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Six months after leaving the Land of Hot Sands, Vil could finally say he was completely used to live on the ship. Things were not easy, of course, but his shoulders felt lighter than when he lived in the palace. Not having responsibilities felt weird at the beginning, but now he loved being able to devote his time to whatever he wanted. Leona and Rook seemed happy to see him like that too. Rook had not seen him so relaxed in, well, ever, not even when they escaped together to the festivals.
And Leona’s eyes looked at the prince with more and more love every day. Vil never believed that stupid and inconsiderate lion could ever look at him like that, although now he could not imagine his world without those green eyes watching him as if he was the most valuable treasure on earth. The blond never thought he would end up loving someone like the captain, and yet his love for him increased every day as well, even if the man was unbearable most of the time. But sometimes, when Vil woke up in the morning and saw his sleeping face next to him, he realised how lucky he was, because he could not think of a better life and this one.
Problems appeared when they docked somewhere. The news of the mysterious disappearance of the Crown Prince of Pyroxene had spread outside the country, so Vil had to go unnoticed. It was tiresome, but it was insignificant in comparison to how happy he was in King’s Roar. They would reach land in a few days, and Vil would need to pretend he was someone else again. He did not mind actually. He never minded. But this time it minded even less than usual, as their destiny was the Rose Kingdom.
After telling Leona that he would like to meet his old friend Riddle because he had not seen him since Riddle left Pyroxene to go back to his homeland almost three years ago, the captain decided to go there. The blond did not really know much about where his friend currently was, just the name of the city and that he wanted to meet his childhood friend, who owned a patisserie.
The feline supposed that their best option was to visit all patisseries of the area. It sounded silly, but Vil did not reject the idea. After all, spending a whole day watching (and maybe even eating) sweets with Leona did not seem that terrible. Although he would not say it out loud, he still had some bits of dignity left.
The day they arrived, the sky was clear and shiny. The prince was wearing something fresh and plain, and he had put his hair in a braid. They would dock soon, and Vil could already smell the flowers with the breeze. He turned when he felt a gloved hand caressing his face.
“Ah, magnifique, vraiment magnifique,” sighed Rook. “Roi du poison, you really are the most beautiful creature on earth.”
“Oh, Rook, it’s you.”
“Not even a flattering sigh, mon roi?”
“You know the answer to that.”
“If I had been Roi du leon, your reaction would have been so beautiful,” sighed again the hunter in an exaggerated way.
“Leona would never say something like that to begin with,” replied Vil. “Weird you’re not with Ruggie, you’re always together lately.”
“Monsieur Dandelion is taking care of something with the boatswain,” explained Rook, slightly flustered. “However, he’ll accompany me to do some shopping today.”
“So romantic, will you finally become a thing?”
“Vil!” The prince laughed. “Monsieur Dandelion and I are doing perfectly fine, merci beaucoup.”
“I know, but you’ve been like this for six months, Rook, the crew’s getting tired of betting.”
“What betting?”
“Don’t worry, it’s nothing.”
His friend tries to answer back, but then the captain approached them. He caressed the younger’s face with a delicate and tender gesture, and kissed his neck, making him forget even Rook’s presence.
“Have I ever told you how good you look with longer hair, my queen?” inquired the lion.
“Constantly, but don’t stop, please.”
“Perfect, because I wasn’t planning to.” Leona turned to Rook. “Ruggie was looking for you. Something about teacups or I-don’t-know-what.”
“Mon dieu, it’s true! I better get going,” explained the knight as he (literally) ran away.
“It seems those two have plans for today,” informed Vil.
“As long as Ruggie leaves me alone. Besides,” the brunette took the blond’s hand and kissed it, “I already have a compromise with someone special.”
“You’re unexpectedly sweet today. Is it because we’ll be eating sweets?”
“I’m in a good mood, what can I do?” Leona shrugged. “Why do you always find an excuse to complain?”
“I’m not complaining, I’m just… remarking it.”
“Yeah, yeah, you love remarking things too much,” mocked the feline. “We’ll dock soon. Look, we can already see the town. Are you sure it’s here? It seems… rural.”
“Riddle told me cities in the Rose Kingdom were mostly rural areas despite their size. And I know he told me his childhood friend lived here, I can’t be mistaken about that.”
“Any idea to find him, apart from checking every patisserie?”
