Work Text:
Once upon a time, the organization of the world fell, nobody really knew how or why, tales were passed down, and contradictory information was written, depending on who wrote it. There was this old story about creatures of the night being real, people starting a defense line against monsters or vampires, or maybe it was werewolves. But with time, most people forgot about that origin.
The then-formed countries were left forming new smaller kingdoms. Those who wanted to keep things the same reorganized the leftover territories to restart what was left of those countries. It took years to accept the new reality, and a few generations later, some places adopted medieval customs leaving behind the technological advances humanity once had.
The Kingdom of Triskele was the new image of royalty. Placed around the old New York area, the kingdom was one where the traditions were kept but the advances humanity made over two thousand years were not lost for them. For example, they had all the mass-produced food but returned to the old-fashioned houses and town distribution. On the societal side, Queen Talia and her husband didn't force their kids into marriage, and all their kids had the choice of whether they wanted to be eligible to be the next leader or not.
People loved their Queen, loved the whole family, and respected them. But lately, someone was spreading hate around, about how they weren't as pure as royalty should be. The reasoning was that Queen Talia married outside their kingdom, and the older daughter, Princess Laura Anabelle, was betrothed to a simple knight. On top of that, Prince Derek Alexander was a father with no wife. Nobody knew what happened to Prince Eli’s mother, a secret the family guarded from the public.
Everyone knew the Royal family never liked the Argentum Kingdom, they were banished from several places during history, being the last war fought against the Triskele kingdom. A war they lost one generation ago with King Gerard as the leader. The man was ruthless and young, too young to be a king. Rumors said he killed his own father to become the King. He had no compassion for the people who followed them and lived under their rules. He died years later, killed by anonymous men. The blame fell on the Triskele kingdom, but King Alexander II denied it, putting the blame on Prince Deucalion from two kingdoms over. Then the King died as well, from old age and the stress the whole situation caused. Then Princess Talia was the new Queen.
Now, King Christopher of Argentum was trying to clear their family image. He was a fair king, there was no doubt, but Prince Kate, his sister, was the one following the steps of their father King Gerard. People talked on the streets that she was the one trying to take down the Triskele Kingdom.
Of course, Queen Talia put a smile on her face and assured her people that everything was fine, no need to panic about another war. Behind the scenes, she put the kingdom Commander, Sir Deaton, in charge of security and information gathering. On the other hand, Queen Talia was considering getting an Emissary involved. Emissaries' roles in their society were people who advised kingdoms without interviewing with decisions, they were neutral, looking after the peace of everyone. In the old tales, the influence they had was because of magic.
The Queen told her family the idea, seeking their input. At the meeting were Princess Laura with her betrothed, Prince Derek, Prince Peter ( the Queen's brother), and the King Consort.
“Your Majesty, may I suggest someone?”, Knight Parrish said from Princess Laura’s side.
“Go on, who do you have in mind?”
“Thank you. As you know, I’m not from this kingdom. The last place I called home was a small kingdom called Beacon. Queen Claude and her husband had a son, who, even at his young age, was showing signs of being a future Emissary. He must be nineteen or eighteen now. “
“I see. We could send a letter, asking if he is trained now, if he would be willing to act as an intermediary between us and the Argentum Kingdom”
“I can take care of it if you allow it”
“Is settled then. Make contact. In the meantime, we don’t respond to anything people ask”
“What is this??”
King Christopher looked up, stopping the work he was doing. His sister Kate was waving a paper in front of him. He didn't need to read it to know what was it. “You know what is it. Destroy it. There is more.”
“A treaty? With the Triskele Kingdom? Did you forget our father’s fight? They are ruining what our ancestors fought for.”
“We want peace, not another bath of innocent people’s blood”
“You are a fool. If you don't do that, there will be no more innocent people because in a generation there won't be anyone left”
“I am the King, show some respect, Kate. And, as the King, I say what we should do. Go marry some prince if you want to keep the bloodline and the traditions. Now if you excuse me…”
Princess Kate knew that was her dismissal. She was furious. Queen Talia would ruin everything. Kate knew what his brother was denying, what her father confided in her. No, she needed to do something. Putting a coat with a hood over her head, she left the Argentum Palace in search of some men who would do anything for a few coins. Thankfully, her father left her with contacts and ways to get things done without getting her hands dirty.
The Royal Family was known for being part of the people. They were known for having walks outside or enjoying a day at the plaza. Knights were guarding them, but people loved them and respected them enough to let them be. There was no reason to be scared.
That freedom was about to be over.
