Unrelated Royalty: Chapter Four

Lundie couldn’t help but smile in the dark as he heard the young Silas curse after each painful run-in with some pointy piece of furniture or another. He imagined that the prince’s pale…beautiful…exquisite knees would be quite marred with bruises by the time the boy actually found the door to Lundie’s laboratory.

The tall, cold man’s mouth went dry, and he tried to turn his thoughts to something other than Silas’ skin. He looked over at the doorframe as the object of his tempestuous desires slammed angrily into the room. Lundie tried to not appear amused at Silas’ disheveled appearance.

The young prince was wearing a black, cotton tunic that clung tightly to his lanky body. His shaggy, brown hair spilled out over his eyes, his beautiful kohl-lined eyes. Lundie never liked the kohl; it detracted from Silas’ innocent appearance.

Of course, Silas himself detracted from his innocent appearance. The twenty year old was forever flitting around the court, trying to draw the attention of every nobleman and woman. And most of the time, he succeeded. There were multiple occasions when Lundie had to keep a lecherous fool away from the prince, or stop a duel over the boy before it turned lethal.

And every time Lundie diffused a dangerous situation for Silas, the boy would always sling his arms around the bitterly cold man’s neck, and bury his young face in Lundie’s long, snow-white hair.

“It’s all for you.” Silas would mutter sadly every time, his words muffled in Lundie’s hair, “I would stop if you only noticed me.”

Lundie would pick Silas up, one arm under the crook of the boy’s knees, the other under his back. He would carry Silas to the boy’s room, and lay him down on his bed. He would sit next to him, and brush the boy’s hair out of his eyes.

“Why are you not afraid of me?” Lundie would ask, “Everyone else is afraid of me.”

He never asked this question while Silas was awake. He would wait until the boy’s eyes had drooped closed, the tight grip that Silas had on Lundie’s hand loosened. He would wait for Silas to sleep.

Not anymore, however. The anger in Silas’ eyes as he slammed into the laboratory had an edge to it that seemed permanent. Obviously, Lundie had done the unforgivable.

“Why?” Silas hissed, “….and don’t even ask me ‘why what?’ because I know you know what I’m talking about.”

Lundie smirked, a smile that did not quite reach his eyes, “It’s for your own good, Silas.” he said quietly, “You’re wasting away here, wasting away your youth.”

“Let me choose how I waste my youth!” Silas replied angrily, “Don’t have my younger brother choose for me!”

Lundie twiddled a small glass bottle for a moment, as he pondered Silas’ words. Finally he said, “Prince, it may annoy you now, that Lorne has decided this for you, but in the future, you may be glad that you have left.”

Silas’ eyes narrowed dangerously, “What does that mean?” he asked.

Lundie sighed, and turned back to his potions, “It means…” he said, “what I have always tried to tell you. Lorne will be king one day, and you will still be nothing, living on the generosity of a man who would be dead by then.” He observed the reaction of pouring one liquid into another. “It means that you will always have to do what your younger brother chooses for you…unless you leave.”

Silas was silent for a moment, as he pondered Lundie’s words. “So…you will not miss me.” he stated.

Lundie clanked down the glass bottle rather harshly, a clumsy move that was not usually seen in the cold man, “What?” he asked, slightly flustered.

“You will not miss me.” Silas repeated flatly.

Lundie turned to him, and said, “What makes you think that?”

Silas crossed his arms in frustration, and said, “If it was your idea for me to go, than obviously you don’t care if I’m gone.”

Lundie smiled, “That is not true Silas. Love means that sometimes, you have to sacrifice what you want for what’s best for the one you love.”

Silas looked up with curiosity, “Wait…” he said, “You love me?”

There was a rapid flash of surprise on Lundie’s face as the cold man realized what word he had let slip out, but the his expression quickly slid back into it’s blank demeanor.

“No.” he said, “I…care about your future, that is all.”

Lundie tried to show no emotion as he saw a small tear wind it’s way down Silas’ face. “You know, Lundie,” the prince said, his voice ragged with sadness, “I’m an adult now…it wouldn’t be wrong for you to love me.”

“You are far from being an adult.” Lundie said suddenly, “It takes more than actual time passing to be an adult.” He looked down at his work table, “…and…it would be wrong, Silas. I watched you grow from being an infant. I was outside the door of the room that your mother gave birth to you in, I heard her screams.” Lundie snorted derisively at himself, “I practically raised you, God knows, no one else had time for you.”