“You have a better plan?” questioned Vil, grinning. “I’ve heard the chocolate they make here is delicious, I’m dying to have some.”
Leona rolled his eyes but added nothing. After all, he loved it when his boy acted like a spoiled brat. It was a rare sight, so he wanted to enjoy it.
***
The town was huge, almost as large as the capital of Pyroxene. Houses were big, and every single corner was decorated with roses. Despite the lion’s lack of interest in flowers, he could not but be surprised and curious, since he had never seen roses of so many colours. Neither Vil nor he had visited that place before, as it was a really remote country. Both of them had heard about its natural beauty, but it was nothing they had imagined.
People came and went in a hurry, without glancing at the roses or even at a couple of foreigners. Thanks to that, the prince allowed himself to hold Leona’s arm and relax while they walked across the stone-paved streets. He wanted to enjoy to the fullest their time there. Vil did not know if he would manage to find his old friend since he only had some memories to do it, but he did not want to feel the trip like a waste of time, no matter what happened.
They decided to test their luck in a small patisserie they found. There were several chocolate rabbits in different colours in the shop window. Vil had heard that chocolate was one of the specialities in the Rose Kingdom, and he actually felt curious about it. Inside the local there was only a boy with orange hair who looked bored. When he saw them enter, he quickly greeted them and smiled at them. Most of the sweets he sold were entirely made of chocolate or, at least, were filled with chocolate. The prince did not usually eat sweets, as he favoured other flavours, but he was finding it difficult to pretend he was not salivating right now.
“If you don’t know what you want or, otherwise, you want everything, I can recommend something,” offered the boy.
“I don’t eat chocolate often, so I would appreciate it.”
“Well, I’d start with these, ruby chocolate rocks with almond and pineapple. This chocolate is very soft and fruity, so many people like it better than traditional chocolate,” explained the young man. “On the other hand, if you prefer something bitter, dark chocolate bundt cakes are the best. We use very pure chocolate, so people might find these difficult to eat. But we add them sugar flowers to soften the bitterness, they complement each other perfectly.”
“And what about these ones,” asked the blond, pointing at a tray beside the cakes.
“Oh, those are white chocolate truffles with coconut. Chocolate rabbits and those are our specialities. In fact, they’re the last we have for today. Do you want them?”
“Yes, please,” responded Leona before Vil could open his mouth. “And also a couple of the ones you showed us.”
“Okay!” exclaimed the boy as he started to work. “Thank you for your support. Here you have your chocolate.”
The younger took the paper bag while the lion left some gold coins on the counter. They were already leaving when Vil turned again.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, what else do you need?”
“Actually, we’re looking for someone. I think he works in a patisserie or, at least, a friend of his does. His name is Riddle. Do you happen to know him?”
“Riddle? Like in Riddle Rosehearts?” The blond nodded. “Well, destiny must have brought you here, because I do know him. He lives almost in the suburbs of the town. The place is called Red Rose, you won’t get lost.”
***
Indeed, finding Red Rose was not difficult at all. The building was bigger than those in its surroundings, and it was covered by red rose bushes. Even the logo of the shop seemed to be a white rose half painted in red. It appeared older than the other houses they had seen in the way, although it was well preserved. They entered without knowing what to expect, since there was no shop window whatsoever to show the products they offered.
The inside smelled like fruit, contrasting with the chocolate aroma of the previous place. There were two girls in front of them who were buying something that smelled like meringue pie. When they left, a short redhead boy turned to Vil and Leona. His grey eyes widened when he realised who the person smiling shyly (very uncommon of him) in front of him was.
“Vil?” whispered the redhead. “What are you doing here?”
“We haven’t seen each other in almost three years and that’s what you first say to me?” sighed the blond. “You may be temperamental, but you’re also really cold, Riddle.”
“Well, I’m surprised. I never thought you’d be allowed to come visit me. Are you here because of some royal duty perhaps?”
“Em… How should I explain this?” laughed Vil nervously. “Long story short, monarchy isn’t my business anymore.”
“Excuse me?!” exclaimed Riddle.
“I don’t know if rumours haven’t reached this inhospitable place yet or if you’re as oblivious as always. To sum up, I’m not a prince anymore, so I thought I could use my newly acquired freedom to visit an old friend. That’s all.”
“Y-You left?” muttered the shorter. “You just left?”