Princess Laura, Prince Derek, and his son, Prince Eli were buying charms at a vendor’s stand when a man quicker than the Knights ran towards them screaming about purity. Princess Laura screamed, bringing attention to their security. Prince Derek covered his son with his body feeling the sting of a knife and the weight of the man over his back. The Knights captured the man, pulling him away from them and rushing them back to the carriages. Prince Eli cried, nobody was sure if because of an injury or because he was scared.
The attack became the gossip everyone talked about that day. Queen Talia was fuming. Her son was hurt, her grandson was traumatized and the fear was starting to get into people’s heads.
“It was just a graze, mother”
“They should not be close enough to touch a hair of you! Any of you!!”
“Perhaps would be safer if you leave for a while”, his father added. Prince Derek wanted to argue, but his father stopped him with a gesture. “I know, I know. But…is not only you son. Think of Eli. I want to protect you the same way you want to protect him.
“I do not want to hide. I’m not a coward”
“ It’s not cowardly if you are taking care of your child.”
“Where…where would we go?”
The Queen and the King exchanged looks, the same idea in their minds. It was the Queen who spoke first. “The Emissary. Beacon is not a conflicted place, you two will be safe there.”
“Do we know if that kid is an Emissary?”
“Their response did not arrive yet. But this is a life and death situation. I rather ask for forgiveness than cry the death of my family”
“Mother, Father, if you let me…”
“No. Don't make me use my … title on this Derek. Please, leave. For a couple of months at least, until we can deal with the Argentum Kingdom”
Bowing his head, Prince Derek accepted his fate. “As you wish, Mother”
The next day, the most inconspicuous arrangement parted from the back of the palace, with only one knight in disguise, Prince Derek, and little Prince Eli still asleep. “Emissary Mieczyslaw, I hope you are all my Mother wishes you are”, he thought. He had a long journey until Beacon.
The journey was a long one indeed, Prince Derek knew it but he was not ready for how exhausting it was. Days and days on dirty roads to try and get unnoticed, poor sleep, uncomfortable seats, and a five year old tired and cranky all the time. He knew his mother would have already sent a message to Beacon announcing his arrival and the situation, though he suspected there was a chance they would arrive before the letter.
The Prince had to congratulate his Knight, Boyd, who was assigned to his journey and was the one barely sleeping, only stopping when he couldn't fight the sleep or the hunger. He appreciated it, but he told him time after time that he rather reach Beacon in many days than have his knight die due to lack of rest or food. It took some days but when Boyd lost control of the carriage after almost 2 days without stopping, Derek said enough, making him stop at least twice a day.
This would be the reason their journey took more time and the reason they got caught.
Later he learned that Boyd blamed himself for not being strong enough, but it wasn't his fault. The ambush came out of nowhere, none of them would suspect they were being followed. Three men, as far as Prince Derek saw, had guns and knives. They went for Boyd first, who screamed to run. He lost sight of him but did as he was told. He took his baby in his arms and ran towards the woods near the road.
“This can't be happening. how did we not hear them?”, was all he could think as he ran. Then there was an arrow on his thigh hurting like hell. He stopped, voices getting closer. “Eli, son, I need you to listen, are you listening?” Poor Eli was too scared to make sense of anything, but he nodded anyway. “You need to be quiet, no crying, and run. Hide and wait for me”
“Papa, dont!”
“Shhh. I’ll be right behind you. I love you. Now go. Go!”
Prince Derek pushed his son away, knowing there was a chance that he wouldn't see his son again. More arrows were flying in his direction until he saw the people shooting at him. Breathing deeply, Prince Derek smiled. “Go ahead, try to kill me, if you can”. They could kill him if the poison on his leg was an indication, but he wasn't to be seen as a coward. The fight didn't last long, three against one. He did some damage, but the knife on his chest made things harder. Oh, right, at some point he got stabbed.
The Prince was about to let go, praying those men didn't follow his son’s trail when he heard a faint “Hey!”. Then, he passed out.
Laughter, a familiar laughter woke him up. Eli? The last thing he remembered was pain and darkness. Sitting up as fast as he could. he managed to change positions.
Price Derek was alone in an unfamiliar room, big and white, with open windows on the side. He could hear the laughter far away, at the other end of whatever was outside the windows. There was a cup of water on the nightstand, and what he recognized as his clothes neatly folded on top of a chair. His boy ached, and the clothes he was wearing weren't familiar to him. He tried to move, get up and out, follow the voice of his kid but his head was killing him and that was a totally new experience for him.
Was he kidnapped? Drugged?
“No kidnapping happening here”
That voice… he knew that voice, somewhere, he heard it before. “You, whoever you are, left out the part of me being drugged”. Looking around, he saw a man, older than him, around his father's age or maybe a bit younger. He was standing at the room entrance.
