Blackmail In The Palace [Private, 18+][Sathenus & Noise Prince]

[Noise Prince]

Elliot smiled at Master Erickson's warm response. He didn't expect the royal blacksmith to be so considerate. Of course, this was the first he had really met with him, and he'd heard he was pleasant, though it was nice to confirm it. Elliot nodded, his face returning to its normal stoic expression.

 

"Understood," He replied, though he couldn't keep his face stoic for too long. He really was a member of the personal guard now. He would have his armor and weaponry- his own!- repaired personally by Master Erickson. Elliot let himself forget that his new position was ill-gotten so he could appreciate what he could before the inevitable guilt sank in. The décor of the higher ranked guards served little purpose other than displaying ranks, but despite his demeanor, Elliot didn't dislike anything that wasn’t practical. He was looking forward to wearing personal guard armor, made especially for him.

 

Elliot deflated at the news that it wouldn't be ready for a few days. Of course, it was only natural that tailored armor would take some time, but he wasn't sure what he'd do while he didn't have it. He couldn't be on post at the prince's side in his common guard's armor. Jasper might not have another option than giving him the days off, to avoid the embarrassment. He'd only just taken the position as a personal guard, and he hadn't felt he earned it, or proved he could have by merit, so that wasn't ideal.

 

When Master Erickson left, Elliot took his seat again. If one paid close enough attention, he almost looked in lessened spirits than before Master Erickson came in. Elliot felt Jasper's eyes on him, without looking. He did look up, however, when Jasper told him the tension stressed him. He sounded so genuine. Elliot silently ate a few bites, looking back down to his plate. Perhaps his devotion to keeping a certain demeanor on post was, rather than respectful, discourteous. He hadn't meant to be inconsiderate, and he already knew Jasper had a closer connection to his personal guards than most would ever presume. And while Elliot thought he could balance out Garret's ability to throw decency to the wind, regardless it seemed he was a bother.

 

Even Garret chimed in, sparing Elliot a bit of attention he seemed reserved for their prince. He was correct, of course, about the toll it took on the body. When he was first recruited, he had pains throughout his body long after most of the others stopped aching after getting used to rigorous activity, due to his vigilance. It was beneficial to Garret for Elliot to be on constant guard rather than relaxing and talking, since he was so keen on enveloping Prince Jasper. So that gave his concerns additional weight.

 

"Relaxation is not a strong suit of mine, I'm sorry," Elliot explained after a moment of silence when Jasper had finished. "It hasn't been a problem until now, I will try to do better, so please be patient with me, Your Highness,"

 

The royal family's considerable prowess did not go unnoticed by any guard worth their salt, including Elliot. Jasper's inability to protect himself wasn't a high concern for him at all. His number one priority was that he wouldn't have to resort to that. Jasper no doubt had the best possible tutors to teach him everything from math to swordplay. Elliot knew he had technique, better than Elliot would likely ever accomplish, but he wasn't well-disciplined, and his body was so delicate that even the sun wouldn't touch him. Jasper could get himself out of a pinch, surely, but there was more to combat. Even the king kept a number of guards around him. No amount of skill could ever be enough to assure safety in combat against an opponent of unknown strength.

 

Elliot nodded, agreeing with the sentiment. While a promotion, a personal guard was less likely to see any real combat compared to the others. The main guard was incredibly reliable, and there hadn't been a defeat when the palace was bombarded since Elliot had been alive. At Jasper's words, he resumed eating his lunch, careful now to actually appreciate the food they were brought, as earlier he was a little too nervous to even taste.

 

"Would that really be alright?" Elliot asked in a rare slip of discipline, and he physically withdrew a bit. He was concerned over the prince's work to be done here, as he couldn't have gotten much done with Garret at his ear. But that most definitely wasn't his place to question it.

[Sathenus]

Jasper noticed how Elliot seemed to deflate when he was informed that his armor wouldn’t be ready by the time their guests arrived. A small smile crossed his face, of course he was happy that Elliot seemed so excited for his position and was looking forward to receiving his new armor and being present during what Jasper felt was a truly boring experience. Still, he was happy to know that Elliot seemed so excited that the news was truly upsetting to the man, of course… he could have him wear the armor of another personal guard but it came down to the fact that it wouldn’t fit properly and in the end it would still leave one member of the guard off duty.

 

“You’ll have your new armor before you know it, Elliot. Though… I can say that I absolutely love how you seem to be looking forward to being present during such a boring time. Having guests in the palace is always a stressful time for my family. Don’t be surprised if you end up seeing a side of my father you never knew was present.” Though his father was a stern man he was far from cruel, but during the days leading up to guests and even in the beginning days of them being here his father was much more… fierce in a sense. He had a particular way he wanted things done, and though his temper was never aimed towards the guards the servants weren’t always so lucky.

 

Pushing such thoughts aside he was a little surprised that Elliot apologized when he had mentioned how the tension stressed him out. “No need to apologize for who you are, Elliot. I just want you to at least try to be more at ease. Even if you need to be on alert constantly there is a balance that you can use to make it so you aren’t so tense.” Jasper said giving Elliot an encouraging look. He knew the other man would be able to pull it off, it was just going to take Elliot a little while to find that right balance and Jasper was willing to be patient with him until he did.

 

Little did Elliot know just to what extent he was going to need him during their guests visit, so much tension and stress made it so he had a hard time sleeping. Meaning he would need Elliot to help him destress and sleep, something he was sure that Elliot wasn’t going to be happy about it. Still, Jasper felt like what he was offering the other man was an honor, how many other people could say that their prince wanted them? Not many, even though Elliot wasn’t the first guard he had sex with, it wasn’t like he made it some huge habit. Only three guards remained in the palace that he had slept with, though he knew all of them if not most knew he had a thing for the guards.

 

It was something about a man in a suit of armor, it was highly attractive and Jasper had a hard time staying away. But with Elliot and Garret he was sure he would be sated and wouldn’t have to find another guard. Though… his attention was more for Elliot, the man really was great in bed, even if last night had been the first time that Elliot had topped anyone.

 

Finishing up his lunch Jasper returned to his tea a little surprised to hear Elliot speak and question him on going out in the palace grounds. Despite knowing that it was Elliot questioning his authority in a sense he knew that the other man was right, he had little of his work done since his attention had been drawn more to Garret who was more than willing to keep him occupied. Frowning slightly, Jasper sighed, “I suppose you are right.” It was frustrating a little to admit that Elliot was right, but there was no point in pressing for them to go out on the grounds when he did have work that needed to be done, and that day.

 

“I suppose it will have to wait until after my work is finished.” His voice showed how depressing the thought was to him, especially as he spared a glance towards his study window. It was things like this as to why his skin was still as pale and untouched as it was, by the time his work was finished and they could go outside to enjoy the garden and fresh air the sun would be only an hour at the most from setting.

 

Jasper was also the only person who allowed his guards to voice their opinion. If Elliot was questioning his choice it was because the man wanted what was best, and that was for him to finish his work. Garret had removed the dishes from in front of Jasper and returned his work to his desk. Depressed and not truly hiding such a thing Jasper started on it once more, though he truly wished he was doing anything but.

[Noise Prince]

Elliot couldn't help but think that Jasper's timing for all this was very ill-timed. He wished Jasper had either chosen a month earlier or later than last night, so that he would either have his armor, and be comfortable in his new position by the time the royal family's guests arrived, or the whole visit could be skipped and wouldn't cause an issue at all for anyone here. Of course, even if Elliot knew that he would be promoted the next day, he wouldn't have tried to talk the prince into choosing a later date. After the resistance he put up to do it at all, he knew it'd only be taken as a means to needle out of the order.

 

But there was no point reminiscing on it now, since it had happened, he had been promoted, and he was now having the armor made to his measurements. He should try to get back into the mindset of being grateful for such an opportunity to begin with.

 

Elliot was embarrassed that Jasper could tell that he was excited, though he hid that better. He didn't think that the esteemed guests visiting was at all boring. Stressful, however, he could understand. The king was well known for his severe and stern demeanor, though Elliot had never seen in anger or visibly stressed- not that he was ever all that close to really notice. He'd heard, of course, about the way his behavior changed the more tense he was.

