Where the Flower Withers (hal7283 and Noise Prince, private, 18X)

[hal7283]

hal7283's characters:

 

 

 

Name: Erwin Aelbrande

 

Age: 26

 

Height: 175cm

 

Personality: Proud, brave, kind, caring, honest, basically all the traits you can find on a typical prince in fairy tales. Or at least that's how he present himself to people.

 

Appearance: Semi-long blonde hair tied behind his head; green eyes; well exercised, muscular body; lightly tanned skin; handsome features; several scars across his body.

 

Likes: Training; reading; helping others; talking to common people; horse riding; home-made cooking.

 

Dislike: Unnecessarily formalities, pretentious and corrupt nobles; his older brothers; power struggle at court; over spiced and over cooked court food.

 

Description: Erwin is the forth child of Alfran III, the current monarch of the Kingdom of Levendel. Having two older brother and one older sister, Erwin knew from a young age that it’s unlikely for him to ever ascend to the throne. This realization lead to a rather care-free childhood as he enjoyed the privilege of royalty. He was also blessed with a close friend who he cared for more than anything in the world. This would change however when the Kingdom of Levendel went to war with its neighbour kingdom Wirland, which would prove to be only the first war among many. In the aftermath of that hard-earned victory Erwin lost his friend, and he was never the same.

 

There’s a martial tradition among the royalties of Levendel, as all the princes had to receive some basic military training. But Erwin’s devotion was on a totally different scale, hating his powerlessness against the injustice which took his friend, he would vow to become the shining knight they’ve read in the story books together.

 

Miraculously, he succeeded. When he was 17 war broke out again, and Erwin asked to go to the front lines. He quickly proved himself to be more than a just spoiled prince and gained the trust and loyalty of common soldiers and officers alike, leading them to one victory after another. People praised him as the reincarnation of the Founder King of Levendel, who according to legends was the son of the Goddess of Light. Such praises has not escaped the attention of Erwin’s brothers, who increasingly see the fame of Erwin to be a threat. In response they convinced the king to send Erwin on a campaign against the nomadic hordes which threatened Levendel’s northern borders, with a bare-minimum army.

 

After years of long, grueling campaign, Erwin returned victorious. When he lead his exhausted and diminished troops back to Levendel he saw the once prosperous kingdom transformed. Poverty and famine spread rampant, corruption plagued every level of government, while nobles and officials feed off the misery of the people and indulged themselves at court. Erwin suspects it must have something to do with the new adviser now standing on his father’s side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Raphas ze Goetios

 

Age: ???

 

Height: 182cm

 

Personality: Devious, calculative, manipulative, sadistic, cruel, ambitious, determined.

 

Appearance: Greyish pale skin; silver grey semi-long hair; long, slim, almost skeletal build; green eyes which in certain angles looks red; beautiful, almost androgynous features.

 

Likes: Pain and despair of others; Torture; Observing corpses, especially skeletons; Flowers; The World.

 

Dislike: Happiness and Hope of others; Peace; Young and Healthy people; Sun and Blue sky; The World.

 

Abilities and specialties: Necromancy; Dark magic; Curses; Potions and Poisons.

 

Description: Little was known about the man known as Raphas ze Goetios other than the fact that he quickly rose through the ranks of the officials in court shortly after Prince Erwin was sent on his campaign against the northern nomads. After the sudden and mysterious death of the late Chancellor, Raphas was appointed to the newly created position of Adviser and stand next to the throne on every court meeting, and enjoyed full support from the King. This caused a great shift in the balance of power. Many see his rise to power as the way of the King to weaken the forces loyal to the First Prince and the Second Prince, but struggle for power in court has only got worse and pretty much brought the Kingdom to an halt.

 

While the nobles either struggled pointlessly at court for power, or too busy indulging in luxuries paid by tax money, natural disasters and bad harvest had caused wide-spread poverty, famine, and plague across the land. Countless lives were ruined, and people became more and more disillusioned, causing unrest and even riots which were violently suppressed. There was also news of increased movement of Wirlander troops along the border.

 

Of course not all were blind to the threat to the kingdom, and many in court tried to rise above the meaningless fighting and actually do something productive, but such individuals either miraculously changed their mind and joined Raphas’ faction, or found dead in mysterious circumstances. It would seem that the Kingdom was on the brink of total collapse. Yet Raphas seemed content in the midst of all the chaos, almost as if he was enjoying the situation.

 

 

 

 

Noise Prince's characters:

 

 

Name: Kovi (no longer has a last name)

Age: 24

Height: 170cm (5.5")

Personality: Easy to and eager to please. He's in relative good spirits most days, and despite his almost childish demeanor, he's readily dedicated to training and education. Kovi is quite emotional, quick to move, and though he tends to be in a good mood and stays positive, he is quick to anger, and has a number of triggers. He is almost blindly devoted to Raphas, who has an almost supernatural influence over him.

Appearance: He has light purple eyes that are striking against his brown skin and dark hair. He has a relatively delicate and pretty face with sharp eyes, and a lithe figure.

Likes: Raphas Raphas Raphas Raphas Raphas Raphas Raphas religious/magic practices Raphas Raphas

Dislikes: Antagonism against Flower People, anything being unfair or unjust and not justified by Raphas. The royal family, whom he tolerates purely because of Raphas.

Description: Kovi's family was controversial, his father was a respectable noble and general who married a woman of the Flower People, when tensions were rising exponentially. They had one son. Due to the closeness of his family and the royal family, he became best friends with Erwin at a young age, a bond that lasted until prejudice got the best of a particular set of nobility who aspired to have his father convicted of treason. The law of the land would have them all executed, but Kovi was just shy a few years of the legal age to be included, and instead was treated like a war orphan, and banished to a borderless temple that resided on no sovereign lands. This temple was known for taking in such orphans, and those who'd rather devote themselves to their deities than to a country. He was raised and trained under the goddess Oshimun, also known as 'The Dame', she's often the patron of those who practice botanmancy, which was a natural fit for Kovi. Later, he was found by Raphas, and was convinced to leave the temple behind, as he was at the age where he needed to fully devote himself to the temple or return to the outside world, and he devoted himself to Raphas instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Percen Gorneira

Age: 22

Height: 190cm (6.2")

Personality: Percen tends to be more on the quiet side, seems stoic and firm, but it comes from a place of insecurity. He's trying to unlearn a lot of pseudo-formality, as it annoys his current lord, Erwin. He's devoted to serving him, but is ever the skeptic, and always tries to be careful when assessing any decisions.

Appearance: Light brown hair, cut short, but has enough length to show waviness. He has a mature face and gentle eyes. He's tall and built very sturdy from years of dedicated training.

Likes: Quiet, meditation, strategy. Time to think decisions over. Being assured in some ways that the orders he's following have been thought out carefully. Reading historic books and records. Swordplay, though he's good with a mace as well.

Dislikes: Noisiness, hastiness, alcohol

Description: Percen's father was a wildly successful and wealthy merchant, a few good strokes of luck and business sense had him and his only son living similarly to nobility. His connections to the throne eventually lead to him gaining a title. Percen was still quite young when it happened, and felt ostracized by not being from a line like his peers, and thus he didn't have the same backstory or history as them. And when his father remarried, he gained two noble-born sisters who seemed to be from another world from him altogether. He became dedicated to trying to educate himself and act as formal and noble as possible. Percen started training as a page as soon as he could, hoping to prove himself and his father. Later, he became inspired by the ambitious young prince, and aimed his goals to align with Erwin's, and later became a knight completely sworn to him.

 

 

 

 

---

 

Normally the main central passage of the capital city would be filled with busy traffic, people, horses, carriages and so on. But today the road was kept empty, and in exchange its sides were filled with people, pushing against each other so tightly that they could barely move. Even the balconies overlooking the street were all packed. Despite how crowded it was all the people seemed happy, excited. Men and women, old and young, talking, smiling, cheering. You could almost taste the anticipation in the air.

 

Then suddenly someone shouted: “They’re here! They’re here!” And everyone turned their eyes towards the direction of the gate, and as soon as they saw the group of armored knights under the Levendell flag the crowd began to cheer. People threw countless colorful flowers, pedals and ribbons from the balcony, which danced with the wind and slowly fell onto the marching soldiers, who despite their best efforts of trying to stay disciplined, can’t help but feel joy and smiled to the warm welcome.

 

And when the people saw the blonde young man on horseback leading them the cheers became even more frantic:

 

“Long live Prince Erwin!” They cheered.

 

“All Hail Prince Erwin!” They cried.

 

“The second coming!” They shouted.

 

“The Light of Levendel!” They proclaimed

 

And in the midst of all the cheering, the guest of honor for this warm and passionate welcome, prince Erwin Aelbrande, was in a much less festive mood. Even though the capital seemed lively enough, made evident by how cheerful the people seemed to be, the rest of the kingdom was in a total mess. The people were suffering as plague, famine, poverty spread wide and far, while the nobles ruling those lands seemed more interested in earning favor from him than actually helping their subjects. This kingdom was sick to the bones, and nobody seemed to care.

 

On top of the sorry state Levendell was in, the long and gruesome campaign against the northern nomadic tribes has cast a great shadow in his heart, especially since he had shed the blood of many Flower People, the same blood which also flowed in the veins of his long lost best friend Kovi. Erwin doubt the boy could have survived the exile so many years ago, but couldn’t help but wondered what would he think of him if he did? Every time Erwin thrust his spear through one of those brown skinned foes he feared that he could be killing one of Kovi’s family, or even Kovi himself. The fact that the evidence for Flower People’s alliance with Wiland, Levendell’s old rival was dubious at best certainly didn’t help. And to be praised as a hero on such a possible unjust war? That’s just adding salt to injury. If Erwin was a bit more selfish and power hungry, he might have felt some joy from such popularity. But Erwn knew the support from the people could only make his older brothers’ resentment towards him worse, and bring him even more troubles in the future.

 

Of course from the outset none of it was visible. Erwin maintained a friendly smile as he lead the troops down the streets, waving at the crowd and catching some of the flowers the people threw at him. What people need right at that moment was a symbol of hope, and Erwin had learned through the years how to put up that show for them.

 

Eventually the troops arrived at the garrison, and as expected the messengers from court was waiting at the door.

 

“Congratulations on your successful campaign, prince Erwin. The King would like to congratulate you in person.” The messenger said.

 

“Of course, I shall go to the palace shortly.” Erwin replied. He turned to look at his second in command Percen and smiled, lowering his voice so the messengers wouldn’t hear him: “You’re not gonna let me walk into that poison pot alone right?”

 

---

 

All the nobles and high officials awaited in the grand hall of the palace impatiently. For most of them what was about to happen was nothing less than a slap in their faces, adding insult to injury. After all they’ve sent the young prince Erwin on his northern campaign with only the bare minimum of troops and supplies, and they all expected him to die like a stray dog up there.. But yet, the prince survived, and not only that, he was victorious, eliminating much of the fighting power of the northern tribes, and securing vast amount of territory for the Kingdom.

 

Of course not all of them were so hostile towards the young prince, since a small minority actually admired Erwin’s charisma and skills. There was also someone like the figure standing right next to the throne, the King’s adviser Raphas ze Goetios, who was in quite a pleasant mood. While Rapahs had little sympathy or respect towards Erwin, or anyone for that matter, his return could spark new tensions and struggles in court, further muddying the waters, which would serve Rapahs’ ultimate goal.

 

“Enters the Third Prince, Erwin Aelbrande!” The messenger announced as the prince emerged from the door of the grand hall, accompanied by loud trumpets and ceremonial music. All the nobles and high ranking officials turned to look at him and applauded as he approached, most had the decency to put up a smile, while a few cared little to hide their disdain. As the prince approached the throne his expression was filled with surprise and questions when he saw Raphas by the King’s side. Quickly gaining his composure back Erwin continued his appraoch, stopping right before the steps to the throne. The King raised his hand signaling the crowd to stop, and the room returned to silence. Erwin knelt down and said loudly: “I have returned, your majesty.”

 

“Welcome back, my son. Great work on your campaign against the northern barbarians. You hae brought glory to the Kingdom of Levendell” The king said. Despite his old age the King seemed to be in good health, and his voice echoed strongly in the grand hall.

 

“Thank you, your majesty. I have only done my duty.” Erwin said as he raised up his head, and turned his gaze to Raphas with a suspicious look.

 

“And you have done it splendidly.” The king said joyfully. Noticing the strange look from Erwin he smiled: “Ah, yes. Much has changed during your absence.” he said as he pointed to his side: “This is my Adviser, Raphas. ”

 

“Raphas ze Goetios at your service, your royal highness. It’s a great honor to finally meet you.” Raphas said as he bowed submissively. “Your deed deserve our greatest respects, and also the greatest reward. Wouldn’t you say so, my king?”

 

“Most certainly yes! Do you have any requests my son? Land? Wealth?” The king asked.

 

“Well... your majesty, I’d like to give such rewards to my men, as they are the true heroes of this campaign. And also I’d like to fund relieve efforts to help the poor and the sick.”

 

“Oh my! Did you hear that Raphas! I have such a noble son! You’re indeed an exemplary prince!” The king said happily, and as he said those words Raphas noticed how red the faces of Erwin’s older brothers had become. Their hatred towards their little brother must be burning like a volcano at this point. Raphas’ smile widened as he knew such flame would one day burn the Kingdom to cinders, and all he had to do was to add fuel. The King continued: “Very well my son! Your wish shall be granted! Raphas here will deal with the details but now, it’s time to celebrate! Bring forth the food! The wine! Bring forth the entertainers!”

 

And as the King commanded, countless servants entered carrying delicacies from all corners of the Kingdom. Quickly the grand hall was transformed into a huge party, and the nobles began to move around and socialize. The nobles seemed determined to drown their anger with food and alcohol, and Erwin was inevitably dragged into the mess, cornered by people congratulating him on his success, whether genuinely or not, and pressed him to tell stories of his conquest. The King was surrounded by servants and entertainers, as well as the nobles who wish to gain favors. As the party continued into the night and saw no sign of ever ending, Raphas quietly disappeared from the scene unnoticed, as if he had melted into the shadows.

 

Some time latter Raphas arrived at a graveyard on the outskirts of the city. The places seemed deserted as many of the tomb stones had crumbled and covered in moss and grass. Raphas knelt down and picked up a white flower growing out from the cracks of a tomb stone and brought it in front of his nose. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the sweet scent of it go up his nostrils. “Grave White”, as the flower was called, was a strange plant which can be found only at graveyards, cemeteries and catacombs, hence came the name. Some believed it to be a gift from the goddess of death to sooth the spirit of the deceased, but most saw it as a weeds to be removed.

 

But Raphas thought of the flower differently. He believed that “Grave White” feeds off death, thrives on death, just like him. Death makes it strong, death makes it bloom, and it is death that Raphas shall deliver to this kingdom. Not a simple, clean, peaceful death, but one filled with pain, agony, and despair, as they makes death so much sweeter.

 

Raphas went in front of a unnamed grave and reached his hand out. A string of seemingly meaningless words slipped through his mouth and suddenly the gravestone moved, revealing a staircase going underground. Raphas walked down and the gravestone moved back to its original position behind him, hiding the passage once more. After a short descend Raphas quickly arrived at his destination.

 

The place was originally part of an ancient catacomb, which Raphas has modified to his purpose. It was surprisingly spacious with pretty high ceilings, and despite being underground with no lights or torches, the walls themselves seemed to emanate a cold, blue light. Several shelves was set along the wall filled with books, documents, messy notes, as well as jars of plants, herbs, strange animal parts preserved in liquids, and so on. There was also a stone casket which judging by the blanket on top of its cover it must be used for a bed.

 

Needless to say that it was here where Raphas conducted his research and concocted dark and evil schemes. It was also here where Raphas would meet with his lovely and pathetic servant shortly after, or perhaps “plaything” was a more suitable word. There are many people in this Kingdom who served Raphas, whether voluntarily out of fear, ambition, greed; or involuntarily due to curses, brainwash, and hypnosis. But there’s only one of them who serve him out of love and devotion: Kovi, whose love he had carefully nurtured with pleasure and pain throughout the years. In many ways Kovi was Raphas’ favorite victim, so much so that he was given the mark of a “Grave White” on his body, the irony alone could make Raphas laugh for days. Raphas has sent him on a mission to bring a certain noble under his fold, and he knew very well that the noble had a tendency to “abuse” his toys. Raphas couldn’t wait to see how much his dear servant has suffered out of devotion towards him. Oh how much he was looking forward to “reward” him for his loyalty.

