Chapter Text
Logan was beginning to think inviting all of the witches to stay at the castle might have been a bad idea.
It had been a week since they returned from their little camping trip, and things quickly began to fall into rhythm with the new residents of the castle. Albeit, that rhythm was akin to an epileptic toddler with an intense sugar rush having a stroke, but if Virgil was happy, then Logan was happy. Though he could live without some of the side effects of having two extra magic users around. They would have to pay the maids extra for their services.
The first major problem was, despite actually being rather chummy with one another, Dee and Roman were involved in a prank war. It started out innocently at first- and by innocently Logan means: Roman screamed at the sight of a mouse and to everyone's shock and horror Dee just straight-up ate the tiny creature. Logan couldn't get the sickening crunch out of his mind, but Roman had refused to believe that Dee actually ate the mouse. He insisted that it had been a trick, and retaliated by having both drawn and posted pictures of mongeese everywhere. Needless to say the ensuing week had been nothing short of chaos.
The second was that Remy was not only well-practiced, but extremely quick to use magic. The amount of times the servants in the kingdom that had been turned into various small animals after misgendering Dee was starting to get troublesome. As was the amount of times a maid had come to them crying due to portraits on the wall's eyes following them. Apparently, the elder witch found it funny.
And then there was Virgil. While they had already gotten quite used to the infamous dragon witch there, the addition of brothers made for a whole new Virgil experience. It was increasingly more difficult to get the aforementioned dragon which to relax. He felt like he had to do everything on his own to take care of his brothers- as if with the convenience of maids he was at a loss what to do. It was slowing down the royal family's collective efforts to seduce and romance him quite a lot.
Not to mention with the onset of newcomers the king himself had started straying away from his duties in exchange for entertaining the new guests. While Logan wasn't one to tell Patton what to do, the inhabitants of the kingdom were starting to get concerned.
All and all, it wasn't all that terrible, but these days Logan's pension for consistency and productivity were completely thrown out the window. One would never know what to expect from the castle these days. As evident by the prince consort walking into his own bedroom, only to find the tiniest witch crouched in the bathroom with a familiar container from the kitchen.
"Dee?” Logan raised an eyebrow as the tiny witch snapped his head to look at him with wide eyes. “Are you replacing all of Roman's hair creams with mayonnaise?”
In almost cartoon fashion, Dee's eyes went from Logan, to the containers, and back to Logan several times, before he muttered a long, “Nooooooooooooo…”
Logan gave a long pause, not breaking eye contact with the tiny witch. Finally, after Dee was just about to break and deny everything, Logan spoke up.
“Would you be interested in also enchanting it to turn his hair pink?”
————-
Virgil was starting to get used to mornings in the castle.
As he should, it had been a little more than two weeks now that he had been staying here. But he was finally beginning to feel like he was getting into a similar rhythm as the one he had back home. He’d wake up with Dee, and they’d wash up and dress for the day while Remy slept in. Once they were dressed they’d go downstairs to meet the royals for breakfast. Usually only Patton would be there, but Logan would soon follow, and Roman shortly after that. It was easy, and consistent- something that put Virgil greatly at ease.
Dee had parted ways with him to attempt some sort of revenge for Roman’s previous prank- so today Virgil made his way to the dining room alone. His footsteps bounced off the marble floors and stone walls of the extravagant palace, as a soft ‘swishing’ sound could be heard as his tail trailed behind him.
The sunlight streamed in thick beams through the high arching windows, casting Virgil’s winged shadow across the floor as he entered the dining hall. As expected, the king was the only one in attendance- save for a few guards standing near by. Before him stretched a long table filled with bright, vibrant fruits, golden pastries, platters of meats and eggs, and an ornate tea set that was still steaming with freshness.
Virgil grinned, as the king beamed at him- the little man waving enthusiastically as the dragon witch folded his wings back and took his seat on the left side of the table closest to Patton.
“Morning Virge! Did you sleep well?” The king chirped, picking at the orange that sat on his half-eaten plate.
“As good as I could with Remy tossing and turning all night.” Virgil sighed, rolling his shoulders. “I swear I’m going to start sneaking sleeping potions in his tea.”
“Oh no!” Patton furrowed his brow. “I’ll see if I can get Emile to do something about that. Would you prefer to have separate beds in your room?”
“Nah, that’s not necessary. We’re used to bed sharing at this point. Besides, our stay here is only temporary. No need to deal with that kind of hassle.”
Patton opened his mouth to possibly protest, or insist that it would be no problem- but his thoughts were cut short as Dee rounded the corner in a dead sprint passed the table with Logan trailing closely behind. Before either of them could question the even, following the pursuit of the dashing Logan, and Dee was a half-naked Roman, with some sort of strange goo in his hair. “I SWEAR TO THE GODS WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU TWO-”
“Lively, isn't it?” Patton hummed, taking another sip of his tea.
“You can say that again.” Virgil snorted, shaking his head at the other trio's antics.
“Lively, isn't it?” Patton giggled, and Virgil gave a loud snort.
“Okay King Pat-pun, what are your plans for today?” The dragon purred, quick snatching a pastry as Elliot came and served him tea.
Patton got a little quite then, setting his tea down so he could fiddle with the draw strings of his nightshirt. “I thought I'd go on a walkabout through my kingdom today. To see how the citizens are doing.” He bit his lip, “I feel a bit guilty having not checked in for so long, but I don't want you or your brothers to be bored. So I feel the need to stay and entertain you three.”
Almost on cue, there was a loud crashing sound and Dee's laughter could be heard amongst Roman's yelling. “GET DOWN FROM THE PILLAR AND FACE ME LIKE A SWORDSMAN, YOU COWARD!”