 

His eyes were kept down, pondering on the words. He wasn't really all that more tense here than he generally was, he didn't think. So a balance between relaxation with still being alert was an alien concept. But he'd have to try to aim for it, at least. He didn't have an awful lot of confidence that'd he be able to do so in a timely manner, so he truly hoped Jasper could be patient. He'd likely have more than a day off soon, so he could take the time to try to get comfortable being comfortable. 19

 

Elliot hadn't considered the idea that Jasper being stressed by the visit would mean needing assistance going to bed, since such a thing had only brought tension upon himself. He was still hoping that Jasper wouldn't be interested in having him summoned to his chambers again, for whatever reason. Garret was very infatuated with His Highness, and more handsome, he didn't know why Jasper wouldn't prefer him. His eyes almost widened at the potential revelation.

 

Timing. Perhaps Jasper had been very deliberate with choosing last night, having Elliot take him, and then promote him to a position that have him close to his side, and his business. And that included the guests. What if, god forbid, the guards were lent to the nobility visiting for more than protection? What if Jasper was preparing him for servicing the guests in the same way? The armor wasn't needed for that…

 

Elliot could tell Jasper was surprised at his contradiction, and any level of relaxation he might have reached retreated back from whence it came, as he anticipated Jasper's response. He didn't look pleased at all, despite being in good spirits all day. But rather than any reprimanding, Jasper only sighed and agreed. He still seemed very dispirited, and he glanced out the window to the expansive gardens. His voice seemed so sorrowful when he said it, and Elliot felt worse. Prince Jasper should have ignored his new guard's interjection, or punish him for speaking out, even, but instead he just… sat there with a frown.

 

Elliot looked up at Garret, his brows slightly pinched in worry, the only expression of concern he gave, but Garret was more focused on gathering their lunch plates so that Jasper's work papers could be placed in front of him.

 

"Fresh air is good for productivity, I've heard," Elliot added again, hesitating again before speaking. "It's perhaps better to take a walk rather than return to your papers…"

[Sathenus]

Silence had fallen in the study, Jasper was staring at his work with a frown on his face, head resting on his left hand and hazel eyes truly not focused on anything. It wasn’t until he felt a tap on his shoulder that he spared a glance to Garret who had motioned back to Elliot. Apparently, the other man had been talking but he had been so far out of it that he hadn’t really noticed. Glancing towards Elliot he almost expected him to repeat whatever it was he had said, Garret beat him to it though repeating what Elliot had said. This made Jasper thing about it again, he was confused that Elliot had suddenly decided to contradict himself.

 

What was really confusing about it wasn’t so much that Elliot had contradicted himself, it was more of the fact that Elliot seemed to change his mind upon seeing how depressed he had suddenly become. Still… he had to finish his work, and he knew if he went outside to enjoy the fresh air that he would never get his work done. “No… it’s fine. If I don’t do it now I won’t do it.” He admitted deciding to be honest as he returned his gaze to the papers before him. If he didn’t get the work done it would just be one more thing for him to argue about with his father in the morning. A few hours passed in silence, Garret had opened the window to at least let some air in even if they weren’t going outside right now. Eventually Jasper gave up, pushing everything away from him and turning his gaze once more to Elliot and Garret.

 

“Now we can head outside. I don’t have the patience for all of this.” In all honestly more times than not Jasper felt like he would make a terrible King. Then again, all of the work that ended up on his desk was work that was important, but not important enough to make it to his father’s. Standing up he stretched his suddenly tense muscles, he was about to make sure his clothes were straight but Garret beat him to it. Feeling the other’s hands roam over his body, smoothing out his clothes though he knew Garret was really doing it just to touch him and not to make sure he was looking orderly.

 

After being sure that he was looking his best he turned and headed towards his study door, aware of the fact that Elliot and Garret both would follow him without any more encouragement. As he lead the way down the halls he let his eyes rove over them, of course nothing was out of place. Everything was neat, the halls practically deserted except for the occasional servant or maid moving from one room to another. It wasn’t long before he was walking out of the palace doors and onto the palace grounds taking in a deep breath and letting it out in a sigh.

 

Instantly his mood took another turn becoming more relaxed and a happy smile crossing his face. Glancing over his shoulder to them he spoke, “Lets take a walk through the garden, shall we?” Of course it wasn’t a question, it was really more of an order. Not waiting for a response from either of them he set off for the garden and a more peaceful location.

[Noise Prince]

Elliot looked back down to the desk when Jasper ignored him, feeling pretty awful about depressing the prince so. Prince Jasper hadn't considered his feelings in all of this, of course, and Elliot felt that should be taken into consideration. Or the fact that there really was work that needed to be done that should play a bigger factor alleviating the guilt. But now he could only wish he could instead be feeling anxious about the work left behind while Jasper merrily trailed about outside with two guards in tow.

 

Jasper didn't acknowledge that he had said anything, until Garret tapped his shoulder, and repeated what Elliot had suggested. His mouth twitched in a faint grimace, at how awkward his own words sounded when parroted back to him. Elliot could only silently nod in humbled agreement when Jasper decided to stay put and finish his paperwork. It was the responsible thing to do, which seemed uncharacteristic, for as much as Elliot knew him, which wasn't all that well.

 

Garret was very smitten with the beautiful prince, that much was apparent. He wondered if he felt any affection towards him before being summoned to his chambers, or if he was like Elliot, and blackmailed. In that case, had Jasper won him over, then? There, of course, was more to a person than a few surface traits, but Elliot wasn't sure what sort of person Jasper really was.

 

The room was silent except for the sounds of scribing and the wind rustling softly through the tree leaves, and was silent for a good few hours. Finally, Jasper pushed his efforts aside, breaking the death quiet. When Jasper stood, Garret immediately went to start straightening his clothes, which seemed outside the scope of a guard's duties. Elliot was new to being a personal guard, however, and these were the types of things also expected from them. Garret was particularly thorough, excessive to the point that Elliot realized what it was he was doing. Maybe as a personal guard for Jasper specifically, included such responsibilities.

 

Elliot was looking forward to the walk, himself, as he followed the prince, alongside Garret. He was used to patrolling in addition to the posts, so being in one place for so long was unusual. Plus, outside the study, there wouldn't be much opportunity for Garret and Jasper to get particularly handsy, which would allow Elliot to be less tense. To an extent.

 

Jasper was quick to announce where they were headed, giving his guards little choice other than to follow, as the prince's quick step headed towards the garden.

[Sathenus]

Jasper was silent as they walked towards the garden, and they arrived in record time. He had been more than a little excited to finally get out of his office, it was driving him crazy being locked up inside all the time. Entering the large garden, he lead the way towards his favorite part not make even a single move to explain exactly where they were going as they walked. When they finally arrived at the large space, with a big tree in the center of the clearing surrounded by a variety of roses and tulips on all sides he finally came to a stop and smiled. Turning to look at Elliot he spoke, “This is my favorite part of the garden, it’s quiet, secluded and relaxing.”

 

Turning back towards the space he moved over to where the tree was and settled himself down on the cool grass under the shade of the tree. It was a nice day out, but more than anything, it was peaceful as he relaxed back against the tree not caring if he got his clothes dirty. Now that he was comfortable he looked up at Garret and Elliot. Garret was leaning against the tree beside him with arms crossed over his chest, not speaking but obviously he wasn’t really on guard. It made his eyes turn back to Elliot as he watched his newest guard.

 

Cocking his head to the side as he watched him a look crossing his face that said he was thinking about something. After a moment he motioned him closer before speaking, “Come on, Elliot. Let the other guards to their job. Just relax with me for a while.” He really did wish that Elliot would become more comfortable around him. Though Jasper was also hoping after a few more ‘special’ nights together that things would be better between them. That and he really was looking forward to their next time together, the thought alone was enough to send a jolt of pleasure through him. It was strange, how before they had sex he could do nothing but dream about having Elliot in his bed. Now, even after he had gotten what he wanted all he could do was daydream about it and want more from him.

 

While he eventually grew out of the other guards he had slept with, he felt like things would be a bit different with Elliot considering how much he had enjoyed it. That and the resistance he had given him in the beginning just kind of made him more attractive. Where most men had jumped at the chance and he knew some of the other guards would be all too willing, he liked the slight challenge Elliot provided. It was easy for him to ignore Garret at this point, his attention was locked on Elliot. Up until this point he had allowed Garret to get the attention he wanted, and as attractive as the young guard was he had grown out of him. Like all the guards before Garret, the young man just wasn’t what he was looking for anymore. Occasionally he would still seek out Isiah, and the older man would humor him and provide him whatever he wanted, but he was really looking forward to what he could get out of Elliot.

 

While he had grown bored of Garret, Jasper was almost positive that the same thing wouldn’t happen for the new object of his fascination. Smiling he motioned him closer before he shifted himself into a more comfortable position.