[Noise Prince]

Normally, Kovi would be very excited. He'd been on a mission for a while for Master Raphas, and he was returning to him today, something Kovi always looked forward to when he had done a proper job. He really loved him so much, the only thing that motivated him to go on the missions and leave him in the first place was how happy he could make him when he did good for him. But today that mood was soiled. For Erwin, the Light of Levendell, was returning. And that meant the capital was falling over themselves preparing for his arrival, so pleased to greet their prince who brought them such pride and victory over Kovi's people. How they tripped over themselves to show just how much they loved how Erwin killed the Flowers.

 

Levendell and the Flower's conflicts were older than Kovi and Erwin both, but it was especially painful when he had to be reminded that Erwin was now taking part in it. Erwin was his closest friend growing up, they were really like family. Kovi, so dark and foreign and different, was in awe at his blond, beloved and admirable friend. He looked up to him so much. Erwin was a bit older, and learned to do things before Kovi, who was always following the prince's efforts.

 

And now… he wondered how much of it was one-sided. How much could Erwin have really liked him if he was becoming a historic Levendell war hero by killing people who looked like him?

 

===

 

Percen felt a surge of pride in his prince when they arrived. There were crowds of people cheering Erwin's presence, crying praise to his name and deeds. He knew that public opinion mattered very little to Erwin, which was interesting considering that Erwin cared more about the people of the kingdom in general more than his brothers, who seemed more interested in public opinion but little about anything else about them. Even if Erwin cared little, Percen allowed himself to feel proud on Erwin's behalf. He always did his best to serve his lord, and it made him very pleased that the prince he followed was such a virtuous man, and that he was recognized by the people for it. And he got to stay by his side through all of it.

 

When they were allowed through the gates, they were greeted by that festival of joyous people of the capital. They were healthier looking, more energetic, than most that they would see when travelling the country, and in turn, they were the most enthusiastic when Erwin and his brigade returned. They even threw flowers and ribbons towards the arriving knights who followed Erwin underneath the flag. He was better than most of the even highly disciplined and serious knights that marched with him, but Percen still smiled at the hero's greeting they were receiving. He kept glancing at Erwin when he could, trying to gauge his reactions. Erwin smiled, but Percen felt like there was some sort of sheet over Erwin that blocked him from really being happy somehow. Percen tried not to pry into his life, as close as the two were, considerably, but he had gotten Erwin to share a bit of detail.

 

Like any truly good person who became a warrior, he contemplated the necessity of slaughtering so many people, and that it naturally troubled him. Percen could really understand the trauma that comes along with that. He was frequently the one at Erwin's side, and trying to help him through some rather difficult decisions. Erwin handled them with such confidence and grace, but Percen knew they were hard. And Erwin didn't have something the other soldiers did- someone above them to blame for their actions. They all had their decision to join the militia, but sometimes it was easier to blame an invisible force of authority for cutting your blade through another man. But Erwin was the authority.

 

And that was the weight of worrying of the enemies. Throughout their travels, they had encountered so much suffering and indignity of the people of Levendell. Percen wasn't born too close to the capital, but it had been a long time since he wasn't a denizen of it's walls, and he was alarmed by how the rest of the world seemed to change. The place he called his home town was so much smaller, so many empty building and hurt economies, due to how many people had died from a plague that swept through. People weren't this sick, and poor, and without hope, when his father yet hadn't his title. He was sure that Erwin was a lot more concerned with the people outside the capital than those within, shouting his name and throwing pretty gestures to him.

 

His thoughts were able to somber his expressions as they made their way forward towards the garrison. Percen expected a messenger to greet them, but this time they were waiting behind the doors, which indicated a more merry tone. He hadn't really realized how he had soured his mood, since he expected a messenger to update them with somber news before preparing them for any congratulations waiting for them.

 

Percen moved slightly closer, trying not to lean too much, as to draw attention to Erwin's whispering to him. He smiled, his spirits rising when Erwin reminded him just the role Percen played for him. "I wouldn't dream of it," He promised in a whisper.

 

The high nobility of the palace hall was something Percen still wasn't quite accustomed to. Not that he let that show, he'd outgrown his visible awkwardness in situations with such grandness. The most difficult element here, however, were Erwin's brothers. Where Erwin was virtuous, his brothers seemed to lack in almost every way, as if only a certain amount of honesty and kindness could be allotted to this generation. Percen knew they would be the least enjoyable thing about the celebrations. Despite the fanfare and music, the inside of the grand hall didn't share the same distribution of enthusiasm to the prince's arrival.

 

There was another energy in the room, one Percen didn't recognize. This was unsettling as Percen had always taken great care to be aware of various figures of the court, and for someone to be here that he didn't know meant one of two things. Either Percen hadn't been observant or not, or that this person had risen to a place of power considerably quickly, which was rarely a good thing, from his admittedly lacking historical studies.

 

Percen kneeled a few moments before and a few yards behind Erwin. He was here to support Erwin and ensure he wasn't facing everything on his own, but ultimately he had little he could do without facing considerable social repercussions, and he knew most of the people here would rather he stay as quiet as possible, so he'd only speak up in the most necessary calls for it.

 

The king was in as good of spirits as usual. He had the joy of a king of a reign of great thriving, rather than what Levendell had become. Still, it was nice to see than man was in good health and so pleased to see his youngest son, who was undoubtedly his most successful.

 

The king seemed more than appropriate to represent the people of the capital, as he was freely flowing with his praise of his youngest son, even in the face of Erwin's noble humility. Percen raised his gaze, though he knew who the king was introducing, as he didn't know the name. The stranger in the hall was the new adviser. That was a very discomforting thought.

 

He lowered his head again, smiling to himself at Erwin's selfless request. Of course, a prince, practically, had little to desire, but in reality, those with the most often seeked to get more. So a prince like Erwin was rare for any developed nation, and worthy of recognition for that alone.

 

Before long, the party was summoned, and the room was full of sound and food and music. The king was always known for extravagent and well-crafted parties, large events that could be immediately instigated for the dramatic opening that the king seemed to love so much. Percen, despite how badly he wanted the elite to think highly of him, socializing at events like this was never something he really became comfortable with, though he was really there for Erwin, so he stayed close to him.

 

===

 

Kovi was feeling in better spirits as he arrived in the graveyard. It had been a particularly rough mission. It wasn't as if he was unused to… rough treatment, during certain trysts, but it was rarely like this particular noble. And it was soon after the news of a particularly successful victory against the Flowers, so it wasn't as if he'd want to practice any restraint with a Flower boy of his own. But he was done with him for now. The Grave Whites, similar to the one on his shoulder, mirroring his Lavender mark, reminded of him of what it was all for. He was more than happy to endure most anything to please Raphas.

 

He placed his hand on an unsuspicious grave, and muttered a swift entrance spell, and Kovi made his way downstairs, hoping Raphas was already there to greet him. And he was right to hope. There was Raphas, tall, dignified, beautiful. Kovi smiled as if he hadn't suffered an ounce in the past week. He lowered himself in a respectful bow.

 

"Master Raphas," He greeted before walking to him, lacing his arm around one of Raphas' and resting his head on his shoulder. "I… I've brought 'it'…" He told him, referring to the 'essence' he carried. He looked up to see his reaction.

[hal7283]

The celebration continued way past midnight, and still saw no signs of ever ending. Some of the nobles have got themselves drunk and had collapsed on the couches set around the hall, but there were also those who after taking a nap on said couches had returned to socialize. It would not be a surprise if the party drag on for days, and besides, it was not like the nobility had better things to do. While personally Erwin would want nothing to do with those people, he was well aware of the delicate position he was in and needed to secure the little support he had among those sympathizing with him. In addition there were also a few actual “friends” who likewise were stuck in the party, so Erwin had to be there, even if just for their sake.

 

That being said, being in the party was an exhausting ordeal, since not only those who were sympathetic, but those who were hostile towards him kept showing up around him, seemingly praising his success but also hid countless insults between the lines. Such were the tongues of diplomats and politicians, as they can insult you in your face without saying a single bad word, and you can’t show any sign of anger, or you’d be branded as impolite, brutish, or worse, unreliable in court. But having grown up in the court being the youngest child, Erwin was used to such malice being thrown his way. What he could never get used to however, were the countless waves of noble girls.

 

“What’s you hobby Prince Erwin?”

 

“What kind of girls do you like Prince Erwin?”

 

“What do you think of my dress Prince Erwin!?”

 

“I just got this new hair cut, do you like it Prince Erwin?”

 

Like bees attracted by honey they threw themselves at Erwin in admiration in an attempt to seduce the young and handsome prince. These girls were all from families that were relatively lower in stature, and many of them were reaching the age that would be considered to be “too old” for them to marry. So a single man like Erwin who despite his abundance of enemies, enjoyed high status and public admiration was the perfect target. Not to mention if by chance Erwin ascend to the throne, then they’d become the future queen of the kingdom and bring everlasting fame and wealth to their families.

 

Just as he was feeling nauseated by the sickening scent of heavy perfume he saw his trusted second in command Percen by the wall. Erwin put up the most charming smile he could and said to the girls: “Apologies my beauties, but I think my second in command has some urgent news for me. I shall beg my leave and please, enjoy the party.”

 

With that said, Erwin gracefully slide out of the surround and with some excellent foot work managed to avoid any incoming advances. He finally reached Percen and said quietly: “Let’s go out for some fresh air.”

 

A few moments latter the two found their way to a secluded part of the garden in the palace. Finding a bench Erwin pretty much collapsed on it and held his hand up to his face, letting out a long and pathetic whine before complaining: “Man I hate parties.......... hate it so much.....” He lowered his hand and looked at Percen, showing a weak smile: “You seems to be doing well? So what? No girl tried to get a piece of this handsome knight?”

 

 

---

 

 

Raphas waited in his underground lair, spending his time looking at playing with the little Grave White in his hand, and wondered when his favorite flower would arrive. He didn’t have to wait long fortunately and soon he heard the sound of the contraption moving, and a few moments latter the brown skinned young man revealed himself.

 

“Welcome back, my loyal servant.” Raphas smiled gently, an expression which seemed bizarre considering his almost ghostly appearance; yet at the same time the smile strangely fit, like a carnivorous plant letting out a sweet scent to lure insects to their death, or a deep ocean fish shining a light to devour its prey. He welcomed the boy as he wrapped his arm around his, and laid his head lightly on his shoulders. While only faintly, Raphas could smell the sweat, sperm and blood resulting from Kovi’s mission, and couldn’t help but feel sadistic joy in his suffering.

 

Raphas held up Kovi’s chin and looked straight into the boy’s purple eyes, which was filled with love and devotion to him. It’s one of his favorite part on the boy’s body, and he always had to fight his urge to fill those purple jewels with horror and despair. Perhaps Raphas would take those pretty things out and preserve them in jars just like all of his other rare specimens. The day would come eventually, but not now.

 

“You have done well Kovi. It’s good to have such a capable servant like you.” Raphas said as he looked away briefly, for a moment what seemed like sadness and pain came to Raphas’ face and he said: “I wish there’s an easier way so you don’t have to suffer such.... indignities... But please know that all of these is for you! My precious Kovi, to help you exact revenge on this corrupt land! To restore order to the chaos the Aelbrande Royalty has created! Will you forgive me? My precious Grave White?”

 

Raphas laid a gentle kiss on Kovi’s lips, wondering just what have those lips touched for the past week. He stayed there only for a few seconds before pulling back, for a fleeting moment a glimpse of joy flashed through Raphas’ green eyes, but it faded before anyone could notice. With a painful expression Raphas said: “It must have been awful being at that monster’s disposal.... tell me Kovi... Where did he hurt you? Show me what he has done....”

[Noise Prince]

Percen, ever the quiet observer, actually liked parties a great deal. He didn't partake in many of the activities, so he never got drunk, or wore himself out dancing or anything of the like. And parties full of this many elite were always a learning experience. He could overhear some things, and infer others just by keeping check on who seemed to spending time with who. Many single young women often took an opportunity to find similarly single bachelors. Women of high court seemed to have their fingers on the pulse of the elites better than Percen did most times. He tried to keep an eye on them, as well, but they always seemed to be watching him as well. And either a young woman would take it as flirty, or seek to distract him, but if he wasn't mindful of it, he'd have the pretty heir of Leyebred at his side, or the like.

 

While he could never be romantic with a woman, or most anyone, he felt a bit more comfortable with other women. Due to the nature of his status, it wasn't a stretch to see that those of status that was affected by their gender might relate, and growing up he tended to have more girls than boys as friends. That's changed now that he's an adult, being in the military, of course. But still, as distracting as it was, he could feel a bit more at ease with a woman than he could with another man without being by Erwin.

 

Percen may have considerable party-endurance, but even this party was pushing his limits. He made sure he knew where Erwin was, even while they were so separated. He had many young women throughout the party try their hand at seducing him, which was unsurprising. There was seldom a woman here who'd shy from that sort of controversy. Of course, when girls were serious about trying to seduce someone like Erwin, who they rarely got the chance to see or to know very well, they had to use certain tactics that just didn't have much effect on the Prince. Even at their distance, Percen could see how uncomfortable he was at their various attempts.

 

At times like this, he couldn’t help but feel a bit special. There weren't many people Erwin seemed to take to very strongly. But he never seemed to be annoyed or bothered by Percen, who spent a good deal of time with him. Even with these lovely and rather significant women all vying for his attention, he felt that Erwin would probably prefer to be with him, instead. He could also see that Erwin was starting to run out of steam, too. Erwin wasn't as fond of parties, and this had been a long one.

 

Percen wondered if he should come up with an excuse to get Erwin to come with him, but Erwin made that choice before he could, dismissing himself from his present company, and made his way towards him. Percen's face remained as stoic as any other time, with only the slightest widening of his eyes. He was excited, he couldn't help it. Erwin's face, tired but pleased to see him, gave him a small prick of happiness. He only nodded, following Erwin's lead out of the room. Immediately the room felt lighter from lack of people and fragrance. The young, celebrated prince was back. Everyone who cared to impress him was going above and beyond, and his potential brides all wanted to stand out, and the air was thick with flowery and fruity scents.

 

The real flowers of the garden had an almost undetectable scent after the party, but the air was clean and crisp. Erwin's calm exterior melted as soon as they found a bench, and he let his body crumple over it. Percen's smile fell away before the prince looked up at him, and the knight took a seat besides him, and stared out in the garden for a moment.

 

"Can't say many women would waste too much time with me when the eligible hero-prince is present." Percen told him, glancing back to him, smiling slightly. "Though… maybe one or two entertained the idea," He added sheepishly, though he wasn't really sure if they really were of if they didn't like that he might be spying. He might be too suspicious, reading too into things, though.

 

 

===

 

Kovi felt the tension in his body all but melt away when Raphas held him. It felt so good to be back in his arms, back with the man he loved the most, and the only man who really cared about him in this horrible, broken world. Missions, particularly this one, tended to serve as good reminders as to why he was helping Raphas do what he could to bring it down.

 

He looked up when Raphas gently tilted his head up, and smiled. There was something so deep and mysterious in Raphas' eyes. So gentle, too. He was everything. Kovi's heart swelled with pride and loved when Raphas praised the work he did for him, before Raphas pulled away. His master frequently felt troubled over the nature of Kovi's work for him. It wasn't dignified or painless work. Kovi was hardly bothered by what he needed to endure for him, for their goals, so it really hurt to see Raphas so upset about his well-being.