“Something like that. It’s actually pretty complex, but I don’t really want to talk about it.”
“I can’t believe you among all people have done something so irresponsible,” sighed Riddle. “I’m in no position to scold you, though. After all, my mum wanted me to follow her steps and here I am. According to her, I’m a disgrace for the family.”
“More than a prince who abandoned his people to live his life freely?”
“Let’s say it’s a draw. But tell me, how did you come? I know I said I wanted you to come someday, but I wasn’t really expecting it to happen.”
“How do you think? By boat,” answered Vil. “Let me introduce you to someone. This is Leona Kingscholar, my… lover. Leona, this is my friend, Riddle Rosehearts.”
“Wow, I never thought Vil would ever have a lover.”
“Yeah, well, and I imagined you taller,” replied the lion.
“Excuse me?!”
“Sorry, Riddle,” seethed the blond. “He’s always this annoying. Most of the time he’s unbearable, but he’s not that bad when you get to know him. More or less.”
The brunette rolled his eyes as the prince shook his head, clearly disappointed by his partner’s attitude. The redhead watched them in shock. He always believed Vil would fall in love with some nobleman, somebody educated and elegant. Not even in his craziest dreams did he consider that his friend would love someone like Leona. Well, people said it, right? Love was blind. And in Vil’s case, maybe deaf too. Yet Riddle could not hold a smile. They had known for years, and that was the first time he saw the blond this relaxed. So maybe that beastman was not that bad. If his friend was happy, then it meant Leona took care of him and cherished him as he deserved. It was the only thing that mattered.
Riddle was on the point of inviting them to stay over for tea when the entrance door opened and two kids sprinted inside. They were laughing and did not even realise there were some unknown people there, they simply ran towards the redhead and jumped on him. Riddle caught them and sighed with resignation just before smiling. Both kids seemed to be of similar ages. One was slightly taller and had sparkling navy blue hair, while the other had auburn hair. The two had some kind of birthmark on their faces, one in the form of a pike and the other in the shape of a heart.
“I’m sorry, they were too fast.”
Vil turned to the voice. A young green haired boy with shiny mustard eyes entered and closed the door behind him. He relocated his glasses and smiled with guilt. Although taking into account Riddle’s gesture, this must have happened before. The blond knew his friend’s behaviour pretty well, if he was not used to this, he would have got really mad.
“Oh, customers. I’m sorry for this. Our sons are a bit boisterous.”
“Sons?” exclaimed Vil, looking surprised at Riddle.
“Well… yes. We adopted them a year ago. This one’s Deuce and this one’s Ace. And now they have to wash their hands so they can join us for tea, right?” The kids pouted but then nodded and climbed the stairs which were behind the counter. “That one over there is Trey, the childhood friend I used to talk about.”
“And I’m also his husband, but he normally forgets about that part,” laughed Trey ad he approached Riddle. “I guess they aren’t customers but friends from Pyroxene?”
“Exactly. I was going to invite them to have tea with us.”
“Oh, we don’t want to bother,” said Vil, partly telling the truth but also because he did not think Leona would want to.
“It’s no bother, really,” replied the one with glasses. “The more, the better.”
“Then it will be our pleasure,” responded the captain to the prince’s surprise.
***
Tea was held in a small backside garden. Apparently, the family lived in the second floor and used the first floor for their business. However, Riddle did not work in the patisserie full-time like his husband, he actually was a teacher in the morning. Trey said all the students were afraid of him because of how serious and strict he as, but the redhead tried to deny it. The only kids that seemed to have no fear were Ace and Deuce, and even they had been terrorised of him for a time according to Trey.
Ace and Deuce were not biological brothers, but they had lost their parents in the same accident and had been close friends forever, so it could be said they had a brotherly bond. The couple met them when the ladies that owned the orphanage asked Riddle for help with some lessons. The rest, as people said, was history. The kids did not appear to be traumatised, and they obviously saw Riddle and Trey as their true parents. They may not be a conventional family, but the love among them was undeniable.
“Papa, I want cherry pie,” asked Ace from his chair.
“You ate cherry pie yesterday,” replied Trey as he served the sweets. “Don’t you prefer blueberry cake?”
“No!”
“I want blueberry cake!” interrupted Deuce.
“Okay, then the good boy gets blueberry cake and the spoiled boy gets nothing,” concluded Riddle.