[Noise Prince]

Elliot felt a little better now that Jasper was outdoors like he wished, and that the prince's mood seemed much more elevated. The weather was cooler now than it would have been earlier, which made it more comfortable for the guards, in their heavy armor, but he wondered if Jasper was still comfortable. He didn't seem bothered by the weather, so he assumed he must have pretty good circulation. Elliot himself was pretty sensitive to cooler weather when not wearing many layers, so he was always a little impressed by even a moderate tolerance.

 

The three of them were silent while Jasper led his guards deeper into the gardens, until they were in a clearing surrounded by colorful flowers.

 

"It's beautiful," Elliot responded, nodding thoughtfully. It felt a little strange, as if being brought here was a secret or something intimate, just because it was a secluded, peaceful place the prince favored.

 

Unlike his compatriot, Elliot was very much still on guard when Jasper sat underneath a tree. Elliot wondered why, if Jasper loved this part of the garden, while he didn't he have a bench installed? So that he didn't have to sit in the dirt with his fine clothing. Garrett leaned against the tree Jasper had sat himself underneath, looking almost as relaxed as their prince, which was fine by Elliot. He was comfortable being the one on duty, if there was only going to be one of them being aware of their surroundings.

 

Elliot expected things to go like they had in Jasper's office while he worked, where he was on guard and Garrett would be entertaining Jasper. Now it would be more preferable, since there was no work the prince could be distracted from. But naturally, Jasper had other ideas for Elliot's performance. When beckoned, Elliot walked closer to the prince, uncertain about how comfortable he was with leaving it to 'the other guards'. He didn't sit down, however, or even lean against the tree, and just stood closer to Jasper, unable to bring himself to stop being vigilant.

 

He hadn't seen himself as being anything more to Jasper than his latest forbidden fancy. Why would he, even Isiah had told him that he was a temporary fixation. He didn't know how long it'd last, especially since Garret was still quite devoted to distracting Jasper's affections towards himself, but he'd really rather focus on being on guard and protecting Jasper from any potential threats than be distracted by the prince's indulgences. The worst was that he really couldn't help but feel somewhat jealous that Garret was so at ease with the prince, and felt no remorse about showing him such flagrant affections. Elliot could never see himself behaving in such a way, with the sort of confidence that he could still seduce the prince when he had seeming moved on. Elliot was a little concerned that if he did slip up, that he'd end up incredibly hurt when Jasper did move on, and Elliot had sacrificed his ethics for a fleeting affair.

 

Garret seemed unmoved by Elliot's presence here, even though he must know that Jasper had taken him sometime recently. Elliot had to think that Garret's feelings must run deep if he was so willing to disregard that apparent fact and still flirt with the crown prince. But Elliot couldn't help but notice that now, in the garden, Jasper seemed to focus his attentions more on his newest guard. Elliot stepped closer than he would have thought professional when Jasper again motioned for him to come closer.

[Sathenus]

Jasper was much more relaxed now that he was outside. Being in his favorite part of the garden only made things even better for him. It didn’t matter to him that the weather was cooler than when he had originally pitched the idea a few hours ago. To be honest he was still just as comfortable now as he would have been then. Even though he was sitting on the ground it didn’t bother him. Even if he knew he would never hear the end of it if his father or one of the man’s advisors caught him sitting on the ground. Especially when dressed the way he was, even if it wasn’t his most formal wear it was still something that was not acceptable to be sitting on the ground in.

 

Watching as Elliot moved a bit closer to him after beckoning for him once more he sighed softly. Why could the other man just not accept that he wanted him and wanted him close? It seemed like the other man thought it was more of a burden to be near him and express any sort of desire for him. Was he really that hard of a person to love? By the way Garret was acting he assumed not, but he wasn’t sure if it was more of him or his position that Garret loved. After all, the other guard probably just liked that the Prince showed him any interest. As this thought struck him he waved Garret away, a silent order for the other man to stand guard and watch over them.

 

He was in no way unaware of the way that Garret frowned and rather unhappily moved away from the tree. Jasper watched him for a moment before he turned his gaze back to Elliot who still seemed uncomfortable being so close to him. This just wouldn’t do. He had to do whatever it took for the other man to grow more comfortable in his presence and want him the same way he did. It didn’t seem fair that he was the only person who seemed to have any feelings for the other. Even if he had originally blackmailed Elliot into giving him what he wanted. It was not against Jasper to do so again, especially if his newest guard was going to continue to be so distant.

 

“Now, Elliot.” Jasper started making sure he was relaxed and not showing any hostility. Garret was still in ear shot but at least the other man had his eyes on the area around them and not on him anymore. “How am I supposed to enjoy your company when you keep holding so tightly to such distance?” He questioned his newest guard and his newest fascination. “Don’t you want to serve your prince in every way you can? Right now I really want your company.” Of course, Jasper knew he was playing again with the oath that Elliot and the others had taken to protect and serve. Serving him did not necessarily mean keeping him company, but right now that was what Jasper wanted.

 

“I want to get to know my newest guard better. Considering we will be spending so much time together and all.” He added with an innocent smile. Even though he had managed to get Elliot to admit last night that he found him attractive, he hadn’t gotten his guard to say he wanted to be with him. There was something about the other man that made Jasper truly want him. More so than he had ever wanted any of the other guards he had played with. Surely that meant that he had to have Elliot at any cost. He’d do whatever it took to make the other man love him as much as he loved his newest guard.

 

That wasn’t even something he had done for Garret. Hell, Garret had literally jumped into bed with him putting up absolutely no fight. Granted the other man didn’t please him as much as Elliot had it hadn’t been a bad experience. Jasper wanted what he wanted though. Shifting so he was in a better position he looked up at Elliot with gentle eyes, his face showing true interest in the other man. It wasn’t wrong of him to want to get to know the other man after all… right? He honestly didn’t think so but he wasn’t entirely sure. With his position and all things like this were grey areas.

[Noise Prince]

Elliot could appreciate the outdoors as much as the next person. He personally didn't like post outdoors, however, since it tended to be uncomfortable in poor weather, the heat was unbearable in the heavy armor, and occasionally it got cold enough to penetrate the layers after a while, and there was no helping that by moving about to warm up. But when it was moderate like this, he could actually enjoy it, at least for a brief moment before turning his attention back to the post. Now, he knew he'd need to be additionally vigilant since he knew that his partner would be taking the time to enjoy the scenery, and then some.

 

But he should have guessed he'd be 'given' the luxury, when Jasper beckoned him closer. He now knew he really needed to take his seat beside him before his prince would be satisfied. He really couldn't understand why Jasper wanted this from him now. He understood that he was part of his 'collection' now, but he didn't know why he'd want him around constantly for any other reason than to keep him in check. Garret was more than ready to give him all sorts of attention and affection so he wasn't starved for that. Elliot knew that Jasper would be calling upon his services again in the night, but now? What did he want? He couldn't behave in the same manner Garret did, even if the other acted on post.

 

Garret didn't seem too pleased by the switch, and Elliot wished he could somehow communicate that it was mutual. He was more comfortable guarding their affections than being a part of them. He wondered if Jasper was just bored of Garret after all day. Maybe Jasper kept his targets in his personal guard in order to switch up who is paying him attention. Elliot remained rather stiff and formal when he sat, it was hard to not feel the need to stay guard when in uniform. And it was hard to relax next to the prince, as if acting guarded would protect him from whatever it was Jasper wanted. He knew there wasn't much he could do other than do as Jasper pleased when he insisted, and it felt awkward to resist at all. Despite their intimacy, Jasper was his prince, after all. So he made a mental note to try to do better. He couldn't change his situation now, he might as well do a good job.

 

 

And Jasper was very open about playing on Elliot's sense of responsibility, and Elliot didn't need to prompt him for further blackmail attempts, he'd like to avoid this escalating to anything more intense than now.

 

"I fear I'm not one for companionship and conversation, your highness," He told him, earnestly. He knew who he was, he was stiff and uninteresting, he wasn't exactly one people sought out for stimulating conversation. He didn't look up when he answered him. He did look up when the prince spoke again. Unlike Elliot, Jasper spoke with a certain warmth, and earnestness. It was difficult not to take his word, even if Elliot knew he was playing with him.

