Chapter Text
Dean groaned for what feels like the hundredth time since this damn Ball started. The classic orchestra was playing loudly in the corner of the vast ballroom, the conductor swinging his arms around wildly, leading his musicians with pride. The waiters dashed around the floor, serving the royalty guest with a fake smile on their faces. Said guests were gossiping at their designated tables or dancing to the constant flow of music. The gentlemen wore dashing suits of various colors and some wore their uniforms of the royal guard. The ladies were clothes in elegant dresses that varied in size and color, with bows and sashes. Their hair was up or dropping down their backs. The King, John the brave, sat raised above the rest, both smiling at the beauty that was the grand ball. King John, was wearing his Commander Uniform of the Imperial Guards. Shining metals blinking under the bright chandeliers. His son, Dean, the heir of the throne was dressed in a graceful navy blue suit, a gold sash draped over his shoulder, marking him as royalty. But all of the splendor isn't what was making the Prince annoyed but the line of young maidens requesting for an audience with him. Which was preposterous, in Dean’s mind. The ball was in fact for him to search for a future bride, to which Dean protested against with all his being. But his father would not back down. The king went on and on about heritage, culture, future of the country, pride, and most of the all, future heir of the throne. Dean argued to his father about him bearing children, for he was merely only eighteen, but of course his father would not listen.
“One day you will be King and the land will need to be assured that you will not perish and leave the land without a future King.” That was always the King’s main excuse. That one day he will die and Dean will die and who will be left? To which Dean replied with exasperation.
“Sam!” But then his father would say the same thing. And what if Sam died? Which of course sent a chill down the Prince’s back. You see, the young Prince, Samuel, was Dean’s biggest treasure. Sam was barely fourteen, barely of age and the thought of him dying had Dean throwing punches.
Dean sat on his own little throne next to his father, slumped back against the chair, his cheek resting on his fist. He scanned the ballroom again looking for someone interesting to do and dump. His eyes ran over the dance floor stopping at each girl. He spotted Princess Lisa of Cardinal, dancing with her cousin, he brown hair falling down her back. She smiled brightly and look up at the Prince. Dean groaned. Well there goes that one. She gave Dean the ‘let's get married look’ and Dean was not about that. His eyes moved on from her and landed on Cassie, a dark skinned Princess from the Southern region of the land. But she was already looking at him with the same smile that Lisa just gave him second ago. He huffed in frustration and continued looking around for non-marriage females.
“Oh ho ho! King Chuck! How splendid for you to finally get here!” yelled King John gleefully. Dean looked over at the new arrivals curiously.
“Yes yes King John, we are fully aware that we are late but our son, Prince Gabriel, thought it funny to scare one of the horses and send it into a frenzy,” said a odd looking guy. He was clearly dressed in King attire but his facial feature were not at all kingly. He had messy hair that looked like it had been tugged on roughly and his eyes seemed tired.
“Hahaha seems like a child that would get along wonderfully with my son, Sam. Sam come over here!” The king called. Dean watched as his little brother, detached from his little group of Royal friends and ran to Dean’s side. He gave Dean a punch in the arm and walked over to his father.
“Yes Father? You called?” He said politely, bowing his head down. King Chuck seemed impressed by the young Prince’s maturity, glaring back at a short child standing behind him. Dean looked passed the odd King to look at who must be Gabriel. The kid was shorter than Sam, but then again the young prince was very tall for his age, and had a sneaky face. His eyes were full of mischief, but not in the bad kind. More of the you don't want to mess with him or you'll find your bed covered in worms. He caught Dean’s eye and smirked, wiggling his fingers at him. Dean huffed, rolling his eyes.
“Samuel, this is King Chuck of the Novakian Lands, you know the ones. And this is-” King John looked back at Gabriel. Gabriel pushed passed his father to stand in front of Sam, bowing lowly.
“Gabriel. But you can call me Gabe”, the short prince announced sending a wink that only Sam and Dean saw. Sam looked flabbergasted, his eyebrows shooting up to his fabulous hair line. Sam turned to Dean, pointing his thumb at Gabe as if to say ‘can you believe this guy’. Dean just shrugged, hiding a smirk.
“Samuel. Why don't you introduce Prince Gabriel to your friends?” King John suggested, smiling kindly at Gabriel. Sam nodded and motioned Gabriel to follow him. Dean watched as Sam guided Gabriel toward his group of friend, barking out a laugh when the short prince tried to hold Sam’s hand and Sam pulled his hand away, glaring at his companion. King Chuck grabbed another one in his entourage, pulling him forward. He looked a bit older than Dean. His clothes was decorated with many medals and achievements.
“This is my oldest son, Michael.” King Chuck put his hand on Michael’s shoulder, a proud smile on his face. Dean looked up at his fellow heir, and shrugged. He didn't seem like a threat. He was sorta lean but not as muscled as Dean, he was a bit shorter too. King John looked over at Dean and seeming to realize the same thing, looked back over at Michael.