Virgil rolled his eyes, “I feel it safe to assume that we’re quite able to entertain ourselves, Pat.”
“I suppose.” Patton pouted further into his cup. “But I don't want to miss out on our possibly short time with you due to silly king's work either.”
This gave Virgil a small tinge of sadness. It was true, their stay here was only temporary after all. But Patton couldn’t neglect his people on their behalf, it just wasn’t fair to the citizens of the kingdom.
Virgil bit his lip, contemplating quite possibly the worst idea he’d ever come up with. “I could join you if you’d like.”
Patton gave him a long look, before snickering. “As much as I’d like that, I’m not sure how they’ll react to the wings and horns.”
“Please, like I’d ever dream of going out to the human kingdom like this.” Virgil smirked, before waving his hand. With a twist of his fingers, a vial appeared of bright pink liquid, and Virge unceremoniously uncorked it and poured it into his tea. “But any self-respecting witch has a glamour or two on them at all times. In case things go a bit array.”
“What’s a glam- Wait Virgil that’s still too hot!” Patton yelped, as Virgil slammed the entire content of his tea cup. As he set the porcelain down, he took his hands and rubbed his face upward, covering his eyes and into his hair. As he did, the color of his vibrant purple locks changed under his fingertips- in wake of his path dark brown hair flopped over his face and his horns disappeared. His eyes opened, not to the amethyst orbs that Patton had fallen for, but gorgeous grey eyes that captivated the little king in an entire otherworldly way.
“Boom. Now I look human.” The witch chuckled, as Patton sat there gawking. It wasn’t that he didn’t find Virgil’s witch appearance beautiful- quite the contrary! The king could spend endless hours just observing the beauty and grace that was his new companions etherial appearance, mapping out the veins on his wing membranes and tracing every scale with his fingertips. But dare he say, Virgil as a human was a whole other type of gorgeous. The ashy brown hair, the stormy grey eyes that saw right through him, the way his skin contrasted with it all was so breathtaking. And poor Patton had been woefully unprepared for it.
“Uh, your highness? You’re staring.” Virgil looked down, with a grimace, dejection seeping into his bones.. “I know. I look weird as a human, don’t I? I promise it’s only temporary.”
Patton quickly shook his head, before leaning over the table towards Virgil. “No! You look fantastic! Not that you don’t always look fantastic, but just- wow kiddo! That’s such a neat trick!”
Virgil flushed, relief and flattery replacing the insecurity and creeping to his face with a small bashful smile. “Okay, well- good. Glad you like it.”
“Like is an understatement! I love it!” Patton grinned, eyes sparkling before he drew back a bit and faded into a more curious expression. “But wait- I thought Logan made it so you couldn’t use magic.”
Virgil snorted, rolling his eyes. “Please, no mage could strip me of all my magic. I am a magical being after all.” He fiddled with his empty teacup. “But he did weaken me- I can’t do everything I used to do. Like, y’know- changing into my dragon form?”
“Oh, okay! Gotcha!” Patton beamed, child-like excitement growing once more. “Oh this is so awesome! I can’t wait to introduce you to everybody! I’m sure they’re just going to love you. I can show you all my favorite merchant shops, and-”
Virgil smiled as the human king continued to rattle on about all the things they’d do on their day out. He couldn’t say he shared the king’s optimism, or enthusiasm- humans, more often than not, were the bane of his existence. But putting up with a handful of awkward situations was more than a fair price to pay for the smile that fell on Patton’s face.
He just had to remind himself that everything would be fine.
————
Remy was having a bit of a crisis. And, as opposed to the usual crisises that he faced with his two disaster-piece brothers, this one was entirely too purposeful. No, no this was a crisis of the heart.
Ever since their rather…intimate, encounter- Remy hadn't seen Emile around anywhere. In fact, if it wasn't for his brothers, and a budding Logan doing interpreting for him, he wouldn't be able to communicate at all. Thats just how little he'd seen of them.
It wasn't for lack of trying. For Remy has search high and low for his little songbird and found neither feather nor tail of them. And that could only mean one thing:
Remy was being avoided.
But why? He felt things were going so well! Their banter was on point, the flirting was reciprocated, and they even had some pretty amazing sex. He had done everything right, so why was his little love staying so far from his arms?
It was actually starting to depress him a lot- to the point of Dee and Virgil beginning to take notice. Virgil tried to encourage Remy to talk to him about it, but Remy dodged the questioning every time. He didn’t want to seem clingy in front of his brothers.
But he was feeling clingy. He was feeling all kinds of rejected and it was not a good look. He just wanted to know what it was he did wrong, and how to fix it! Make things right so he and his lovely songbird could delve deeper into love and perhaps, maybe, find a happily ever after.
But he couldn’t do that if his love kept avoiding him.
And that’s how Remy found himself camped out in Emile’s office chambers, waiting for the other’s return. He knew Emile had to come back here eventually for work; and despite being quite shady and horrendously creepy, Remy needed this confrontation. He just needed to get Emile to explain where Remy went wrong so he could make amends and they could move forward.
If Emile wanted to move forward at all, that is.
It was a long time, too long for Remy to keep accurate count in his boredom, before Emile finally stepped foot back in his office. The other dressed in royal slacks, and a marvelously woven sweater that clung to their figure in a way that Remy would describe as completely unfair to his heart. A light blue tie hung gently around the collar of his undershirt proudly exclaiming that Emile was having a He/Him day. He was humming a sweet tune, that soothed Remy’s addled soul in ways he didn’t even know were possible. Damn this beautiful boy and his equally charming voice.