 

"Of course, Master Raphas, I know," Kovi assured him, smiling softly. "I'll suffer this and more, anything it takes," He swore, closing his eyes when Raphas pressed his lips to his. So soft and loving, such a juxtaposition to the past period. Such genuine, loving affection. Kovi constantly felt starved for it. "There's nothing to forgive…"

 

Kovi feared he'd ask that. When Raphas first asked what was done to him, Kovi refused to tell him. He didn't want him to feel bad about it, as they both knew it was necessary for him to do it. But Raphas reprimanded him, and told him that he'd only imagine the worst, and it was better Kovi was honest and thorough so that Raphas could have at least that. Since then, Kovi's done his best to oblige. It'd become part of their routine. He sighed softly, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He stepped back and started to remove his clothes, to show him the marks he'd gained. He had a number of bruises, long and thin across his back, and similarly on his ass and the back of his thighs. Some crossed, or were thicker, indicated overlap. In these places there was light scabbing, as the repeated strikes broke through his skin.

 

"H-he was… fascinated with his own cum on me. In me," Kovi explained. He turned more so Raphas could get a better look at the back of him before turning back to him. "He'd come in me many times, make me hold it in, and see how many times he could hit me before I couldn't any more. He also liked… when he let me let… it out… when he hit me, I'd tense, and the flow would cease for a moment. He liked it. If I didn't withstand enough blows for his liking, though, he'd have me suck him until he'd cum on my face and leave me tied and exposed in a hallway. Usually, it'd be empty, since he's a possessive man, but…" He voice trailed. He didn't want to dwell on any particular detail. Raphas wanted to know as much as he could, but he knew it'd just trouble him more if he thought that Kovi was dwelling on such misfortunes.

 

"He liked me tight, so when he wanted to use me, it'd be sudden. He'd become… very angry if my eyes didn't at least water when he first entered me. He was invigorated by the young prince's recent victories, had fantasies of raping Flower people, which he happened to have access to." Goosebumps on his skin betrayed him. He wanted to seem collected and unbothered, but he knew Raphas would only be more sad if he knew how much these missions affected him. He looked up at his master.

 

"…Will you take him out? Please, Master?"

[hal7283]

“And? You didn’t entertain the idea back?” Erwin smiled as he shifted closer to Percen. Right now he looked less like a war hero but more like a teenager hanging out with his buddy after school, talking about the pretty girls they saw in class. Erwin said teasingly: “I’m sure your father would want nothing more than you bringing home a pretty noble girl, preferably already knocked up!”

 

Erwin chuckled as he moved his gaze towards the night sky. The smile on Erwin’s face slowly vanished as he muttered: “But then again... this may not be the perfect timing to settle down.....” All the lights from the capital city still paled in comparison to the sea of stars above. As a solider he had learned all the constellations as means of direction, and more than once those stars had helped him to find a way towards safety. But right now he wished he had learned the ways of fortune telling instead, something which the priests and prophets claim to possess. More than ever Erwin found the future to be uncertain, as if a dark cloud was looming over the kingdom, shrouding his view, and for some reason he thought of the man standing at his father’s side earlier: Raphas ze Goetios. Even though he seemed to hold unparalleled power in court, the nobles who he interacted with tonight knew very little about him. Erwin thought back to the moment when he first saw the ghostly figure standing by the throne, and remembered the strange cold which ran up his spine at the time. Yet strangely he couldn’t quite remember all the details: Erwin remembered that Raphas was rather tall, and wearing a dark robe....was it black? Or gray? Did he had brown hair? Or was it blue? Was he even a “he”? Erwin could have mistaken his gender since the Adviser might as well be a woman with his looks.....which was.....beautiful? Or Ugly?

 

Erwin shook his head. The fatigue of the travel plus all the alcohol must have effected his ability to think straight. Even though he would love to simply leave the palace and go back to his room in the garrison, he was obliged to stay till the end since he was the guest of honor. He stood up from the bench and stretched his body, letting out a long groan in the process. “Time to go back into the fray, my loyal second in command!”

 

 

---

 

 

“Of course, time to get you cleaned up... my loyal servant....” Raphas said as he slowly approached the boy, who was now standing there bare naked all covered in bruises. The boy’s detailed description of all the torment he had suffered for his sake was so entertaining that Raphas wished he could be there and watch. He reached out his hand slowly, his fingers trembled as he tried his best to hold the laughter that threatens to burst out at any moment. Eventually the tip of his finger touched one of the the scars just so lightly for only a brief moment. “My poor Kovi.... it must hurt a lot....” Raphas said as he began to move around, moving his finger along the slim trail which was not covered by bruises. Soon he got behind Kovi and he knelt down, and Kovi’s firm little butt cheeks were right in front of his eyes. Even though hitting someone’s butt is one of the oldest trick in the book, a classic is a classic for a reason. Raphas took a moment to admire the good work that noble has done there, then slowly he began to part the crevice wide so he could get a better look at Kovi’s entrance, and as expected he could see the handle for the butt plug sticking out.

 

“Open your legs wider would you?” Raphas asked, though it might as well be a command since Kovi would pretty much do whatever he ask of him. Raphas reached for the plug and slowly began to apply force. Bit by bit the boy’s entrance was stretched open as the wider part of the plug exited the boy’s body. Raphas could have removed it swiftly, but he much prefer to prolong the boy’s suffering in the name of being gentle.

 

Once the widest part left the boy’s rear, the rest slid out fairly easily, leaving a slightly gaping hole in its absence. The thing was all covered in the white, slimy cum of the noble and Raphas put it aside for now. He too out a small glass bottle and held it in one hand, while his other hand reached for Kovi’s entrance, which after a week long abuse looked red and swollen. Easily he stretched the hole wide with his fingers and the filth left by the noble man flowed out eagerly into the glass bottle. aphas soon collected enough of the noble’s “essence” given how much Kovi has brought back with him, and Raphas continued to help clean Kovi’s insides. Once the flow seemed to stop Raphas reached his fingers in and out, each time bringing out more of the slime. Throughout the years Raphas has learned every detail of Kovi’s body, and from time to time Raphas would press his digits against the pleasurable spots inside, but only lightly and infrequently so to pretend that he was not doing so on purpose. When Kovi was finally freed of the filth left by the noble Raphas got up, wiping his fingers clean with a towel he had nearby. “Now let’s deal with these wounds.” Raphas said as he took out a small jars containing some sort of semi-transparent ointment or paste. He opened the jar and a sweet scent began to fill the stone room quickly. Rapahs gestured Kovi to come near and began to apply the paste with his fingers. Raphas said gently: “I know it would hurt, but try to keep still.”

 

Being an expert in poison also meant that you get familiar with medicine as well, since they are the two sides of the same coin, and this ointment was one of Raphas’ proudest works in that regard. Once applied on a wound it would help heal the wounds at an astonishing rate. In fact all the scars and bruises on the young man’s body would disappear by tomorrow night. But it also brings the patient strong, burning pain over the area where it was applied, which might be even more painful than the wounds themselves. On top of that, the medicine also included several herbs which had an aphrodisiac effect. In the end it meant that the patient would feel a burning pain over his body, yet they’d find that pain strangely arousing. Raphas only explained the pain the medicine would bring, and never mentioned the arousing properties of it to Kovi, so all Kovi would know was that he somehow always got horny when Raphas brought him pain. It's actually quite miraculous the boy seemed relatively sane after years of being messed with like this. Perhaps his devotion to Raphas and to "their cause" was just that strong?

[Noise Prince]

Percen chuckled softly, and shook his head. He didn't imagine himself flirting with the idea of marriage for some time. He knew it was a little unfair to promise anything to any girl here when he really didn't expect to be a proper husband for a long while. At least not until after the war. Even then... Marriage didn't seem like something he'd be taking part in. Honestly, he could see himself at Erwin's side as long as possible. He knew Erwin didn't feel the same, of course. He was fine with what they had now, though, Percen didn't need it to involve anything more romantic or sexual, as nice as it would be. He was happy enough as it was.

 

"You're right. He'd love for me to get a jump start on a family ," Percen agreed with a laugh. His father felt very differently, he always wished he could have Percen engaged as young as some of his peers. Before his father's title, his peers didn't talk much of marriage, but the noble children did. Some of his friends had been engaged to someone else as infants, to be married when they were old enough. That wasn't seen as that unusual. But he, like many of the single women at the party, were left to make do themselves. And percents father was stressed over how little Percen seemed to care about it.

 

"I couldn't very well leave a wife and child at home, capital or no, while we still have this war." he agreed. And now, he wasn't sure how safe the capital really was. He'd been getting a rather unsettling feeling, like there weren't just enemies in the outside. A force within could be just a dangerous, of not more so. That Raphas man... He didn't think he was trustworthy.

Something was off about that man. Want he a man? Or a mannish woman? What was the voice like? Maybe Raphas was a beautiful man. Or an ugly man in an adrogynous way. Or woman. Something about the new advisor left him feeling hazy and confused, which was very alarming for him. Percen like to be as exact as possible. He didn't like that he couldn't even remember what Raphas looked or sounded like. He hated having only his gut feeling to rely on.

 

Percen didn't let himself get too drawn into those thoughts. He looked to Erwin, who stared into the sky. His features, lit softly in the night, seemed only made up of where the light highlighted him. Thin pale lines made up his hair, his nose, his lips, cheeks, eyes. Even boiled down in this way, he was obviously made up of striking, beautiful features.

Every time he saw the prince in this low light, he couldn't help but think of how he looked very similar when Erwin trusted Percen with his sexual tensions, unlike the other outlets many other soldiers of various ranks might. Looking up at him, or down, he could always see his face so clearly in the features lit up so faintly in the diffused light. It was shielding how long ago that last time was... He wondered if Erwin thought about that as often as Percen did. He doubted that, but maybe he thought about it once in a while. Maybe.

 

Erwin stood, and stretched, mentioning they needed to head back to the party. It was his, after all. The guest of honor, let alone a prince, could very well abandon the party here tonight. And that meant Percen would be staying, as well.

 

"You know I am always right behind you, my lord." he promised, standing and following him back inside.

 

 

=======

 

Kovi looked over his shoulder at Raphas, faintly smiling with relief. He always felt humiliated to recount the abuses he suffered, as it was still fresh, so it was always a tender topic for him, his vulnerability still streaked his face. He could see Raphas' conflicted expression when he reached for him, like he was fighting some emotion. It broke his heart to see Raphas struggle with that, it was part of why he disliked to recount what happened to him. His marks weren't as tender as they had been, but he still jumped slightly at his touch. His nerves seemed more alert with him. He felt he couldn't insist that he wasn't hurting since he reacted like that. And they were visibly still swollen and vivid in color.

 

"This is inconsequential, Master Raphas, Kovi told him. It was a drop in the ocean for him, in perspective. It'd all be worth it in the end. This was nothing. He leaned forward slightly when he felt Raphas' hands on his butt, he was careful around the welts. He knew, like this, he'd be able to see the base of the plug, it'd been pressing slightly against the insides of his cheeks, it'd be nice to have a bit of release from it. He opened his legs more as if his body was attached to Raphas' words. He felt his cool, gentle fingers at the plug, and he pulled it. Slow, easy. Always as caring as possible, he pulled the plug so slowly. He felt every inch of the plug, how it stretched and pulled against his inside walls. Sometimes, he wished Raphas would just liberate him, take it out faster, get it over with, but he really couldn't complain when Raphas' pace was dictated by his compassion.

 

A shiver ran up his spine, the feeling of it coming out was less pleasant than usual thanks to the voyeuristic experience he'd gone through. It was never particularly fun or dignified to feel it slipping out of his hole, the come hot from his body, seeping past his sore entrance, though. It was worse when Raphas went in himself to pull it out of him. His slender, cool fingers, as gentle as they were, did occasionally brush against his most tender areas, adding another layer to these extractions. Admist everything he was feeling, his body disobeyed and found a means of becoming aroused. Despite himself and what he knew of Raphas, he always became worried about what he must think of a servant who can become so bothered at such inappropriate times, if he's secretly disgusted by him.

 

Fortunately, this time it wasn't too apparent, even with Raphas so leveled with his hips, his legs spread out for him. But he knew that wouldn't be for long. He sighed with relief when Raphas had, at last, cleaned him out of the scum he collected. He let out a soft sigh, and stood more upright when Raphas was finished. He tried to avoid looking at the jar filled with the stuff. Raphas had pulled out another jar though, and as soon as the room was filled with that distinct, pleasant smell, Kovi felt a pit grow in his stomach, and a prickle in his cock. He was anticipating this as soon as he got back. Nothing on this earth could compare to this healing salve of Raphas' invention. It heals wounds and injuries rapidly, and he knew he'd be practically reborn the following morning, and there would be no trace of any harm by this time tomorrow.

 

The problem was how it burned. Kovi walked towards him again, and turned his back. He had bruises and marks all over, but his welts were a bigger concern for him. Plus the burning would be worse there, so he wanted it to get it over with. He braced himself for the ointment, but he still gasped softly when the burning started tingling through his skin, almost immediately on contact. It was really intense. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on keeping his breathing steady. It felt like that leather rod was hitting directly over the welts that laid over his skin, maybe even a bit harder than initially. Raphas was barely halfway down his back when he started trembling, his eyes watering.

 

What was even worse was for some reason, Kovi was embarrassingly and obviously aroused by it. He didn't really know why. It would be too much for him to take if Raphas thought he got turned on by being in pain- and by extension, inherently liked the abuse he endured on his missions. It wasn't necessarily false, a little pain was exciting for him, sometimes, but when he spread his legs or bled for a noble, all he could think about was coming back to the safety of Raphas' arms. Raphas was everything to him. He'd lose everything if he lost Raphas' opinion of and affection to him. Every time this happened, he was scared that this would be the time he lost Raphas' respect. It was a struggle to keep from shaking now, his cock bobbed slightly in front of him.

[hal7283]

Erwin returned to the great hall, back into a battleground which arguably was more dangerous than the grass fields where he fought the riders of Ziran, the valley where he was ambushed by the Berserkers from the Rising Moon Clan, or even the forest where he was surrounded by the Flower people. Throughout the years Erwin has gotten used to swords, arrows, spears, even occasionally magic and curses being sent his way. But words, schemes, the pure malice of people’s hearts he could never quite figure out. As soon as Erwin stepped into the room he saw the same group of noble girls approaching like a pact of wolves, and the young prince was preparing himself for another round assault by those suffocating perfumes. But fortunately (from a certain point of view), the loud voice of someone startled everyone in the hall.

 

“What hero?! Give me a break! He just fought some lowlife savages!”

 

Erwin turned to look at the source of the voice, and saw a man holding a whine bottle which was half empty. He clearly had too much to drink, and was wearing ceremonial military uniform showing high rank. Judging by the man’s stature he didn’t strike Erwin as the military type, so it was more than likely that this man got to his current position by connection. Before Erwin could leave the scene the drunk man seemed to have noticed him and shouted: “There you are! ‘Hero’, Hah! What a joke! These folks maybe dazzled by your ‘exploits’ but I know the truth!”

 

The entire room fell silent and all the eyes turned to look at the two. Erwin raised an eyebrow and asked: “I’m sorry but you are...?”

 

“Rudolf Farios! Commander of the Royal Guard!” The man introduced himself. He continued: “You lost almost half of your men fighting those weak nomads! Pathetic! I pity the men who died due to your incompetence!”

 

Erwin didn’t know the man, since the Commander of the Royal Guard was different when he headed out towards the northern campaign. He did recognize the last name however: Farios, which was the same as the current Head of Treasury Wilhelm Farios, who also happened to be the cousin of the second prince Eldran’s mother. So it would seem that his brother Eldran has sent his lapdogs to humiliate him on his big night. Normally Erwin would simply let such insults fly over his head, but not.this time. This time, this ‘Rudolf’ had hit a nerve.

 

Erwin fell silent for a moment and said: “You’re right, Rudolf Farios. I lead those men to their death. And if I was stronger, or smarter, more of them might have came home.”

 

“Oh so you admit!” Rudolf said mockingly. Some of the nobles began to whisper and giggle as the prince seemed to admit defeat. But the next moment Erwin rushed in front of Rudolf and grabbed his collar, raising the man with one arm. Erwin looked at the shocked face of the man with the all of his pent of anger bursting out and said: “You can mock me all you want, but Nobody mocks the battles my men fought! Nobody mocks the Sacrifices they made! Have you ever seen the Riders of Ziran being one with their giant wolf rides?! Have you ever seen the rage of a Beserker from the Rising Moon Clan who would fight on even with ten arrows pierced through his body?! Have you ever seen the unity of the Flower People who would travel across the world just to aid their fellow kin in a battle which they knew very well was hopeless?! My men fought them, day after day, night after night, and WON! Despite the odds they faced, Despite how USELESS I AM! THEY! WON! I will not stand for anyone who dares to question what they’ve done for this country! Especially not by a man-child who pretends himself to be a commander!”