“Welcome to our kingdom, Prince Michael. I hope you enjoy your visit.” King John smiled politely, motioning to the ballroom. The heir of the Novakians smiled tensely, nodding at John.
“Thank you for having us, your highness. Your kingdom is very beautiful, and bountiful.” Michael bowed, his eyes finally seeing Dean sitting beside the King. His eyes narrowed, as he returned to his father’s side. Next, King Chuck put his arm around another and pulling his forward.
How many kids does this guy have? Dean chuckled.
“This is Castiel.” The king’s simple announcement, forced Dean to look up at the new son. Needless to say, he understood why the king didn't need to introduce this son. The way he was standing was one that radiated power. His bejeweled hands clasped behind his back, with his chest puffed out naturally. His face was, as un-homo as Dean could describe, handsome. His face was chiseled, with a natural tan. His face contained a smile that said ‘respect me and I'll respect you. If not face the consequences’ and Dean knew this was his threat. King John ogled up at the prince, but then smiled and rose to his feet.
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Prince Castiel. May our kingdom always be of your services.” Dean knew that the king was making sure that he didn't get in the bad side of this Prince for, just like Dean, he knew that he was the one that might run the show in the future. “How unmannered of myself. Let me introduce my oldest son and heir.” King John motioned to Dean, who stood up at his father's introduction. Dean walked over to the side of the king, addressing King Chuck first.
“I am honoured to have your highness as our guest. I hope that all our preparation are suitable for such important invitee.” Dean recited as he and his father had practiced. He then turned to Castiel, and all he rehearsed flew from his head. The prince locked him in a strong gaze, ocean blue eyes trying to see inside Dean. They stood there staring at each other for a while, when Dean finally broke eye contact, shaking his head. “It's my pleasure to meet you. I hope to acquire your friendship.” Castiel nodded and bowed his head.
“As would I, Prince Dean.” Dean was taken aback from the voice of Castiel. It was low and gravely. Not only did he have the visual aspects of a king but a voice that could move people. Dean knew that he had to be careful with this one. King John came to the same conclusion and put his hand on Dean’s shoulder, squeezing slightly.
“Im sure you two would be great friends. Just like Chuck and I, right Chuck?” King John laughed, and Chuck nodded. A horde of servants brought in extra, smaller, thrones to which the new guest sat in. Dean started when he realized he was still standing in front of Castiel, who smirked knowingly. Dean huffed and sat back down, but he did not return to his usual position. The two Kings sat side by side in the middle with each heir on either side. Beside Dean was an empty chair and next to it was Castiel who kept smirking in Dean’s direction. Dean tried to ignore the blue-eyed prince staring at the side of his face, so instead he focused on King Chuck and his father’s conversation.
“So how is your other son? Luke? Lusen?” John asked, trying to remember. Chuck chuckled and looked over at John.
“Lucifer is fine. I sent him out to battle in the Crowleyan Crossing kingdom. He sends me regular reports on the battle. We seem to be in the verge of break through, but you never know with that Fergus. He always has a plan of some sort.” John nodded at this statement, rubbing his chin in thought.
“If you ever need reinforcement, I'm sure I could help you in any way, Chuck.” John suggested patting Chuck's shoulder.
“Thank you John but for now I think we are holding on” Chuck smiled, nodding in thought. After that Dean lost concentration. They began to talk about politics and Dean was truly not in the mood for such topics so he went back to scanning the ballroom of a quick pleasure. All the while, he could feel Castiel’s gaze on his face, watching his every move, as if studying him. They spent a few hours in that position. Dean staring rapturously at the ballroom with Castiel studying him. A sudden blare of a horn shook them from their moment, both looking toward the entrance of the hall. A maiden of young age was standing there with a vibrant red hair and wearing a golden gown.
“Ah she has arrived. Good timing too,” said king Chuck, raising to his feet. “My daughter. Princess Anna of Novakia.” King John smile brightly and stood up as well. Noticing that Castiel was standing up, Dean bolted to his feet. The princess walked over to the throne in a confident manner, taking her father’s hand and stepping on the last step to the thrones. Chuck kissed her cheek and motioned her to king John. She bowed lowly, only raising her head to look up at the king through her lashes.
“A pleasure to be in your presence your lordship. Its an honor.” She spoke elegantly, and softly. King John took her hand, making her stand up straight.
“You are more beautiful than the painting portrayed my lovely. You are welcome to our kingdom.” King John, moved toward the crowd, many still watching the entrance of the princess.
“My loyal subjects,” John spoke. “I'm excited to announce the arrival of Princess Anna of Novakia!” The ballroom exploded in kind applause. King John nodded looking around the hall. “I have a special announcement to make. King Chuck of Novak and I have been discussing the unification of our kingdoms through matrimony.” At these words, Dean's heart dropped to his stomach. He was the only that was looking for a bride at the moment and Anna seem too old for Sam. “We have decided to join my son, and heir, Prince Dean of Winchestia to the beautiful Princess Anna of Novakia!” He announced opening his arms wide. The ballroom exploded with cheers, as the kingdom rejoiced with the new alliance. Dean noticed that most of the young maidens were clapping half-heartedly. John motioned for Dean to stand beside him. Dean slowly moved toward his father, vaguely aware of Castiel's glare on the back of his head. King John grabbed Anna's hand and then Dean's, joining them together in front of him so the crowd could see the new couple.