As soon as Emile noticed Remy he darn near screamed in surprise, not really expecting another person to be in his office, much less the monster witch himself. “R-Remy! Oh my goodness, you caught me a bit by surprise there!” Emile awkwardly shifted around, clutching the papers he was holding to his chest and looking around at anything that wasn’t Remy. “What brings you in today, pal?”
Something about the way Emile said ‘pal’ stung Remy to his core.
‘We need to talk.’ Remy signed, his hands now slightly shaking.
“Now’s not really the best time, bud.” Emile sighed, moving over to his desk. Remy fought the urge to physically recoil at the impersonal term of endearment. “I’ve just got all this paperwork, and Patton’s leaving the castle, so-”
‘Look, you can’t keep avoiding me. You’re supposed to be my translator.’ Remy snapped back.
“I’m not avoiding you!” Emile squeaked, but all it took was one crossed-arms, raised brow look from Remy to get him to cave. “Okay, maybe I’ve been avoiding you a little.” He sighed, looking down at his hands and fiddling with his fingers. “Look, I’m sorry. It’s just awkward. I never usually have to deal with things like this.”
‘Things like what?’ Remy signed slowly, mentally preparing himself for the worst.
Emile vaguely gestured around himself, and sighed a bit more. “This. You seeking me out after I gave you what you wanted. I thought what we had going on was just some simple sex- but then Patton came to me all excited about our new relationship and I’m just. Uncomfortable, I guess.”
Remy blinked a few times, trying to process what he had been told. So, Emile was uncomfortable around him because Patton was pushing a relationship? And Emile didn’t want a relationship? But they had sex, and Remy stuck around, shouldn’t a relationship be the next logical step?
‘Wait, what do you mean ‘gave you what you wanted?’ Did you not want to have sex with me?’ Remy signed quickly, confusion starting to pound at his skull and relentlessly beat at his tender heart.
“No, I did want it. Just-” Emile bit his lip, looking guiltily. “I think that’s just all I wanted.”
Something tore at Remy’s chest, and he had to fight back a few tears. ‘Wait- are, are you using me for sex?’
“Well when you put it that way it sounds bad.” Emile pouted, furrowing his brows at the floor. “I mean- I thought- um, you seemed pretty enthusiastic about it at the time?”
‘No, no I was! There was some completely enthusiastic flirting and consent going on- we're good on that front.’ Remy waved quickly, before straightening up and closing in on himself a bit more. ‘I just thought, or, um, I kinda hoped that- Y'know. We were starting a thing?’
“A thing?” Emile cocked his head.
‘Yeah, um.’ Remy bit his lip, ‘Like, a relationship thing.’
Emile furrowed his brows with a slightly concerned, and uncomfortable look. “Remy- do you go into all your romantic relationships dick-first?”
‘No! There's like, flirting and stuff that leads to the sex.’ Remy pouted, ‘And then either one of us leaves or a thing happens.’
“Well thats, um, one way to get to know someone- I guess.” Emile spoke slowly, trying to choose his words carefully, “But I don't think I see it the same way.”
‘Well then how do you see it?’ Remy signed quickly, ‘Is-is there anything I can do to make a thing happen?’
“Well, first you can stop calling it ‘a thing.'“ Emile giggled, adjusting his glasses in a way Remy found to be way too adorable. “And, well, I guess in my world, sex and romance aren't connected. Like, I consider myself to be rather openly polysexual.” Emile picked at his fingers, pressing his lips. “But, romanctic feelings takes a bit more. And I need to really know someone, and have a deep emotional connection before I start feeling any sort of romantic attracting.”
‘So, you're demiromantic.’ Remy signed slowly.
Emile giggled. “I didn't know there was a word for it- but I guess I am. I'm demiromantic.” His smile brightened, and Remy could feel his heart swelling. “I like the sound of that actually. Demiromantic.”
‘Glad to hear it, sweetheart.’ Remy swooned for a moment, before snapping out of it and trying to get back to the topic. ‘S-so for you to fall in love with me you've gotta get to know me?’
“Yup!” Emile chirped.
‘So, we gotta- talk and stuff.’
“Ehe, I believe that's part of it, yes.” Emile giggled. Remy's chest felt like it was upon bursting, and a determined fire lit in his eyes.
‘So I still have a heckin chance! Alright my little songbird, prepare to get to know me even better than I know myself! What should we do first?’ The taller witch signed enthusiastically, earning more bubbly laughter from his little love-interest.
“Hee hee, How about we discuss strategy over coffee first?” He giggled, brushing some of the hair out of his eyes.
Remy straightened, eyebrows furrowing as he cocked his head to the side in confusion. Hesitantly, he lifted his hands to sign out, ‘What the hell is coffee?’
———
Grim had never really considered how difficult and anxiety-inducing it was to be watched while they draw.
Like suddenly, Xe could feel every stroke of every sketch, and was painfully aware of every mistake xe made. In xir defense, Grim never had an audience before- Nobody would think less of xem if xe stayed up until four am just trying to get that one pose right. It didn’t matter if xe screwed up, because xe could just start over.
However with Victoria sitting next to xem so closely xe could smell her perfume, the stakes felt a little higher.
Not that Victoria was at all judgey. On the contrary, she looked over the moon to be sitting there. She could barely contain her excited jitters, and held onto every stoke of pencil- furiously committing to memory everything that Grim was doing and even jotting down stuff xe’d speak up about in her notebook. To her, it was just an honor to be here.
“S-so this is the line of action, and I build the pose around it.” Grim hummed, flipping the page over and starting a different sketch. “You start with basic geometry shapes, and then work in the details once you have the form down.”
“Got it!” Victoria beamed, smile shining like moonlight bouncing off the surface of water. Grim quickly sunk deeper into xir drawing to ignore the butterflies in xir stomach. Victoria went quiet after she jotted down her notes, watching Grim’s hand make quick movements across the paper. Her eyes caught on xir hands, gently trailing up xir forearm and marveling at the marbled pigmentation there. Her mouth moved without an ounce of thought to what she was saying.