Gaining back his usual self, Prince Derek went with the questions. “Who are you? Where am I? And, where is my son??”
“You are in Beacon, and this is my home. Well… technically is my wife's house, since she is the Queen…”
“It's not…I wasn’t expecting that …Your Majesty”. Prince Derek met with the King once or twice, but he was younger and was never good at remembering names. The King laughed and was so refreshing, a big contrast to his mother always worrying. “My wife is the only majesty and she would be mad at you for saying it. We are royals, but we are the people too, we never liked the titles, although we follow the protocols. Come on now, let me help you, I believe you must be wondering what happened, am I right? ”
“I am confused, yes”
“My son…he saved you. He and some of our knights. We received a letter from your mother, explaining what happened and her desire for us to keep you safe. There were rumors about an ambush, you don't want to know how we knew that. I wanted to wait but my son said we must send someone to meet you on your way. He was right. And before you ask, your kid is outside playing with your knight and some of ours”
“Thanks. And your son is…”
“I'm the son!”
Mieczeyslaw was the second surprise of the day. He was younger than Derek imagined and so, so attractive. The guy’s eyes reminded him of honey from his mother's recipes and the whiskey his father liked to drink, with a spark of mischief. It made him feel at home, but also, other inappropriate feelings for a first meeting.
“Your Highness”, the emissary greeted him with some laughter on his voice, and Derek couldn't stand the formality.
“Derek”
“Excuse me, What? “
“You…you can call me Derek. Feels weird when people call me ‘your Highness’”
“A pleasure to meet you awake, Derek”
There was a silence where the men in the room didn't speak, for lack of things to say or just because it was becoming awkward, between the looks the Prince was giving to the Emissary. Thankfully, the noises coming from outside brought everyone's attention to the little kid asking for his Papa. Then, towards the door, he said too quietly to be heard by anyone “Come here pup”
The kid, with blue eyes and dark hair, ran until he collapsed against the bed he was sitting on. “Say hi to the King,” Derek said while showing him “ and his son Emissary Mie…”
“Stiles!. Prince Stiles if you want formality. I’m not an Emmisary, yet”
“That's a funny name”, the little voice said and Stiles laughed, kneeling at his son’s level. “It is funny, like me. What is your name little one”
“I'm not little. I’m five”
“Oh, my most sincere apologies then…”
“Eli. His name is Eli”
“Well Prince Eli, let me show you your new room, if your father allows it, of course”
“ Can Papa come too?”, Eli asked in his innocence.
“Papa can come too”.
The first night was full of anxiety, not knowing what was going on back home. He sent a letter after dinner, but it would take a while to get a response. Eli slept in his bed like he did every time he was scared. New houses were scary. Derek couldn't stop thinking about light brown eyes and moles, but also about war and death.
They had dinner when he met Queen Claude, a strong woman who reminded him of Queen Talia despite the age differences since his mother was a little older than the Beacon Queen. Then he was sent to rest, leaving a Beacon Knight in charge of the night guard, letting Boyd sleep after such a journey.
Breakfast was similar, the Queen and the King taking an instant liking to Eli. “We could show him the stables if you are okay with us taking him. We can go with your Knight if that makes you feel safer”, the King said. Derek accepted the request knowing his son was in good hands. Unfortunately, that left him with the prince. He was thinking of excuses to leave the table when the Prince spoke.
“Would you walk with me? If you are feeling up to it. You were pretty injured”
“Yes”
What was wrong with him? It was not a day and he was already saying yes to anything the guy asked. Was it magic? Derek knew the old tales and he knew they were real, maybe not all of them but some… Magic was not a thing to play with.
Stiles took Derek to the gardens in the back of the property, the Knight from the previous night following them close. They walked the first ten or fifteen minutes in silence, shoulders bumping together now and then. Derek could tell Stiles wanted to say something until he finally asked.“Why did your family think it was better for you and Eli to be here? ”
“You are an emissary. Or you will be. You are impartial and if you believe the tales, your magic can protect us. Is it true? Do you have magic?”
“Do you believe in magic, Derek?”
“I asked first”
Stiles stopped walking to look at Derek at his face, seriously looking, like he was searching for something in the way Derek looked at him. He smiled when he found his answer and changed the subject. “Do you know what happened? On the road, I mean”
“I don’t, not really. We were ambushed, Boyd got hurt and then I tried to protect my son”
“We believe those men were sent by the Argentum Kingdom. When we found you. You were in bad shape, with arrows and knives stuck into your body. There was blood and flesh I didn't need to know how it looked under the skin. Knight Boyd was seriously injured too, but with my ‘magic,’ we were able to help you both. We stabilized you and brought you back. Eli was hiding and we had to send one of the women working here to get him out of his hiding place, he was afraid of us. “
“Thank you. For saving us. What happened with those men?”
