Work Text:
“My dad’s going to kill me!”
Soren paced back and forth in his armor as you sat on the dusty, stone floor of an abandoned castle room, still wearing yours as well. Storage, you guessed, scanning the area for anything that could cut the ropes binding your arms behind you. Old furniture, haphazard piles of books, portraits of forgotten nobles leaning against the wall…
And of course, your sword, lying on the ground too far away to reach.
“What am I going to do?” Soren asked himself as his hands ran through his hair, a few blond strands falling into his face. “This could ruin everything! I could get kicked out of the Crownguard!”
“That’s what you’re worried about?” you asked.
“Of course!” He stopped to turn in your direction, eyes wild with worry. “It’s everything I’ve worked for!”
Hoping he’d notice your expression, you rolled your eyes. “Should’ve thought of that before, well…” You moved your arms for emphasis, quickly realizing he couldn’t see them. “This.”
Making his way toward the wall, he hit his head against it, keeping it there as he groaned.
It was an embarrassment that Soren of all people managed to get the upper hand on you. His status as the youngest member of the Crownguard would’ve been impressive if not for his connections, and even though he had some skill to justify the role, he didn’t have the wisdom. Still, that didn’t stop him from showing off. At first you thought he was just eager to prove himself as a knight, that he bothered anyone who would listen to his boasts or watch during his training exercises, so if you avoided him he would move on to the next unlucky soul. You weren’t just anyone, though. Not to him.
You found that out the hard way.
Although now that Soren’s regret had caught up to him perhaps he would accept a way out. Breaking the silence, you changed your tone, addressing him as kindly as you could muster. “I know you may not be… Experienced, but this isn’t how to go about things. A rejection needs to be respected. I told you already, I’m flattered, but you have your whole life ahead of you. I don’t need a kid like you to give that up just because you want to solve my problems. Besides, you shouldn’t even know about-”
“Hey, I’m eighteen!” Stepping away from the wall, Soren pointed a thumb at himself. “Not a kid! I’m a soldier just like you.” He paused as if remembering something, taking a moment to calm down and lower his voice. “And who wouldn’t want a strong, brave…” Running his fingers through his hair again, this time he brushed the loose strands away with a grin. “Handsome soldier?”
Acting like his usual self seemed to soothe him, but hopefully he didn’t forget his fear. “Unless you let me go, you won’t be one for long, remember? Someone’s going to come looking for me.” A lie, but worth a shot. “I’m willing to forget this happened if you are. What do you say?”
He paced around the room again, muttering under his breath. “Okay Soren, think.” Suddenly, his eyes lit up. “How about this - I’ll let you go if you agree to be in a relationship with me. No marriage required, not yet.”
The gentle approach might not have been the best strategy. “No.”
“Man, that was supposed to work. Alright, plan B.”
Plan B? Was he seriously this stubborn even after realizing he could get caught? Maybe you should’ve accepted his offer just to get out of here, but if you tried to evade your promise there was a chance you’d end up like this again, and even if you told someone what he did before that could happen, who would believe you? You didn’t want to flee the castle either, not if you didn’t have to.
As if trying to summon a measure of wisdom, Soren held a hand to his chin. “What would Claudia do? Something with magic, maybe, but I can’t do magic. Not that I want to.”
“That’s your sister, right?” you asked. “The mage girl?” Until now you never wanted to get to know Soren. However, to you and most of humanity, dark magic was a fascinating unknown, and everyone had at least heard of the High Mage and his daughter apprentice. In your position you had the privilege of seeing them in person, though never to interact. That was alright. Claudia seemed friendly enough, but her father… You still remember the chill that bolted down your spine the last time you saw him, when he stared right into your soul. The High Mage’s son, Soren, wasn’t as big of a deal. “Thing is, she wouldn’t do anything.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
You couldn’t stop the spite from leaking into your words. “She wouldn’t do anything because she wouldn’t get herself into this situation in the first place. She’s smart, and you’re, well…”
“What?” He balled up his fists. “I’m what?”