“I really like your skin.”
Grim gave pause, looking at Victoria with an arched brow, and slight blush on xir face. “Well that isn’t weird at all.”
“No! Wait I mean!” Victoria panicked pointing at the white spots that broke up Grim’s dark skin. “The spots, I think they’re really pretty! It’s like you’re your own painting! It’s beautiful!”
Grim’s blush deepened, as xe took xir miss-matched eyes away from Victoria and placed it back on the paper. “Oh, um. Thanks? I have vitiligo- that’s what the spots are.”
“Is that also why you’ve got heterochromia?” Victoria hummed, trying to catch Grim’s eyes again.
“I think so? Or maybe I was just born with them like that- I can’t really remember. It was a long time ago.” Xe hummed, brows furrowing at xir drawing.
“How long ago, might I ask?” Victoria questioned, placing her elbow on the desk and resting her chin on her hand.
“Oh, um?” Grim furrowed deeper. “I wanna say five or six thousand years ago? Somewhere in that ballpark.”
“Gods above your old!” Victoria laughed. “You certainly have aged well!”
Grim let out a chuckle and shrugged. “Good genes I guess. What with being magic and everything.”
With that the fell into comfortable silence once more. The gentle scrapes of the pencil on paper along with the cry of crickets outside creating a soft melody that blanketed the tiny cottage. Grim got absorbed in xir work, the tension from before having somewhat melted away from the small, jovial conversation. Before xe even knew it xe was putting down the quill from inking.
“Oh, sorry I meant to explain tha-” Grim turned only to find Victoria asleep. Her head resting on top of her arm as she hunched over the other half of the desk. Grim hummed, taking a moment to brush some of the hair out of Victoria’s face. She was awfully cute like this, her face eased in a peaceful slumber, with the occasional sigh, or soft snore slipping out of her mouth.
Grim caught xemself. God, xir gay was showing! Xe couldn’t be experiencing affections for a small human child who just wandered into their bog! It was nuts.
But xe couldn’t let her sleep here either. She’d wake up tomorrow with a huge back ache and a pain in her neck like none other. So with a sigh, Grim gently picked up the sleeping girl. For a moment xe was anxious that xe’d somehow wake her up- but Victoria must have been a heavy sleeper, because despite all the jostling she still remained dead to the world.
Tucking Victoria in, Grim realized that xe hadn’t asked a lot of questions about her, nor did she talk about herself that much. It was all very xem-centric in conversation.
M-maybe tomorrow if she stuck around xe could ask about some of her hobbies. They could even go on a small walk and gather supplies to make into pain.
Yeah, that sounded nice. Xe wouldn’t mind a little company, even if immediately after xe’d have to take her back. It would be fine.
———
Virgil had to admit, it was nice to get out of the castle.
It was a beautiful place, and extremely fun to hang out at, but he couldn’t deny feeling a little stir crazy. Getting out, seeing new people, new places, new stimuli- it was like a breath of fresh air he didn’t know he needed.
And then there was Patton. Pat looked so happy, so in his element walking out of the castle walls and towards the township that made his surrounding kingdom. Like some of the weight from being king was being shrugged off and he was just another concerned citizen.
Of course, this didn’t last long. Especially with an entourage of two knights following him.
As soon as Patton was seen in the town square people were on him, either praising him as their king, or battering him with questions and concerns. Virgil, just by virtue of being near the king, was immediately swallowed up by the crowd. He, not being a royal himself- or even appearing as such, was quickly pushed out of the way and into the mob. Voices chanting right in his ear as too many people got too close for comfort. Elbows and teeth and loud shouting crashing into his skull and reverberating around.
In that instant, Virgil wasn’t safe. He wasn’t with Patton on a pleasant outing, he was back in the throes of the war. Attackers coming from every direction, thirsting for blood and threatening to rip the small family he had worked so hard to get right from his clawed hands. There was fire, and blades, and brother attacking brother in a chaotic uproar that had him fearing for his life and the safety of everything he loved.
His breathing was starting to pick up, thoughts clashing into one another and melding into one voice of just loud monotone screaming. He needed to get out of this, he needed to leave. Just something ANYTHING to escape this situation and get a moment to calm the ever loving fuck down. He needed to be safe. He couldn’t die here, who would look after his brothers? What would become of the dragons?! They were coming for him again and he barely made it out alive the first time.
Stumbling out of the circle of people, Virge looked around frantically for a spot out of sight and without people. An alleyway between stalls caught his eye and he darted for it at break-neck speeds. Once he was under the safety of shadows, he leaned his back against one of the building walls and focused on his breathing. What was that thing Roman taught him when he first arrived at the castle? Was the count 4-8-5 or 5-8-7? God, fuck- how was he fucking up calming down?! This was hell, why did he even come along-
His breakdown was momentarily interrupted by realizing he wasn’t alone. A little ways off further down the alleyway a kid in some plain, peasant-looking clothes sat against the wall. There was a awkward grimace on their face as they stared down at a lump of bright black and white fur situated square in their lap. Virgil took a step closer, his troubles easing slightly as curiosity took hold of the wheel. As he got closer he could make out more details; It was a teen, with dirty, calloused hands, and ashen hair. They was covered with a thick layer of what appeared to be soot, and they were anxiously stroking the fur of a fat cat who seemed to have made itself quite comfy in this stranger’s folded legs.
Virgil swallowed thickly as he sheepishly approached the teen, not really thinking but merely moving on autopilot. “Hey, um. Are you okay?”
