Claimer: Refer to previous chapters.

Author’s Notes: First of all I would like to thank each and every person that’s bothered to read my attempt at a good story. Your criticism was exactly what I needed as a growing writer, and as soon as this arc is over, I’m going back for the heavy editing!

Second, for those of you wondering why the story seems to be moving so fast, there’s a good answer. THIS IS NOT THE ENTIRE STORY. This is more like a summery, more or less, of the first arc. I took out a lot of the extra frills and such, wanting to keep them to the end novel, but at the same time kept a good story. There’s nothing very important missing, but there are huge chunks of description and such missing. I’m waiting until the entire story is completely finished before uploading the novel in its entirety. For write now, I’m concentrating on working the kinks out of the plot, so bear with me!

Lastly, this is indeed chapter 6 already which means that is the second to the last chapter of this arc and almost a third of the entire story! Chapter 7…is huge. This chapter is fairly large in its own right, but it’s mostly just cute stuff, to move away from all of the angst of the story. Except the ending of this chapter. The next chapter is a closer for this arc and basically takes place a month after from ending of Chapter 6 to set up for the second arc.

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The Moon Festival caused merriment and enjoyment in the people of the land like Iroe had never seen in his life. The destitute and the rich forgot their differences for a single night and enjoyed the changing of the seasons, a changing of energy. Iroe stood in the large mass of people watching the parade march down the wide streets, Ri by his side.

The pet did not look pleased at all any more. He had been so thrilled about a night out, but upon leaving the carriage and having a thick metal collar around his neck and a leash attached, his mood had decidedly soured. Iroe just laughed at Ri’s, normally defying and arrogant, face contort into a pout. It was about an hour into the parade, the large moon dragons being carried down the streets by dancers, that Iroe took a hold of Ri’s hand and moved him away from the crowd into a secluded ally way. There he took off his pet’s leash and collar, putting them in the bag at his waist. Taking off his own outer cloak and he wrapped it around Ri, putting the hood over his head.

“There,” he said with a smile, “Now you can enjoy the parade without hurting that huge ego of yours!”

Ri stood there in shock for a few moments. Iroe actions made little sense to him, no matter how much he analyzed them. There seemed to be no logic in a prince like Iroe taking pity on a captive like Ri.

Not knowing what to say, Ri turned his head away, a scowl on his face. “Thank you. Maybe…Iroe…not so much bastard…but only by a little,” he said, almost reluctantly.

Iroe laughed softly, shaking his head as he patted Ri’s back, indicating that they return to the festivities. He knew that it would be hard for someone as prideful as Ri to ever admit that he forgave Iroe, considering the situation that they were in, but he was happy enough with the half-content comment.

The rest of the night played out almost like a dream when Iroe thought back to it years later. With Ri by his side, willingly, they spent the night together, playing the many games, seeing the parades and watching the other performances, Iroe and Ri greatly enjoyed themselves. Ri laughed and smiled more that night than any other night that Iroe had ever seen him and that made the prince happy. Ever since he had seen how horrible Alek was towards his pet, he did everything in his power to make Ri’s life happy and after a few hours with him, he decided that Ri was actually quite adorable when he smiled.

Most of the time, Ri wore an expression suitable for the warrior about to head to combat, not a pet in the presence of royals. He never looked submissive or compliant. During the festival, however, Ri was laughing and smiling and that enthralled Iroe.

He became so drawn into his pet’s actions and expression that he was feeling his head spilling and his heart beating faster. By the time the fire works were set off, Iroe was having a hard time differentiating reality from the loud music and smoke around him. High about in one of the drummer’s towers, the fire works loud and bright around them, Iroe reached out and spun Ri about, pressing their bodies close as he claimed his lips in a passionate kiss.

It only lasted for a moment, by in his mental state of confusion, the moment dragged on for a blissful eternity. Ri actually pressed closer to Iroe, returning the kiss, nothing else in the world seeming to matter.

Suddenly, reality became evident once more and Ri pushed away harshly and punched Iroe across the face. Despite the action he was blushing heavily. “You bastard!” he screamed before angrily walking out the tower, heading to the carriage, waiting alone inside for an entire hour before everyone else joined him. In silence, the carriage started down the road, returning home.

Iroe spent the last hour worried about his relationship with Ri. It had been progressing so well and then suddenly he went and did something as stupid as kiss him. Ri was sitting beside him, glaring angrily in the opposite direction, the collar once more in place. He was lost in his thoughts and almost jumped in surprise when Ri’s head fell lightly on his shoulder, the pet’s cheek resting on Iroe’s shoulder.

Iroe looked down at Ri in shock. Ri still looked angry, but his actions defiantly spoke to a different meaning. Eventually, Iroe stopped thinking about the entire situation in such detail and just accepted things as they were, resting his head against Ri’s as they traveled home.