 

Erwin let go of his grip and let the man fall to the ground. He turned around with his fury still burning and said to Percen: “Come on Percen, let’s go back to the garrison. I am tired of this charade!”

 

Sometime latter Erwin got back to the garrison. They went through the gate which strangely was not guarded by the usual guards. The reason soon became evident as the all the soldiers were laying all over the place drunk and asleep. It seemed like they had their own share of partying and celebrations, which normally would be offense worthy of at least several whips but then again, they deserve some slacks after all they’ve been through. Having walked the way out the cold night breeze has cooled off his anger. He held his head with one hand and looked at Percen with a weak smile: “That went well... I can’t even begin to imagine what shit those assholes are talking about me right now..... or the trouble they’re gonna give me for pay-back.... On the bright side, we’re out of that poison pot earlier than schedule! So.... any ideas? Frankly I don’t feel like sleeping yet.”

 

 

 

---

 

 

After all the wounds on Kovi’s body was treated with the ointment, Raphas took a step back to enjoy the view of his pathetic toy shivering in a mixture of pain and desire. Despite his best effort to hide it the young man’s member was clearly bulging, slowly gaining hardness as it twitched and raised up its head. Raphas smiled as he approached Kovi once more and held him tightly in his arms. Raphas whispered in an almost loving tone into Kovi’s ear: “You’ve grown so much since I took you in. I remember the first time when I used the medicine on you, you collapsed, screamed and cried like a baby! But here you are, standing firm like a man!”

 

Raphas reached his hand down and held Kovi’s length with his slim, almost skeletal fingers. He began to rub on the shaft slowly and felt the member becoming harder and harder. He continued: “Remember what I always say? ‘Tis through pain that we are strong, and you’ve indeed become stronger. I am so proud to have such a wonderful servant by my side, and such a wonderful servant deserves his reward.”

 

Slowly Raphas moved and was now holding the boy from behind. He held his hand up in front of Kovi’s face and in it was the Grave White he got earlier. The white flower was still attached to its long, smooth and thin stem, which seemed to be covered in some sort of transcendent paste. It was none other than the very ointment Raphas had used to treat Kovi’s wounds.

 

“Beautiful isn’t it? Just like you...” Raphas said as he reached down, with one hand holding Kovi’s manhood firmly in his fingers, and another moving the flower closer and closer, until the end of the flower’s stem was pressing gently against the little slit on the tip of Kovi’s member.

 

“Hold your breath.....” Raphas whispered, and slowly began to insert the flower into Kovi’s urethra. Slowly but surely, inch by inch, the stem of the flower began to intrude the most sensitive, most vulnerable membrane of the young man’s body. While a more experienced deviant would find pleasure in such penetration, any ordinary man would scream due to the excruciating pain. Not to mention the medicine Raphas used as lubricant for the ordeal would cause intense heat and pain, followed by arousal. During the whole process Raphas continued to whisper into the poor man’s ears gently, almost like a mother comforting a crying child, or a siren luring a sailor astray. Eventually the entire stem submerged into Kovi’s member, and from the outset it looked almost as if a flower as bloomed out of the man's penis.

 

“It fits you well.” Raphas smiled. He moved away from the boy and got to the stone casket used as a bed. He began to remove his dark robes revealing the grayish pale skin beneath. Raphas’ body was tall and slim, with much of the bones visible beneath the skin. Yet despite his almost sickly build, for some reason one would never find him to look frail, as every inch of his body seemed to emanate enormous power. Raphas sat on the edge of the casket and his length was already standing firm between his legs. He looked at Kovi and smiled: “Come my precious Kovi... You know what to do....”

[Noise Prince]

Percen followed Erwin back towards the great hall, towards the party that still beckoned them. He could see in the way Erwin held his posture that he was putting on a brave face, since he really was finished with the party- he'd had all the fun he would have already. Percen felt bad for him, since the party was supposed to be in his honor and he couldn't really enjoy it. Maybe if the climate was a bit different, he'd have a better time. But as they headed in, the wolves spotted the scent of their prey- an impressive feat considering their own- and honed in on the handsomely available prince. Percen also wondered if he'd have an easier time if he was disfigured in war- or maybe just born less attractive. A fair a man as he was, he'd have plenty of suitor-trappings without the hefty title he was born into.

 

Someone shouted towards the prince, interrupting the overlapping flirting. Rudolf Farios, the man who had recently become Commander of the Royal Guard. He was nearly unrecognizable. Percen had been aware that he had risen to the ranks, with some idle talking, but without the uniform markers, he wouldn't have guessed this man was Rudolf. He had clearly cleaned up a bit more to match the image of a Commander, though some of his polish was lost with a few empty glasses of celebration.

 

Unfortunately, the drink also reminded him why he was so stunned that Rudolf had earned the rank of Commander of the Royal Guard, as if there was any polish to his manner and vernacular, it was gone now.

 

Percen could see in Erwin's face that he was trying to size the drunkard up. He tried to recall if he'd ever witnessed a conversation between them before now, if that might be contributing to Rudolf's flagrant disrespect now, but he couldn't remember. It didn't particularly matter, it was a shame that a Commander of the Royal Guard was making such a large fuss over the guest of honor, as it was very unbecoming, but it was little more than a drunken tirade. No doubt he'd regret what he could remember the following morning of it, and there was no need to let it disturb them further. Erwin had already begun to turn away when Rudolf managed to catch sight of them.

 

Once he spoke directed to the prince, Percen- who had been trying to remember just which connection would have netted him the esteemed title- was finally reminded. And he was all the more concerned over him and Erwin getting into any kind of scuffle, especially with an audience of this caliber. He glanced, and saw the women, who were previously clammering over their prince, now watched them carefully. Their poised smiles and prim mannerism became concentrated and intense. Erwin didn't realize it, but they took this as his turn to try to impress them. They were all hoping Erwin was fierce in more capacities than just the world of battle. And depending on how well Erwin "performed" for them, they'd probably change their strategies.

 

Percen's eyes widened slightly when Erwin asked Rudolf who he was- to his face, in front of all these other nobility! He would never be able to get used to the prince's brashness, despite being so drawn to that about him. He'd, naturally, rather that he have enough time to inform Erwin about Rudolf's ascent to his current position, so that he wouldn't sound so out of touch with the Capital. It was understandable, really, considering how long he'd been away, with a small amount of contact back home. But those at the Capital didn't take well to those not keeping up to date with some of the most minute details, even if it was their own hero- their man of honor.

 

He watched how Erwin's shackles tensed and his composition changed. Rudolf, as uncouth as ever, was vicious and hit a sore spot of the prince's so deep it might as well have been orchestrated by a sober, clever man, rather than the rambling of a drunk one. He held his breath for a moment. He could only brace himself for what might happen next. He didn't feel much difference from the ladies watching at this point. Passive, and completely reliant on Erwin's reaction. Of course, only he knew how deeply such a comment would cut.

 

Erwin seemed somewhat calm and collected in his response after a solemn moment. The room seemed to become more tense though, and Erwin's body didn't seem relaxed still. Rudolf could barely respond, his slurred speech snide and arrogant in a perceived dominance before his prince grabbed the front of the collar of his uniform. The room was in an uproar like a graveyard. Energy and tension was vibrating everywhere, but everything was still.

 

Percen however, was the only other person whose chest swelled with his response. He couldn't help but feel he was living a little vicariously, the prince could respond how he pleased, and he did so. He had his earnestness and passion, the sharpness of his mind, and he humiliated Rudolph, another man of the Militia, wasted away and pettily starting fights. Part of him wished he could keep Erwin more collected, calm, use his sober mind to shame Rudolph further, rather than amplifying his rage, funneling it. But, noble audience aside, he'd never change his prince's explosive ways, even if he didn't always believe what he said.

 

"As always, I will follow," Percen answered, and kept a smile to himself, casting a glance at the women analyzing the confrontation, trying to see if there was any sort of consensus among them before they could discuss it. It was hard to tell. He followed his prince, again, out of the party hall and towards the garrison, with the rest of their men.

 

There wasn't much relaxation or escape here, as Percen was immediately concerned with the fact that there weren't the typical Royal Guards at the posts. He was about to point it out, as he had come up with several theories as to why that might be, when they saw that all Erwin's men were laying about irregularly, bottles unhidden and unabashedly displayed scattered between the bodies. They were fortunate that they were lead by a man like Erwin, as Percen knew there were many men who could have lead them and were quicker to anger. Erwin walked past them as if there was nothing notable about their drunken slumber.

 

Percen looked up at Erwin, taken back a bit by the question. His thoughts went to a number of opportunities, many of them better left unspoken. But one seemed the most appropriate answer, Erwin needed some of the edge taken off if they were to really talk.

 

"There ought to be some liquid celebration untouched," Percen suggested. "If you're not tired of the company of others yet, we've yet to celebrate together."

 

 

=================

 

Kovi leaned against Raphas' embrace once he was finished with the salve, and breathed deeply, breathing in Raphas' scent. Maybe it really was that it was Raphas doing it that made him arouse, his bond to him was so strong that he'd even love when he was being hurt. The thought struck him before, it was always in moment like this, when Raphas held him, and he could drown in his smell.

 

He bit his lip, tucking his face against Raphas' shoulder, at the memory. It felt like such a long time ago, it was awful, and humiliating. The first time Raphas applied the ointment to a wound, he was a lot younger, and a lot less tolerable to the pain. The pain was so unbearable, it felt like he was being sliced open, and his blood was set to flame, he fell to the ground, and pleaded for Raphas to stop, to spare him, that he'd rather carry the scars of a noble carving his name and crest into his skin. Raphas was able to over-power him, and the pain was too much, and soon Kovi was unable to resist and just laid and waited for it to be over.

 

This happened a few times, before Kovi really started developing a tolerance, where he thought baring the marks left by his oppressors was preferable to the temporary pain of the one he served and loved most, trying to heal him. And every morning, he'd see how much the injuries and healed, and by nightfall he'd be completely unblemished, and it was all worth it, and he'd be so grateful. It was a cycle he was glad to break. Now, he was immediately grateful for the raging fire to burn away the welts and bruises and scabs so he wouldn't have to carry them longer than another day. By the morning, nothing would even hurt anymore. This was Raphas' gift to him, for serving him so well, for enduring for him. He blinked the tears away.

 

Kovi still leaned back against Raphas' body. He was thin, but he was sturdy, and strong. His hand found his brazen cock, wrapping around him with his bony fingers. He groaned slightly, his breathing still shaking. He mouthed the phrase as he whispered it to his ear. Tis through pain that we are strong. Kovi blinked slowly when he saw the flower. Grave White. Chills ran down his spine. It was their flower. Pure, beautiful, and strong. It grew from the hardships that came from death and blossomed. It was hope incarnate. And it was theirs. But with Raphas' fairness, he thought it resembled his master moreso than himself.

 

His body trembled, and he hated that, after being told that he'd become strong, the anticipation of this made his body react so cowardly. The paste touched his cock first, and the burning seemed to shoot through him before the stem was even put to the eye of his cock. Kovi nodded wordlessly, and held his breath, and closed his eyes, so he wouldn't have to watch. Raphas eased the stem of the Grave White into his urethra, Kovi held his breath. He pressed it in further, the paste allowed it to be slick enough to slide in with ease, the ointment burned his skin horribly, pain radiated from the core of his length outward. A tear fell from his lashes, but sat on his cheekbone. He could barely make out Raphas over his own roaring thoughts, battling for his attention to distract him from the pain. But it was soft, and comforting, he knew that.

 

Once it was in, Kovi had tears down his cheeks, his body trembled fiercely, and his breathing laborious. His member was rigid under it's décor. At least, when he was finished, he was presented with another distraction, one he often dreamt of when he needed it most- Raphas' naked body. He smiled gratefully at him and quickly wiped his face of the tears. Kovi came and kneeled at his feet, and immediately started to kiss his thigh.

[hal7283]

Hearing what Percen said Erwin’s expression brightened immediately, his light green eyes sparkled like the stars shining above them. “That is a splendid idea Percen!” Erwin said as he looked around, and just as Percen mentioned there seemed to be tons of half-drank bottles lying around. He then turned back to Percen and said: “Attention solider, I have an urgent mission for you! Collect all the necessary supplies and rendezvous at my room in 10 minutes! Now spread out!”

 

With that said Erwin ran off joyfully. While he dislike going to parties thrown by his father or by rich nobles, that did not mean that he dislike partying with his men. In fact part of the reason why he was so loved by the common soldiers was his willingness to just sit around a camp fire and pour cheap beer down his throat, while joking and singing just like an commoner. And also it’s been a while since he last sit down and relax with his trusted second in command/best friend. He went to the mess hall first and as suspected most of the celebration happened here, with soldiers sleeping all over the place among tons of snacks lying around, some half eaten while others splattered on the floor. Erwin grabbed some cake which still looked presentable, and several sticks of meat which looked straight from a street food vendor. He also managed to take a three-quarters-full beer bottle from the grip of a drunk solider as well as a bottle of cheap whine.

 

Shortly after he arrived at his room and pushed the door open. Even though Erwin technically has a room in the palace, he much prefer to spend his time in the garrison. Erwin put all the food and drinks on the table as he looked around, indulging in nostalgia for a brief moment. The room was one of the officer’s quarters so he didn’t have to share it with roommates like normal soldiers. It was very modest even by officer standards and only had the bare minimum of furniture.:A hard, sturdy bed; a table and two chairs; several shelves; a wardrobe; a large chest to put all his equipment; and a small box under the bed containing a few things of sentimental value for him, and some other miscellaneous things. The soldiers remembered to carry his luggage during travel to his room, which was now sitting in a pile at the corner of the room. Given how long he was away from the capital the room was not as dusty as Erwin expected.

 

Erwin went to the shelves and grabbed two mugs, after dusting off the surface slightly he poured himself a mug full of beer and sat on the bed waiting for Percen. When the tall knight finally stepped through the door Erwin eagerly patted on the spot beside him on the bed and said: “Here Percen have a seat! Man...being back at this place surely brings back memories...”

 

---

 

Throughout the whole process Raphas was filled with sadistic joy as Kovi endured the pain of being violated in the urethra in such a harsh fashion. He knew how painful the experience must be, and the only reason the man was able to retain relative composure was due to his sheer love and devotion towards Raphas, which was hilarious considering how he actually felt about his pathetic plaything. Of course this is just one single chapter along a long history of Raphas altering and abusing the poor man’s body for his amusement, and he would most certainly taint the man’s body further until eventually the man’s body or mind crumbles, preferably both.

 

Raphas let out a light moan when he felt Kovi’s lips touched his thigh. Just as he had learned every detail of Kovi’s body throughout the years, so has Kovi learned much about him, or more accurately, he had taught the boy how to properly serve his master on sexual matters. To think that the once innocent boy was now turned into a sexual weapon at his disposal was such a thrill that Kovi alone was almost worth his years of effort he spent on the kingdom. But of course Raphas knew it would pale in comparison to the eventual conclusion of his plans. Raphas dug his fingers into the silk-like dark hair and caressed the young man gently and said: “You’re so cute, my beautiful servant, I wish I could keep you by my side all the time... ah, sorry, now is not the time for pessimism. Now is the time for your reward...”

 

Raphas moved his foot between the young man’s legs and began to play with the young man’s balls, he then pressed his toes against the underside of Kovi’ length and began to rub it slowly, the flower waved along as the cock was moved. Raphas chuckled: “You don’t have to care for me that much. There’s a time for that. Right now I want you to feel good so you could forget about all the bad things out there, if just for a brief moment..” He held up Kovi’s face and looked down at him saying: “Come, let me feel you... let me heal you.. my beautiful flower.”

[Noise Prince]

Percen's eyes lit up when Erwin's expression beamed so much at the suggestion, and he smiled in turn. It gave him a warm, pleasant feeling in his chest to be able to lift his spirits so much. He wasn't entirely sure if he would be in the mood for that after such a party, but Percen was glad to find the contrary. And it would be all to easy to find some drinks, and Percen decided that he'd try to find an unopened bottle as a particular mission for himself, there was bound to be at least one around here.