 

"My apologies if I have disappointed you," He answered solemnly. Elliot truly didn't understand what he wished to gain from this. Eventually Elliot would bore him faster than most, he was sure, so what then? He wouldn't keep him around after that. It was hard to open up when he his life's work here was essentially at jeopardy. Jasper turned to look at him better, their eyes locking, and the prince's stormy eyes were peaceful and expected.

 

"Yes, I will try to do better and perform to your expectations," He promised.

[Sathenus]

A genuinely pleased and happy expression crossed Jasper’s face as Elliot settled beside him under the tree. His happiness at finally having the other man close was almost too much to contain. Even if his newest guard still seemed stiff and uncomfortable this was at least a start. “Nonsense.” He replied waving a hand dismissively when he was told the other man wasn’t much for companionship or conversation. “You’ll be perfect.” Jasper added with a smile. He was half tempted to press himself closer to the other man but he knew that would be crossing the line. Even after what they had done last night he knew he couldn’t push Elliot to much right now. Considering how hard it had been for him just to get the other man to settle beside him he knew moving any closer to him would only cause him more stress.

 

Instead Jasper reached over as if it was nothing and slipped his hand into Elliot’s looking at their hands for a moment. It was interesting now that he could finally notice the difference in their skin tones. “Hmm…” He hummed as he thought about it, “I could use more sun.” He mused with a soft laugh. Surprise crossed his face when he heard Elliot apologize to him, a frown marring his features for a brief moment before he shook his head.

 

“You have never disappointed me, Elliot.” He responded. It was nonsense to think that the other man truly thought he had in some way disappointed him. “I just want to get to know you better. I want you to be more comfortable around me. Is that really too much to ask?” Jasper added after a few minutes of silence had passed his eyes locking once more with Elliot’s. He truly did love the color of the other’s eyes and could get lost in them rather easily. He did blink and turn his gaze once more to their hands. Part of him felt the need to try to ease Elliot with an apology of his own, but he knew any apology he gave wouldn’t be completely true.

 

Still, it was better than nothing he supposed. “I’m sorry I’m moving so fast with you. But I really do like you.” Of course, Jasper was in no way sorry he was moving this fast. But if it meant Elliot would be more relaxed and open to him he figured he could slow down a bit. “I can try not to push so hard… if it helps you accept my feelings a little easier.” He added when silence had once more taken over. In the corner of his eye Jasper could see the way Garret handled his words. The other man did not remotely seem pleased but if he was honest he was long over Garret. The younger man remained on his guard solely for the fact that he gave him attention when no one else would.

 

Jasper was aware that he was a bit of an attention whore. He loved the attention to be on him, and he loved it even more when there was true desire expressed towards him. Nothing meant more to him and made his heart race than someone who wanted him and had no shame in showing such desires. Yet… here he was captivated by the one person who had ever tried to deny him. Elliot was the only person who had not just jumped into bed with him and expressed the desires that others like Garret so freely did. It only made him want Elliot more. The reasoning was truly hard to explain, but the more the guard tried to deny him or even put space between them the more Jasper craved him.

 

What he wanted from Elliot was what Garret gave him with no shame. As he those thoughts chased themselves around in his mind, there was a small part of him that knew that wasn’t completely true. He wanted Elliot to have those desires for him, but he wanted it in a way that made it so maybe… just maybe he could stop jumping from one guy to another. Was it asking too much to hope that maybe Elliot could be that person he could cling to? Part of him knew it was, but he couldn’t stop himself from hoping despite that. It was all new and strange to him. He had never been so intrigued and drawn to another person before.

[Noise Prince]

The pleased expression on Jasper's face did not go unnoticed by Elliot when he sat beside the prince. He was a bit touched by his insistence that he'd be 'perfect', since there wasn't any real grounds for assuming that with that level of confidence. Elliot wasn't sure what he expected the prince to say or to do next, he hoped nothing too bold, even with just the three of them here. He also hoped, if Jasper did genuinely just want his conversation, that the conversations weren't too difficult or dense. He acted prim and proper, but he wasn't educated, and would fall behind quickly. Jasper didn't seem to expect him to behave like Garret though, which was a relief.

 

He did, however, take Elliot's hand in his. The prince's hand didn't look real. He looked like a large doll made of porcelain, pale and perfectly smooth, the knuckles and bones looked sculpted, especially compared to Elliot's unrefined hand. Jasper might a light joke of it, but it made Elliot feel a little bad for speaking out of turn when Jasper wanted to go out earlier, when the sun would be out.

 

"Thank you, your highness," Elliot lowered his head in a manner he considered casual while respectful. He believed the prince was honestly interested in him, Elliot just couldn't understand why. "My apologies, again. He said he never disappointed him, but now he was frustrated that Elliot was such an uneasy person with him. He should learn to be more accommodating and friendly, now that he was in the personal guard, but it wasn't something that came naturally to him. "It isn't my intention to be so distant, I'll work to be more inviting," He promised softly, unable to hold his gaze for longer than he finished his statement.

 

"Your highness, there isn't a need for you to apologize to me," Elliot assured him, looking back up. He was really surprised that he would apologize to him. He seemed to move with no regrets and do as is his want, to his desires. So to apologize for being pushy this whole time was almost startling. He had no obligation to care for his guard's comfort, and Elliot had every obligation to try to meet his expectations, yet here the prince was apologizing. It only made him more convinced that he was genuine about him.

 

"I deeply appreciate your sentiment, I only ask for your further patience for a while longer," Elliot told him.

 

Elliot didn't know how he could compare besides Garret, who was already at the state where he could give Jasper the attention he desired. He was probably better at conversation as well, being at Jasper's side for longer. There wasn't a real benefit to having Elliot, of all possibilities, at his side when he desired something more than a rigid guard. Elliot couldn't really imagine being at a point where he was touching and blandishing the prince so openly and shamelessly throughout the post. It was still hard to believe that they had sex the night before, and it was more likely than not going to be the last time that happened. Even after sharing that intimacy, something about acting in such shameless ways while on guard- especially with another present- seemed fantastical.

[Sathenus]

As they sat there, side by side, Jasper pulled Elliot’s hand into his own lap. Eyes still transfixed by the difference not just in the skin tone but also the way their hands looked. His own hand seemed almost fragile resting in the larger hand of Elliot’s. Even if he knew there was more strength hidden behind his own than first appeared. Jasper knew his own strength still probably came nowhere near what the young guard's was. That thought alone made a pensive look cross his face. Eyes moving once more from their hands when he heard the other man speak, his head cocking to the side ever so slightly. “I don’t want you to be someone you aren’t. I just want to see the person hiding behind the armor. The Elliot that you used to be before taking this job.” Jasper explained.

 

The last thing the young prince wanted was for Elliot to try to be someone he wasn’t. All he truly wanted was a strong man who wanted him in the same way he wanted them. Though Garret fit as far as wanting him went, Jasper had learned early on that he did not quite return those feelings. The other young man was okay in bed, and though that wasn’t all that mattered he had to admit it wasn’t anything memorable. Elliot on the other hand had surpassed his expectations, especially once he had been told the truth and that the other man had only been beloved until that point. Along with that he saw something in Elliot he had yet to see in any of the other men. Those he had and had not slept with alike.

 

“You’re sweet.” Jasper said a bit flattered when he had been told he didn’t need to apologize. Still, he had felt like it would help ease Elliot if he had. That and he wanted the guard to understand if he was moving too fast, pushing too hard, that within reason he would slow down for him. Jasper wanted and craved Elliot in a new way. It was unfamiliar to him, forcing him to push harder than he had with most of the guards he had slept with. It made it hard for him to slow down and take Elliot’s feelings into consideration. It had to be done though. “You’re one of my personal guards now, I should be more considerate about your feelings towards this. I mean… after how forceful and unreasonable I had been last night… and with how much I’ve pushed and pestered you today. It’s a wonder that you can still meet my gaze.” Jasper’s tone was soft, as if he truly did feel bad for what he had done.

 

“Speaking of last night… I am sorry for how unreasonable I had been. I had just been… so desperate and I had admired you for quite some time beforehand that I really couldn’t control myself.” That wasn’t a complete lie. For the most part during his bath the night before he had been calm and unbothered. At least until Elliot had crossed his mind and his body so easily prepared itself for what it had only fantasized of until that point. It had made him desperate and determined to get what he wanted. Still, it wasn’t the whole truth either. Jasper was not going to let Elliot go no matter what, and if he had to be so unreasonable all of the time he would be. He would get what he wanted one way or the other.