His question - and his movement - made you rethink your trajectory. “Nevermind,” you assured him. Being civil had gotten you nowhere, but what would happen if you enraged him with no witnesses around? Soren already kidnapped you and you didn’t want to see how much farther he would go. There had to be a way to get through to him, though.
He dragged a hand down his face. “I know what I have to do.”
Or perhaps he’d come to his senses on his own.
“I have to get Claudia,” he said. “She won’t like this, but she’s the only one who’ll help me. If Dad finds out…” He glanced off to the side, avoiding your eyes. “She knows what he’s like.”
What if he was right? You had seen Claudia around the castle, heard her joking with Soren sometimes, but you didn’t know her like he did. Maybe she would free you, maybe she wouldn’t. Would she choose enabling her brother over saving his victim, a stranger?
“I’ll be back,” he said, turning to leave.
“Wait!”
The outburst made him stop in place.
You only yelled to buy yourself time, but now what? “I’m not sure she’d help you out here,” you added without thinking.
Frustration crossed his face once more. “Then what am I supposed to do?” he asked, towering over you.
Let me go, obviously, you thought, but you already said that many times when he first dragged you in here, and if he considered it an option he would’ve done it by now.
“I…” Come on, think. “It’s Viren, right?”
Soren’s confusion erased all other emotion. “What?”
“Your father, High Mage of Katolis?”
“Yeah, that’s his name,” he said. “I think. I just call him Dad.”
“Look, just…” You took a second to choose the right phrasing. “He’d have more of a reason to help you than Claudia.”
After a long, dead silence, Soren burst into laughter.
“Think about it!” you yelled over him. “Anything you do affects his reputation!”
Winding down, Soren seemed ready to pay attention, though probably so you could give him something else to laugh at. “Go on.”
“You were trying to be my hero, right?” you asked. “To help me with my, uh, situation and get something in return? Viren will be able to see your good intentions and use his better magic experience to make it happen, though I doubt it’ll come to that since I’ve heard he has a way with words. I’m sure he and I could strike a deal.” You almost wanted to call yourself out on your own bull droppings. Viren was the king’s closest advisor, he’d never stand for this. Even if it was his own son committing the crime. Perhaps especially if it was his own son, considering how Soren spoke of him. It wasn’t like you wanted to see the mage either, not after last time, but right now he was your only alternative.
“I don’t know,” Soren said, “What if-”
“I’ll kiss you.”
He perked up, eyes widening. “You’ll what?”
“I’ll kiss you,” you repeated. “Then you’ll come back with your father. Deal?”
Soren didn’t respond at first, but just when you were about to urge him to listen he dropped down to his knees, grabbing at your waist with one hand and the back of your head with the other, lips crashing against yours without care. All tied up, you had an excuse not to return the embrace, letting him take the lead. You couldn’t hope to match his pace or his passion, but once he got some of it out of his system the two of you fell into a more comfortable rhythm, losing yourselves in the sensation of someone else. Life as a guard didn’t present many chances for things like this, and a kiss was a kiss, even with Soren. Heck, maybe he’d get his fill and leave you alone after today.
He finally pulled away, panting as he stared into your eyes.
“Hey,” you said, trying not to sound like you were out of breath too. “The plan, remember?”
“Oh, right.” Standing up, Soren took a deep breath, gathering his courage. “Well, he did say he wanted to meet you. Probably not like this, though.”
That snapped you out of your daze. “Wait, Viren knows about me?”
Soren averted his gaze. “I maybe sort of accidentally mentioned you a while ago? And I maybe sort of told him that I’m in love with you? Maybe?”
Of course. It would explain why Viren scrutinized you that one time, when you and another guard had passed him by in the halls of the castle. He was taller than Soren, brown hair beginning to gray, and although he usually ignored knights those cold, steely eyes tracked you like a banther waiting to pounce on its prey. Even your fellow guard doubted your safety. After that day you made sure not to cross his path again, but now you could relax a bit, knowing it only happened because he thought you were using his son. Perhaps the bright side to all of this would be clearing your name to the High Mage so that he could return to being unaware of your existence.
Making his way to the wooden door, Soren dragged out his exit as he glanced back at you. “Stay put, okay?” Finally he shut it behind him, leaving you alone.