“No! Dad, I want cherry pie!” answered Ace on the verge of crying.
“Crocodile tears don’t work on us, young boy, you know it,” spoke the redhead. “You’ve had cherry pie thrice this week. You need a balanced diet, so choose something different or you’ll get nothing.”
“I see you’re as strict as ever,” laughed Vil. “You used to say the same to me because I only had macarons at tea time.”
“I’m glad we have no macarons today. But it wouldn’t have mattered, because you won’t eat any other sweet after tasting Trey’s cakes.”
“You’re exaggerating,” rested importance the older as he gave the kids blueberry cakes.
“Aren’t you a bit strict with them?” wondered Leona. “How old are they? Six?”
“Five,” responded Trey. “I always tell Riddle, but he doesn’t listen.”
“Come on, you’d let Ace eat only cherry pie. You’d let me eat only strawberry cake!”
“And you’d eat only my strawberry cakes if you could. The reason why you don’t indulge yourself in doing it is because you have self-control.”
“I never thought I’d see you lose an argument,” laughed the blond. “You used to be the fear of all scholars, you never lost an argument against them.”
“Trey is way worse than any scholar,” seethed Riddle.
“Because I’ve known him since he was like these two that… have their faces full of blueberry already,” sighed Trey. “When they learn how to eat without making a mess of their faces, it will be the happiest day of my life.”
“Don’t raise your hopes too much, just in case,” warned the redhead.
Everything went in the same informal tone. Tea was delicious, and Vil had loved it even if he was not a fan of tea. And the desserts were incredible. Riddle was not exaggerating, they were so good the blond felt like any other sweet he ate after that would be able to be better. Trey was really talented, and apparently not only at baking but at cooking in general. It was a relief, since the prince was aware of his friend’s inexistent cooking skills.
When they finished, Ace and Deuce got up to go play on a swing at the bottom of the garden while the adults kept chatting. Leona had barely spoken, but Vil noticed how he looked at him. The prince had been unable to look away from the children since they had appeared. It was just that seeing them interact with their dads and the relaxing effect they seemed to have on Riddle…
Vil had to admit that his views on having a kid someday had changed throughout these past months. It was not something he feared anymore, but more like something that might happen in the future. In that tarot reading back in Jubilee Port, the fortune teller had told him there was a baby in his future, and he had firmly believed it was the key to his happiness. Now, though, that idea was no longer a possibility, Vil was starting to feel it like a desire. And the lion had realised it already.
***
Meanwhile, Kalim and Epel were waiting outside a shop for Jamil and Jack to finish their shopping. Their mates had been inside for a long time, so they were getting bored. Buying whatever they were buying could not take that long. The boys were chatting until they saw Ruggie and Rook enter a small tea shop. The hunter even hurried to open the door for the hyena to go first, and did the same when they left the local. Both Kalim and Epel (and the entire crew actually) had been watching those two’s flirting just for them to behave like a lovely couple without being a couple yet. It was kind of frustrating, even for these boys who normally did not care about those things.
“You think they’ll ever realise how obvious they are?” asked the navigator. “I mean, even I know, and I never pay attention to what they’re doing. How can they be so dense?”
“Maybe they need Cupid’s help, just a bit,” suggested the pearly hair boy, grinning.
“Do you mean like pushing them to each other’s arms?”
“Well, not literally but something like that, yeah. And they’re already on a date, so it will be super easy making it happen.”
“I’m not really sure I get it,” confessed Epel.
“Oh, come on, you know what I mean. Brushing your fingers as you walk until you hold hand, glance the other even if you’re not talking, sitting very close although there’s plenty of space,” explained Kalim. “That kind of stuff. It happens to Jamil and me all the time, though we’re becoming more straightforward. This doesn’t happen to Jack and you when you go on a date?”
“J-Jack and I don’t have dates.”
“You don’t? Oops, I thought you did. I mean, since you’re always together…”
“O-Our relationship is a bit different.”
“What on earth are you two talking about?” seethed Jamil as he exited the building with the boatswain.
“Jamil!” exclaimed Kalim. “We’ve seen Rook and Ruggie, they were on a date. Why don’t we follow them to give them a little help?”
“What? No.”
“Oh, please, it’s been months. I want to do something.”
“Don’t use your puppy eyes, you know they don’t work on me.”