 

“Of course.” He agreed with a nod. Jasper would try to be patient with the guard as he adjusted to how things were now. If all went well he hoped that he could go to Elliot… and maybe, just maybe Elliot would even come to him whenever he had such… urges. After all, Jasper highly doubted that the young guard didn’t get aroused or feel the need for such relief. It would be perfect if Elliot got to the point where he would come to him during those times, as he would most certainly be going to Elliot when such feelings overtook him.

 

Before he could help it, Jasper felt arousal course through him, tilting his head up to look at Elliot better a sweet and yet somewhat innocent look crossed his face. Reaching out with the hand he didn’t have resting in Elliot’s he cupped the guard’s cheek gently. “Could I… just have a kiss?” He asked softly his eyes questioning. That was all he wanted. He would make sure he didn’t try to get more from him today. “I promise I won’t summon you to my chambers tonight… I don’t want to push you to far.”

 

With Elliot, he hoped to get the young guard to accept him quicker. If he continued to act like this, and not as needy as he truly felt and as such a harsh and demanding person then surely the guard would come around quicker. He hoped Elliot would come around fast enough to provide him with more late night assistance while their guests were here. Some of the other royals were attractive to the prince. Yet there was no way he could make a move on any of them.

 

“What was it like when you were a little kid? Where did you grow up? Did you like it there?” Jasper suddenly asked feeling compelled to know more about Elliot. That and he was genuinely curious about his childhood.

[Noise Prince]

Elliot didn't react too physically when Jasper put his hand into his lap. Fortunately the prince wasn't trying to initiate anything lewd, and instead continued to hold his hand. Elliot mentally reprimanded himself for always being so suspicious of him. He didn't give the prince enough credit, really, he wasn't the calculating incubus he had been regarding him as. They were close in age though it was easy for Elliot, biases and all, to consider himself significantly older or more wise and Jasper a childish young man. But they both were young, both just kids. Sometimes it was enough to just hold hands in the garden.

 

It was easy to forget that Jasper, being a prince, was well trained in combat despite his delicate features and the litheness of his hand. The two were comparable in many ways, but nothing would change the fact that one would always protect the other, and that was their relationship first and foremost.

 

Elliot wasn't sure how to tell him he wasn't different under the armor. He was less diligent, but he wasn't any more exciting or adventurous or suave or any other quality Jasper hoped to uncover. And before being a guard, he was just a teenager, not exactly all the more interesting. He knew what he meant, he hoped there was more to him to uncover. He feared he wouldn't uncover what he was hoping for.

 

"I will let you know whatever it is you ask about me," Elliot told him with thoughtful nod. He meant it, he had no intentions of lying or acting or trying to behave in the manor he thought Jasper wanted. He couldn't really think of anything he would want to keep from him for any reason of pride or secrecy. His colleagues didn't trust much delicate matters to him, naturally, so he wasn't keeping secrets for himself or anyone else- with a few notable exceptions, of course. Of course, Jasper was most likely not going to ask after those such things, especially since he was one of those exceptions. He anticipated things to go to rather personal territory though.

 

"Thank you, your Highness," Elliot replied to being called sweet. It didn't seem necessary to tell him that when he was being straight forward, but the praise made him drop his guard a bit, and couldn't think of the more 'proper' answer at the moment. He hadn't expected to see this side of the prince, like this. He was a lot more considerate and thoughtful now, he wasn't the prince from the night before, forceful and demanding. He believed him when he said he just wanted to be able to talk to him. Elliot wasn't sure if he should believe him, but he did believe Jasper was being genuine at this point.

 

Almost as if Jasper was directly confronting Elliot's concerns, the prince apologized further. He genuinely sounded remorseful. Elliot wondered if the night before truly was a fluke, he was only driven by fantasy and desire to be so insistent. It was hardly an excuse but… It seemed Jasper didn't intend for that to become a regular event. He did make him part of his personal guard, when that wasn't really necessary when just summoning someone for a fuck after midnight. He really must be genuine about having him close for his personal company. Whatever it was, Elliot could be a little pleased by that, couldn't he?

 

Elliot couldn't help but be flattered, despite how he tried to ignore that small impulse. He had his choice of men, and Elliot knew he paled compared to Jasper himself, yet something about him enticed him so strongly to act in such an unprincely manner.

 

"Please don't be so hard on yourself," Elliot told him. He gently held his hand in return to assure him of this. If it was a temporary state, Elliot couldn't hold that against him, especially when he apologized like this and sounded as if he wouldn't act in such a way again. What was done was done, and Elliot was more than happy to move on.

 

"I appreciate your leniencies very much, your Highness," Elliot smiled slightly to him. He'd never seen this expression of Jasper. He seemed so gentle and innocent like this. He hesitated at the request. A kiss… that seemed more intimate than he'd like during his posts, something better fitting the guard standing on watch now. But he couldn't turn him down, the Prince made it clear last night, and he couldn't turn down a rather chaste peace offering, now could he? After another moment, he slightly licked his lips, and leaned down and pressed a kiss onto Jasper's lips.

 

"When I was little?" Elliot smiled again, a bit amused. "It's not such an exciting story, I was a Brewster's son in Livestone. I have three siblings, two older, one younger. Most of our childhoods were spent working alongside our mother, but it was always fun, our mother could make it seem like a game."

[Sathenus]

It was peaceful, sitting there under his favorite tree surrounded by beautiful flowers and with Elliot by his side. To make it even more perfect the young guard hadn’t tried to take his hand back after Jasper had pulled it into his lap. Even if the young prince knew that it was going to take more to get any kind of relationship from Elliot this was a good start. It was his request for a kiss that made him prepare himself to be refused. Expecting nothing more than to be denied once more. When that didn’t happen but he instead received what he had asked for a soft pleased sound escaped him. It was a soft and light kiss, but it was something at least.

 

His eyes brightened a sparkle quite clear in them when Elliot smiled for the second time in such a short period. The smile really did suit the young guard and he was quite pleased to see it. “You’re really handsome when you smile.” He mused with a smile of his own. Hearing about the other’s childhood got his mind roving, wondering how most children grew up in the villages that littered his kingdom. Some point in the future they would fall under his rule, and that was a somewhat scary thought. If Jasper was being honest he wasn’t sure he’d make a good king, especially when he could barely pass himself off as a decent prince. It was easy to get away with the things he did while still being a young prince, but such things would surely not be so easily overlooked once he became king.

 

Shaking such thoughts from his mind he turned his gaze once more to Elliot. “That… truly sounds interesting. Didn’t it bother you just a little that most of your childhood was spent working? I mean… that didn’t really leave you with much time to be an actual kid, did it?” He was curious, maybe overly so. Shifting slightly to lean just a tad bit more against Elliot he let his eyes drift shut allowing himself to relax completely. Truth be told, Jasper was so comfortable and relaxed beside Elliot that he would have no problem taking a nap right here. Of course, he knew he shouldn’t and it was with much hesitation that his eyes reopened and he tilted his head to look up at Elliot once more.

 

“What about later? Your teenage years, before you joined the guard?” He questioned wanting to know more about Elliot. “Did you date? Have a lot of friends? What was your dream for when you grew up? Did you always want to join the guard?” He knew he was bombarding the poor man with a bunch of questions again but his curiosity got the best of him. He truly wanted to know these things. Jasper was determined to know who laid beneath the armor, who was hiding inside of the man he knew since Elliot had first stepped foot on the palace grounds. Obviously, he knew that the other was exceptional, they didn’t allow just anyone into the guard.

 

Entwining their fingers Jasper rubbed the back of Elliot’s hand gently with his thumb. With his free hand he lightly trailed his fingers over the guard’s admiring the difference. It was something he was sure that he would never quite be able to get used to. After some silence passed he looked back up at Elliot, “I hope my closeness isn’t bothering you.” His voice was soft, but it was understanding as well. If his closeness to the young guard was bothering Elliot the other man was good at hiding it.

 

Glancing towards Garret he could see that the other was practically stewing in jealousy. But… Jasper couldn’t truly bring himself to care. Here he was relaxing with Elliot, holding the other’s hand in his own and enjoying some friendly conversation while Garret was being jealous and needy. That was one reason why he had ordered Garret to stay on guard, so he could enjoy Elliot’s company without the other man trying to grab his attention. Yet here he sat, seeing the way Garret shot looks towards them obviously wishing that it was him instead of Elliot. He could only imagine how the young man would act tomorrow when it was Elliot and Isiah at his side while he had the day off. That thought made a small smirk cross his face.