 

Percen's natural posture was already similar to being at attention, so he only had to drop his expression and bring his feet closer together when Erwin took his mock-commander pose to relay his commands for the night's mission. He let his smile grow wide before they departed at the words "spread out" and they took off at different directions to search for their bounty. Looking at the slumbering men pass out in various places and positions made him think about how different the night would have been if Erwin and he could have joined this party instead. Of course, that would make Erwin more accountable for their actions if he was also joining in their impermissible festivities. He found a few half-drunk bottles, but the closest to an unopened one he could was open, but appeared not to have even a sip taken. It was held precariously in the hand of someone who passed out before getting the chance to taste it.

 

He saw there was a man resting his head and his arm over a sitar, and he realized he was the center of a good number of the men. At first, he thought that perhaps this man had snuck them alcohol from the outside and brought an instrument, but he noticed that he had distinctive scars from a Berserker- so he one of theirs. Percen remembered reading the words of a general long dead who wrote- in so many words- that man's true nature was on the battlefield. Before Percen had ever seriously held a sword that wasn't intended for merely training, he thought those words must be true, as grave and heavy as they were. But now, he felt it was scenes like this was more indicative of a man. This man was hardy and agile to live to bear the scars from a berserker, but that wasn't who he was. He was a musician. And a heavy drinking one at that, as there was an empty bottle set very close to his feet.

 

Erwin beat Percen back to the room. Erwin, despite having his own room in the palace, a spacious and impeccably decorated and upkept one, always opted for his quarters in the garrison when he could. He remembered the perfumed women, wondering how many had their political plays foiled by not ending up there tonight, either. Percen had managed to grab a few things that looked pristine enough, despite how he knew Erwin wouldn't be as picky as his number to was. Now he was a bit embarrassed that he'd likely be bringing less than his prince. Erwin was sitting on the bed when Percen returned, he already had two mugs, one full, when he came in. Erwin didn't seem to care about the size of Percen's bounty. He smiled at the invitation and game and took a seat besides Erwin on the bed. Sturdy, firm, and familiar. He and Erwin sat on a bed together many times, but as any man in Percen's position, it always reminded him of the possibilities that had come before.

 

"Hopefully you're only recalling the good ones," Percen replied.

 

=================

 

Kovi's body felt lighter when Raphas moaned softly, so beautifully, poetically. His body allowed the weight of hardship dissipate, his thoughts on Raphas entirely. There was nothing in this world he couldn't endure that Raphas couldn't heal him of. He kissed him again, even though he knew that moment, the purity of the first moan, the first contact, had passed them. But, like the first time, he couldn't help himself. He felt so drawn to perform in certain ways, as Raphas taught him carefully what made him feel good, and he was more than happy to oblige. It was almost like hypnosis, his automatic response, when he was just so eager to return Raphas' favor. Kovi closed his eyes, tilting his head, when Raphas's fingers snaked into his hair.

 

His mind started to fill with images of what it would be like if he could always stay with Raphas. Better yet, when Raphas was finally victorious, Kovi would never have to give his body to anyone but Raphas again, and he'd never leave his side. Imagine that, a Flower sitting beside the ruler of a nation that tried to exterminate them. Raphas could always keep a hand at the small of Kovi's back or on his thigh. They'd be able to stay in the same bed every night. And only Raphas would be able to touch him.

 

Rewards… honestly anything Raphas could give him would be exactly as fulfilling as being able to kneel at his feet and lay his head against his leg. And yet, still, the word made his stomach flutter. It meant Raphas was proud of him.

 

He gasped softly when Raphas lifted his foot to his exposed balls, moaning as he caressed them, and followed his length. The stalk placed inside him quivered a bit with the movement. Kovi groaned lightly. The ointment wasn't burning as badly now, or maybe that was just pure arousal covering up any pain he might be feeling. He looked up at Raphas, longing in his eyes, his cool, slender fingers around his chin, holding his gaze in place. "Master Raphas…" He whispered softly before he began to stand up.

[hal7283]

“It’s hard not to. I mean, I spent the best years of my life here.” Erwin said as he poured a mug full of beer for Percen and raised his own. “Cheers!” He said joyfully as the two mugs collided and made a loud crisp sound, followed by him bringing the mug close and poured its content down in one swift move. Much of it spilled out and made a mess around his mouth and neck, but Erwin couldn’t care less about such things. Only once the mug was empty did Erwin put it down, and let out a satisfied sigh: “Ah! Now this is celebrating!”

 

Erwin poured himself another mug and passed some of the snacks he collected to Percen, before taking a stick of meat for himself. Being back here in the garrison with Percen really brightened his mood, and he was in no way exaggerating when he said he had his best years here. In terms of pure, unadulterated happiness, nothing could beat the time when he was still little and had his first true friend Kovi around. But that memory was forever tarnished when the war with Wirland broke out, and after the battle was won accusations of treason was raised against Kovi’s parents. This lead to their eventual execution, and the exile of the poor boy. Back when it all happened, Erwin was only told that Kovi’s parents were traitors and so was Kovi. Erwin remembered he felt betrayed by this “revelation” and was actually angry at Kovi for it. By the time Erwin realized the whole thing was but a scheme for political power and Kovi’s parents were more than likely innocent, it was all too late, and Erwin was devastated. Erwin spent the next couple of years in pain and solitude, lamenting on what he could have done to help, surrounded by all the things that reminded him of the boy he failed to save. Erwin felt like he was trapped in a graveyard, haunted by the ghost of Kovi constantly asking him why he did nothing and let him (presumably) die in the wild.

 

So Erwin was quite relieved when it was time for him to receive military training in accordance to royal tradition. He finally got the chance to escape from the palace, and joined the Sixth army which he would eventually end up commanding. Obviously he had trouble getting used to the sudden change in life style, and struggled to keep up with all the harsh training. But every bruise, every wound, every muscle pain and blister felt like it was worth something, that he was going somewhere. To this end he had the previous commander of the Sixth army, the late General Augustus to thank for. Augustus treated Erwin not as a prince, but as a troubled boy needing guidance. In many ways Augustus was more of a father figure to Erwin than his true father ever was, and taught Erwin everything he knew, from the ways of hand to hand combat to the art of warfare, from the little things to connect and entertain the troops to the boring but necessary logistics in order to feed them. This garrison was the place where Erwin said goodbye to the once helpless child who let his friend get devoured by the cruel world, and became the man he was now. It was also the place where he met the only other person besides Kovi that he could truly consider as a friend.

 

Erwin looked at Percen who was sitting beside him, and remembered the day when he first laid eyes on him. Even back then when they were much younger, the tall brunette stood out from the crowd. Erwin took an interest in the young noble quite literally because Percen was taller than the other young boys which to Erwin at the time was “cool”. Somehow they became friends and for the first time in years Erwin was able to feel genuine joy. He was able to be an ordinary teenager who would goof around with his buddy and get themselves into trouble, then get lectured by old Augustus and be put on toilet cleaning duty as a result. The two would grow closer and closer, to the point which Erwin would entrust the most intimate matters to the young brunette. When the war broke out against Mirland again and his mentor Augustus was killed in battle, it was Percen who gave him the support to take up the responsibility of command and lead the troops to victory, and the rest as they say, was history.

 

The night continued, and Erwin began to recount some of the stuff they did when still young, all the ordinary yet priceless memories they had together. Inevitably Erwin reached the topic of when they first discovered sex, or more precisely, when Erwin and Percen tagged along with some other soldiers one night to a strip club, and Erwin returned to the garrison embarrassed with his face red and a raging boner in his pants, unable to sleep.

 

“Do you remember the night when the guys took us to the strip club, and I woke you up that night all horny and stuff?! I was like so confused and didn’t know what to do! And you were like: ‘Don’t worry Erwin let me handle this!’ Ah... the naivety of youth...!” Erwin chuckled as he let himself fall back and lay back on the bed. He said a bit weakly: “By the Gods, it’s so nice to have you around Percen.... I don’t know what would I do without you....”

 

Erwin looked at Percen and fell silent. Even though Erwin was usually not that easily effected by alcohol, having poured down a mixture of cheap beer, wine and all sorts of low grade liquor in addition to everything he drank in the palace certainly had taken an effect on him. Erwin’s face looked red and he was panting slightly from the increased circulation and heart beat. His shirt was half wet due to the beer he carelessly spilled on himself, and was sticking to his chest showing a lot of skin color. The emotional roller coaster Erwin went though after his return to the capital has left him a bit “troubled”, for lack of a better word, and having just talked about their past intimacies also made him rather aroused. What Erwin really needed was something, or someone, to take his mind off everything that was troubling him and just....Pass out. “Percen... help me out would you?” Erwin whispered as raised his arms towards Percen as if inviting him for a hug, and he trusted Percen enough to know that he would pick up the hint.

 

 

---

 

 

Raphas chuckled as he reached for his loyal servant and draw him close. He leaned forward and pressed his lips lightly against the boy’s counter parts, touching and leaving several times playfully before locking into a long, steamy embrace. Their lips got wet, and their tongues mingled, at times Raphas would lure Kovi to enter his mouth and he would suck on the pink appendage, while at other times he would intrude inside Kovi’s mouth and violate the boy, stretching his tongue inhumanly deep almost down the young man’s throat.

 

“You’re so cute...” Raphas whispered as he let go of Kovi’s lips, and moved down to nibble on the boy’s neck. He dug his teeth in Kovi’s skin slightly and actually caused a little bleeding. Although Raphas was not a vampire or any sort of blood sucking undead, he wonder at times what would it be like it he just continue biting until he reach Kovi’s veins. Would he struggle in fear? Or would he just surrender himself and actually enjoy being consumed by his master? As ironic and hilarious the latter would be, Raphas certainly hope it would not be the case.

 

Meanwhile one of his hands found its way to Kovi’s chest, which Raphas had made sure it never gets too muscular nor feeble, as Kovi’s lure lies in the thin line between boyish innocence and manly attraction. He squeezed on the breast several times before reaching for his nipple, which despite its appearance has actually been pierced more than a dozen times throughout the years, as many rich and powerful nobles enjoyed such torture, and after each time Raphas would heal the wound so Kovi would have to endure the pain again and again. Raphas pressed and flickered the small bud lightly, before taking it between two fingers and began to pinch it, at first lightly but gradually increased in strength, then began to pull on it knowing full well the pain and pleasure that would cause.

 

At the same time Raphas’ other hand reached the flower between Kovi’s legs. The boy’s urethral was one of the very few places Raphas had not violated until now, and he already had many ideas regarding further torment this could lead to. He reached for the section of the plant connecting to the flower still outside Kovi’s member, and very slowly began to pull the stem out, only to slowly thrust it back in before the whole thing could exit. “I know this hurts a lot, but don’t worry, it would start to feel good very soon....” Raphas said as he violated the most fragile part of a man’s body: “Not many men can feel pleasure like this, but I’ll teach you... you deserve to feel pleasure like no one could.... you’ve earn it....”

[Noise Prince]

Percen smiled and nodded in understanding. Memories always seemed brighter and warmer than when they were really experienced, at least in his opinion. Despite how much better his life was once his father earned a title, considering the connections and opportunities, he could only appreciate it for a year or so before pining for their life before. Then, the more serious in his studies he got, he would think back to when he wanted to return to a titleless, nameless existence and wished he could be more carefree. It was a luxury to want that again, compared to the adult things he was studying. Now, he felt he was a bit more levelheaded and that he could reasonably weigh the reality of his memories and current situation, of course he had to accept the possibility that that wasn't the case. He raised his mug to meet Erwin's. The resonating sound filled the room with the friendly chime. Percen took a more conservative drink from his own, chugging about half the contents.

 

Erwin had better luck with snacks. Percen didn't see much that he felt comfortable salvaging, only two slices of untouched cake. But Erwin found meat and cheese and bread, putting Percen's offerings to shame. He put cheese on a slice of bread and folded it before taking a bite. He was still a commoner when Erwin's childhood friend was banished and his family killed, and at the time it was a pretty big scandal that only the adults were that interested in, so he felt weirdly detached from this Kovi as a person when Erwin first mentioned him. He only knew him of the sad consequence of an unfortunate union, the only survivor of a political injustice. He was an abstract concept, a footnote of the types of horrors people of the country they fought for were capable of. But to Erwin, Kovi was a real person, his true friend. Brother, even. Percen wasn't sure if he ever felt what Erwin did for Kovi. He felt strongly, passionately, about the prince, but he was with the prince often. He didn't truly relate to the relationship of a dead loved one. He never really thought that a relationship could continue after the death of someone until Erwin proved him wrong. 17

 

Percen's best years, he thought, was when he started his later years of military training. He'd previously been a bit scrawny, a bookish intellectual. His father's friends teased him as a scholar- a dirty word to call a young boy during a time of impending war. But he took to athletics quite swimmingly with the right motivation, and boasted a rather intimidating stature now, thanks to the rigorous training. He was rather proud of his transformation, especially being the silent trusted knight at his prince's side, it only suited the image that he look powerful, too. Of course, that was also when he and Erwin first met, and that played no small role in Percen's fondness.

 

He only knew of Erwin from afar, he was a prince, after all. Most surprisingly, Erwin approached him first, and they became fast friends. It was quite a shock for most who knew Percen, that he would become friends with the prince when he could barely maintain friendships with boys closer to his own status, and that he would follow this new friend into a variety of flavors of trouble. The end results were typically not pleasant, often they were made to clean toilets as punishment when they were caught, but every moment was very, very fun. He would have never had as much fun if it weren't for Erwin, he was a part of everything that truly made him happy.

 

They continued drinking and laughing and reminiscing as the night carried on. Percen could stay quite prim even alone with his best friend, but enough alcohol had him guffawing and tripping over his own words recounting tales from their younger days- which felt ages longer ago than they truly were. Except for one in particular that Erwin himself brought up. Percen relived it in his mind so frequently it felt like it happened just the other day. He remembered well, the night of the strip club, the night Erwin woke him up in the night, the night they shared.

 

"I do remember that," Percen smiled broadly. He didn't recall handling it as coolly and calmly as Erwin seemed to. His smile fell slightly at Erwin's dismissal of their passionate night together as a mistake belonging to their less experienced selves. To him, it was a very precious memory of their first and potentially only moment intimate in that nature.

 

"I can't imagine you'd be quite as successful without me, my lord," Percen smiled and polished his glass off before setting it to the floor. "Though I'm sure you could manage," He looked down at the prince laying beside him, and he was already looking up at him. He must have drunk quite a lot more than Percen realized at the party earlier, seeing how inebriated he was now. That wasn't all he could see in Erwin's expression.

 

Percen laid down with him, into his inviting open arm, and closed his eyes as he leaned in to kiss his neck.

 

Kovi closed his eyes when their lips met. Raphas' lips were so cool and hard against his. Raphas held him close and deepened the kiss, he'd follow his lead and press his tongue for Raphas to capture in his mouth, or keep himself open and relaxed so Raphas could push his tongue deep into his throat. He had to keep open in relaxed or else he might give in to the urge to choke on him. It wasn't difficult, though, he found it so comforting. He spent so much time having his body completely violated and brutalized by people who wouldn't lose any sleep over their support of a war engineered largely to justify the slaughter of his people, that giving himself entirely to someone who truly loved him and took care of him was deeply rewarding and satisfying. Even with the flower planted int the length of his cock was something he accepted without waiver, anything Raphas gave him he knew he could trust. No matter how painful, no matter what it did to him. He'd take it.

 

He gasped for air softly when Raphas pulled away from him, letting him breath slightly easier. His face grew warm when he called him cute before he moved his teeth to his bare neck. Kovi groaned softly, his body trembling. He was so sensitive, everything was so heightened and intense. It felt like Raphas bit deeper than he did. He felt him suck the blood from the wound, a comforting pressure. A part of him liked the idea of Raphas having even a small amount of him, physically, inside. So even when they were separated, he could take solace in at least that much.