As the next few weeks passed, Iroe and Ri grew closer and closer together. They became friends, their difference in rank no longer meaning much to either of them. Their conversations slowly began to incorporate less insults and threats until they were actually happy to talk to each other, delving into their own world, forgetting everything around them. Iroe wondered how it was that their relationship was able to develop so quickly and he realized that it was mainly because Alek was not around to ruin it. His brother, since getting his new pet, was no longer seen constantly, coming out of his chambers once a day or so to take a small walk, his pet walking close behind him, a thick chain around his neck and his wrists bound. Unlike the other pets, this one never cowered.

After nearly six months together, the relationship between Iroe and Ri turned almost romantic. Ri and Iroe shared all of their meals together, they took walks together and, after some time, they shared baths and slept in the same bed, curled up to the other, just happy with the presence of the other.

Several times, Iroe inquired about Ri’s past, and each time Ri would change the subject. Ri would get just a saddened look on his face that Iroe would not have the heart to pry anymore.

Life seemed to be going fine and happily for everyone in the palace that everyone was shaken up when the night of terror came.

It was the dead of night, Iroe and Ri sleeping in bed already, when the loud cannons fired, Iroe starting awake. Disorient, but awake enough to now that danger was close, Iroe grabbed Ri’s hand and ran through the many corridors of the palace to where he hoped would be safe. As soon as he got to the large, open balconies, however, he stopped, dead in his tracks. The buildings surrounding the palace were ablaze and foreign troops were marching through the streets, gathering the citizens and binding them.

Iroe and Ri looked on in horror, as the royal family was lead out into the open, bound, an executioner waiting.

“I see you enjoy the little show my army has made?”

Iroe whirled around as soon as he heard the voice, pulling Ri behind him instinctively; looking horrified when they saw whom the voice belonged to.

Alek’s new pet stood there, now dressed as war commander, troops standing behind him, swords drawn. Alek stood next to him, wearing the traditional garb of a pet, thick manacles around his wrists, his head bowed.

“What the hell is going on,” Iroe hissed, moving backward, away from the man.

The ex-pet just laughed, grinning. “Now, Prince Iroe that is not a very courteous way of addressing your conqueror. My name is Commander Finel and you, my friends, are now property of the Kimil Empire. It was truly a simple thing getting through your defenses…all I had to do was pose as a pet. After…taking care of your brother,” he said, putting strong hand on Alek’s shoulder, Iroe watching in horror as his younger brother’s naturally slender frame trembled in fear. It was true that Iroe hated his brother but he did not blame Alek for becoming who he was, the society that they lived in encouraged heartless behavior.

“What is it you want from me?” Iroe said, glaring at Finel now, Ri clutching onto the back of his shirt.

Finel laughed, making a small motion with his hands, the guards swarming at Iroe and Ri, pulling them apart. “Iroe! Iroe! Let go of me!” Ri screamed out, thrashing wildly against the guards who held him tightly. Iroe struggled as well and because of his strength and size, he offered the guards a challenge, having to be gagged and tied up, able only to watch as Finel walked to Ri slowly.

Reaching out, the commander grabbed a firm hold of Ri’s chin, holding it firmly. “Prince Iroe…it is not you that I am most concerned with. My own prince has had his eyes on this one right here for quite some time. He was willing to invade this kingdom just to get him. Take him to the royal carriage. Take him back to the palace in the Capital,” he said, the guards dragging Ri out of the palace, kicking and screaming, having to resort to knocking him out with the butt of their swords.

Iroe was screaming out against the fabric in his mouth, struggling against guards, absolutely furious. Finel smiled sadistically as he turned to Iroe. “Oh, I am truly sorry. Did I make you angry my taking your precious lover away? Well, do not fear, I have a new master for you. He will make you forget all about little Ri. Take him to the Count. He will be expected.”

When all the soldiers were gone, there was only Finel and Alek left. Turning to the smaller young man who was staring down at the ground, his thin shoulders shaking a little, Finel walked towards him, Alek taking a step back. Almost in angry, Finel shot his arms around and grabbed a hold of Alek, his grip so hard that Alek whimpered.

“Look at me when I am talking to you,” Finel commanded in a wry grin, his voice almost deathly sweet. Alek looked up at him in fear, sobbing as Finel slapped him across the face, trying hard to stifle his cries. Finel smiled as he soothingly caressed Alek’s cheek, holding him tightly. “Shh, there, there…no need to cry. I promise you Alek, I will not let anyone else hurt you, not even myself. After all…I promised that I would make you happy if you helped me, did I not?” he said, Alek sniffling as he nodded. Finel wiped Alek’s tears from his cheek and kissed his forehead lightly.

“Trust me, Alek. I will make betraying this entire kingdom worth it all.”