[Noise Prince]

Elliot was finding Jasper more comfortable. Maybe it was because they had spent all day together, but he no longer seemed intimidating with him, not as much, anyway. Even his advances, toned down, seemed more friendly than aggressive. Elliot found the beautiful young prince more inviting now, he felt that he could relax a little with him. Maybe it was due to a small part that they'd already been intimate, and his emotions were interfering with his senses. The kiss was pure, though, pure and pleasant and soft. The light in Jasper's eyes surprised him, he blushed and turned his gaze away at such a brazen compliment.

 

"You're too kind, your Highness," Elliot responded bashfully. He thought that everyone looked better when they smiled, though he didn't voice this, he didn't want to sound ungrateful for the praise.

 

There was something quite touching about Jasper's interest in his simple tale of growing up outside the castle. It wasn't something any of the guards talked about all that much, and Jasper's interest seemed so earnest. Being the prince, he probably wasn't too aware of what was happening outside the castle, what the life of his subjects was like outside of other royalty or nobility telling him, or maybe tutors and books. He really couldn't imagine what it was like to be the prince. Or any royalty. So much of his life was defined by his circumstances, which were in no small part dictated by those above him, so it was a little alienating to think that they tended to know very little about the regular population. 17

 

"Bother me?" Elliot wasn't prepared for that sort of question. Why would it bother him? Most children worked to an extent, after all, with the exception of the sickly. Was even that so strange to Jasper? "No, it didn't really. My family tended to work together, so I wasn't saddened or lonely, or burdened beyond my ability."

 

"My teenaged years?" He smiled again, a bit put upon and flattered that Jasper was so interested in his early life. "I never really dated, no. I had a few friends, mostly from school or from hanging around the theatre troupes when they came to visit." He told him.

 

"A lot of us wanted to act, though in my small town, there wasn't a lot of opportunity. We had no theatre, and the traveling troupes were small and rarely had an opening." Elliot explained, smiling at the memories of him and his friends trying to sneak into shows when they had no money, or hanging around rehearsals, trying to memorize the lines from hearing the players recite them. One of his friends was able to join them one day, a few months before Elliot followed the recruiter. His lucky friend was the most talented and handsome of the group, dark haired and fine features. Not unlike Jasper.

 

"I was first considering joining the military," He told him. Recruits for either were trained in the same way initially, and separated later. But there were fears and whispers about an invasion, and war starting, and he got swept up in it, and as it was a time when he was needing to decide on a worthwhile path as an adult, it was the one he chose. After training had started, a superior had convinced him that he was better suited for the Guard, and Elliot agreed, for more selfish reasons than he'd like to admit. If he couldn't play as royalty on stage, he could at least live close to the inspirations for such stories, right? Despite his demeanor, the love of drama never left him at the core. Besides, it was an honor to be considered good enough for the Royal Guard, it was unthinkable for virtually anyone to turn it down, aside from the very ambitious who wish to seek out notoriety on the battlefield.

 

"You don't bother me, Your Highness," Elliot assured him. "I hope I've not bored you with my rather dull ramblings," He watched Jasper's fingers explore his hand, and he saw the look on Jasper's face, as if he was studying their entwined hands.

 

"And you, my lord? Your childhood must be much more interesting and relevant," He started to feel a little embarrassed for going on for so long about himself, getting caught up in reminiscing. And Jasper really must have a better story to offer.

[Sathenus]

Jasper hummed softly as he listened to Elliot explain that working as a child hadn’t bothered him. It was interesting to hear, considering his own upbringing. He truly knew nothing of how the kids in the villages throughout his kingdom were raised, how they lived. But it did sadden him just a bit to know that they never really had in a sense a childhood. It made it sound like that all kids worked from a young age, even if it started off just as helping it must have taken up quite a bit of the time they could have had playing with other kids. Still, if that was what was normal than he supposed there really wasn’t anything wrong with it. So he let it go and listened as Elliot moved on to tell him about his teenage years.

 

“You wanted to act?” Jasper questioned raising an eyebrow. Now that was something he hadn’t expected to hear, and yet he was quite interested in that little detail alone. Elliot didn’t need to say that he specifically had wanted to, he had been given enough information when he was told that a lot of them had wanted to. Especially when he mentioned that there wasn’t a lot of opportunities to do so. It made him wonder of Elliot would be sitting there beside him right now if he had managed to do what he had wanted originally. It also made him wonder if he ever would have met the other man. Chances were slim if he was being completely honest. That wasn’t to say that he didn’t see such performances, it just wasn’t very often. He had other things to do, that such things didn’t occur often.

 

“Hmm… I think you’re better suited for the guard than our army.” Jasper mused with a small smile. He was definitely glad to know that Elliot ended up in the royal guard versus the ranks of their military. It was in his opinion the better choice for the young man. Granted, Elliot might be just a tad older than himself, but he still found him young. Just like many still found him young and thus looked the other way when it came to many of his actions. Still holding Elliot’s hand in his lap he continued to run his thumb over the back of the other’s hand. Relaxing against the man’s side while being careful not to be overly affectionate. He had to try to keep the guard’s comfort in mind and not push his boundaries more than he already had. Not for a little while anyway. It did seem as if Elliot was starting to feel more comfortable around him, and he was quite glad to see how that really did affect the man.

 

“Of course you haven’t, Elliot. I absolutely adore listening to you talk, especially about when you were younger.” The Prince admitted with a smile. He really did enjoy hearing about it, and he would love to hear more about it. Though he had a feeling there either wasn’t much more to hear, or that Jasper wasn’t going to give him much more information. What he wasn’t expecting was for the man to ask about his own upbringing. Deciding to turn the attention to him instead. ’How sweet.’ Jasper thought to himself with another small smile spreading across his face.

 

“My own childhood?” He repeated as he thought about it for a moment wondering where to begin. “I wouldn’t say it was more interesting or relevant. Quite the contrary to be exact.” He mused his gray eyes moving up to those of the other. “From the time I was born until I was about five I was raised by the palace servants. It was up to them to keep me out of trouble, watch over me, make sure all my needs were met. On my fifth birthday my care was handed over to my tutors and my father’s more trusted advisors to raise me into the perfect prince. You can imagine the first five years were good. I played out on the grounds without being told I couldn’t, I helped in the kitchens and the maids with their chores learning responsibility. Well, helping with what I could without there being fear I would hurt myself in any way. When my tutors took over I was no longer allowed to roam the grounds, I was taught it was too dangerous. I rarely got to set foot outside, and when I did it was dark or early in the morning.”

 

Jasper paused as his eyes roved around the garden and he sighed softly. “My parents didn’t become more active parts of my life until I was eleven. By that point it was time for me to start acting more princely. I was expected to attend meetings with my father, learn about our allies and treaties. I was taught to dance and how a young prince should behave in the presence of other royalty. You can imagine what it’s like to live in the palace with your parents yet not really have any influence from them until I was nearing my teenage years.” It was a normal childhood in his opinion. He had a lot of influences in his upbringing, but his parents believed that it would make him a great future king.

 

That had been until his parents grew aware of the fact that he was acting out more and more especially as of late. He was still sneaking out to meet guys at the town, occasionally being so bold as to sneak them back into the palace just so he could have some fun. His parents had no idea that it was other men he was sneaking into the palace. His father would have his head on a silver platter and his mother would probably have a fit. In fact, his parents had no idea that he had slept with another man ever, much less as often as he has been. He could only imagine what they would do if they knew he had slept with men form the nearby town, was sleeping around with some of the guards, and could even be caught looking at certain male servants with desire.

 

Jasper hoped having Elliot now meant it would curb his desires and lust. Giving him one person to focus on, especially with how much the guard was making him work for it. “My childhood was not really impressive.” He finally said drawing himself from his thoughts and pushing such minor things aside. After all, unless his parents found out he had nothing to worry about. He wasn’t enough of a gentleman for his parents to be arranging his marriage yet so he had nothing to worry about there either. At least not for a little while. He knew eventually there would be a ball with princesses that his parents deemed appropriate in the hopes he would find a queen. But Jasper did not want a queen. If he was to wed he knew he wanted it to be with a man, but he also knew that was not possible.

 

That was something he could worry about another time as well. He couldn’t understand why his brain was choosing now to worry about such trivial matters. Since none of this was happening to him as of right now he could worry about them all another time. Looking back to Elliot he gave the man a genuine smile, “You know. This is really nice. Relaxing here with you and all.”