He looked back up at Silas, “I’ve been on this planet so much longer than you have, child. I may desire you, and you know that I do, but it is not in the cosmic frame that we be together.”

Lundie felt a small ping of discomfort and regret in his heart when he saw the hurt in Silas’ eyes. He walked towards the boy, and placed a cold hand on the prince’s face, “I am the only parent you know. The king ignored your existence, and the queen went out of her way to mock you. I will not corrupt our relationship. It will remain on the level of guardian and ward.”

Silas gulped away his tears, and slid forward into a hug with Lundie, his hands grasping the leathery material of the older man’s tunic. Lundie sighed as he once again fought the internal desire to rip away Silas’ clothing. He patted the boy’s back, and said, “I gave Lorne the idea to send you away so that you could find yourself Silas, so that you wouldn’t spend the rest of your days waiting for me.”

Silas backed away from the cold man, and looked away, “No matter where I am Lundie, my heart will always be waiting for you.”

With that, he walked out of the room without a second glance. Lundie sighed as he watched the lanky youth leave. He turned to a dark figure that was lounging in a chair in the shadows.

“Do you see what I have to put up with?” he asked the figure.

The king chuckled, and said, “What? Young men who want you to bed them, or the fact that you won’t live by your baser instincts?”

Lundie threw the king a disparaging look, “Silas doesn’t know what he wants,” the man hissed.

The king smiled at Lundie indulgently and replied, “Well obviously he thinks he wants you.” He took a sip of brandy that he had been nursing, “By gods Lundie, I never understood how anyone could love you.” he chuckled after swallowing the alcoholic liquid.

“I feel the same way.” Lundie said, his thin, cold lips curving into a self-mocking smile, “I have never done deserving of love.”

“Ah, stop the self-pity Lundie, you’re better than that.” the king laughed, taking another sip of his brandy.

Lundie gave the king and odd and inscrutable look, “Yes…” he said bemusedly, “Why are you here exactly?”

The king’s jolly face quickly stiffened into a more serious expression, “I’m here,” he said, “because I do not appreciate you manipulating my son into sending away his brother because he has a childhood grudge on the boy.”

Lundie sneered as he leaned against the side of his worktable, and crossed his arms, “What you don’t appreciate, I think, is that your son can still be manipulated so easily. I even convinced him that Silas and Nerini were having an affair.” he said with a smirk.

“This is not a game anymore Lundie.” the king replied with some anger, “I know when we were younger, these manipulation games were fun, but now they are just dangerous. I do not want Lorne to be a bitter king.”

“That’s not really something you can avoid.” Lundie replied, “At the age of fifteen, he carries around more anger and bitterness than I do.”

The king shook his head, “I know that he may be slightly upset that Silas never…”

“Slightly upset?” Lundie interrupted with a scoff, “His older brother never accepted him, treated him with scorn, meanwhile treating Nerini with adoration. Lorne watched the two of them frolic around for all of his life, while he was left out in the cold.” Lundie smirked, “Do you remember what it was like to want your older brother’s acceptance?” he asked, “Well…” he continued thoughtfully, “That is, until he died.”

“My need for my older brother to ‘accept’ me never included wanting to sleep with him. It is obvious that Lorne has reacted so poorly to Silas’ cold treatment of him because he doesn’t understand his desires for his own brother.”

“Stepbrother.” Lundie corrected, “and that’s exactly why I thought it would be a good idea for Silas to leave. He doesn’t know how Lorne feels about him, Lorne doesn’t know how he feels for Silas, ignorance is bliss.” he said quietly.

Lundie bit his lip for a moment as he thought, a characteristic that the king always treasured because it seemed to be the one human movement that Lundie ever made.

“You don’t want Lorne to discover his feelings,” Lundie said finally, “Hate mixed with desire mixed with a secret desire for love can be a dangerous concoction.”

He walked over to the king, and knelt at the man’s knees, placing his hand over the king’s own, “There was a time when we felt such things for each other, and it led to your brother’s death.” The king looked down at Lundie’s hand with a regretful smile, “but,” Lundie continued, “You can stop history from repeating itself, you can separate them for the time that Lorne really grows up and matures. He won’t remember his brother soon enough, when his lust really kicks in, when he notices all of the nobles willing to go to bed with him.”

“You sound like Nessia,” the king said with a chuckle, “she always talks about her son as if he were a stud horse who has lost his way.” he smiled, “In fact, that’s exactly how she put it once, she said that Silas was like a broken, flea-covered brood mare, who would only distract the pureblood studhorse and waste his time.”