 

Raphas' hands stroked his breasts before his fingers stopped at his nipples. Kovi cooed softly before his moans and cries became louder the more Raphas pinched and played and pulled at his defenseless nubs. They were whole and perfect, but that was only after Raphas would heal them. If his previous 'client' had the same interest as far too many other nobles, and had pierced them himself, then Raphas would not have praised him for taking the medicine so stoically. There was no worse pain than the healing salve in a piercing wound in the nipple, he most likely wouldn't have kept his composure. But Raphas, as rough and hard as he was, he would never pierce him. He would never leave lasting damage, no matter how slight. No matter how he might cry, he loved every second he shared with his master.

 

Kovi whimpered when those cool slender fingers seemed to circle the Grave White between them, helplessly bobbing with his erection. This was entirely new, Raphas hadn't touched within his cock like this before. It was painful, but it made him so hard and aroused, he felt helpless, drowning in it. Raphas slowly drew it out while Kovi whimpered and cried out softly. He gasped when he slowly pushed it back inside, pain and pleasure shooting up his body in rapid waves. His whole body was burning. Kovi could barely form words, barely whimpering between heavy breaths. "M-Master..." His eyes were watery as he looked up to him.

[hal7283]

Erwin smiled as he saw Percen approaching, and let out a small moan as he felt the lips of the young knight on his neck. With the alcohol in his system heating his body up, Percan's lips felt soothingly cold against his hot, burning skin. Erwin took a deep breath, and the smell of the alcohol mixed with the natrual scent of Percen went up his nostrils, and he couldn’t help but feel excited by it. While most nobles would arrange their young boys get their first taste of sex with more experienced, older women, Erwin’s first was obviously the night he spent with Percen. Possibly due to this he always found the natural scent of others much more arousing than perfumes, which he often find suffocating. It was part of the reason why Erwin had to rely on Percen for matters like this instead of just go find any

 

 

With a slight chuckle he wrapped his arms around Percen's, and roamed his hands across his strong back. Even before they first got intimate like this on that night, Erwin had seen Percen's body naked multiple times. After all they both lived in the garrison and would often end up using the common bath together, and every time he did he was amazed by Percen's almost perfect body proportions, and wished he could grow as tall as his good friend one day. While Erwin would not grow to the same height as Percen, his little envy towards the brunette would eventually change to a sense of pride or assurance, especially after they shared that night. Knowing that such a big, strong knight would always be at his side, always be around for him to count and depend on, brought Erwin solace many times when he needed the most, and he had tried his best to repay the knight for his loyalty whenever he could.

 

 

Erwin roamed his hand down and reached under Percen's shirt, raising it up as he felt Percen's body with his fingers, brushing over a few spots where the texture felt different, the scars that he got throughout the years. Although Erwin couldn't say he knew every inch of his friend's body, he could recount how and when he got most of his scars. Some were the results of their training in the garrison, but most were from the bloody battles they fought together. While most were healed without a trace, a few remained as smooth skin wasn't exactly stuff you'd want to waste the healer's magic on when there were people with near fatal injuries lying around. In fact Erwin had quite a few across his body himself, and wore them with pride as commemoration for the battles he fought.

 

With a little cooperation from Percen, Erwin was able to remove the man's shirt. He laid his hand on Percen's muscular chest and squeezed on it playfully saying: "Is it just me or is your breast even bigger than before?” Erwin unbuttoned his shirt and let his torso get exposed to the cool night air. He tilted Percen’s face up and laid a soft kiss on the knight’s lips, then whispered: “How about I let you take charge tonight? Do whatever you want to me... or tell me whatever you want me to do?”

 

---

 

In many ways Raphas was quite proud of Kovi, this alluring sexual weapon of his own making, which can turn even the most uptight straight man into a slave of desire. The kingdom was at the brink of collapse, and it could largely be attributed to the “work” Kovi has done for him. But even such a powerful seducer was but a helpless child to himself. How the young flower moaned and twitched at his every advance was like a reflection how his power could manipulate the world.

 

Raphas left a trail of kisses as he moved down from Kov’s neck and reached his shoulder. From there he could see part of the marking of the Grave White he left of Kovi’s body. His hand left Kovi’s chest and wrapped around his body, bringing them even closer, and he began to trace the mark playfully with the tip of his fingers. The irony of one from the Flower People would bare such a mark on his body was certainly part of his intent when Raphas gave it to him. But of course the mark also had practical meaning, as it was imbued with the spell of subordination, making Kovi unable to resist his command in case he ever refuse, even though such occasion has never occurred till now.

 

By now their body were pressed pretty tightly against each other, and that also included their length. Raphas grabbed both of their erection within his grip and began to stroke both of them together. “Can you feel it Kovi?” Raphas whispered into the young man’s ear: “Can you feel my cock bumping with excitement? It’s because of you.. my precious flower.... Oh I missed the touch of your skin....”

 

Raphas tightened his grip around both of their lengths, letting the underside of his erection press tightly against Kovi’s, so much so that he could almost feel the hardness of the stem in Kovi’s urethra. He continued his pumping, and joyous moans began to escape his lips. At the same time his other hand reached down for Kovi’s rear, parting his firm little butt cheeks and reached the soft, wet, still bruising entrance hidden there. His fingers breached the muscle there easily and reached inside, pressing and stretching the boy’s hole teasingly.

[Noise Prince]

Percen felt Erwin's throat vibrate slightly when he moaned at his touch. He moved automatically when he could see that the prince needed him, and what he needed. Percen often yearned for Erwin's touch again, so he didn't hesitate to respond, and he was so relieved that his feelings weren't entirely one-sided. His head filled with thoughts of how it was possible Erwin recounted the memory as well, often, with joy. He wondered if, like Percen did in regards to the prince, imagined the way his body looked that night, needing imagery for a lonely night. Erwin's body felt so warm, his face flushed from either arousal or from the alcohol, or most likely a mix of both. Percen was sure his face didn't look much different.

 

Erwin's hands trailed over Percen's back, his slender fingers, always so deliberate when he was sober, felt a little clumsy and unpracticed. Even drunk, he felt beautiful. Erwin was a unique person. Almost everyone liked and respected him if politics were disregarded. He was trustworthy, and he didn't break the trust people blindly gave him. He was beautiful and graceful, and had an undeniable power and strength in his body and his character. Percen was tall and thick with musculature, but he saw Erwin as an ideal. Maybe that was because he was so attracted to him, he only saw things he desired when he watched Erwin. He felt very fortunate to spend as much time as he did by his side, to serve so close to his beloved prince.

 

Percen exhaled softly when Erwin started letting his fingers under his shirt, and directly explore his skin. The knight discarded the shirt. He was ready to devour the prince once more, but he felt how his fingers found a purpose on his skin, exploring the length of his scars. He had quite a few from his childhood, but a majority of them he obtained at Erwin's side, some during training or through their reckless play, but more came from their many battles. Erwin's fingers felt so natural against the slightly raised skin. They belonged to him, as did all his skin. His bones, his gore, his heart, his soul.

 

"Perhaps I've eaten a few too many sweets for one evening," Percen replied with an asymmetrical smile, looking at his prince's hands against his chest. He helped Erwin undress as well, starting at the bottom of his rows of buttons. Erwin was not devoid of scars himself, and while they decorated his skin in the same chaotic fashion as they did Percen, they looked very different on his skin. It was erotic, almost, the jagged lines and shapes quilted over his body seamlessly. His hand traced over his torso slowly, before Erwin tilted Percen's face to be looking up to Erwin's face. He smiled before their lips met. He closed his eyes and took in the taste of Erwin's whispers. Erwin, the ever virtuous and kind-hearted, he could even trust his most intimate of needs to his devoted knight. He kissed him again.

 

"If I give you anything that displeases you," Percen started with a smile, and he adjusted himself so he had a hand on either side of Erwin's shoulders so he was over his body. "Then you can climb on top of me and give it all back," He kissed him again deeply, putting his weight on one elbow on the cot, and his free hand moved to Erwin's waiting cock, building in his pants.

 

=================

 

One reason why Kovi loved Raphas so much was because he was himself with him. He was in his own body, with Raphas. He knew how to play the perfect seductress, and the fact that a lot of people had dark fantasies coupled with a hatred for his people, he made a perfect candidate for their latent urges. He was more than happy to indulge them, every injury and insult was nothing compared to Raphas' love. Kovi knew how to be what they wanted, he could be their vessel.

 

But Raphas wanted him as he was. With Raphas, Kovi wasn't longing for his touch instead, he wasn't imagining how his body would look and feel like when he turned and before Raphas would put the salve on him. He wasn't anticipating anything but Raphas in the moment. He felt whole when he was here.

 

Everything about Raphas physically felt so good. He loved his touch, the touch of his lips, the movement of his fingers, the feeling of his breath. Kovi couldn't even play with the idea of stoicism, he moaned and squirmed at Raphas' careful torment and love over his body. He gasped softly when Raphas pulled him close, and Kovi instinctively leaned against him, he'd lose balance and might fall without Raphas there to support him, and cooed softly when Raphas traced over his Grave White. Parallel to Kovi's lavender mark, indicating his place with his Flowers, of the lavender family, Grave White identified him as a member of Raphas'. It bound Kovi to him. Kovi would never be ashamed of his people, or of the lavender mark, but he knew his entire visage was a marking. A target. But the Grave White was a secret, it was a promise of devotion between them, only them, and they were the only ones who needed to know.

 

Kovi hummed softly, nodding as firmly as he could manage in response. Raphas' large cock against him, against his own needy erection, had a soothing presence against him as his cock burned and ached. His hot breath whispering against his ear did something similar, it soothed and calmed him. A precious flower... Kovi exhaled as his body relaxed despite the pain that preceded his arousal.

 

"I... miss you too," He stammered as his breathing became heavier. "I missed your touch,"

 

He groaned and closed his eyes when Raphas tightened his hand around them. His body was starting to tremble before he even felt one hand at his ass. He parted his legs slightly, to make it easier for Raphas to get to his entrance. He whimpered needly, putting his face on Raphas shoulder, as the man slipped his fingers inside. He was still so tender there, but Raphas felt so good... he wanted more.

[hal7283]

“Then I’ll look forward to you screwing up.” Erwin said jokingly as he looked up at Percen, knowing fully that the strong knight would do whatever he could to fulfil his command, whether it’s on the battlefield, or in bed. At times Erwin would think that he was holding Percen back, from the potential of a good marriage or a better paid, safer post in the army. But he couldn’t help but counting on the knight’s loyalty towards him, since he couldn’t keep the facade of a perfect prince all the time, and the only person he could show his true self at the moment was Percen. He looked at the knight with his eyes half closed,and let out a small moan when the other closed in for a kiss. This time around Erwin was much bolder in his responses, extending his tongue into the man’s mouth and mingled with Perce’s counterpart.

 

Erwin let out a small moan when he felt Percen’s hand over his groin. His member had already gained some hardness from their intimate exchanges earlier. Percen’s touch made him more aware of his growing erection and he moved his waist instinctively in search for more stimulation. But his growing erection began to press painfully against the fabric, and Erwin groaned in discomfort. Quickly he unbuckled his tie and dragged his pants down, kicking it away. He sighed in relief as he enjoyed the freedom of being completely naked.

 

Erwin broke from the long, steamy kiss of Percen to catch his breath. He looked at Percen and said: “Why do you still have your pants on? Take those off! That’s an order. Oh and while you’re at it...” Erwin turned his head and pointed to his luggage: “There should be a bottle of herb essence oil in there. Use that for lube.”

 

---

 

“In that case... I should touch you more.... both in and out...” Raphas smiled as Kovi twitched and moaned responding to his every move. The young man’s body felt so frail and helpless as he trembled in his arms, which only added fuel to Raphas’ sadistic flame. He let go of both of their lengths and circled the hand to Kovi’s rear, joining the other hand in playing with his entrance. Spreading the butt cheeks open, Raphas easily pulled on the entrance wide open, a testament to the amount of punishment Kovi had suffered back there throughout the years. “Looks like you’re more than ready for me.” Raphas chuckled slightly as he let go of Kovi’s butt and pulled away from him. He showed a loving smile as he reached for Kovi’s hand, leading him to climb on the casket with him.

 

Raphas laid Kovi down before holding his legs up. He shifted his body forward so the tip of his erection was now rubbing against the Kovi’s entrance, and slowly began to push forward. He let out a deep groan as he embedded his member inside, enjoying the warmth and softness of Kovi’s body. Once the whole member was inside, Raphas let out a sigh of pleasure. “Ah... your body feel as good as ever...” Raphas said as he leaned down, locking Kovi in an aggressive kiss.

[Noise Prince]

Percen laughed, and kissed his neck. Erwin's body was so comforting and familiar. Feeling so displaced from his original village, and struggling in his place in the high society of nobility, Percen felt Erwin was his true home. The kindly prince was consistently the person he felt most comfortable with, who he felt the most himself with. He was eternally grateful for what Erwin had given him. Percen moaned around Erwin's tongue when he slipped it over his own. He wasn't expecting something like that, but it was so warm and soft. He tasted of their shared wine and meats, and undeniably carried his own taste.

 

Erwin's groin grew a bit stiffer under Percen's palm the more he rubbed his palm against him. It felt so raw, so real, like a living creature in its own right, reacting to him, reacting with him. It seemed so trapped within the restrictive military garb. But Erwin quickly remedied that, and undressed himself. Erwin had such a natural confidence and beauty when he was naked. It was common for the men to be naked with one another, but there was an understanding that no one was to look at one another. But Erwin wasn't self conscious when he was looked at, even lying another man, he emanated a sense of power. Even stripped of anything that could indicate rank, he seemed too valuable to touch.

 

 

He knew it was rather silly, yet he was apprehensive himself about being seen full naked, thus why his pants had remained on. He couldn't help but laugh at Erwin's insistent manner, though Percen had to worry that his fond memories may have exaggerated what Erwin thought he was going to see. He stood on his knees, unfastening the hold on his pants.

 

"Of course, my lord," He said with a grin, though he avoided eye contact when he got off the bed to fully remove his pants. He didn't want to give Erwin much time to look at his body entirely, but the lubricant available was not exactly in arms reach. He nodded and hurried to his luggage. The oil was fortunately not hard to find, which made him wonder what Erwin intended to do with it. He was not too familiar with the uses of essence oils.

 

He came back to the bed and sat besides the prince, easing an amount of the strongly scented oil over his fingers.

 

"If you would, your highness," He whispered, his voice husky, indicating Erwin should spread his legs so Percen could slip his fingers inside.

 

 

00000000000000000000000000000000

 

Kovi moans grew a little high pitched at the promise. He just wanted Raphas all over him, for as long a he could have him. So long as he was the only one he had to give himself too, for however long they had. Kovi whimpered softly in his throat when Raphas released their lengths. The missing pressure of the walls of his cock squeezed around the hard, coated stem sent an unusual sensation of pain in the meat. His moans slowed in anticipation when he felt Raphas' hand move to join the other, gripping his ass and fully spreading him.

 

He leaned into Raphas, he felt sweat threaten to build on his brow while Raphas' opened his entrance out. Kovi felt so exposed. It'd been a good number of years since Raphas had struggled to make him open for him. Kovi didn't truly mind, it was for the greater good, and it did make his work less physically difficult.

 

"I am, Master," He whispered breathlessly, looking up at him when Raphas released him and stepped away. Kovi slipped his hand into Raphas pale, slender ones, and let him help guide him into his casket, laying on his back.

 

Raphas held his legs up so his ass was exposed for him again, this time when he had access. Kovi's breaths grew deeper, looking up at his master with complete longing. Raphas placed the head of his cock against him, and slid slowly into his twitching hole. He moaned. He loved how Raphas' cock filled him, he loved taking him. He could only smile wordlessly up at him before Raphas took his mouth forcefully. Kovi wrapped his arms around Raphas' shoulders, more than willing to give himself entirely to Raphas' hunger.

[hal7283]

Erwin looked closely as Percen began to strip down the remaining clothing on him. He found it rather amusing that even after everything they've been through together, Percen was still a bit uneasy when it comes to revealing himself to the prince. Erwin thought it might have to do with the fact that even though the two have done this many times before, the interval between them were quite long, as Erwin was usually not so indulgent. Occasionally Erwin would ask Percen to help him relief stress before a major battle, but such occasion were also rare. Erwin then remembered that being born in royalty he was used to people bathing and changing him, something which he learned after joining the army that was unusual for the common folk, thus he was probably more used to showing off his nudity than normal.