The kid looked up at him with big, bright, sky-blue eyes. A beat of silence passed as they processed they had been addressed before they looked back down at the sleeping animal. “I-I came outside to rest, and this kitty-cat curled up in my lap and fell asleep. It’s so fluffy, and cute, and it looks so peaceful- I don’t want to move because then I’ll wake her up.” They lamented with a sigh, gently patting the little street-cat’s head with gentle strokes. “But now both of my legs are completely asleep and starting to cramp up. I just don’t want to wake, or scare the little thing, y’know?”
There was something so…strangely endearing about that to Virgil. The fact that the kid looked so uncomfortable, but refused to move for a tiny cat who wouldn’t give two shits anyway. In a stupid way he was reminded of when Dee was little and would fall asleep in his lap. It was always cute for the first twenty minutes, and after that it was muscle aches and suffering. The memory and the dilemma brought a smile to the dragon witch’s face.
“Yeah, I get it.” And for a brief moment he did. For a small moment nothing was overwhelming him, humans weren’t the terrifying monsters of rage and vengeance he remembered, but just odd little confused creatures just trying their best.
For a brief second there wasn’t a war, there wasn’t bloodshed, there wasn’t a crushing weight of societal pressures. There was just this one kid and their dumb, but relatable cat dilemma.
“Virgil! There you are! I was ge- OH A KITTY!” The teen’s eyes widened as the king bounded up to his lover, and immediately laid starry eyes on the mass of white fur. The cat did not seem to give a flying fuck that it was in the presence of literal royalty, as Patton crouched down to get eye-level with the teen. “Can I pet your cute kitten?”
“Patton no, you’re allergic.” Virgil interjected with a sigh.
“I actually don’t care, it’s too cute!” Patton fired back with a smirk.
“Patton, you could die.”
“It’d be an adorable way to go.”
“Patton no.”
“Patton yes!”
“I-I, um.” The teen finally spoke up, capturing both the king and the witch’s attention from their little squabble. “I-I’d rather not endanger your highness.”
Something about this made Patton’s face pull, his expression falling as some of his amusement faded. Virgil arched an eyebrow at this, but didn’t say anything as Patton stood up. “I understand. You and your kitten have a good day, kiddo!”
“Y-you too m’lord!” The teen squeaked, as Patton grabbed Virgil’s hand and led him out of the alleyway.
“Patton, are you alri-” Virgil started, only to be cut off by the king.
“Sorry about the crowd kiddo! I guess I’ve been gone longer than I though.” He chuckled, but it felt forced to Virgil, “C’mon! Let me show you my favorite pastry shop! The bakers are delightful- you’ll love them!”
Virgil bit his lip, anxiety creeping up higher as he reconsidered this whole ‘going out’ thing again. But Patton didn’t let up, pulling the witch along to a small stand selling breads and sweet baked goods. Two women were busying themselves around it, selling to customers and diving out from their stands and into a building nearby which Virgil could only assume was their kitchen.
As Patton came closer the older of the two ladies lit up, waving at him. “My liege! Welcome back!”
“Ehe, good to be back Ms. Jade!” Patton beamed back, sounding a little more genuinely happy than before, though that did absolutely nothing to ease Virge’s growing anxiety.
As soon as they were close enough to the stand, Patton let go of Virgil’s hands and bounded to the younger baker and launched into a jovial conversation, obviously explaining what had gone on in the king’s absence. Virgil shifted on his feet feeling awkward. Fuck, how do you talk to humans again? He’d been isolated in the woods with his brothers for so long it seems like he’d forgotten.
“And who is this fine gentleman?” A boisterous voice boomed from next to Virgil causing the witch to nearly jump out of his skin. The elder baker was looking at him with a smirk on her lips.
“Oh, this is Virgil! He’s staying with me at the castle for the moment.!” Patton beamed, unaware to Virgil’s pleading looks of help out of this situation.
“N-nice to me-meet you.” He stuttered as the elder baker leaned in, looking at Virgil closely. His mind immediately began to panic, ‘oh no, she knows. She knows it’s me. My potion is wearing off, or the inner part of my eye is still purple. This is just like the village with the sheep all over again oh god no. She knowswhatdoIdoI’vebeenexposed-’
“Good graces m’lord! Where do you keep finding such beautiful boys?” She laughed, grinning as she pulled away. “You know, if the king doesn’t snatch you up I’ve got a daughter and three sons- Or if you’re looking for someone a little more mature I’m a widow myself.”
Virgil took a moment to blink, before his face reddened deeply. Patton was snickering from somewhere behind him, along with the younger baker.
“Ms. Janice you’re incorrigible!” One of the other woman laughed, shooing the elder lady away from Virgil. “Don’t mind her, she has no tact.”
“No, but I certainly have game!” Ms. Janice chimed in before going back inside the building. The other woman shook her head, turning to Virgil.
“I apologize about her. She just doesn’t think before she speaks.” The young woman proceeded to pick up his hand, patting it a few times as if they were old friends. “Any friend of the king’s is a friend of ours. Please come back anytime. We’d love to have you.”
“Uh-um, I-sure. Thank you.” Virgil managed to stutter out. It had been, quite a while since a human had welcomed him anywhere. Like sure, there were the royals- but that was different, they were in love with him. This girl seemed to not want much of anything. It was just a nice genuine gesture.
He-he kind of missed this. Just interacting with people peacefully. The witches had gone so long being feared by people and thinking themselves better for it. But, this small social interaction- it felt…nice.
But before he could get too comfortable, another shrill voice called out from the other side of the stall. “Your highness?! Oh my goodness!”