“Well, maybe we can check on them,” commented the canine. “It wouldn’t be that bad, would it? And I must say I’m also intrigued by all this.”
“That’s three versus one!” concluded Kalim, clearly happy. “Where did they go?”
“That way!”
The pirates went in the direction the lavender haired one had pointed. They soon managed to see their objectives. Rook and Ruggie were walking quietly. The blond, as usual, was wearing a horrible and extravagant hat that caught everyone’s attention and made him easy to locate. He carried a bag from the tea shop they had visited before, and he was smiling as he told something that, for some reason, was making the shorter laugh.
In their first encounter the corsair had been extremely rude to the older, and Rook’s feelings seemed one-sided for many months. However, Ruggie had been laughing to the hunter’s comments and following his weird ideas lately. It was rather obvious something had changed between them, even if they were the only ones to not know in King’s Roar.
Kalim and Epel tried to approach them and literally push them into each other’s arms, but their friends stopped them in time. They had decided to follow them and check how things were going between those two, but they had not accepted to get their nose into other people’s business. If Rook and Ruggie had to kiss, then they would kiss one day. The rest had nothing to do in that relationship, even if the shorter ones were desperate to put an end to this infinite courting process.
They watched the couple for a while, and during that time Rook and Ruggie never went silent. The hyena blushed from time to time, which made the knight look at him with bright eyes and laugh nervously. Their fingers brushed several times as well, and Rook suggested they should hold hands as a joke, but the younger shook his head in embarrassment. To Kalim and Epel’s disgrace, Jamil got tired and took them to continue his shopping.
***
When the time for Vil and Leona to go came, Ace and Deuce did not agree. The kids had sometime noticed the couple and started to ask them questions. And somehow Deuce had ended up in the prince’s arms. Vil was surprised at the beginning, but he was now used to that and was hugging the child lovingly. Ace, on his part, had been impressed by the impressive appearance of the lion and did not seem willing to let Leona’s leg go in the near future. The pirate had tried to get rid of him but he had not been lucky. Riddle just did not know how to deal with those two, they always did what they wanted, and now they wanted the guests’ attention. Vil did not mind spoiling them, but he knew they had to go.
“Well, small potato, it’s time you go down,” said the blond.
“Can’t you stay a bit longer?” inquired Deuce. “There are two beds in my room, we can throw out Ace and do a sleepover.”
“Things don’t work like that, I’m sorry. Leona and I have to leave now, we can’t stay.”
“But will you visit us again soon?” insisted the child with shiny eyes. “I’ll share my blueberry cakes with you, promise.”
“I don’t know when we’ll come back here,” confessed Vil, putting the kid on the floor and kneeling in front of him, “but I guarantee this won’t be the last time we meet.”
“Really?”
“Really. But you have to be patient, okay? You must wait for me like a good boy.”
“You have to promise,” spoke Deuce as he stretched his pinkie.
“I promise,” nodded Vil, joining his pinkie with Deuce’s, “I’ll visit again the small potatoes.”
Deuce smiled brightly and then he ran to show his pinkie to Riddle as if he had just made a great achievement. Ace, however, was still hugging Leona’s leg and was accusing his brother of being a traitor, so Trey bribed him with the (possibly fake) promise of a cherry pie if he let the feline go.
Once both children were back to their parents, Vil and Leona were free to go. The prince and his friend had never been affectionate, but yet they hugged as Riddle told the blond they would always be welcomed there. And despite the time had already become chiller, Vil felt his chest incredibly warm.
They walked in silence for a while, with the younger holding the brunette’s arms as they went to the inn they would be staying in for the night. None of them felt uncomfortable, they had become used to spend time together even if they had nothing to talk about, so silence soon turned comfortable and calming for them. Besides, the two of them knew there were times when it was necessary. The blond had a lot in his mind, and nothing the older could say would be worth it. Vil would tell him when he reached a conclusion and felt ready to share his feelings. But during the time he was not, Leona knew he had to stay aside and wait for him.
They were near the port when the prince heard someone calling his name. He turned around and saw an elegant man who must be about thirty. His appearance was flashy, with bright blue eyes wide open, hair half black and half white, and a lot of makeup matching the colours of his leather clothes. Vil remembered that person with a very different expression, always calm and with a grin of pride and indifference. The younger never believed he would ever see him like this, worried and surprised. Although, to be honest, he never even thought they would meet again. He was Divus Crewel, his alchemy tutor.