Immediately you pulled at your arms in an attempt to create slack in the ropes, only stopping to catch your breath. Unsuccessful. Then you remembered - your eyes scanned the ground until falling back onto your sword. You scooted closer to it, turning around to blindly grab at the sword behind you, taking no time before firmly lodging it into a crack in the stone floor. Moving your arms up and down against the blade took longer, but eventually you cut yourself free. Briefly, you stretched out your aching limbs, unable to resist the urge to alleviate their stiffness before pulling your sword out from the floor.
Bindings undone and weapon in hand, you headed for the exit, but the door swung wide open as Soren entered with a darkly-clothed figure close behind, blocking your path.
“How did you-” Soren started to ask before the older man placed a hand on his shoulder.
“So you were telling the truth,” Viren said, using his other arm to hold his silver staff like a cane. Posture straight, the High Mage commanded himself with dignity as he inspected you once more, creating the familiar dread that you now tried to suppress with hope.
“I don’t know what he’s told you Lord Viren, but you have to help me!” you pleaded as Soren prepared to draw his sword. You tightened your grip on your own. “Your son tied me up and-”
“I know,” Viren declared, a hint of irritation creeping in. “I don’t need to hear it twice.”
You couldn’t help but stutter. “You- You know?”
“Please, put your sword away,” he continued. “There’s no need to panic. We just have a…” He shot a stern look at Soren. “Misunderstanding.” Under his father’s glare, Soren’s arms fell back to his sides. “I’m certain we can clear up this entire mess.”
“Misunderstanding?” you questioned. “I refused to marry him and he trapped me here against my will! I mean no disrespect, but please-”
Soren interrupted you. “I only did it because you wouldn’t listen! If you took a minute to think about how great this would be for you-”
“There’s nothing to think about!” you yelled back. “You’re doing this for yourself, not me! You both need to let me-”
“SILENCE!”
Viren’s voice overpowered both of yours, and the room fell quiet. After a pause, he left his son’s side to take a few steps closer to you, but you backed away.
“Lord Viren,” you forced out, pushing past the tension in the air. “I won’t tell anyone what happened here, and you don’t need to give me anything in return. Just please, let me go.”
He huffed as he held a hand to his temple. “I’m asking you again, put your sword away.”
Viren didn’t trust you to keep your word. It was the only explanation you could think of. He needed something more, he needed collateral. “What do you want from me?” you asked.
“I only want to speak with you. Somehow you always manage to get away, but I promise I mean you no harm.”
Always?
“I’m certain,” he continued, “that we can all come to an agreement. We can each get something we want out of this.”
What kind of game was Viren playing? If Soren told him about you then he knew you had nothing to offer, no wealth, no possessions, no inheritance or birthright. This was just a scheme to make you give in to his son, wasn’t it? The minute you made a deal, the instant you struck a promise with the High Mage himself, there was no backing out. You’d never be free in this castle, or even in Katolis. Would he search the entire Pentarchy if you ran further? If you lost everything again and had to start over once more? Right now only one person had the authority to help, whether or not he believed you - King Harrow.
Bracing yourself, you ran for the door.
Soren unsheathed his sword, colliding it against yours with a clang and blocking your swings one after another. In an attempt to flee, you sidestepped him, dodging one of his attacks and sprinting to the doorway when a rope wrapped around your arms and jerked them back, making you drop the weapon. The clatter of your sword against stone reverberated throughout the room. Wrists tied behind your back once more, you thrashed in place, but when you turned around Viren wasn’t even touching you.
Eyes glowing purple, the light completely obscured his irises as if they had disappeared, and the ropes twisted themselves around your limbs, sending you off-balance to fall onto your knees in front of him.
“What are you doing?” you asked. “Let me go! You can’t keep me here!”
“You’re making this more difficult than it has to be,” Viren stated. “If you would just listen-”
“Help!” You screamed at the top of your lungs. There had to be someone, anyone nearby. “Help! Help me!”
Viren scowled, taking something from his leather pouch and crushing it in his fist as he chanted something incomprehensible, eyes glowing purple again, though this time an additional green light emerged from his hand, taking form as it reached down into your throat before you could react. The light dragged something out from deep inside of your body, but you didn’t get a good look before it disappeared into Viren’s grasp.
