Chapter Text
"A... A marriage?"
The emperor nodded at him, slowly turning over from his spot near the throne. He turned around, his cloak swishing around him almost like its own gust of wind. Alec looked up at him, almost in a sort of perplexed confusion. He was shocked that his emperor would even suggest something like that. And especially when it is the first thing out of his mouth since he had entered the palace and returned from the battle. He thought that his majesty would be happy for him, seeing the leader of the bandits that he had brought over to him and that a long-standing reign of terror and freight was over for the people in the kingdom. But no.
"Yes. A political marriage." the emperor said to him. "Problem?"
"Um... no, your majesty. Not at all. I am just a little confused," he said.
"It is alright. Allow to me elaborate. As you are very much aware, I have no children. You and the other lords are the only things that I have closest to heirs. And soon enough, one of you will succeed me. And if I am being honest with you, I would prefer for you to take my place and become the next emperor. However, a lot is happening in the kingdom. A war might result with the kingdom of Edom since we can't reach a standstill on the battlefield. And I am doing my best to avoid it and stop more bloodshed. Then I realized, that you aren't married." Raziel said to him. "Unless you are betrothed already."
"No your majesty. I am not." Alec said, looking back down.
"Good then. The emperor of Edom has a son then and-"
"A son?!" Alec cried. He shook his head, falling down onto one knee. "Forgive my intrusion. I was loud and brash. Please, your majesty, punish me and accept my apology."
"It is alright," Raziel said to him. "Anyways, he has a son. A beautiful prince. The two of us are thinking that marriage might help things when it comes to our issues. The emperor would love for the prince to have someone to protect him. And I would like you to be officially married in order to become royalty. Lord Luke is already happily married. Raphael had told me that he has no intention of marriage, especially when it comes to being on my council. You are the only one that is currently open to the kingdom. The two of you in marrying will help the kingdoms. And I am sure that maybe love might blossom."
I doubt that, Alec thought to himself.
Marriage was the one thing that he had never thought about. Hell, he never even cared about. He was a knight first and foremost. A warrior. One of the most trusted and the most robust knights in the entire kingdom. Maybe even the palace. He was a force of nature when he had a bow or blade in his hands. He was to be reckoned with on the battlefield. And other than that, he was a lord. The people who lived on his land were under his care. He protected them and made sure that they were taken care of and happy in all instances. Being a husband, however? That wasn't something that he could never do. Something that he didn't want. That was something that he didn't understand. He was never one to understand or wish for a wedding or a marriage.
He shook his head. "Your majesty... isn't there any other way to guarantee peace between Alicante and Edom and having me as your heir?" he said.
"There is nothing else. No one else. And you will do this. There is no other commitment or obligation that I see for you not to marry the prince of Edom." Raziel snapped. "He is a very nice man. His father tells me that he likes music and books and even makes his own wine. How fun. Isn't it?"
"Fun." Alec said under his breath, before bowing his head down again. "Whatever my emperor wishes, I will do. If you want me to, I will marry the prince."
"Wondeful." Raziel said. "You may rise." Alec did as was told. "I'm so excited for this partnership. The emperor and I will be speaking soon, and then the two of you will be able to finally meet. I'm sure that the two of you might get close during this time."
"With all due respect your majesty, I have been away from my land for so long. I would like to spend some time with the people on my land and my family. My sister must be worried sick that I haven't sent a letter back." he lied. He wanted nothing less than to meet with the prince of Edom.
"I understand that you want to see your family. However, I wasn't asking. You will come back here in four days to meet your soon to be bride. All the wedding preparations will be sent to your manor as well as that."
"Yes your majesty."
"And Alec?"
"Yes."
"Please... put some effort in it. Try and make it work."
"The emperor wants me to get married!" Alec yelled, throwing his armor across the room in anger. "Married!! Is he out of his mind?!"
Izzy rolled her eyes, seeing her big brother's outburst. He was acting like a toddler. "I understand that you are not one for marriage, but can't you at least pretend to be excited? You're going to be marrying a prince! A prince! A huge wedding will be yours soon, this is so exciting-"
"No, Isabelle. It's not." Alec cut her off. "What the hell is the emperor thinking?"
"Careful with what you say." called Underhill from his spot with his hands behind his back by the entrance. "This is the emperor. You must show respect even without him being here."