“The wedding is to take place in seven months from today. The princess and her family will be staying with us for that time to keep the princess company and to, not just unite these two persons, but the family as a whole. Let the celebration begin!” At these words the ballroom door opened and the circus burst in. The crowd turned to the entertainment, cheering with glee. Dean turned to Anna, pulling his hand away from hers. King John returned to his throne talking cheerfully to Chuck, and pointing out all the circus entertainment. Dean looked back at Anna, who was looking at him sadly. The prince suddenly realized that she wanted this as much as Dean. He smile weakly and motioned for her to follow him. He waited until she sat down in the chair beside him before sitting in his own throne. He watched as Anna turned to Castiel to smile, Castiel returned the smile reassuringly.
“Im sure he will take good care of you Anna,” Castiel remarked. Dean narrowed his eyes at the blue-eyed prince. “And i'm sure he will give you great pleasure as he has had much practice. Might as well choose which one you want for your future husbands mistress Anna. Look around the ballroom i'm sure at least three-quarters of the maidens all know him very intimately.” Castiel growled, glaring at Dean passed Anna.
“Castiel! You must not speak that way! Be polite.” Anna turned to Dean, giving him an apologetic smile. “I apologize for my brothers behaviour. He is not happy with this arrangement. For you see, I'm already in love with someone else, but he is not of royal blood.” Anna looked down at her folded hands on her lap. Dean pulled her chin up forcing him to look at him.
“If you wish, I could request that he is sent over to our castle immediately. I'll place him a position in our court, so you will be able to see him every day. I will not mind. I believe that the heart can never change.” Anna looked at him in awe, and grabbed his hand, absolutely beaming at him. Dean’s gaze flickered to Castiel who was sitting forward watching the exchange with narrowed eyes.
“That is quite a compromise Prince Dean,” he growled. “and i'm guessing that that means that you can have as many mistresses as you please?”
“Castiel!” Anna glared back at her brother, fuming. Dean patted Anna’s hand.
“If you have a problem with this arrangement, i'm sure your father will love to hear all about it.” Dean glared at Castiel, also leaning forward in his chair.
“I already have. I have explained to him that Anna could do much better than the like of a prince who sleeps with every maiden in his court. My sister, the bride of a troll” Castiel spat back.
“Oh, I understand now. You must not get many maidens-” I highly doubt it with that face but whatever he is annoying me. “- back in your kingdom. You are jealous that someone like me could be more wanted than the like of a virgin prince who might never be able to please his own wife.” Dean counterattacked. His green eyes locked with Castiel’s liquid blue eyes.
“And what suggests that im a virgin? I don't flaunt around my undertakings unlike you who doesn't bother to hide his own activities, as you were clearly looking for a pray just minutes before Anna walked in.” Castiel was gripping the arm of the chair, his knuckles turning white.
“I was. But my question is, why were you watching me? You have a secret you want to share before this friendship continues?” Dean smirked at Castiel, who looked startled.
“Friendship? There is no friendship. There never will be.” Castiel shot back.
“Why are you avoiding the question Prince Castiel? You really are, aren't you? You go for the same fish don't you?” Dean laughed, passing a hand through his hair.
“You...irritable...revolting...I do not ‘go for the same fish’. How dare you accuse me of such sodomy!?” Castiel thrust his finger in Dean's direction. Dean laughed and shrugged,
“I don't care what you do for pleasure Castiel. Just don't call me a gigolo when you yourself are the epitome of sodomy.” A chuckle made them stop their bickering and look at Anna who was trying to repress a laugh. Castiel narrowed his eyes at his sister.
“And what exactly is so funny Anna?,” Castiel asked. Dean eyed Anna as well, frowning.
“You two are so cute,” she giggled. Both Castiel and Dean recoiled back in shock, looking at Anna who was now full on laughing. Castiel glared at Dean and sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. Dean huffed and did the same. Neither spoke to each other until the ballroom had cleared and the two families were heading into the inner rooms of the castle. Dean shook hands with Gabriel, Michael, and King Chuck before turning to Anna. He grabbed her hand, kissing her knuckles.
“Even if this is not love. I hope that we could be good friends.” Anna nodded, patting Dean's hand and turning to walk to her chamber with her maidens. A cough made Dean turn around to face Castiel, who was standing behind him.
“It was a pleasure joining you in the ballroom de put aire.” Castiel grinned, calling Dean unclean and foul. Dean clenched his jaw.
“Same here you fils puitan” Dean retorted. Castiel's eyes hardened at being called the son of a prostitute.
“Troll” Castiel hissed, pulling his hand roughly away from Dean’s grasp.
“Maggot” Dean threw back. They both turned from each other, walking away to their respective chambers.