“Y-Your Highness?” asked the man, almost whispering. “I’d never mistake you, you must be the prince. But this makes no sense, you shouldn’t be here. Their Majesties said… They said…”
“Professor Crewel, I-“
“What happened, your Highness? Why are you here? You disappeared half a year ago. You must go back, your parents are worried sick.”
“Let’s go, Vil,” interrupted Leona in a rude tone. “Excuse us, but we’re in a hurry, so he’ll only go where I tell him to go.”
“Excuse me? And who are you?” Crewel looked at the pirate from the top to the bottom and his face twisted in incredulity. “It can’t be. I heard rumours that the prince had been kidnapped by a group of filthy pirates, but I never believed it would be actually true. I demand you let the prince go right now or-“
“No!” raised his voice the prince. “Professor, stop. It’s true that I was kidnapped, but leaving Pyroxene was my choice. I’m sorry my parents are suffering because of me, but I won’t go back.”
“Your Highness-”
“I’m no prince, professor Crewel. I gave up on that life and I have no plans to go back to it,” continued Vil. “If you ever cared about me, I hope you respect my decision and don’t tell the king and the queen about this encounter.”
“I’ve always respected your wishes, your Highness, and I always will. You know that. I’ve gone against their Majesties’ laws many times for you,” answered the man. “But why? You came back just to disappear the next day, I don’t understand the reason.”
“Let’s say I understood what it really mattered a bit late,” explained Vil, half-smiling as he gazed at the lion. “I followed my heart, which seems to belong to this idiot and not to a throne surrounded by gold and jewels.”
“With this ragged pirate?”
“That’s it, with this ragged pirate.”
“I don’t know what to say, your Highness,” sighed his former teacher. “This is too much to assimilate. When I knew you had gone missing for a second time, it was too much, so I returned to my homeland, this city. I needed time to think about what I wanted to do next, since the court was extremely boring without you there. And seeing you is… It’s been strange, my lord. I can’t deny you look different. I’ve never seen you happier I think.”
“Happy?”
“Yes. You were always stressed or mad, so you turned to your studies to keep your mind busy. But you’re not that person anymore, you’ve changed. It’s weird, but I’m glad. I’d be a monster if I tried to take your happiness away now you’ve finally found it.” Crewel sighed once more. “I’ll respect your wishes, your Highness, this encounter will stay between us.”
“I’m very grateful, professor.” The blond smiled. “You can’t imagine how happy I am to see you again. I would have liked to bid you farewell, it’s a pity I couldn’t. The potions and poisons you taught me about have saved my life more than once.”
“I don’t need your thanks, it was my job, your Highness.” The man cupped Vil’s face. “You’ve grown, your eyes are shining. I guess even a third-rate pirate can do miracles.”
***
Rook and Ruggie sat on a bench. They had been walking a lot without paying much attention to their surroundings, and they wanted to rest for a bit before heading to the inn. They rarely had opportunities to spend so much time together, so they wanted to avoid meeting their mates soon. If they were to be asked, none of them could probably explain when they became so close or when the other’s company turned into a pleasure.
At the beginning, the hyena saw the hunter a bother very difficult to escape from, while the last had been attracted to the pirate since the very first time he saw him. Although, of course, Rook had a thing for beastman, whatever that meant. The thing was that their relationship had strengthened during those months, and now they were not mere strangers but friends. Or maybe something more.
“Did they stop following us?” inquired Ruggie.
“Oui, some time ago,” answered the blond, laughing. “I must admit I wasn’t expecting Roi d’or and the rest to follow us so insistently.”
“They should spend the limited time we spend on earth to have fun instead of to stalk us.”
“Bon, maybe we should tell them that notre amour flourished some weeks ago.”
“Are you kidding? And not being able to see their despaired faces when they think we haven’t realised we’re flirting?” The corsair laughed. “Never.”
“To be honest, it took you long enough to realise I was courting you.”
“E-Excuse me, I was perfectly aware of that, you weren’t exactly subtle.”
“Pardon mais subtlety is my second name,” replied the knight.
“Do you remember that time you were trying to court me and Vil appeared just when you were locking me against the wall?”