"Yes. Underhill is right." Maryse said in agreement. Getting up from her seat and taking her son's hands in hers. "Alec. Please do not be so angry."
"I have every right to be. I have do much for the kingdom. And this is my reward? The prince of Edom?" Alec said.
"Is this you selfishly asking for the throne? Is that what you expected when you came by from the camp?" his mom asked. "For the crown to be yours?"
"No, mom. No. No." Alec said. "I could care less about that. I just don't want to get married to some royal pest."
"Watch your tongue Alexander." Maryse reprimanded.
"Regardless of how angry you are, this is still a prince." Underhill added. "There needs to be a level of respect."
"I do not care," Alec said, yanking his hand back from his mother and turning to face his desk. "All I wish was to keep the life I have as a general and as a lord. I have no intention or care for marrying the prince of a different kingdom and being a husband."
"But you care about this kingdom, yes?" Izzy said, walking over to the general and smiling at him. She patted his back and then hugged her big brother's arm.
"Yes."
"So... something like this won't be as bad as you think. This marriage is for the better of the kingdom. No more war. No more battles. No more death of innocent knights. Think of it that way."
"Yes. Thank you my dear." Maryse said, hugging her daughter before looking back to Alec. "Try and look on the bright side of this."
Alec rolled his eyes. "There is no bright side to this." he snapped, walking off.
"Now introducing and welcoming General Alec."
Raphael looked up from his spot at the table, groaning loudly as a joke. "Well, it took you long enough. Did you bring a gift for the prince?" Raphael asked as Alec entered the main sitting room. The sight of the general made his eyes widen. He threw himself up from his seat, looking at the armored man. "What the hell are you wearing?"
"My armor. Problem?" Alec asked, crossing his wrists behind his back.
"This is how you would like to be seen in front of the prince and emperor of Edom?"
"It will be fine. I am a general. I do not need to put in that much effort."
Raphael rolled his eyes. "I am assuming then that you did not bring a gift for the prince."
"Why would I?" he asked. "We will be living in my manor soon enough, that's enough of a gift."
Raphael slapped himself hard to keep himself from attacking the general. The doors opened again as he did, and the two of them quickly composed themselves. "Now introducing, the emperor. Along with the emperor and prince of Edom."
Alec looked over, his eyes meeting with the gorgeous younger man. Wrapped in beautiful black furs and gold. This must be the prince, he thought. He couldn't help but admit, the prince was a desert gem.
Raphael and him bowed respectfully. "Your Majesties."
"This is the man that my son will be marrying?" the emperor said, eyeing Alec. Who stood tall and proud. Not bowing or showing any sign of respect.
"Yes. This is General Alexander." Raziel said, trying to resolve the issue. Seeing that the other royal wasn't happy at all.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," he said, keeping his head down finally.
"Your highness, Alec just resolved a huge bandit issue here in the kingdom." Raphael added. "He is the best general the kingdom has had for years."
"Yes." Raziel agreed.
Asmodeus hummed. He turned over, holding out his hand to his son. "Well then... general, meet your fiance. This is my precious boy. Prince Magnus Bane."
The prince tried to smile. "Pleasure to meet you." he said to the general with a smile, bowing.
Alec stood up straighter and bowed his head. "The pleasure is mine." he said, his voice monotone.
The prince was shocked at his behavior. But he shook his head. "I look forward to coming together and finalizing wedding preparations," he said, holding out his hand. "Shall we take a walk? Maybe discuss what you could agree to having that day?"
Alec looked at his extended hand. "I'm sorry. I have matters to attend you." he said.
"General." Raziel snapped through gritted teeth.
"Besides, my sister has taken lead to the wedding planning. You can take it up with her." he said, walking past the two of them.
"How disrespectful." Asmodeus snarled, turning on his heel. "You there! You dare-"
"Please." Magnus called, stopping the incoming outburst. "There is no need for anything that brash. This is an arranged marriage. I understand that his anger towards me."
"That is no excuse." Raziel said back. "Rest assured I will punish him my prince."
"My emperor is right." Raphael added. "You are a prince. He is a lord. He should respect you."
"There is no need to be upset. Any of you." Magnus said. "Lord Raphael is it?"
"Yes your majesty."
"May you join me for the walk instead? One the ride the forest looked so lovely. I want to see all of the flowers that this kingdom has to offer."