You asked him what he had done - or at least, you tried to. Nothing came out except the wheeze of your breath. Staring up at Viren, you pleaded with your eyes for an answer as your heartbeat echoed inside your chest, amplified by the mage’s satisfied smile.
Soren’s voice came out shaky. “...Dad?”
Viren allowed himself the relief of a sigh. “That’s better.” After a moment he addressed his son. “I have a more suitable place to keep our… Guest.” Heading to the door, he paused when he realized Soren hadn’t moved from his spot, unable to tear his eyes away from where you still kneeled. “Do try to keep up. Or are you too weak to carry a single person?”
“I- I change my mind,” Soren said. “You don’t have to help me anymore, okay? I’ll do things the right way. I’ll-”
“Oh Soren.” Each footstep, each thud of his staff on the floor deliberate, Viren slowly walked back to where the boy stood paralyzed. “I do have to help you. You still have so much work to do, so much to learn, and you can’t let yourself be led astray by matters of the heart. I tried to talk you out of this, I tried to tell you my suspicions about your companion here, about what I learned - or rather, what I didn’t - but I can see it only made you more determined. A marriage proposal? Really? That’s why I’m removing this…” He peered down at you with exaggerated disgust, as if you were a bug he was about to crush under his heel. “...distraction from your life. Don’t worry, your friend will be fine, I’ll make sure of it. I just want you to succeed, like any father would. Unless…” Turning back toward Soren, he raised a brow. “You wish to be removed from the Crownguard?”
“No, I don’t! I don’t!” Soren scrambled for an excuse. “You’re right, I got carried away by this dumb crush. I won’t make the same mistake again, promise.”
“Good. You’ve wasted enough time already. I’ll handle the situation from here.” As Soren moved to leave, Viren stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “No one else needs to know about this. Do you understand?”
Evading eye contact, Soren lowered his head. “I do.”
Released from Viren’s hold, Soren hurried out of the room, leaving you alone with his father. The mage stood over you like a monolith, tilting your chin up with the end of his staff and keeping it there, and despite not giving you the decency of an eye-level gaze, his previous expression of disdain had been replaced by something more sympathetic, almost kind.
“Your records are unusually bare,” he said, voice suddenly soft. “In fact, I can’t find any information about you at all. Are you on the run, or are you just alone in this world?”
You opened your mouth to curse, to scream, to beg for your freedom, but only air came out.
He laughed. “I don’t like being ignored, though I suppose I’ll have plenty of time to teach you better. You’ll warm up to me as I’ve warmed up to you, I’m sure. It’s amusing, really. Usually I don’t welcome weak links. Knights are supposed to be ruthless, but you…” As he trailed off, his staff went back to his side. “You don’t fit in, do you?”
Finally he knelt down on one knee to properly look you in the eyes, though now you missed the distance. The two of you had never been this close before, no mere knight was ever supposed to see the High Mage like this as he spoke so tenderly. “You only fight so that you can run. Everyone else may be fooled, but I see what you really are. Someone like you can’t make it on their own. Not forever. My son seems to bring out the worst in you, but I can guide you. Protect you. I know what it’s like to be alone. I know you more than anyone else cares to, and I’ve only been observing you ever since he brought you to my attention.”
Observing? It wasn’t just that one time?
“And I can sense,” he said, “that you might need to be eased into this new arrangement.” You knew it was coming, the movement was too measured to be a surprise, but the feeling of his hand cradling your cheek made you jerk away instinctively. Momentarily his eyes narrowed, settling back into serenity after he took hold of your jaw and forced you to face him again.
“In all my years of research I’ve never found an effective love spell, but I can think of a few that will achieve something similar enough. Temporary measures to smooth the transition. Unless you’d rather try it the hard way?”
You tried to speak again. You made all the right motions hoping this would be the final attempt, the moment you break the spell and sharpen your words into a perfect blade that could slice through his heart. But, as expected, you didn’t utter a single sound.
He smiled.
“The hard way it is, then.”