kill you with one hand and naked while you were full armoured and carrying a full compliment of weapons." Daeniz whispered as he stepped closer to the crown prince, who in response took a step backwards, looking ever so slightly alarmed.

 

Then in a louder, much more amicable voice Daeniz smiled and spoke to his brother. "Ah Brother, Thank you for being here. Have you met Prince Jyden properly yet?" Daeniz had long since learnt he needed to act in these places, something that worked a lot of the time but not all of it.

[Wolfenone]

Jyden believed him. As they walked up to the king he bowed respectfully, “evening your majesty,” he said in polite greeting however turned and left with Daeniz. He folded his arms as Daeniz stopped, his eyes landing on the crown prince as he walked over and the daggers on the other hips, he remained silent for a moment as Daeniz threatened him and the elder took a step back. Jyden’s lip gave a twitch, and he was actually glad for the clothing he wore, they hid his muscles well.

 

“Prince Taerurn, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you face to face,” Jyden said with a smile and held out his hand for the other man to take it. Once he did his grip was hard and rough on the gentle and soft hands of the prince, almost enough to bruise the skin but not quite, however more than enough to cause the knuckles to pop slightly. “Maybe we should test skill one of the days I am here, you wear those daggers so wonderfully, you must be trained very well to use them,” the offer was polite but intimidating. He didn’t let go for a moment and then released the hand. He tilted his head down and placed both hands behind his back as he watched the other.

 

His stance screamed military trained, and combat experienced.

[Lady.Taser]

Daeniz smiled, "Ah a wonderful plan, We can also have the commanding officers present, it would be a brilliant chance for them to learn some new comabt experience, don't you agree brother?" Daeniz could hear a few of the courtiers whispering behind them, there was also some laughing though he wasn't sure if that was aimed at them of the crown prince at this point.

 

The colour had drained from Taerurn's face as he returned the handshake. "Oh.. er no Well It was a pleasure to meet you Prince Jyden, but I have some important business to tend to. I-I'm afraid I won't be able to find time while you are here for that training as... er fun as it sounds..." Very quickly the man hurried off in the opposite direction and Daeniz stared blankly in his direction, whispering to Jyden.

 

"I hope you crown prince is less of a wimp than that...." Then he heard the laughter behind him more clearly, turning as he realised he recognised the owner. "Ah and here comes Zaiden.... never a moment of peace at these things!" Zaiden walked directly up to them, a girl hanging off each arm, and their clothes somehow barely on.

 

"Now that was good. I haven't seen him run away like that in years." Holding his hand out for Jyden to shake, his grip considerably stronger than Taerurn's as he did still train everyday. Despite never havin fought on the front lines Zaiden was the second best fighter among the four princes. Though even he would admit he kept up his training because it helped him with the ladies. "Prince Jyden, good to meet you. I'm Zaiden, this one's twin brother and the younger one."

[Wolfenone]

Jyden watched him. “Oh well I am going to be here for half the year, every year, I am sure we can make an appointment of some kind,” the smile on Jyden’s face didn’t leave for a bit when the other ran away. He whispered low to Daeniz, “I hope he pisses his pants,” the whisper was through the smile, and then he nodded his head, “Jagen?” he asked and smiled at Daeniz, “all the males in the royal family are taught to wield a sword, before I was sent to the border we often trained together with Davis,” he answered and turned to see the flirtatious one. Jyden took the hand offered to him. His brow rose slightly at the strength he soon smirked.

 

He tilted his head down in greeting. “Prince Zaiden, Ladies, I don’t think he wants to go around with me, think he may avoid me now?” he asked with a smile on his face. He placed his hands behind his back, his eyes not straying any lower on any of them then their faces.

 

“Pardon my asking this, but if you’re younger why are you on the dais and not Archer?” he was curious and he kept to Daeniz’s right side. His head turned when a couple was passing them but his attention was soon again on the princes.

[Lady.Taser]

Zaiden flashed a grin and released the ladies arm temporily and draped his arm over Daeniz's shoulder hugging him with one arm. "That would because this one does have a place on the dias, he just never uses it." With a squeeze he released his brother and returned to the ladies affections. "Unlike my brother I like being indoors most of the time and with no other duties to attend to I might as well spend time there, especially when the courtiers bring their pretty daughters along."

 

With a roll of his eyes Daeniz spoke up. "Zaiden... my dear brother you really should get out more, there is more to the world than women."

 

Leaning in close Zaiden replied with a smirk. "Daeniz my dear brother, you really should stay in more, there really needs to be nothing more to the world than women." Whilst he was leaning in close he whispered quickly. "Tomorrow at dawn, i'll see you for training. We need to talk." Pulling back and sliding his arms around the girls waists he started to guide them away.

 

"Enjoy the party Brother, Prince Jyden." He called back and Daeniz sighed as he could hae sworn he saw a hand slip under one of the girls dresses.

 

"Well thats two of them out of the way. We won't see Haines for a while yet, did you want to get food , drink and air. In no particular order?"