"Oh. Oh yes. Yes." Raphael called, holding out an arm to him. "Allow me to lead his majesty."
Magnus took his arm as Raphael led him out of the room, followed by the guards from both kingdoms. Asmodeus hummed. "Shocking." he snapped. "I had a feeling this peace wedding would not go as we planned. Look where we are."
"Rumor has it that you were disrespectful to the prince when he arrived." Maryse snapped when she saw her son jump down from his horse.
"I wasn't rude." Alec said. "I respected the prince-"
"Do not play dumb with us!" Izzy snapped, rushing over and pulling her brother by the ear.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ear! Ear!" he called at him.
"This man is supposed to your husband! And this is to bring peace!" Maryse cried. "How dare you treat him like this?! You need to think of the better of the kingdom."
"I have done everything for this kingdom the same exact way that I have done my other missions," he said to him. "This is nothing. Now, excuse me."
He walked past his sister and mother, ignoring their calls.
"Your majesty, your sister in law to be is here to see you."
Magnus turned over from the window, looking over at him. "Please enter." he said.
Izzy walked inside with a smile. "Thank you." she said to the guard, pulling in her basket.
"Hello." Magnus greeted, bowing respectfully.
"No please. You are the prince. I should be bowing to you." Izzy said to him. "I brought some wedding fabrics for you to look at."
"How kind of you." Magnus said.
"I have always wanted a big wedding. And you are getting married in the palace. A real royal wedding. The one that I have read before in books."
"I doubt that it will be like the ones in your books. But I am happy that you are so excited."
Izzy frowned. "Please forgive my brother. He is such a kind soul if you give him a chance."
"I am sure that he is. But I know that he will not give me a chance." Magnus said.
"You don't-"
"But I do my lady. I do."
Izzy frowned. "My brother is better than you think. Please. Give him a chance. For me."
Magnus smiled. "I will try." he said. "Now, fabrics. These are all so beautiful."
"Thank you."
"Please. Please. Show me."
"My lord?"
Alec looked up from the map inside of his office. He raised his eyebrow, looking at his most trusted servant standing there in the doorway. "Hello?" he called with a grin. "Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Oh. Yes. Your fiance is here to see you." he said.
Alec sighed. "Thank you Underhill. Tell him to enter."
Underhill nodded, opening the door wider and welcoming in the prince. Magnus bowed his head respectfully at Underhill, pulling his cloak along with him. Alec raised his eyebrow, seeing Magnus carrying a small tray. "Good afternoon general." he said.
Alec raised his eyebrow, noticing that the prince wasn't smiling like when they first met. "Afternoon. Is there a problem your highness?" he asked.
"No. Not at all." he said, setting down the tray. He motioned to it. "My kingdom has some of the best leaves for tea. This one is a mix of pineapple, green tea, hibiscus, g-"
"Tea is not my thing. I don't drink it." Alec said to him, pushing the tray back a bit.
Magnus looked back down at the tray. "Oh." he said, sounding a bit disappointed. "Right. My apologizes. Perhaps you are a wine kind of guy. I brew my own wine sometimes in the palace. Perhaps, you would like to try some?"
"I'll try it at our wedding." Alec said to him. "Tell my sister to have it with the rest of the drinks. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to finish working."
Magnus nodded. "Ah. Right." he said, turning on his heel. He didn't look back, walking through the door. Underhill's eyes widened, seeing the prince's face.
"Your highness? Your highness, wait!" he cried out, looking over at him. He sighed, turning through the door and looking at Alec. "Seriously?"
"I haven't done anything." Alec said, not bothering to look up at him.
Asmodeus raised his eyebrow, jolting up a bit when he heard the doors open. "Magnus?" he called, setting down his book and walking to his son. "What are you doing here?"
"The general is busy. There was no reason for me to be there." he said, walking inside of the guest hall they were in.
Asmodeus hummed. "Well then, you can go inside of your room if you wish." he said.
Magnus nodded. Back inside of the room. Back behind closed doors. Back protected from a world that he so wished to visit and explore.