[Noise Prince]

Elliot thought it was rather odd that Jasper thought that his work as a child was so troublesome. Sure there was play, and as a young child he wasn't worked terribly hard, he always felt he had an overall pleasant childhood. Was working really seen as so detrimental to the nobility? He always assumed they were working or training for something at young ages. After all, they had a lot of very important things to learn. He wondered if it was fun, since Jasper seemed to have spent a lot of his youth playing. Or maybe he was just projecting what he thought would be ideal, if he worked a lot he thought the ideal for his people would be for the children to play a lot.

 

Elliot looked away, blushing rather vividly, at the tone in his question. He wasn't an expressive or entertaining person, so it was natural that he didn't think Elliot was suited for acting. It was expected that he'd be surprised at that. It was still a bit embarrassing, though, even if it was to be expected. But at one point, he really did want to act. He practiced and competed with his friends at reciting whatever they could memorize. At one point he fancied himself talented at it. But he was never the most talented, that went to the friend that managed to join the favored troupe. He'd never be swept away from his hometown by an acting troupe, and that was okay. He loved his home, but at one point he needed to leave. So the military it was- and then the guard. Elliot was happy here, he worked well with strict structure and high levels of procedure and protocol. He liked his work here, he felt happy with his choices.

 

"I did," Elliot told him quietly. "At one point,"

 

He looked back to the prince's direction when he said he was better for the guard than the ranks of the army. Elliot definitely agreed with that. He didn't know much about the interior workings of the military once his own training was interrupted by being recruited to the Royal Guard, but it took a special kind of person to be able to be part of the guard, something that might not mean he was as well suited at other positions.

 

Elliot watched Jasper's hand on his, his thumb stroking over his skin. Jasper was so restrained, but in a way that seemed effortless. He was relaxed, and calm. He was tender… Elliot partially wished that this could have been their first interaction, as out of place the physical closeness would be in that instance. Things would have felt so much more different, if instead the beautiful prince wished to meditate on the mundanities of Elliot's youth. It wouldn't have made what really happened first any better if it happened second, but it would have been different.

 

Elliot smiled slightly, looking away from their joined hands. When Elliot was younger, through puberty, he had a problem with sweaty palms when he held hands with others. He was glad he outgrew that. He looked back up at Jasper. This man didn't look like he could have ever had the same awkward teenager phase most everyone else had to suffer through. And he seemed so genuine when he said that he really enjoyed listening to his stories. What happened to the selfish prince who threatened him into having sex with him?

 

He raised a brow when Jasper said his childhood was not interesting. If Jasper could sit through Elliot's dry retelling of his simple beginnings and fanciful though fruitless youthful ambition to act, Elliot could bear to listen to his lord's life growing up within the castle walls. He wasn't too surprised to hear that he was predominately raised by servants, but the way he spoke about it was as if his parents were rarely a presence in his early life. His own mother was so loving and devoted, he could take it for granted sometimes, and forgot that not everyone had parents like that. But even the prince… At least he did have the servants there. He tried to stay stoic, but his eyes widened a little when he learned that he was five when he began his formal training. His first five years sounded delightful, he was also a cheeky thing, wasn't he? He wasn't so unsimilar to how Elliot behaved as a child.

 

"Oh, you couldn't go out in the daylight at such a young age?" He couldn't hold back his surprise, and asked for clarification.

 

Elliot couldn't really imagine it. Not that there were really a staff nearby to raise him and his siblings, but he couldn't imagine not having his mother there in his earliest memories. He couldn't imagine having another figure instead of his mother. He'd rather it had only been his mother, though. Eleven, and already attending meetings alongside the king. Such a thing sounded extraordinary, but Jasper spoke of it with little fondness.

 

Jasper, the beautiful dark-haired prince, was entirely human. He was a product of his upbringing, as was anyone. Royal blood didn't determine more than circumstance. And while the circumstances between their upbringings were very, very different, Elliot felt that gap growing closed as he listened to Jasper's tale. He wondered at one point he started his secret rebellion by taking guards into his chambers.

 

"No… I find it very interesting. Many children grew up with childhoods like me, but there is only one of our prince," Elliot told him. "Many in my town aren't as well educated, and definitely not as young as you when you were learning such things," He assured him. Elliot was so taken back that he regarded his own history dull, he couldn't help but counter.

 

Elliot relaxed back against the tree, letting his neck relax, and faced forward, looking over the garden while the light grew weak. "I agree, your highness." Elliot answered. It was peaceful here.

[Sathenus]

Jasper watched as a vivid blush crossed the young guard’s face, a small smile crossing his own. Though he had not intended to cause such a reaction it was cute all the same. Jasper had to admit he would be happy to see it more often, even if it was a sign of embarrassment from the other. When he received a rather quiet response from the other he gave him a small smile. “Everyone has those things they were interested in when they were younger.” He found it cute that the other had wanted to be an actor, but he was still happier to have him within the guard. It seemed, at least to the prince that it better suited Elliot than anything else would.

 

At the question directed towards him regarding not being able to go out during the day at such a young age a small rather sad smile crossed his face. “There was a small scare that happened when I was about four. Some villager from one of the closer villages that lie within the castles shadows had gotten upset and drunk. He had tried to scale the castle fence. My parents and their advisors got worried. They started to think that someone would sneak into the palace and grab me when their backs were turned. My time outside was limited to brief early morning walks, or late-night moments out on a terrace. As I got older I could stay out longer, but still only during certain hours of the day. Now, though I’m still supposed to honor my parents wishes and be mindful of when I go outside, but I can’t help but want to do it when the sun is shining.”

 

He paused for a moment and sighed softly, “My parents think my pale skin is a sign of beauty. They like how it hasn’t been touched by the sun much. I know others feel the same way, but sometimes it’d be nice to spend time outside, in the sun.” Jasper did long to spend long days in the sun. He knew though that being who he was, and having his life dictated by schedule that it would not happen. Many people seemed to think his pale skin was perfect just the way it was. It was unblemished after all. Well… aside from when he did sneak men into the palace for sex. But those marks were never permanent and were always hidden behind the clothes he wore in his day to day life.

 

The young prince was more than aware of how others saw him, and though he definitely did not have any arguments with his appearance he longed to be outside more. Explore the grounds while it was sunny. Despite growing up within the palace grounds there was so much of it he had yet to explore. Even at his age he still had childish tendencies.

 

“I suppose you are right. My parents consider themselves blessed that their firstborn was a boy. Providing my father with an heir to his throne. He isn’t one for children. My mother always wanted a large family, but she knows she will never get one.” Jasper said with a small shrug. Sure his kingdom had one heir, one prince. It was because his father had to provide an heir, not because the man had wanted a child. Jasper was aware of that, he was aware of his standing and he also knew his mother had always wanted more children. Personally, he was glad to be an only child. He could only imagine how things would be to have a brother or sister running around the palace.

 

There was a part of him who said his life would be practically the same, but that his siblings would be better. He had a feeling as if whatever younger sibling he may have had were his father more open to having a bigger family would be given more freedom than himself. He would at that point be the oldest after all. “I can’t say that I mind. I don’t want a sibling.” He said after a moment of deliberation. Personally, Jasper didn’t want children either, he would hope his preference for other men would make that quite clear. He could have sex all he wanted without fear of any of the men he slept with getting him pregnant. He could not say the same for a woman, knowing if he did have sex with one the chances of her getting pregnant were all to real. That was something he didn’t even want to think about.

 

Women to Jasper were not unattractive, but he had no sexual desire towards any. They were not remotely sexually appealing to him. There were still women that he thought were pretty, but it was in a friendlier sort of manner. His mind was drawn from such trivial matters when he heard Elliot agree with him, that it was peaceful to be relaxing there with each other.

 

This made him brighten up considerably more and a large smile crossed his face. “I’m glad you think so.” He murmured softly not really wanting to ruin the moment they were having. Occasionally, he still caught an unhappy glance from Garret, but he ignored the other male. Garret wanted one thing, and it was to get him back in bed. Though Jasper was usually more than willing to have sex with any guy he had previously taken he was to smitten with Elliot to really want to encourage or entertain Garret any further. At least not until he learned whether Elliot was a lost cause.

 

God, he hoped not. He really wanted Elliot, and he wanted the guard to want him just as much if not a little more. He hoped it wasn’t just wishful thinking, and that changing his tactic was a good idea. Of course, if he did try to get Elliot in bed with him again just to be met with the same resistance as before he knew he would end up being just as impatient and harsh. Especially after trying so hard to play with Elliot’s emotions just right. It wasn’t like he was the first guy that Jasper had to take a gentler, calmer approach with. Hopefully his patience and showing this side of himself was going to pay off.