“I can’t see what part wasn’t subtle,” said Rook. “If for me, I would have done something more savage, as you well know.”
“Rook!”
Ruggie lowered his head embarrassed. That man was always like this, he did not seem to be familiarised with what “subtle” meant, it did not matter how hard he defended the opposite. He always behaved in this unashamed way that made the hyena very nervous, although he was starting to get used to the feeling of wanting to dig a hole and disappear in it.
However, he could not get mad at him. Maybe it was because deep down one of the things he loved of that weird character was precisely his relaxed and even hedonistic attitude. Rook lived to enjoy the moment, and he was teaching the younger happiness that way. Ruggie was born and grew up in a poor family, it was a miracle he managed to enter as a servant in the royal palace.
When he left with Leona, he knew he would never be surrounded by luxury again and he would have to work harder than ever before from then on. The knight had shown him that even living this kind of life he could be happy and spoil himself from time to time. He still struggled to assimilate it, but Rook knew which lessons Ruggie now. For example, now the hyena needed a kiss full of love. So he gave it to him.
***
It was a beautiful night, moonless but full of stars. Vil was looking at the night sky with his body resting against the frame of the window. Nights in the Rose Kingdom were not as cold as the ones in Pyroxene, although they were cold enough for him to need some kind of clothing, such as Leona’s thin shirt. The older and he were more or less the same height, but since Leona’s body was more built, the sleeves almost covered the prince’s hands and part of his butt was also covered. Under other circumstances, he might have felt uncomfortable being half-naked in front of somebody else, but he had somehow learned to enjoy being like that with the captain. That man worshipped his body like nobody did. And maybe because of that Vil did not tense when he felt two strong arms surround him from behind. Instead, he leaned on Leona.
“Come back to bed, my queen,” whispered the lion to his ear. “Is there a reason why you can’t sleep?”
“No, don’t worry,” answered the younger, getting closer to the corsair until he felt his crotch against him. “Um… Much better.”
“What? You want more?”
“Insatiable lion, I always want more of you.”
“And you call me insatiable?” replied the brunette, kissing his lower ear. “You don’t tense anymore when you feel it.”
“Maybe I’ll let you put it somewhere soon and all,” sighed Vil, stretching his neck to allow Leona easier access.
“Don’t pressure yourself, we have all the time we want. And you know I have more than a thousand ways to make you feel infinite pleasure.” The feline kissed his neck again and took his hand to pull him towards the bed. “Come back, I want you to warm me.”
“You wouldn’t need me if you wore some clothes from time to time, don’t you think.”
“I like my clothes better on you.”
“Oh, don’t start with that bullshit, you say everything looks good on me,” seethed Vil.
“Am I wrong?”
“Not at all.”
Leona smiled and sat on the mattress. The younger allowed the lion to place him sideways on his lap. From that position, Vil could still see the stars. He leaned on the older’s chest, resting the head against his shoulder without looking away from the night sky. He soon noticed an arm surrounded his waist as another began to caress his hair tenderly. He sighed.
“Thank you for this,” commented Vil in a low voice.
“You wanted to come, I didn’t mind. If you asked me the world, I’d give you the world.”
“I don’t need the world, silly, what would I do with it?”
“Then what do you want?” questioned the brunette.
“Jack asked me that once and I’ll answer the same to you. It’s a good question,” responded the younger. “But I think I know better this time.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Do you remember the tarot reading that strange dude gave us?”
“In Jubilee Port?” How could I forget it?”
“I’ve been thinking since then that, maybe, a baby doesn’t have to be something bad. Maybe one day I’d regard it as something positive. And after being with Ace and Deuce today I-“
“You don’t think having a kid would ruin your life anymore?” interrupted the older.
“Something like that. I’ve always seen it as a nightmare, but with you, I can’t but see it as something good,” explained the blond. “After today, I’m pretty sure that one day I’ll be ready.”
“I’ll be waiting the day you’ll want to make potatoes together,” laughed Leona. “But let me tell you, we’ll be terrible parents. At least we’ll have Ruggie and the others to help us.”
Vil held laughter and cuddled on his lover’s chest as Leona hugged him tightly. The trip to the Rose Kingdom had been worth it after all. The prince felt that he was finally approaching what he wanted to do with this life. And while he reached his goal, he did not mind waiting between Leona’s arms, because there was no place where he felt safer than between those firm arms.