The wedding day came. And Alec was everything but happy. He was awakened by his servants, all of them excited for their general to finally tie the knot. He dismissed them simply, deciding to dress himself and away from others. He quickly gathered himself up, looking at himself in the mirror. He looked decent. Like any man would like to look on their wedding day. He didn't eat anything that morning and he didn't even join his family and fiance for a big breakfast before the ceremony. He just left the manor as quick as he could, heading towards the wedding venue. The emperor had insisted that he would get married in the palace ballroom. If it was up to him, he would have the smallest wedding in the manor. He waited in the groom's suite, slowly sipping the wine that they had there. Probably expecting to lessen the nerves of the soon to be married general. Not to be chugged like ice water. Soon enough, the rest of the wedding party arrived at the altar. Magnus stayed silent at the altar as Alec walked over and stood next to him. There was a lace veil over his face and resting on the ground behind him like a wedding train. However, that was all the prince had. Alec put no effort into the wedding. No funds from him were given. Everything else there was with the help of the emperor, his sister and Magnus. There were flowers, pearls and tulle all over. Beautiful. But it still managed to look cheap. Asmodeus growled, seeing the hideous decor.
The pastor pronounced them as husbands. Alec turned over to him, sighing loudly. He slowly pulled up the veil. Magnus was beautiful. He couldn't deny that. The prince was so gorgeous. He had this glow to him. A natural beauty. Magnus tried to smile at him, but the general remained stoic. He sighed, leaning up and kissing him. Alec's eyes widened in shock, but he kissed him back anyway. Effectively securing the marriage. The two emperors smiled, getting up from their seats to clap along with the other guests. Magnus pulled away, not meeting eyes with the general. They just intertwined hands and made their way down the aisle to greet all of the guests.
Magnus felt almost empty. He thought that this wedding would have been his way to escape. Back in Edom, he was always trapped inside of the palace. Never allowed to leave as a fear from the emperor that something might happen to him. He accepted the marriage with almost no hesitation, thinking that this general would help him explore the world that he was never allowed to explore. To see the things that he only read in books. Maybe even fall in love in the process. But no. The general was nothing of the sort. He was colder than anyone that he had ever met. And he knew that being his husband would bring nothing to the table. He shook his head, slowly sitting down on the bed. He watched as his father, the Alicante emperor and the other council members made their way to the seats right near the bed to watch the consummation. Magnus inhaled, waiting for his husband to show up to the room. Ten minutes passed. Then twenty. Twenty turned into forty. Forty turned into an hour. Magnus sighed.
Asmodeus' face turned red with anger. "Such insolence!" he yelled, standing up and slamming his fist into the chairs armrest.
"My general might be stubborn, but even he knows how important this is." Raziel called, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Please." Raphael called. "Give him five more minutes."
"I have waited long enough!" Asmodeus yelled.
"We all have." cried a council member from Edom.
"If this-"
"Please father. There is no need to be so upset." Magnus called, standing up. "I will forgive and forget this from the general. And so will you."
"Your majesty, please. Just give the general another chance." Raziel begged.
"No other chance is needed. Now, if you will excuse me... I must head over to my new home. Lord Raphael?" he called. "Will you escort me? You are the only Alicantan that I trust."
Raphael nodded. He stood from his seat, helping him to cover up again and escorting him out of the room.
"Alec?! Alec?! ALEXANDER LIGHTWOOD!"
Alec cried out, jolting back up from his seat. He groaned, rubbing his temple. His head hurt. He drank too much wine. He groaned, sitting up from his spot on the floor. He turned over, seeing his sister look down at him. Red, hot and firey anger in her eyes. "What?" he slurred.
"Raphael just told me that you missed the consummation ceremony." Izzy yelled, kicking his side.
"Ow! Ow! Shit..." he cursed.
"Your husband is so kind. You're so lucky to have him. He managed to convince both Emperor Asmodeus and Emperor Raziel to forget about it and forgive you." Izzy said. "You do realize that he could have had you executed and lose your position. You should thank him." Alec sighed, slowly getting up. He didn't really respond though. Izzy huffed, kicking him again. "He is so kind and generous to you and you say nothing?! Nothing?!"
"I will thank him privately sis, do not worry."
Alec never thanked Magnus though. Instead, when he came home, he went straight to bed. Never attending the reception ceremony and once again leaving the prince alone.
Three weeks passed. Magnus was alone. Alec was training new soldiers in the military camp.
Three more weeks passed. Magnus was alone. Alec was in the military camp.
A full month passed. Magnus was alone. Alec was still training.