 

Putting matters of shyness aside, Erwin shifted slightly so to get a better look as Percen moved off the bed following his instructions, enjoying the view of the knight's strong back as well as that firm butt of his. He had to admit it was quite a lovely sight, and he could remember how good it felt when Erwin was able to indulge himself inside Percen. But tonight he was not in that mood, and also he'd just promised the knight to let him have his way with him tonight. The view was made only better when Percen turned around on his way back and revealing his front to him completely. Expecting the question lingering in Percen's mind Erwin said: "The head of one of the villages we passed by on our way back here gave that bottle to me as a gift. Apparently it's one of their specialty products. The oil when applied to the skin has a range of effects from improving circulation to relieving stress, among other things." He chuckled and said: "I suppose it's supposed to be used during massages but.... well... I guess this kind of counts?"

 

Erwin raised an eyebrow when Percen opened the bottle, the scent while not exactly unpleasant, was stronger than he expected. But still he'd take the herbal scent of that oil over the suffocating perfume of noble women any day. He nodded hearing Percen's request and opened his legs and raised them up, holding them in position around the knees with his hands. Even though he was more used to showing nudity in front of others, revealing the most intimate part of him like this was still a bit embarrassing to the prince. For the first time since they started this he broke eye contact and looked to the side slightly and said: "Come on Percen, don't leave me hanging here.... Sorry I didn't get the chance to wash it first..."

 

 

---

 

 

While Raphas continued to kiss Kovi aggressively he continued to work his hips, rubbing his member against the inner walls of the young man's intestines. After a while he let go of Kovi's lips to catch his breath, leaving a trail of saliva which glittered under the ghostly light of the room before breaking. He looked down at the other and said teasingly: "You certainly are enjoying yourself. Does my dick feel that good? Or are you just that much of a slut? What do you say, my little flower?"

 

With Kovi holding his own legs up, Raphas was able to free up his hands and move elsewhere, tracing the countless wounds scattered across Kovi's body as if inflicting them once more, and claiming them as his own doing. Eventually he reached latest site of his exploitation, holding the flower embedded in Kovi's length once more and began to thrust the stem in and out in accordance with his violation of Kovi's rear. With the medication making Kovi extra susceptible to pleasure plus all the teasing from earlier, it shouldn't be long till the young man was pushed towards climax. He straightened up his body and grabbed onto Kovi's butt with his free hand and began to pick up his pace, pounding Kovi's prostate with the tip of his member each time he thrust inside.

[Noise Prince]

Percen smiled meekly at Erwin when he saw how intent his eyes were on his body when he first bared himself completely to him. He wondered if Erwin could see the hesitance in his stature, if he found it charming or bothersome. He tried not to focus on that too much while he fished the oil from his bag, though he felt Erwin's eyes on him still. He was self-conscious, sure, but he also relished in this feeling. He was Erwin's right-hand man, he was always paying him more attention than the other way around. A general and a prince, a part of him would always belong more to his men and the people, and that was a large part of him. So their moments together, while they were alone together, and when they were particularly intimate like this, felt very precious.

 

"Ah," Percen took a moment to appreciate the bottle for a moment when Erwin told him it's origins. He wondered which village it was, as different regions would have different ingredients, and they passed a large part of the land on their way back. He wasn't often a user of luxury oils like this, so he wasn't sure if he'd encountered something similar before now, or if he'd find the scents familiar.

 

"I'm sure it'll be more than enough for our purposes," Percen looked up at him with a light smirk. The idea of it being a massage oil that would help circulation excited him quite a bit. He imagined how the oil might affect merely being poured onto skin, how it might feel when he started to massage it into Erwin's most sensitive places, how it'd feel when he entered him, coated with it. He breathed heavily through his nostrils, and before he opened the bottle he had to wonder if this gifted to Erwin to aide in his perversions, rather than straightly given for it's ascribed purpose.

 

The smell wasn't unpleasant when he did open the bottle at last, but it was strong and distinct. Of course, the humidity of the night wasn't charitable, everything was a bit enhanced. With just a portion of it, it wouldn't be that strong, plus it could be very nice with mixing with their own scents. He looked at Erwin, so agreeably holding up his legs and exposing his hole to him. This was a part of him that wasn't often visible, even in the most casual situations, so it felt especially erotic to see the beautiful prince exposing himself in such a way. He looked up at his face, seeing something akin to embarrassment over his perfectly bred features. The delicateness of it all made him so irresistible like this. He slipped a hand to massage his entrance with the oil. It was slick and warmed against the skin.

 

"What soldier would I be if a little dirt was enough to deter me?" Percen told him, smiling at him as he slipped a finger inside, sliding the oil around in his insides. He added a little more oil so he could massage and stretch him a bit more before he felt he wouldn't hurt his prince when he entered him. He positioned himself at Erwin's ass, aligning their hips, and he eased his cock into the ring of muscle.

 

 

Kovi mewed behind his trapped lips, a soft plea for more of the torment while Raphas dominated his mouth forcefully with his, and while his cock completely took his insides. Kovi felt like he was being consumed on both ends by Raphas' ravenous love. He could feel his body wanting to shake underneath him from pleasure, but his motions were dominated by Raphas' cock rocking into him. Raphas lifted away suddenly, and Kovi took a gasp of air like he'd been under water, he blinked the same way. He looked up at Raphas, his eyes wet and glistening, mirroring the gleaming saliva strand still connecting their lips. He blinked for a moment, struggling to find the words and the breath in his lungs at the same time to answer.

 

"I-it's your dick..." He panted. "It fee-feels good, Master,"

 

His body shook now. He could feel his legs tremble against his shaky hands as he held them up towards his chest. Raphas' hands moved up and down his body over the wounds plastered with his unique cream. The healing salve still burned into him quite a bit, but Kovi loved how he traced his hands over them so intently, so loving and studying his body even when he was so broken like this. He felt so worthwhile even at his lowest point.

 

Kovi's hands found their way to the largest source of pain right now, however, and that was his cock. Or specifically, the flower, and Raphas mercilessly thrust the long, hard stem through his length at the same tempo that he fucked his ass. With his mouth free, he was much more noisy. Kovi cried out loudly, lewdly, in short bursts, like breaths of air. He gasped for air when he could but he was overwhelmed. An outsider might think those desperate cries were of pain and torture, and they wouldn't be too far off from the reality. But Kovi lived everyday for his rewards. He was heavily oozing around the stem.

[hal7283]

Erwin felt his heat beat accelerating in anticipation as Percen closed in, and held his breath when he felt the other's fingers at his rear, parting the rim and intrude inside him. While it was not his first time allowing others to enter, it has been a while since last time so his entrance was not as welcoming as before. That being said his body has remembered the pleasure from behind, he groaned as a pleasurable feeling slowly began to spread, awakened by Percen's movements. As Percen stretched his entrance wider and wider in preparation for what to come, his voice also became higher pitched, becoming a soft moan. He shifted his body responding to the stimulation, Percen's fingers proved to be insufficient, which made him let out a little whine of frustration.

 

Luckily Erwin had no need to ask for Percen to remedy the situation, as he soon felt the tip of Percen's member pressing against his pucker. "Come on in." He smiled as he reached for the Percen, clinging his hands behind the knight's neck. He gasped when he felt the member entered him, the girth of the member stretching him painfully open. But that was a satisfying pain, as he knew once his body adapted, pleasure would soon follow. His body trembled and he panted heavily when the whole length was embedded inside him, but shortly after the tremble stopped. He looked up at his loyal knight and chuckled: "That was.... harder than I expected... Maybe we should do this more often?"

 

---

 

Raphas laughed as he heard the answer Kovi gave. He knew the young flower meant every word of what he said, as he raised, taught, conditioned to love everything and anything he was subjected to by his master. Raphas doubt that anything, with the exception of the cruelest betrayal and abandonment, could shake the young man's devotion to him. He looked down at his pathetic toy and said: "While in that case, I should give it to you, fuck you so hard that all you can think of is how could it feels to have me inside you!"

 

And Raphas was a man of his word, at least when it suited him. He accelerated the movement of his waist, mercilessly pounding his length against Kovi's intestine again and again. He moved with a ferocity that seemed out of place coming from his frail, almost skeletal build. Pleasure quickly built up in his body and he could sense the same for Kovi. "Cum with me together!" Raphas roared as he thrust his length deep inside, his white, thick almost jelly like cum shot out in several powerful bursts which sent shivers across Raphas' body. Also, at the very moment of his climax he pulled the entire stem of the flower from Kovi's member in one swift, merciless pull, allowing him the much needed release for desire.

 

Raphas made several more thrust into Kovi squeezing the remaining cum out of his member before pulling out. He has released an absurd amount of cum given it was only one man, and that slime began to flow out of the well-abused hole as soon as he left it. Raphas let out a satisfied sigh as he got up, looking down at the young man still recovering from the ordeal and gestured towards his half hard, cum covered member and said: "Clean this up for me, would you?"

[Noise Prince]

Erwin's ring was quite tight, which Percen anticipated. Neither of them were in quite the habit of indulging in their perversions often, and there was generally little privacy to do so even if they wanted to, this was more true for them than most of the men in their ranks. Still, his rear was not altogether uninviting, and Erwin's mouth seemed equally un-shy to allow his moans to ring through the room. His fingers carefully massaged his hot insides, closing his eyes and enjoying Erwin's song growing more high pitched. Before long, Percen knew he could fit himself in with minimal discomfort. He could tell Erwin was more than ready himself for Percen to enter him, by the sounds of his whimpering, he was surprisingly needy sounding.

 

He slid inside, smiling down at Erwin when he felt those capable hands lace together around his neck, enjoying the expression of his face change when he slid in deeper, particularly where his fingers couldn't reach. He was so tight and hot, and he could feel himself pushing against Erwin's walls.

 

Percen was careful with him. He knew how pleasurable the first motion was, the filling, the stretching sensation. It was also mingled with a confusingly lovely pain. So once he was fully inside, he paused so Erwin could fully be accustomed to his size. He smiled at Erwin's lighthearted comment.

 

"I would agree, yes." He answered, leaning down and taking his mouth with his own, more aggressive from his hunger. "Seems I've let you down, neglecting your needs down here," he whispered against his mouth, one hand lightly rubbing his ass before sliding out of him until just his tip remained inside, and he pushed back in, his motion faster

 

__________________________________________________________________

 

Kovi's eyes lit up underneath the tears glistening on his eyelashes, his body trembled ungracefully in want at the promise, a whimper escaping his throat. He was always aching and longing for moments like this, he desperately needed Raphas' cock. No one, of the many, many, many people he'd pleasured, no one fucked him like Raphas, who could physically pound himself into Kovi's center- made himself his everything. He had nothing to concern himself with outside of Raphas, and at moments like this, only himself and the pain and pleasure forcing itself in waves through his body. Nothing else hurt him, nothing else existed. Everything was purely how hard Raphas fucked him.

 

"Ma...Master, thank you..." He breathed, looking up at him in longing, his body shook in anticipation.

 

Soon after he got the words out, every breath was replaced again with loud cries and moans indistinguishable from pleasurable or painful ones. Raphas was always true to his devoted servant, and his hips started to truly drive his cock into his insides. The force made the water of his eyes pour over and down the sides of his face. His body felt weak, weirdly heavy while completely vulnerable and malleable by the massive force above him, fucking him mercilessly. Kovi felt it as if Raphas was in his soul as well.

 

Kovi wanted to answer, or at least nod, but he couldn't muster enough energy to do so, considering what he needed to save it for. He could barely cry out when Raphas filled him with his cum, his throat starting to get hoarse, but at the same time, Raphas ripped the flower out of his cock, and it was like it was a rope connected to his orgasm, and he was able to cum in a strong burst so powerful he was able to let out a solid, stuttering cry, his back arching, his eyes wide with how powerful and strong it was. Raphas came a good deal longer into Kovi's body, his thick cum filling him with what would be an alarming amount for a normal person. Even when Raphas pulled out, he left a part of himself to fill Kovi, even if it started seeping out of his red, swollen hole.

 

Kovi took a few haggard breaths, he tried to take deep ones, but he was panting too hard, they were all shallow. He blinked for a minute. He had almost no strength left in him, but he forced himself to sit up, whimpering when his intestines burned from the effort of moving. It was so hard to move, his limbs lost their strength and his ass and guts radiated fire when he moved. His breathing was labored, but he was able to force his body over Raphas' length, and he looked up at Raphas, his eyes red and wet and loving, and he lowered himself, arms shaking, and took Raphas' cock into his mouth, and slowly sucked him clean.

[hal7283]

Erwin smiled when he heard what Percen said, as he knew the knight enough to know that those words were not simply out of courtesy or obligation. but from true loyalty and friendship. He laughed: "And I have been neglecting your need. I'd love to return the favor soon. I mean..."

 

Erwin was about to continue, but the moans leaking out of his mouth interrupted his speech. He held onto Perce tighter as the knight accelerated his movement, with each thrust a wave of pleasure would traverse from his rear and spread across his lower body, and all the way to his mind clouding his reason. "I... I am so....... going to get even with you on this...ah..! Percen! Slow down a .......ugh...bit.....ah.....!" Erwin moaned as he tried his best to regain some semblance of control, but throughout the years Percen had pretty much had him figured out when it comes to matters in bed, every one of his thrusts seemed to hit but spot perfectly. Partly due to the alcohol, but more due to his pent up libido now finally getting satisfied, Erwin's moans got louder and louder, and also higher and higher in pitch, with little regard to whether he'd be heard by anyone or not. His member also waved and nodded with Percen's movements, spilling pre-cum over his own belly.

 

---

 

Raphas let out a satisfied groan as Kovi’s nimble tongue touched his cum-covered half hard member. Having just came moments ago the tip of his length was still rather sensitive, but that almost painful sensation was also enjoyable in its own right. In fact you can force someone to moan and scream by continue to abuse someone’s length right after climax, but Raphas much preferred to be on the giving side of such abuses. Soon enough his length was cleaned. While he could push Kovi down to the casket for a second round, he had to play the role of a loving and gentle master who cared for his loyal servant, and such a master wouldn’t push his servant beyond the limit without a good reason. And besides, he had other things to attend to. He reached for Kovi’s face and held it up gently: “Get yourself cleaned and take some rest. I’d love to join you in the bath but I’d have to deal with that first.” Raphas said as he pointed to the bottle of cum he collected from Kovi’s body and said: “Wouldn’t want to waste the fruit of your hard work.”

 

Raphas laid a gentle kiss on Kovi’s forehead before leaving the casket, putting on his dark robes and grabbing the glass bottle of cum with him. He walked up a empty part of the room where a large magic circle consisted of many circles, strange writing, lines and shapes was drawn on the floor with some sort of dark brown paint. Raphas opened the bottle while chanting a few strange barely audible sounds, then suddenly the lines of the magic circle began to shine in a bloody red light, and the white slime in the bottle began to rise up from the container as if it was a living creature, forming a small white ball floating in mid air. The chanting continued as the red light became stronger and stronger. In the middle of all this Raphas took out a scroll and opened it up, which seemed to be filled with strange writings. The white slime floating in mid air began to turn red, and flew towards the empty part of the scroll adding to the list of people under Raphas’ spell. Then the light faded and everything went back to normal.

[Noise Prince]

The knight couldn't help but let his smile broaden over his cheeks, red with drink and in no small part due to nerves. But it didn't take much to figure out where Erwin might have carried the sentence, but his eloquence was replaced with his lewd, unwavering moans. Erwin tightened around him, and Percen returned his own guttural noise as he found himself thrusting into his clenching hole. He moaned and leaned down and laid an ungraceful kiss at his neck and on his collarbone.

 

He raised his head and smiled down at him, raising himself over his body again. In no other context would he ever hesitate to follow an order, but he knew Erwin's body so well and so intimately, and in turn Erwin's body had tamed his own, that he was at the mercy of their hedonistic and bodily desires over any disciplined thought.