[Noise Prince]

Elliot wondered if Jasper would be pleased to see his guard's exterior break a little more and get him a bit flustered and embarrassed. He already had a way of getting under his skin, so this was really another victory for the young prince. Once he was gathering himself, he was more embarrassed by being so easily shaken. He wasn't on post, not really, even if it was his post, but he still felt he should try to keep a better demeanor around the prince, even if he was going to try to be more personable with Jasper. Even if Jasper wanted him to open up, he didn't need to see too many weak points in his royal guardsmen. Plus, Elliot moved passed his childhood dreams of being an actor. He was an adult, and he was a member of the royal guard, a rather notable one, at that. Even though his current position wasn't a progression from his performance, he had to have some merit to make the motion unsuspicious, right? He was good at what he did, this suited him.

 

A subtle change in Jasper's expression followed Elliot's question. He smiled, but there was something mournful about it. Elliot regretted bringing it up, and felt the urge to touch his mouth, to wipe the sadness from his smile, like a smudge at the corner of his mouth. But those thoughts were distracted by the rather startling story of a drunkard who tried to scale the castle. Imagine, that posing such a security threat! It was no wonder the Royal Guard here was so famously strict and rigid in their training and performance. He had also noticed that there were certain structures on the castle fence that were newer than the rest, they must have been constructed only when Jasper and he were small children to make scaling all the more difficult. There was something so sad about him never being out in the sunlight. A huge knot formed in his stomach. He prevented the prince from being able to enjoy the day, and insist he work. He assumed his was just wanting to shirk his responsibilities, using the nice day as a catalyst, but Jasper just wanted sunlight.

 

He read somewhere before that the lack of sunlight could be unhealthy. Aside from his paleness, Jasper looked to be in proper health, but it still made Elliot wondered if he suffered more ill effects. Elliot had also thought Jasper's skin was beautiful. While he never grew up with anyone who had such pale skin, most everyone in his home village spent some time in the sun, even the elderly, it was a sort of mythical trait of unreachable beauty to him as a child. Only nobility tended to be particularly pale, and Jasper's almost complete lack of sun, in addition to his black hair, made him stand out as particularly lovely. But Elliot had never considered that it came at such a price of suffering, and he felt guilty for admiring it so.

 

"Forgive me, your highness," Elliot whispered, looking away. "Had I known, I would have never objected the way I did before… it was not my place to do so,"

 

Elliot only nodded in slight agreement there, since there wasn't much to discount with the fact that the crowned prince was an only child. Elliot had many siblings, as did many others he knew growing up, he couldn't imagine his life if he grew up alone. His mother probably would have dotted on him more and his father would have… focused his intentions on him more. It was rather disheartening that his queen, Jasper's mother, never had the many children she wished for, as Elliot only knew the joy of being one of many, and assumed having and raising them was a real treasure. Elliot wasn't sure what he'd prefer, he didn't particularly find he'd make a good father, to begin with.

 

"It does seem like your life was eventful enough even without a younger brother or sister running about," Elliot smiled. He was the youngest, so he couldn't be sure if being an older sibling or younger was more fun. He couldn't help but think Jasper was best suited to be older. The heir would receive the most attention and reverence in the palace, after all, and that sort of environment suited him.

 

Elliot had two older brothers and a sister, though he was always closest with his sister, despite her being the second oldest, and one of his brothers being closer to his age. She was everything he lacked at his younger ages, and he strived to be like her. She was strong and elegant and structured in everything she did. She was so proficient that she ended up running a brewery in their home at a fairly young age, and later married a man with his own. She was widowed young, and runs the brewery by herself now.

 

Elliot felt he was so comfortable being alone because of his sister, how much he emulated her growing up. Despite the close-knit family, she always liked to steel away to be alone, to work on one new project or another of hers. But he also wondered if that hindered his ability to really get to know others. His sister seemed unbothered by whether or not she could, but Elliot had a hard time in the guard, surrounded by people he didn't grow up with.

 

But he was starting to feel more comfortable with Jasper, more so than he expected in such a short amount of time. Even with the obvious gap in their social standings, Jasper opened up so earnestly with him. It was refreshing, and comforting, to be able to feel this way, even if he had to keep fighting his instinct to keep proper with him.

[Sathenus]

"Nonsense, Elliot. You expressed a concern for my work to be finished first, it was a valid concern and I appreciated your input." Jasper replied shaking his head. He did not want his newest guard to feel guilty for speaking up. "Besides, my parents wouldn't be happy if I returned for dinner and had a pinkish tint to my skin from being outside. I nor you, Garret or Isiah would ever hear the end of it either if I returned to them in such a state." He admitted with a soft sigh. As much as the young prince really did want to spend his days outside enjoying the sun he just couldn't. His pale skin was something his parents were proud of even if in the beginning it had been unintentional to keep it as pale as it was currently.

 

As time had gone on he had noticed how proud of it his parents were, mixed with his black hair and he knew he had a look that most thought was unobtainable. There were moments he had wondered what his life would be like if he had not been born within the royal family, or if that man all those years ago had not tried to enter the palace grounds and make his parents worried to begin with. Jasper knew in the end there was no point worrying about it though, there was nothing that could be done anymore. He would continue to live the life his parents sought for him, continue to be confined to the palace unless out addressing others for very brief periods of time or taking small moments like this to relax when the sun was no longer an issue.

 

"That's true." He mused with a small smile. His life was eventful enough without a sibling, and he personally did not desire one. "I don't think my mother really approved of my upbringing though. She always told me stories of how she had planned to raise her kids, and how big she wanted her family to be. I think after my birth the true realization of just how her children would be brought up hit her. That she wouldn't be as big of a part of it as she had originally thought." Jasper admitted with a small shrug. Though his mother had wanted a lot of kids and a large family, he knew upon his birth the realization of her position and the fact that she would not be tending him herself must have hit hard.

 

Jasper was sure many princesses had dreams like his mother's, and they would most likely end up just as disappointed about it. There were some larger royal families, but usually two children were the biggest they got. He'd be lying to say his own was small, but he liked it this way. His father had stated many times how he was glad his first born had been a son. Then again, if any of the other children that they may have had were anything like him, he could completely understand why his father wanted no more children. He was constantly reprimanded for what he did, or the lack of what he was doing. Jasper didn't even want to know what his father would say or do if he was to learn his only heir was attracted to men and had been sleeping around not just with a few well picked guards but also with men from the closest village. Hell, he had even picked up a traveler from the tavern in the village a few times.

 

The young prince did have needs after all, and his options to have such needs tended to were very slim. Even if he knew that he was going about it completely wrong. Neither of his parents would be happy to know he desired no woman. That discussion would be a nightmare, considering it meant he wouldn't be able to give his kingdom an heir. But... he didn't want one. At least, not with a woman he didn't love. There were parts of Jasper that just didn't understand why an heir to the throne he was heir to was more important than his own happiness. He'd be happy with a man by his side ruling beside him. But no. He had to produce an heir to take the throne after him. But... what if he was not as lucky as his father and his first born was not a son?

 

Just the thought of a such a thing made his skin crawl. It was with a soft sigh that he pushed such a thing from his mind. He still had time to worry about that. After all, his parents still found him to immature to think of finding him a bride, as long as he could continue to push it off the better things would be for him in the end. Hazel eyes moved up to meet the gaze of his newest guard. The man he was finding himself truly infatuated with. How could his life be so cruel as to bring someone like Elliot into his life in this manner and expect him to honor their status. He had never grown so attached to a guard in such a short period of time, Elliot truly did have all of his attention.

 

After a moment he gently pat the hand he was still holding in his, once more running his thumb over the back of the tanned skin. "I guess we should be heading back inside. Before my absence is noticed to much." It was clear in his tone he was not truly wanting to return. He was enjoying this moment, how peaceful it was, and being close to the other man.

 

"My parents will be expecting us for dinner soon." He added after a moment of silence. Though this meal would not go like the one he had requested for lunch it was still clear that the two men would be present. Their personal guards always were, to keep an eye on the large dinning hall while the royal family ate and discussed certain things. Slowly and obviously reluctantly he got to his feet, though he had not quite released the hand in his yet. It wasn't until he had stood for a moment, his hand still holding Elliot's eyes on their hands that he released it. Not really willingly, but because it was necessary and he did not need to be caught holding onto the other man's hand by anyone else.