The emperor of Edom was completely enraged when he visited his son. "How dare he?! Who the hell does he think he is?! He is nothing but a common lord! And he was blessed to marry a prince such as yourself! And he-"
"I married a general in active duty father. He has no choice but you take care of his soldiers. I completely understand if he does not have the time to be with his husband." Magnus said, looking away from his father and instead admiring the lilies that he was growing in his room.
Asmodeus scoffed. "You're too generous for your own good." he said. "I demand that you divorce this man right now! We can forget about peace with the Alicante emperor."
"He is one lord father. He does not represent all of Alicante." Magnus said. "Besides, this marriage was for peace and peace only. Who am I to make him change his mind if he truly does resent me."
Asmodeus yelled, throwing his crown across the room. "If this continues... I will not hold back!" he yelled, before stomping off.
Magnus smiled. He looked at the flowers. He smiled, seeing one of them drying out. He waved his hand against it, seeing as the flower bloomed healthy once more. "The only issue is I don't think it'll stop."
A full year passed. Alec continued in the military camp. And Magnus was once again alone.
Three more days passed since then, but Magnus shockingly received a knock at his door. He raised his eyebrow, confused. He smoothed out his cloak as the guards opened the door and welcomed in the guest. Magnus smiled, seeing his general husband. He bowed respectfully. "My lord." he said to him.
"Prince Magnus." he said back, not bowing. "I have come to inform you that there is a problem happening up the kingdom. I must attend to it. I will be gone for a long time."
Magnus frowned. "I see." he said. "How long?"
"Does it really matter?" he muttered under his breath. He looked over and saw how serious his husband was. He sighed. "Maybe three or five years your highness."
"Fine then." Magnus said. "You may leave then."
Alec nodded, turning over and leaving. Magnus sighed, slowly sitting down by his flowers. "Alright then."
"I am done! This is done!"
"Please, let us be reasonable!"
"There is no reasoning anymore. I gave you a chance. You have been gracious to me and my people, but my son is where I draw the line!" Asmodeus hollered, slamming his fist against the table and shaking it. "That general of yours has no honor, no respect."
"He is my greatest warrior!" Raziel defended.
"He can use a sword all he wants, but that man shows no respect for his royal husband or the chance he has been given!" Asmodeus yelled.
Two council members stood from the table, walking over to their opposite emperors. "Please your majesty, be calm. Let us speak civilly. Raziel has nothing to do with Alec." Raphael said.
"Your highness, please. You must understand his majesty's anger." said the Edom council member.
"These debates will solve nothing, there is nothing anymore. This peace of ours is no more." Asmodeus yelled.
"You can have your quarrels with Alec. I will gladly bring him to you." Raziel said. "But my people have nothing at all to do with this! Please, I beg for your mercy and I beg you to leave them out of this. They're innocent."
"Your poor... poor... poor people." Asmodeus said, picking up his glass and throwing it at the emperor. Raziel cried out in pain as the glass hit his cheeks. The Alicante guards raised their blades, but the emperor just chuckled. He raised his hand, whipping it around. Red magic glew from it and almost created a whip. It cracked, slicing the heads off of the guards that tried to attack. Raphael screamed in shock as blood covered his body. "Guards!"
The Edom soldiers rushed in, grabbing the arms of the only alive person and holding him back as the emperor walked over to Raziel. The man cowered in fear, trying to claw his way out of this situation. Asmodeus kicked his side. "Stop, please! Raphael cried, struggling against the grip on his arms.
"I warned you." Asmodeus said, picking him up by the hair. He held his head tightly in a headlock for a second before cracking his neck and breaking it without any sort of apology or fear of what was to happen next. He sighed, turning to Raphael. "You were always kind to the prince. So I'm going to give you two days to run and leave. If I find you, you're dead. Just like all the other nobility. Understand?"
Raphael nodded. He was released and he sprinted away as fast as he could. Asmodeus sighed. "Find them, kill them all. And bring my son back to me."
"My lord! My lord!"
Alec looked up, seeing a rookie knight run over to him. Alec raised his eyebrow. "What is it?"
"The... the peace between Edom and Alicante is over!" they cried. "Raziel is dead, almost all of the palace guard is as well. Asmodeus has taken over the kingdom. He has ordered all nobility to be killed. And anyone else who won't join his side will be killed as well."
Alec's eyes widened. "I... I must go." he cried.
"General!"
"Please, keep an eye on the camp!"