“She only said that because she holds a grudge against anything related to Lady Mairi.” Lundie replied.

The king stood up with a sigh, muttering about his old and aching bones, “I’m tired of discussing my son’s desires,” he said, “Just know that the only reason that I’m not completely blusteringly upset with you is because I agree that they should be separated.”

Lundie nodded.

“I will go than,” the king said, “Find me sometime this week Lundie, it has been so long since we played chess.” and with that, he left the room as Lundie returned to his potions.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Silas stared at everything he owned, all of his possessions, all of which were currently splayed out on his bed. He looked pensively at all of the expensive court clothing, and the flashy shoes, all of which had raised heels. Not exactly the type of shoes to mucking about on.

“This is a disaster.” he mumbled to himself as he picked up a pair of silvery stockings.

“I don’t know,” a quiet voice came from behind the prince, “I would think it was more of a completely unsalvageable mess.”

Silas turned and smiled when he saw his friend Simon, leaning in the doorway, “Same thing.” he said with a laugh.

“Well, don’t worry about it.” Simon replied as he walked into the room, “I have already packed you a bag of suitable clothing.”

He placed a pair of saddlebags on the bed. Silas stared at them for a moment, and than said, “That’s it?” with a confused look on his face.

Simon smiled, “We’re going to be riding horses for sometime before we reach the port. Believe me, with the little amount of riding experience that you actually have, it would be better if you weren’t carrying anything on your back.”

Silas sighed, and sat down on the bed, “I still can’t believe this is happening.” he said. He looked up at Simon, “but it’s nothing new for you, right? You’ve already been gone for three years, you just got home.”

Simon sat down next to Silas with a smile, “Home is wherever you are.” he said.

Silas looked up at the knight with a confused look, “Simon, you always say the oddest things that never mean what other people would take them for.”

“What you would you take my words for?” Simon replied calmly.

Silas chuckled, “That’s exactly it, I have no idea.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Simon replied. He picked up a dusty, wood box that was quite beautiful if one were to examine it closely. “What is this?” the knight asked.

Silas looked over at the item in Simon’s hands, “Oh…” he said, “I don’t remember, I found it in this old hiding spot that I had as a kid.”

Simon opened the box, and felt around for some contents. He pulled out the choker necklace in which Lundie had given Silas on the boy’s fifth birthday. The crystal-covered lock was still as brilliant as ever.

“It’s quite beautiful.” Simon said, examining the lock, “I wonder what message the jewelry maker was trying to send by having a lock? It’s quite possessive.”

When Silas hadn’t replied, Simon looked over at his friend. The prince’s eyes were trained on the necklace, and had a contemplative sheen to them.

“Silas?” Simon said, giving the prince a curious look.

“Lundie gave that to me.” Silas said quietly, “It was when I still distrusted him.”

Simon nodded thoughtfully. He never told Silas this, but he would always distrust Lundie, no matter what the man did. Besides, giving a child an expensive piece of jewelry with dubious meaning wasn’t exactly trustworthy anyway.

“This is madness,” Silas said suddenly, “I can’t leave, this is my home...the people I love are here.”

He stood up and paced around the room, “How did this happen? How did this happen?” he mumbled to himself.

“Silas…” Simon said, still holding the necklace, “Why don’t you just try speaking to your brother about it?”

“Yes…” Silas replied, “Yes, that’s exactly what I’ll do.” he looked over at the knight, “Wish me luck Simon.”

Simon nodded, and Silas smiled at him, “I’m glad that you are by my side, friend.” he said, and than left to go find his stepbrother.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Lorne was in his chambers, pacing much like his brother had been a few moments before. He had an inscrutable look on his face, and his movements about the room were erratic.

It took a few moments for him to notice Silas standing in the open doorway, and he when he did see the older boy, he stopped pacing, “What?” he said.

He hated Silas. Just looking at his stepbrother made his stomach roil with anger. He thought back to when his friends would make fun of him because no matter how girly or weak Silas was, he was still taller and stronger than Lorne.

“I’ve come to reason with you.” Silas said, crossing his arms.

Lorne smirked, “Reason? About what?” he said.

“You know what Lorne.” Silas replied, his eyes narrowing, “You’re sending me on this impossible mission because you’re mad at me, it’s not fair.”

“Haven’t you heard?” Lorne replied, “Life isn’t fair.”

Silas’ cold demeanor cracked, and a hint of worry flashed on his face. He walked up to Lorne, who was taken aback by his brother’s sudden movement, and took the younger boy’s hands in his.

“Please brother, don’t make me go.” