<span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #00FF00">On the Boarder of Creria and Cadoania</span></span></div></span><br/><br/>Saffire's ice-blue azure gaze scanned over the massive frame of his lover. Saffire leaned casually against the stone wall next to him eating the man before him with his hungry gaze a delighted smile that made the azure gaze sparkle with delight ran over strong muscle touched with beads of sweat he wanted to lick with his tongue in slow delightful licks taking his time. He knew his lover would notice him soon, but Saffire didn't care. He didn't care what anyone thought. He was far beyond that now. No one out here would dare comment on the King's Son. Even though he wasn't a favoured son, he still held the power of the crown at his back and could kill anyone he desired without any reprimand. He didn't care for the power and his love knew this. Brynnan was the only man Saffire had ever trusted with his secrets and if it came down to a war for the throne Saffire would take up behind Brynnan with the firm belief that Brynnan would make a better king with him as his queen rather then the other way around. For one thing Saffire couldn't imagine Brynnan being a 'queen' under any circumstance.  Saffire on the other hand, was the one who had that in him. His nature was that of a more feminine male. However, none could doubt the prowess of his strength or his skills at war or battle.<br/><br/>Saffire always enjoyed just gazing at the power and raw masculine beauty that was his lover. The way that the harsh biting northern air blew through the midnight black strands of his long hair causing it to flow around him like a storm. The pale marble-like skin that Saffire knew so well he could pick out every scar even those covered by his clothing. Saffire only had eyes for Brynnan, knowing that here in the safety of the keep of Dan Cailin none would dare attack him and even less when Brynnan was so close. None would dare touch what Brynnan had claimed as his own and Saffire knew that. Brynnan was the master here and he exerted his power over those beneath him in a fair and yet as strong as iron and as unwavering. Saffire loved to see the man fight, loved to listen to his voice and the sheer prowess of his lover was enough to make Saffire drool.<br/><br/>He grinned good-naturedly at the words his lover spoke. He even let a small laugh escape the usual cold he displayed to those of the keep, to everyone who wasn't Brynnan.<span style="color: #8080FF">"The kitchen is already preparing our meal my heart,"</span>Saffire said in response walking towards Brynnan with the same easy grace of a predatory cat.<span style="color: #8080FF">"Were going to be going to my <span style="font-style: italic">father's</span> court. Chances are he'll have spies along the road to ensure I haven't <span style="font-style: italic">been corrupted by the savagery of the north</span>"</span>Saffire said with a deepening sneer at some of the words. He despised going anywhere near the court of Deorsh and he didn't hide this fact. In fact everyone knew it.<span style="color: #8080FF">"I took the liberty to have our escort organized yesterday prior to retiring, while you were at evening training after supper, I didn't want to ruin our evening with trivial garbage of court in Deorsh, thus I never mentioned it. <span style="font-style: italic">Father</span> should be quite pleased at our arival."</span>A wicked grin spread across his features as he raised his hand and lightly traced Brynnan's jaw with the tips of his fingers.<span style="color: #8080FF">"Well all except for one thing, will please my <span style="font-style: italic">father</span>."</span>He let his hand tangled into the strands of midnight hair,<span style="color: #8080FF">"That fact is the most important thing in this world to me, and to the evernight with what my <span style="font-style: italic">father</span> will I will not hide him or deny what he is to me. Not even to the vultures of court."</span><br/><br/>He let his hand fallaway from Brynnan's face, yet he didn't move. He didn't head away or turn. He stood still with hungry eyes facing his lover with that genuine gentle smile curving his soft features into a delicate expression of love and care.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #00FF00">Cadoania Captial Deorsh</span></span></div></span><br/><br/>Xerus was only mildly glad that he was being ignored from his lords ire. He hated this with more than anything else, yet the years since his capture had taught him that it was best the lord direct his anger to someone that isn't him. Thus he knelt with his hands pressed in his lap and his head bowed and didn't watch the girls humiliation. He fought to keep his mind away from thoughts that would have him reacting in anger and controlled every muscle in his face keeping his features remote, cold and impassive. He never allowed his emotions to touch the remoteness of his features or body. Never allowed his thoughts out of the vaults of his head. He served and he watched. He was by far the best servant the lord had ever had and he was the best slave the keep held. He knew this and took no satisfaction from it. He'd known freedom and he would one day again know it. Yet, time was his true friend. He heard the girls sob and it bit deep inside him. None of this of course showed on his features. He was used to the brutal ways of his lord and never allowed him to know that he was disturbed. His body was relaxed. His features blank and steely.<br/><br/>He waited. He knew that the lord would finish either with a bloodbath or with something far more humiliating and cruel. He didn't need to watch to know and sure enough his order came. He rose from his knees without words and began to clean up the mess their little fight had left, which thankfully wasn't much more then torn clothing and an overturned chair. He gathered the clothing and took it to the hearth tossing it into the flames knowing his master would enjoy watching the fires of the hearth claim the shreds of the  girl's dignity. Finished with this and not bothering to watch the fire lick at the cloth consuming it he picked up the chair and settled back on his knees beside his lord as he finished his meal and was made ready. Xerus wasn't tasked with making his lord ready, which he was grateful for. All of the servants who were to bathe, cloth and ready him were female. Xerus was merely to kneel and wait in case he was required to fetch something for his lord or carry messages and he wasn't to look upon the naked glory of his lord, which made Xerus very happy. Xerus had no desire to see Geraint naked in any way and was more than happy to watch the carpet.<br/><br/>Xerus looked up as the messenger/slave/servant of the king came in and spoke with Geraint. Xerus watched his lord's reaction for his cue. When he was dismissed he rose and departed the room quickly. He headed down to the kitchens to the corner where all servants and slaves were allowed to go for breakfast. He sat down on the wooden stool in silence and was brought over a small bowl of porridge, a slice of spiced bread and a mug of ale. All the royal slaves and servants were well fed. It was believed they wouldn't be able to perform their duties if they were not fed properly and that would anger their lords and bring down the wrath of the lords of the keep upon the kitchen matrons head. That did not mean she didn't make sure that they got, 'good fare' only that they got well fed and properly fed to make sure they didn't' get ill. Xerus was an exception since Geraint was more prone to violently react to anything that angered him the matron of the kitchen made certain that Xerus's meals were delivered promptly whenever he showed up in the kitchen and that he received what he asked for. Least he tell his master, whom wouldn't have actually care, that he wasn't being treated as was his due as the first generals personal slave. Xerus never allowed them to know how little the lord actually cared how Xerus was treated as it was to his benefit to take advantage of their fear. It also meant that when he walked into the kitchen with an order for his lord they took him seriously and didn't make him wait like other slaves with missives. Only one other had this kind of service from the kitchens matron and that was the king's own personal manservant.<br/><br/>Xerus ate quickly and then said to the serving wench<span style="color: #FFFFBF">"The king and his son are to have breakfast delivered to the library and be sure that it is delivered in due haste"</span>and without another word Xerus rose and left the kitchen. He had been dismissed and thus he was to take care of his business and be in his master's shadow before he was needed. He took care of his personal needs and quickly made his way to the library he was there and standing in the alcove within easy earshot should his lord call upon him  long before any meal came to the library.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/><span style="color: #80FFFF">"My lady,"</span>Shonna said as they neared the library,<span style="color: #80FFFF">"Those are the kings guards outside the door, we cannot go in,"</span>the woman said as Hayanne saw Geraint slip into the door. They had come up through a different hallway, it had been evident he hadn't noticed her, then again she had been moving slowly and she had been mostly in shadow when he'd reached the door. He on the other hand had been moving with deliberate haste. It was clear that he was there to see his father. Hayanne sighed and waved her hand to Shonna.<br/><br/><span style="color: #afcfaf">"Yes yes I see, let us go to the gardens then, we should be seen."</span>Hayanne said as they neared the door. She paused only long enough to order in an imperial tone,<span style="color: #afcfaf">"You will tell my fiance I was here to see him, and I expect he will dine with me this lunch should his schedule permit it."</span>and without waiting for the underlings response she turned on her heels her maidens following after as she flowed down the halls in a graceful slow pace. She made her way to the gardens aimlessly talking as most woman do with her maidens.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>Descan leaned back in his chair waiting for his son. He didn't have to wait long. He never did. No one left him waiting. As Geraint bowed low to him Descan felt a small pang as he always did seeing his second born son. It always made him ache that his first born son was such a waste of male hood. He'd given the boy everything and yet Saffire had disappointed him. Descan regarded his second son, his heir, with those deep ancient eyes. He remembered when he'd been only one and eight years old and been informed his father had died. Geraint was old than that. Wiser. Engaged and Descan knew his son was ready.<br/><br/><span style="color: #40BFFF">"Sit my son,"</span>he said indicating the chair next to him at the small table.<span style="color: #40BFFF">"You have made me proud,"</span>he went on not waiting for Geraint to sit knowing his son would do exactly as he instructed. Geraint was always so well behaved and always obedient and he never once shamed Descan. Descan let a small smile curve his otherwise proud and cold features. The smile never reached his features.<span style="color: #40BFFF">"For long now you have known you would be my heir, for only you have strength to uphold our laws and to make Cadoania strong. I will be announcing you as my heir at my birthing day feast. I will also be announcing the date of your wedding. Now that Lady Hayanne has been here for a few months have you grown to like her son?"</span><br/><br/>Descan's voice showed how little he cared whether Geraint wanted to marry Hayanne or not. He was simply being polite with his words. He had no reason not to be at least courteous with the son he treasured. He had just finished speaking when a soft knock sounded on the door causing Descan to turn to face the disturbance. A young beautiful wench in a pale milky rose dress walked in holding a large tray that would hold enough food to feed two warriors. She set the tray on the table between Descan and Geraint and bowed leaving them to the food. Descan reached over and pulled off the cover exposing a tray laden with rich juicy meats, thick spicy breads and fruits of all kinds. Dips and other deliciousness covered the tray. Descan took one of the long forks and took a skewer of meat eating it with fervor. It had been hours since breakfast and he was starving.