“The less you know the better.” They walked slowly around the garden in comfortable silence. Now and then Prince Stiles would bump his shoulder against him while walking. “We should be back, you are still weak from the wolfbane”
“What?”
“The arrows and knives. They were covered in wolfbane. You know, they make ‘some people’ have an ‘allergic reaction’. And those are too many air quotes in one sentence”
Prince Derek stopped to look at the Emissary. “I don't know what you are talking about”
“I’m sure you don’t. Come on, let's go back, you have a pup to take care of after all”. Prince Stiles said laughing while walking away. Prince Derek stood there, too stunned to move.
Denial or not, Prince Derek knew his injuries had consequences. It took days for him to feel back to normal. He and Boyd would share looks, neither of them too sure if they should trust the Prince. The King and Queen were a different matter, never pointed at knowing what they were hiding. Prince Derek supposed that they must know, but were far more respectful of his secret than their son. For all the rumors and fairy tales around, most people didn't believe the old werewolves and witches' stories. Only a handful of them survived the old times and families were keeping the secret the best they could. His mother told him that the old Argentum King knew about it and was the real reason he started the wars.
He always wondered why they didn't reveal the secret to everyone. If every nation knew, the Triskele Kingdom would be outnumbered and they would gain the control they wanted. It was a power matter, he supposed.
The days in Beacon were nice, a good change to the stress at Triskele. The air was different, the few people he was allowed to see for his safety were nice as well. But the best of his days were Prince Stiles.
They didn't talk much, but the young prince loved to get to know Eli. Derek had kingdom conversations with the King and Queen, plans, and alliance ideas to bring to his mother when it was safe for him to be back. That left Eli spending most of the time with Boyd. The Knight is stoic, not a great conversationalist, like knights usually are. Prince Stiles noticed that and made it his job to entertain the kid. There were picnics in the garden, runs at the small labyrinth, horse adventures, and pillow forts. Prince Derek saw all from the sidelines, enjoying his son's happiness and the light in Stiles's eyes when he laughed at his kid. It made him feel things.
At night, the prince liked to annoy him with chatter. Stiles would talk for both of them, and Derek didn't mind. He was always the quiet one in the family.
“What is in your mind, Your Highness?”, Prince Stiles asked at the fourth week of their stay in Beacon. Eli took a liking to fall asleep only with a fairy tale from Stiles. Derek refused the first five times, but now he had to conceal how fun it was hearing him tell a tale. The other Prince was expressive with his hands and gestures, with the voices he made for the characters he invented. Eli was getting attached and that was not a good thing for Derek's heart.
“I told you before. It’s Derek, Emissary Mieczyslaw.”
“It will be ‘Derek’ when you can call me Stiles”.
They were sitting close to each other, Eli asleep next to Derek, one hand on the pillow and one in Stiles’ arm. It was too adorable and domestic. “Do you think that…you could visit when this war is avoided? If you are finished with your studies, that's it”
“Of course. I know how important is for kids to keep their relationships”
“Eli will miss you, of course”. Not only him, Prince Derek thought.
Prince Stiles punched him in the shoulder, causing more damage to his hand than to Derek’s shoulder. “Your Highness. Are you this obtuse on purpose?”
“I do, I don’t want to think about it because I was never good with words as you are, Emissary Mieczyslaw”.
“Then don’t talk”. The kiss was gentle, almost like Prince Stiles was afraid to scare him. A hand rested on his cheek as Prince Derek let it go, closing his eyes.
“Wait, wait… Eli is sleeping right here”
Prince Stiles had an evil smirk when he took his hand and tugged. “Good thing this is my palace, and there is my private room”
Prince Derek never walked faster.
The letter came two months later, with news about the Argentum Princess in custody for the attempt to murder the Queen and the request for his presence back immediately. Boyd helped with the carriage, and the Queen ordered that at least two more knights go with them to protect them. The Princess was no longer a threat, but precautions were a smart idea.
The King hugged him goodbye, taking Prince Derek by surprise. “From a father to another, take care of my boy”. The King walked back inside the home leaving him alone with Prince Stiles.
“I don’t want to say goodbye to you too, but I have to take my place in my kingdom”
“That's why I’ll go with you. I have my parents' blessing”
“I can’t ask you to go”
“You are not asking. My mom always said that we are royals, but we have to follow our hearts. And mine is telling me Triskele is where I need to be”
“Are you sure?”
“I am sure, Your Highness”
Taking his hand and kissing his knuckles, Prince Derek smiled. “Let’s go home, Emissary Mieczyslaw”
Fin.