 

Percen moaned, Erwin's sounds grew more high pitch and louder, the alcohol they shared had removed both of their inhibitions when it came to their noises and sounds. But Erwin was particularly shameless in his vocalizations tonight. Percen continued thrusting hard and fast, though with an amount of care to the spots that made Erwin feel good. Percen noticed the precum already dripping from his cock and onto Erwin's stomach. He was sure he was oozing in a similar way inside of him.

 

-------------------------------------

 

Kovi was careful and slow as he cleaned Raphas' cock, gradually catching his breath as he licked him clean of cum. It was so comforting to know that he could relax now, that he was so safe with Raphas. Any of his previous targets wouldn't always end after one shot, and they weren't so sympathetic if Kovi was similarly exhausted as he was now, and he'd have to endure a variety of perversions while he was too weak to participate. But he never had to be afraid with Raphas, he knew that he wouldn't do anything like that, when Kovi was done, Raphas stopped. He was the only person in his life who actually respected the bodies of Flowers.

 

Despite how grateful he was for Raphas' tenderness, he couldn't hide the disappointment in his face. He really hoped that they could bathe together after everything he'd gone through so far. He really felt that he needed Raphas' presence to really heal after so long apart. There was nothing he'd like more than to relax against Raphas' slight, sturdy body in the hot water. But it couldn't be helped, Raphas had very important work to do, continuing the mission from Kovi's contribution. He smiled up at him and nodded.

 

"I understand, Master Raphas," Kovi told him, closing his eyes when Raphas gave him a small kiss. He leaned away so Raphas could step out of the coffin. He had to prepare himself for a minute before getting out himself, groaning lightly as he extended himself. His intestines were still quite tender and moving about was a challenge. There was something comforting, though, when it came to the aches that came from being fucked by Raphas so hard. They spent so much time apart- even now- that this served as a physical reminder of Raphas he could keep with him, and his love.

 

After a considerable amount of effort, Kovi was finally able to relax into the bathwater. Immediately, his body felt soothed, and he sighed loudly. He closed his eyes, suddenly feeling quite tired. But he felt a smile curl over his lips, and he lightly stroked his stomach, over the parts that were so bothersome and painful when he was preparing the bath. He thought of Raphas. He was working so hard right now while Kovi got to take a break and take a bath. He felt like he was selfish earlier, wanting him to join him when he said he needed to work. Kovi was sure Raphas had seen it in his face, and he hoped he hadn't made him feel bad. He was sure he was too preoccupied with the jar's contents, but still, Kovi hoped he hadn't done anything to affect his work.

 

He should have gotten out of the water once he was done cleaning himself, the water was cloudy and the surface carried a few bubbles. But he was so tired, he couldn't open his eyes again, and when he let himself have another few minutes in the warm water, he fell asleep, his head rolled back over the rim of the tub.

[hal7283]

Erwin moaned loudly with every thrust Percen made inside him, sending waves of pleasure across his body. He wrapped his legs around Percen's waist while holding onto Percen's shoulder with his hands. He wanted to roam his hands around and perhaps take a bit more initiative, but the pleasure quickly building inside him robbed him of all power to do anything but clinging on. As his body eventually reached climax he let out the loudest moan yet. Erwin's body arched back and his muscles stiffened and trembled. Spasms of ecstatic joy spread through every inch of his being and several powerful shots of thick cum burst out from his member, the first landing on his jaw and the following ones on his chest, belly, then right below the tip. For a moment his eyes lost focus, staring blankly at Percen while panting heavily, his body continued to shiver for a very long time. Eventually he regained some composure and pulled Percen in for a gentle kiss. He said with a tired smile: "That was wonderful Percen... Did you get any extra practice?"

 

Erwin looked up at Percen, and with his libido finally taken care of, he was able to think more clearly of the situation. Finally embarrassment seemed to have entered Erwin's mind and he said with a smile like a kid after being caught doing something naughty: "By the gods I was loud....I hope I didn't wake anyone up with my moaning....

 

 

---

 

 

After the ritual was finished Raphas touched the newly added name on the scroll, satisfied with the addition of another puppet in this grand puppet show of his. He laid his fingers on each of the names on the scroll, quickly tapped into their minds, gaining intelligence from their memories or inputted commands into their unconscious. Without knowing it themselves, they have became accomplices in Raphas' plans to destabilize the kingdom, and thanks to Kovi their number has became very substantial. If he wanted Raphas could create hell on earth the very next day, but the Kingdom still may survive. Perhaps Raphas could use one more puppet, one particular man whose fame and popularity can prove to be most useful....

 

It was at that moment Raphas remembered Kovi, and wondered why the young man has not returned to his side. Through the mark Raphas left on Kovi's body he soon realized the situation and sighed in frustration. "What a troublesome tool..." He muttered as he walked towards the bathroom and saw Kovi sleeping in the bath. With a slight frown he waved his fingers and babbled a few words, then a dark mist began to seep out of his shadow. From the mist several skeletal hands emerged out of nowhere, but instead of the usual white, the bones were all pitch black in color. He commanded: "Dry him up and take him to his bed... I don't want him to drown peacefully in hot bath." Raphas left the bathroom to return to his work, and let his ghostly servants do their job. He smiled and said: "He deserves much, much worse."

 

 

 

(Unless you have anything particular you want to do with Kovi and Raphas, maybe we can skip their part until we wrap up Erwin and Percen. Cause I don't want time progression between two groups to be too different. Or you can let Kovi see a dream/nightmare/flashback or something to flesh out his past?)

[Noise Prince]

Percen's sounds were drowned by Erwin's sweet moans. He was unabashedly crying out with every thrust, Percen's own groans and grunts inaudible, but he felt how forceful they were in his throat. Erwin's limbs wrapped around him as his hips moved to and from Erwin's. His gentle hands held firmly onto his body. He could feel Erwin's body grow closer and closer to climax around him. Erwin came only a few seconds before Percen did. But the way he came was like an erotic poem. He cried out loudly, naturally, but his face contorted in the bliss as he did so, his back arched and every muscle tensed under his skin, his body shaking slightly. The stream was impressive, even a few drops landed on his jaw. Some got on Percen's chest.

 

Even at their most sober, just the sight of him like that, or the thought, would have made Percen stiffen and blood boil. So he was pathetically vulnerable now, and he came deep inside his prince. Less graceful, his usually throaty groans became one long, higher toned one, his arms and legs shook under his weight as he held still, as if all his concentration was in streaming into Erwin's hole.

 

He smiled down at the prince, breathing hard, and he wiped his forehead with one arm before Erwin pulled him down towards him, and took his mouth on top of his own.

 

"I rarely have time for solo drills," Percen reminded him with a smile. "No, my Lord, you're the only one,"

 

"I think most around us are too drunk to make sense of it if you did," Percen assured him, chuckling. He kissed his neck for a moment before lying down next to him, and lightly stroked his cheek. "You have such beautiful sounds, though. It's almost a shame so few will hear them."

 

-----------------------

 

((Yeah, I'll have a flashback moment here, then we could skip until Erwin and Percen catch up))

 

Kovi woke up after he was put to bed. Woke up wasn't quite the word though. He was so tired, his body remained stubbornly in deep sleep. His eyes wouldn't even open. But he fought for his consciousness. He must have fallen asleep in the bath. He vaguely remembered being lifted from the water... but other than that, he didn't remember what happened. He wasn't supposed to fall asleep, he was supposed to be back at Raphas' side, he was supposed to return to him. Raphas was most likely done with his work now, but Kovi wasn't there. He wanted to have the energy to get up, but he couldn't even move his body. He wanted to go to Raphas, he wanted Raphas. Raphas...

 

 

 

He wanted Erwin. His was a child again, crying his eyes out as he ran through the unbeloved wilderness, and he wanted Erwin. It wasn't fair, they were supposed to be brothers! If anything were to happen to his family he was going to live with Erwin because they were family too! They were brothers! He fell over a particularly gnarly root, his food hooking into it painfully when he tripped. Kovi cried loudly, giving himself a moment to hold onto his ankle while he sobbed, bemoaning his sorry state, his certain death, his never diminishing misery, the last thing he'd likely ever feel in his small life. Why did this have to happen...? His mother tried to explain the tensions to him a few times, even before his parents became targets of political assassination. Tried to explain to him how their kingdom felt about Flower People. His father frequently interjected about the lack of truth or how nuance was unnecessary. His father was a man of the kingdom, and he loved his mother and him. Erwin loved him, too. So he often sided with his father. His mother had old fashioned ideas and should focus on those who loved her rather than those who didn't. That's what he thought.

 

Now... he didn't know how to feel. Neither his mother was there to validate his anger, nor was his father there to soothe his rage. Erwin wasn't there to tell him not to cry, to show him how to properly hold the sword, even letting him hold his dagger- something only meant for royal hands. But it was fine because they were brothers. But... it was Erwin's real family that did this to Kovi's... They were never brothers. It was a lie, it never mattered. He never mattered. Not to Erwin.

 

He wandered the wilderness, limping, for another two or three days when he was found- pursued and easily caught- by the Nuns. Their religion, a pantheistic one, and ancient, was an anomaly in the kingdom, viewing itself as independent from nations, including their temples, and were open in refusal of imperial rule and of war. But practitioners were peaceful, quiet, and often isolated, so it was not a great concern to the crown. He didn't realize it then, but it was likely that the Nuns sought him out after they heard of his banishment. He was scared of them, and couldn't outrun them with his leg. They fed him and treated his injury, and allowed him his own cot in their camps. Twice he tried to escape them, however, and ended up being tied to a horse's saddle on the way back most of the way. But his parents were dead because of people who looked like these people, and he wanted to get away, but they didn't give him the chance. Once at the temple, he soon accepted this as his new life, but his anger never subsided.

 

Kovi spent two years at the temple before Raphas came. He was embarrassed to think back now on his first reaction to his savior. A Nun named Gless, who was often charged with Kovi's rearing, and who Kovi had a complicated relationship with, found Kovi when he was skirting his chores and had ended up getting himself rather dirty.

 

"I-I haven't done anything wrong!" Kovi defended himself despite the dark dirt smears at his skirt aligning with his knees and black crescents under his fingernails. He was sure he'd get a caning for getting dirty again and was hoping he could talk his way out of it, but instead Gless told him someone was interested in taking him from here. He washed and change clothes hastily to meet this man. A part of him anticipated seeing the king, with Erwin, there to take him home. He wanted to hear they were sorry, and they had to wait for the public to quiet down in regards to his family before coming to get him. He would get his own daggers, like Erwin. But instead, when he was taken into an ornate room intended for a variety of meanings, Kovi almost screamed.

 

Raphas wasn't hideous, not in the slightest. Peculiar, naturally, but in a beautiful way. But Kovi was overwhelmed with a sense of fear when he saw him. He barely spoke a word to him, and avoided looking at him. Later, Gless scolded him for being so unfriendly while Kovi packed his few belongings. Raphas was ready to take him very soon after meeting him, and it all happened so fast, Kovi was too stunned to protest at any point, despite how unhappy he was at the time.

 

He was an awfully foolish child. Thank goodness Raphas found him...

[hal7283]

Erwin chuckled lightly hearing the words coming out of Percen's mouth, which could almost be interpreted as a confession of love. "Well in that case I should hurry up in finding a wife, so you can be free to use your great skill in bed on someone else. I'm sure there's no shortage of noble girls who wants to marry you. Or maybe you should learn from your step-mother and marry a commoner?"

 

Erwin moaned slightly when he felt the gentle kiss on his neck, and shifted his body slightly so to make room for Percen. He watched with a satisfied smile as the knight laid beside him, and held the hand touching his cheek gently smiling: "That may not be such a bad idea. I'm sure nobody would think of me as a serious contender to the throne anymore after hearing how I moaned like a bitch in bed. This could save me a lot of trouble turning the nobles down, and ease the suspicions of my brothers....ha ha.... just kidding....As long as my reputation is still useful in helping people, I'll maintain it."

 

By now the effects of alcohol and his libido have mostly faded, and all there was left in Erwin's body was a deep feeling of exhaustion. Erwin moved close to Percen and pressed a soft kiss on Percen's lips, then he turned to lay on his back and said: "Well in any case, it's about time we get some rest. We have a lot of house keeping to do tomorrow. Good night Percen."

 

With that said Erwin closed his eyes, the overwhelming fatigue plus the soothing effect of Percen's presence quickly dragged Erwin the the depth of slumber. Right now he could really use a nice, dreamless sleep, but somehow Erwin knew that would be unlikely.

 

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"What.... what's going on?" Erwin muttered as he looked around, and found himself surrounded by utter darkness, yet somehow he could see his own body without problem, then suddenly he felt something on his legs. Looking down he quickly saw what it was, a rotting corpse with its brain smashed opened. Horrified he pulled his leg away and stumbled back, and fell, only to find the entire floor was covered by corpses. Men, women and children, of different age, color, and nationalities or tribe; some were stabbed, while others were cut, or beaten; some died from drowning and they bloated to twice their original size, while others died in fire and only a charred skeleton remained. What made it worse was that he recognized many of those faces, or the uniforms they wore, some fought and died by his side, while others felled by his own hand.

 

You'd think that a war hero like him would not be fazed by such a sight, but Erwin was horrified. He screamed, he cried, crawling and running helplessly trying in vain to escape the scene, but carpet of death seems to continue as far as the eye can see. Then suddenly everything changed once more.

 

"No.... not here...... anywhere but here!" Erwin screamed, seeing the beautiful scenery around him. Tall trees, green grass, carefully arranged flowers and statues, a place all too familiar to him. Then he heard a voice coming from behind, a voice so familiar, yet so alien. It was a child's voice asking:

 

"Why?"

 

Erwin wanted to run away, or at least just keep his back towards the voice. But his body moved on its own and in front of him was a small boy standing in a pool of blood. He had long dark hair and brown skin, a pair of purple eyes filled with hatred starring at him. Even though by now he should be much taller than the boy in his memories, somehow he seemed to be that helpless and ignorant prince once again and was the same height with the boy. One step after another the boy approached, and soon enough the dark haired boy was standing right in front of him. Erwin stood there paralyzed as he saw the boy wrapped his fingers around his neck.

 

"Why?" The boy asked again, tightening his grip until the bone of Erwin's neck cracked.

 

 

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"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!" Erwin screamed as he sat up from his bed, he was covered in cold sweat and was panting heavily. He looked around and found himself back at his room with Percen at his side. Sun was shining through the window illuminating the room, and the crisp morning air quickly cooled him off and he was now fully awake. He held his hand to his forehead and sighed, showing a weak smile and muttered: "Well at least the day can't be any worse than this...."

 

It was at that moment he heard hurried footsteps coming closer, followed by several loud knocks on the door and someone calling: "Prince Erwin are you there?!"

 

Erwin recognized the voice to be one of the soldiers under his command. He then replied: "Yes I am. What's the matter?"

 

"A messenger came from the palace saying that the king has called for an emergency meeting, and wishes you to attend!" The solider said in a nervous tone.

 

"Tell the messenger that I'd be there shortly."

 

"Yes, your highness."

 

The conversation ended, and Erwin could hear the hurried footsteps running away down the hallway. Erwin sighed weakly and said: "I stand corrected, the day can be worse...“

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

Raphas put down the potion he was mixing and sighed in relief. He looked at the hourglass and it would seem that he has worked through the entire night. That being said Raphas didn't was not tired at all, as there were countless people who were "doing the sleeping for him". While he could continue to work in this catacombs, it's about time for him to go back to the palace and put on the facade of the king's adviser. He walked up the stairs spoke the words to open the entrance, returning up ground once more.

 

While Raphas looked like he belonged to the night, he in fact loved the day just as much, as he knew true darkness thrives regardless of the time of the day. Raphas closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill his lungs, and feeling the sun shine upon his grayish skin. He began to walk out of the graveyard and with every step his figure seems to fade, as if dissolving into the air, until he was nowhere to be found.

 

Then moments latter Raphas emerged from what supposedly to be his room in the palace. After tapping into some of his puppets last he already knew what happened during the party last night, and has devised a plan to use the incident to his advantage. With his plan in mind he went to the king's room as usual, and a few moments latter the king ordered furiously the arrest of Rudolf Farios on the charges of lese-majesty. He was also stripped of his position as the commander of the royal guard. The King then called for an emergency meeting and all the high nobles and officials were notified to come to the meeting room early.