The ride back to his manor was shorter than he had thought. Probably with all the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He jumped off of his horse, running to the manor and seeing the state it was in. Servants were scattered, running to either get away or help. "Mother!" he cried, seeing her come down the steps in a drab dress he knew she'd never wear.
Maryse looked up at him. She scoffed as he ran to her. She raised her hand and slapped him, making him fall back and down against the steps. "This is all because of you!" she yelled. "It was so simple to just spend time with the prince! Be a husband! But because of your selfish actions, word spread and now we're all in danger."
Alec massaged his jaw as he slowly started to get up. "W-Where's Izzy?"
"She's already promised the emperor of Edom her loyalty as an apology for your actions." she said. "I myself need to get out of here. I am going with Lord Luke to a kingdom days from here. Please, do not follow me."
"Mother!" Alec cried out as she run into the carriage along with two other servants. They rushed off quickly. Just as fast as Alec arrived. He sighed, slowly moving up the steps to the manor. The entire placed looked like it had been ransacked. Stuff was thrown all over the place. Probably taken by some servants who needed money in needs to escape. He sighed, walking over to the foyer. His eyes widened, seeing someone standing there in the gardens. He pulled out his sword and slowly made his way over. "You... you there!" he cried. But stopped when he saw who it was. "P-Prince Magnus?"
The prince turned over to him. "Hello." he said. "Your back earlier than expected."
"I... uh... Y-Your father has taken over my kingdom. He's going after all nobility."
"A shame."
"Why... why is he... why is he doing this?"
"I think that you and I both know the answer to that question."
"Tell him that it was me. Punish me not the entire kingdom. Your his son, change his mind."
"My father is a man of wrath. You disrespected him, so there is no stopping him now."
"Then why are you still here?" Alec asked. "Why are you still with me?"
"I am the hidden son of Asmodeus Bane. Locked away in his room in fear that something terrible would happen to the prince. Here I am the unwanted husband of the Alicante general." he said, turning his head to face him. Alec could see how much skinner he was from when they had met. "Where else am I to go? I'm trapped either way/"
Alec frowned. He reached his hand out, but almost as soon as he did he heard the whining of horses and loud metal clanks. "Edom soldiers," he muttered, turning over to them. A group of them entered the gardens, their weapons thrashed.
Almost immediately, Alec was grabbed. Thrown onto the ground and stripped of his weapons and armor. He cried out, struggling to at least breathe. "Please!" Magnus cried. "Be civil! You are soldiers. Not animals!"
One of the knights walked over to Magnus and bowed. "Your majesty." he said, taking his hand. "We were ordered to escort you back to the Alicante palace."
Magnus rubbed his lips and simply nodded. Almost defeatedly. He allowed himself to be escorted out. Alec was pulled up to his feet, his wrists and elbows held tightly behind his back. He was yanked out of the manor and thrown down the steps. "Enough!" Magnus cried. "There is no need to excessive force."
"Please your majesty, let us handle him." said another soldier.
"The emperor wants his head." called one.
"Get off!" Alec yelled.
"It would be better to just bring him to his majesty, so he could do it himself."
"No, stop." Magnus said as two soldiers pulled him away. "Let go!"
"Just kill him now and bring the head to the emperor."
"Yes."
"Hold him down."
Alec was let go, but almost immediately afterward his arms were pinned to the ground parallel. "No..." Alec gasped.
The knight pressed his boot against Alec's neck hard. Magnus' eyes widened. He scoffed, raising his hand. With that wave, the guards that were protecting their prince was pushed aside. Magnus sprinted over, kicking the guard holding Alec down away, giving him time to roll away. But not enough time for Magnus to blow the blow. The axe come down on his side. He cried out, falling down on the back of the other guard.
Alec's eyes widened when he turned over and looked at what had happened. "M-Magnus!" he cried running.
"You hit the prince!?" one guard yelled.
"I... I wasn't..." the knight tried to justify, but he was in shock. Alec took the chance. He grabbed a sword from off the ground and sliced at one of them. He looked over at Magnus, who was gripping the cut in his side with an emotionless look on his face. Alec whistled loudly, pulling Magnus into his arms. He watched as his horse rushed over to him. He grabbed onto the reins, hopping up and rushing as fast as he could.
"He's getting away!"
"He has the prince!"
"Bastard!"