[Wolfenone]

Jyden crossed his arms and frowned but smiled again at the joke. He nodded his head as he watched them leave, his brow turned up as he looked back to Daeniz. “Very flirtatious, am I free to join you in the morning for that training or shall I let you go alone?” he asked and then shook his head. “Alone then, since the offer wasn’t extended to me,” he looked around the room. “All three sound wonderful considering I have no idea when or where your meal times are and the smell in here is giving me a headache,” he replied and followed Daeniz around the room.

 

“Why wont we see Haines?” he asked as they moved around. The music was slow as some of the courtiers were dancing. He looked around he wished he had Egan to watch his back at something like this. Through from what he learned the only one with weapons more than likely couldn’t hold them correctly. He turned around on his heel when a woman came up to him, she jumped but smiled.

 

“I was wondering if you’d like to dance?” she asked. Jyden smiled and bowed his head.

 

“Thank you for the offer, but no thank you my lady,” he said politely and turned back to Daeniz. He closed his eyes and let out a breath.

[Lady.Taser]

Daeniz smiled as he led Jyden top get food and drink. When the girl asked Jyden to dance and was rejected Daeniz placed a hand on the man's shoulder and smiled at her. "I don't think she knew who you were, considering the rest of them that do know are debating whether or not to talk to us."

 

Guiding Jyden over to where food was laid out on a banquest table he got two plates, presenting one to the the man and then proceeding to fill his plate with a various selection of food from the spread. "It is all meant to be eaten with hands, you can get a cloth for wiping your hands after ward at the end of the table." He informed Jyden whilst doing the same and then walking waiting for the man.

 

"With training you are welcome to come, the only secrecy there is the time." Glancing around the room and seeing no one within earshot he spoke just loud enough of Jyden to hear. "Dawn training is a request for information. He wants to know what happened and it saves me the effort of seeking him out to talk to him about it all. Zaiden is stronger with swords and close range combat than I am. As for Haines, well he is always late when he even shows up. Often complaining of ill health and omens, howwever i expect we shall se him later, Father will have ordered him to make an appearance for this occasion."

[Wolfenone]

“I guessed as much,” he replied. “No one looks overly willing to come talk to us, why is that?”

 

Jyden nodded his head as he was handed a plate and he looked at the food, he picked out several things, a cloth and a cup of something that smelled like wine. Jyden nodded nod head as he followed Daeniz over to where fresh air was waiting. He slowly picked at his food and the drink as he leaned against the wall.

 

“Maybe I could have a go then, Egan will still be out of commission with that foot,” he said and placed a small orange colored pepper in his mouth, he took a drink of the wine right after words, but still coughed slightly. He looked to Daeniz as he placed the cloth against his tongue.

 

“My tongue is numb,” he said and looked at the other pepper he had on the plate. He smelled a sliver of meat before he bit off a small bit of it. “Information on-“ he nodded looking around the room again. “Illness and omens hmm, and he is the adviser?” he shook his head and put the rest of the strip of meat into his mouth. He watched as the men and women in colorful clothing moved around as if in a dance. “I suspect then when your other brother gets here the two will team up.”

[Lady.Taser]

"Partially because of who you are, partially because i looked ready to kill earlier, but also they are not meant to until we have met all of the royal family. There are some curious though, there always will be."

 

"You are more than welcome to have a go, Zaiden will enjoy the challenge." He laughed between mouthfuls at Jyden numbing his tongue. The peppers were strong especially the orange ones which is why he avoided eating them. "You could almost call Haines the brains and Taerurn the brawn, except he doesn't even have that. All Taerurn has is the right as first born son. Haines is clever, he had a weak body for much of his childhood so spent the time studying. Even now if he doesn't want to do something he will say he is ill to avoid it. He is also superstitious, but then so are most of the advisors in my fathers court."

 

Putting his plate down he turned to Jyden with a grin, "Just a warning, once we have met Haines we will be expected to dance and then speak with those that come up and talk to us."

 

Not long had he finished the warning than there was a rustle of activity and the doors opening once more, Daeniz glanced over to see that Haines had finally arrived and with a look of distaste on his face he glanced back to Jyden. "Lets get this bit done shall we?"

[Wolfenone]

“Known as a monster I guess,” he said and finished what was on his plate including the pepper, which again he took a drink of the wine and bit down some on his tongue. He looked at Daeniz when he started to talk again, shaking his head slightly.

 

“Dance?” he asked as he sat his plate down with Daeniz. “I don’t… I don’t dance well,” he muttered. “Shouldn’t the first born have been the one treated the hardest? He’s going to taking control of the kingdom, shouldn’t he be able to defend himself and know the operations of the realm?” he shook his head as he gave a soft smile. “Superstitions are annoying,” he whispered and nodded his head. “Let’s get this meeting and dance over with.”

 

He looked towards the door and took in a breath. His face set in a frown. “I apologize in advance for your feet,” he whispered softly. “Maybe we should have that practice,” he chuckled.