Virgil looked over to see a rather pretty looking noble woman gawking at Patton. She was nicely dressed- if not a little overdone. Her jade green dress was a little extravagant, making her stick out like a sore thumb in the town square. Her long dark hair contrasted brightly with her pale skin and face painted sharply with makeup. She gave Virgil a rather…off vibe. It was hard to explain, but she almost seemed fake. Like she was more doll than human.
“Your highness!” The noble rushed over, picking up Patton’s hand in her own and breathing a sigh of what looked life relief. “Thank goodness you’re alright!”
“I’m not ‘alright,’ I’m King Heart!” Patton giggled, as Virgil shuffled awkwardly on his feet.
The woman laughed, and the sound was something akin to nails scraping on a chalkboard to Virgil. She had to of been the fakest person he’d ever seen. Her concern and laughter seemed so forced that it was practically a parody of real emotions. The witch could read her like a book, she didn’t actually care about anyone but herself. Her only goal in even addressing Patton was to be seen being friendly with the king.
People like that left a nasty taste in his mouth.
“Oh ever the charmer aren’t you, your highness?” She purred, before pinching her brows in mock sympathy. “I had been so worried, you know. After hearing you and your consorts had a face off with that despicable witch and then being holed up in your castle for days. I was sure it must have done something terrible to you!”
‘It.’ Virgil repeated in his head. ‘Not him. Not they. It.’ Virgil fought a grimace, an uncomfortable rage building in his stomach.
Patton spared Virgil a quick glance, before giving the woman a tight smile. “Haha, nope! We’re all quite fine. The Dragon Witch wasn’t all that bad to be completely honest. I think he’s just misunderstood.”
The woman gave pause, before bursting out in another bought of overdone laughter. “Surely you jest sire!” She giggled, bringing her hand up to her chin. “That thing couldn’t have been anything but detestable. I hear the very sight of it drives people mad! And the deplorable things it does to those poor people in the other villages.” She shook her head. “I swear, witches are vile. The world would be such a nicer place without such villains running amok.”
Virgil’s jaw clenched. His hands trembled as the woman continued to speak- almost as if she was proud of her ignorance. The world would be a nicer place without people like her. And he had half a mind to make it that way.
‘Villain.’ his mind repeated. ‘That’s right, you’re the villain. They hate you.’
Patton pressed his lips together, fighting his own urges to chew the woman out and reassure Virgil that her words meant nothing. She had no basis to say such things.
But he wasn’t sure what was worse, exposing Virgil and losing favor with a noble- or having this situation continue.
“He really wasn’t that bad.” Patton hummed quietly. “He was just scared and-”
“That thing?! Scared?! Of what? Bows and arrows?!” The woman burst out almost mockingly. “Please sire, reconsider. I think that grotesque creature might have messed with your head- Witches have no fear. I’ve heard word they don’t have any hearts at all.” She sighed, “Please have your court physicians check your head for curses and charms before anybody else hears you talk in such a manner. I’d hate to see you dethroned for sympathizing with such an evil.”
Something about that struck Virgil harder than he anticipated, his anger being washed away by a douse of ice cold realization. She was right.
If Patton was found housing them, let alone being in love with him- it was likely that he’d lose his kingdom.
He could take insults. People said nasty and baseless things about him every day. But the thought of his existence having such negative consequences for the royals was a new fear that shook him to the core. What he was doing right now, being within the kingdom, was putting them in danger.
There was so much at risk for them.
“Well, I must be off now- I have an arrangement to tend to.” The woman hummed, stepping away from Patton. “But please take after yourself. I’m sure the court mage can reverse whatever nastiness has been cast upon you. Ta-ta~”
And with that, the woman stepped away. As soon as she was far enough away Patton turned to Virgil with urging words. “Virgil, it’s okay. Don’t listen to her. She’s-”
“It’s fine, your highness.” Virgil hushed, looking anywhere but Patton. “I’m-um. Not feeling well. The potion must be wearing off- I think I’ll meet you back at the castle.”
Patton couldn’t hide the panic in his eyes as he offered a tight smile to Virgil. “Oh that’s fine! I’ll escort you back, I’ve had enough of this outing anywa-”
“No. Um. I’d rather not keep you from your people.” Virgil interjected, refusing to meet Patton’s gaze and see the dejected look on the king’s face. He just- he really wanted to be alone right now. “I’ll just, um- I-I’ll see you back there.”
“O-okay.” Patton squeaked out, but Virgil turned to leave before he was even halfway through.
———
The creative muses where singing the song of longing, and Roman could just barely ignore them.
His quill had been a flurry since the next move of the prank war this morning had come out with some…interesting results. Sure, his hair was pink now- But if the prince did say so himself, he pulled the color off quite handsomely. And after the initial shock of it, he and the two pranksters had quickly made up, and the ball was now firmly in his court for the next move of the prank war.
However, before he could get on with that he had to retell the tale in his own vision to the majesty of his notebooks. With the witches staying in the castle, he’d found a creative fire that was formerly unknown to him. Often times he found himself taking their antics and immortalizing them on paper in his own stories. It was nice to have the spark back, as it had been dull for a while since knightly duties bogged him down with their responsibilities.
But his eyes may have started to wander a tad from his stories. It wasn't his fault though, it was all because of his accursed husband. How dare he look so appealing from where Roman was sitting! One leg crossed over his knee, leaning gently across the armrest to his chair as he absentmindedly pressed the tip of his quill against those soft, kissable lips.
“My love?” Logan spoke up, startling Roman from his thoughts.
“Yes, mi corazón?”
“You're staring.”
“Can you blame me?” Roman smirked, resting his hand under his chin, “Dare I say, I must have the best view in the whole kingdom.”
“Perhaps your vision is impaired.” Logan hummed, looking up at his husband with an arched brow and a grin. “Seeing as I, arguably, have the best view.”
“I’m afraid that, as a Prince Consort, I rule that returning compliments is an act of treason, and you’re now committing a crime against the throne by refusing to accept you’re beautiful.”
“Oh really?” Logan nearly purred back with an arched brow. “Does that mean you’re going to lock me up in your chambers?”
“If you’d be so lucky.” Roman winked, placing his writings on the table besides him. “Though I think I’d fancy a dance.”
“You’re kidding.” Logan laughed, a smile crossing his lips. “There’s no music.”
“Then I’ll make music!” Roman quipped, standing up and holding out a hand to Logan while beginning to hum. “Come on, do I really have to beg my own husband to dance with me.”
“You’re impossible.” Logan whined, but took Roman’s hand anyway as the other pulled him up and closer to his body. Their dance was slow, more like quiet swaying as Roman purred sweet melodies for Logan to enjoy. They did this little waltz for a few moments, until Roman broke the melody to speak up.
“Do you remember how we met?” Roman hummed, leaning further into Logan’s hair and basking in the warmth and scent of his skin.
“Pfft- How could I forget? You threw me in the dungeon.” The mage chortled, as a smirk crossed his lips. “I thought I was going to be hanged.”
“As if I could ever bring myself to destroy a beauty such as you.” Roman hummed, still swaying their bodies to the music that wasn’t there.
“You sure about that?” Logan chuckled, coming to rest his head on Roman’s chest and listening to the melody of his heartbeat. “I recall you nearly popping a vein with anger when I first referred you as a ‘royal pain in the ass.’”
Roman snorted at the memory, a warm glow lighting up in his heart as he recalled the memory. “Yes. Well. You always had a way with words.”
“Dare I say, my tongue might have been sharper than your blade.” Logan teased.
“A quality you and Virgil share.” Roman sighed, leaning his head back. “Dear lord, I think I have a ‘type.’”
“Intelligence is sexy and you know it.”
“I do.”
“At least you do now.” Logan hummed, “I think had Virgil been given the same treatment as I got when we first met the castle would be rather in ruins.”
“Well, you broke in and tried to steal an artifact. We thought you were a criminal. Besides, you were also quite arrogant to us.”
“Well it wasn’t my fault you didn’t know the dangers of that thing.” Logan rolled his eyes. “I didn’t think such foolish people were worthy of it.”
“Glad to see your arrogance hasn’t wavered.” Roman groaned, and Logan chuckled.
“I used past tense. But believe me, you’re still foolish.”
“Thanks love.”
“I can’t believe it took you two months to figure out you were in love with me.” Logan squeezed Roman’s hand. “I thought you were a romantic.”
“Romance took backseat to stubbornness. Besides you’re one to talk. It took you six months to admit you had feelings for us as well.”
“Emotions were never my strong point.”
“Clearly.”
The silence stretched for a few moments, as they both just swayed, basking in each other’s closeness and company. It was Logan who was the first to break it. “I hope he stays with us.”
“Yeah,” Roman sighed, with a hum. “Yeah me too.”
“Not that I’m not endlessly amused by you and Patton’s antics.” Logan hummed, looking up to Roman with a quip of his lip curled up in a smirk. “But it’s been refreshing to have someone around who can match my wit.”
The other prince made a dramatic offended huff “You wound me, my love! And here I considered myself a worthy adversary!”
“Hardly!” Logan teased, separating from Roman but catching his hand to plant a soft kiss on his knuckles. “No offense my dear, but a battle of wits with you is a duel with an unarmed opponent.”
“Offense fully taken you arrogant little troglodyte!” Roman whined, yanking his hand away from Logan’s smooching lips. “I’ll show you an unarmed opponent when you’re at the end of my blade.”
“I’m not entirely sure you know what that word means.” Logan chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Ah, yes- as interesting as being on the receiving end of your -ehem- blade would be, you’ll have to catch me first.” Logan quipped, and before Roman could process the innuendo, the mage dashed out of the library on swift feet.
“You! Get back here!” Roman yelled after him, beginning the chase. Oh man, when he got his hands on Logan the other would be subject to the most extreme tickle torture.
Of course, first Roman would have to get to him first.
———-
Dee was now beyond bored.
He glared down at the half written page of his grimoire. How Virgil found this process to be entertaining was beyond him. Sure, his brothers encouraged him to make his own personal book of spells and studies however he wanted, sparing no chance at creativity and allowing him to doodle and craft it as he wished: but the result came to be nothing but a hodgepodge mess, and he found the actual process of documenting spells to be more dull than watching herbs grow.
There had to be something else to do around here, despite the princes and his brothers being occupied. Virgil couldn’t possibly expect Dee to stick with this homework assignment the entire time he was out, it was just unreasonable! Virgil should know him better by now!
So, as Dee’s will do, he decided to get up and snoop around. There had to be some hidden gems locked away in these castle walls Dee had yet to weasel into- and oh how the boy loved to weasel into things he wasn’t supposed to.
Happily sneaking out of the library and down the vast marble halls, Dee set his sights on the lower level cellars. He had explored there a bit before, but only found a few storage rooms and generally uninteresting trinkets. There had to be something better down in those halls, a hidden secret that the kingdom didn’t want anyone to find. Something chaotic and gloriously troublesome just waiting for Dee to exploit.
And it was that excitement that pushed the littlest witch through the darkened, cobweb-infested halls. He didn’t bother with the torches, deciding that this level of sneaking was best for just using the natural dark-vision in his one snake eye. Sure, now he was only limited to one eye, but that was a fair price to pay for top tier sneaking.
As he perused the doors he found nothing of real interest. More storage, more ancient artifacts, more things he had previously destroyed in his last visit to the castle- but nothing that would satiate the curiosity. Where were the locked doors? Where were the dirty secrets? Surely this couldn’t be a completely transparent and good natured kingdom, could it?
It was then when he spotted it; a thick door with a shiny new silver lock. Jackpot.
Dee crept up closer to the door, a look of a child on Christmas covering his face. Not only was the door locked, but the lock was new. A shiny gem of an item, with an intricate carving of an owl on the front. HERE we go, finally something good! Whatever was behind this door, it was something that the kingdom didn’t want found.
And Dee was all over it.
He cracked his knuckles, and focused on all the magical lessons that Remy and Virgil taught him. Sure, the last time he tried to undo a lock it went bad, but this time it would be different! And if it wasn’t he at least now knew how to break a lock with a rock, so there’s that.
Closing his eyes, Dee focused on his intent. Just like how Virgil showed him after their botched rescue attempt, he visualized the lock snapping open. Imagined the door swinging open, and all the goodies inside to be there for him to exploit. With his eyes still closed, and this mental image in his head, he spoke.
“Ancious opitum!”
With a metallic ‘clink’ and a thick thud, Dee’s eyes snapped open to see the lock now on the floor. He lit up, jumping up and down in excitement, “No no no! Don’t take that you smart lock!”
Immediately, however, he remembered that there was no way in the seven fresh hells that he’d be able to tell his brother’s or anybody, for that matter about his success. And it wasn’t like anybody was there to witness it either. Plus, he was supposed to be sneaking.
So, with the hollow victory in his heart, Dee proceeded.
The room was dark, and much more empty then the former. Sky lights cased in thick beams of light shining on five different pedestals making a circle around the room surrounding a large, intricate, stone carving of a bird flying out of a pair of hands.
Dee looked at each of the pedestals as he passed them, feeling slightly disheartened as each of them were empty save for a thick layer of dust that covered them. I mean c’mon, why have a grandiose room like this with an intricate lock on the door if it didn’t have any dirty secrets inside?!? What was the point?!?
Dee kicked at one of the pedestals in frustration, before panicking as the stone pillar rocked dangerously back and forth with cheeky promises of falling over and breaking on the floor. He flailed, moving to steady it back into it’s place just as it was about to fall over. As he did so there was a low, almost creaky noise coming from the back of the room.
He turned his head to the source of the noise, closing his non-snake eye so he could see a little bit better in the low light. Pushed to the far most back wall of the room was a sixth pedestal, and sat on top was a large object that seemed to be covered in a thick, dark cloth. It didn’t appear to have the same amount of dust on it as the other items, whatever it was- it had either recently been placed there or was disturbed often.
Dee grinned. Finally! something to get into! He knew these royals had to harbor some filthy secrets!! With eager paces he approached the object, fingers twitching eager to uncover dirt and get into trouble. But as he touched the dark cloth, a pang of dread shot through him. An odd, creeping sensation crawled up the curve of his spine, and whispered into his ear that he should really be leaving this alone. That whatever was going on here, it was best left not disturbed.
But Dee ever being the little shit that he is, didn’t listen to reasoning. He shrugged off the feeling, determination returning ten fold as he yanked the cloth off the stone pillar.
Sat on top was a silver cage, intricately carved with details so fine they were almost difficult to see, and a complex contraption making up the latch. But that wasn’t what was interesting about this discovery. No, no the real draw that both thrilled and perplexed Dee was inside the cage was a large, dark feathered Vulture. It looked old, with some of it’s feathers lining the bottom of the cage, and it’s movements so slowed and labored Dee could practically hear the creeks of the creatures bones. But what was most intriguing was it’s eyes, looking directly at Dee with what the witch could only describe as pure malice and anger.
Something about it was strangely familiar, but Dee couldn’t place why. It was the same kind of feeling he got whenever he reunited with Chickpea- but almost as if you took that feeling and put a thick layer of frosted glass around it. An odd portrait of a memory Dee couldn’t begin to comprehend.
Without even thinking, Dee moved his hand towards the bird. The movement was hypnotic, as if his subconscious was taking the wheel. He couldn’t understand why. Why was he moving towards it? Why did this bird feel like an old friend ripped from his memory with time?
Why was there a dark bird in a cage in the basement of the Heart kingdom?
The tips of his fingers made passed through the metal bars, and that was the moment the bird struck. It thrashed, snapping it’s large beak at the witch’s fingers. In a panic Dee yanked his hand back but that only served to knock the cage forward, the stone pillar supporting it rocking dangerously. This time, Dee didn’t have enough of a chance to react- as the cage came crashing to the ground with a sickening metallic crunch.
The door of the cage popped open with the force, and in a dark flash the bird dove out, making a move to claw at the little witch who ducked just in the nick of time. The vulture disregarded Dee’s presence from that point- escape being of much more importance as it flocked up towards the skylight and crashed through the glass panes and into the sky. Dee quickly ducked behind a pillar to shield himself from the raining glass shards that fell and cascaded pieces across the floor.
There was a moment of silence, before Dee came from out beyond the pillar to look up at the now broken window. Dread curled in his stomach, and guilt coiled in his heart. Some deep whispering force telling him that he had just made a grave mistake. That what he did was going to have grandiose consequences.
But he couldn’t hear it over the sound of how deep of shit he’d be in if and when Virgil found out about this.
Dee fled the scene as fast and quietly as he could, closing the door behind him and placing the now broken lock on it’s latch. He scurried up the stairs and towards the training grounds. Surely, if the knights spotted him there he couldn’t be placed at the scene of the crime. Maybe he’d get away with it! Probably not, but if he could stave off Virgil’s wrath, he planned to do so for as long as possible.
So, without any idea what he had just released, Dee left behind the scattered remains of a secret that shouldn’t have been found.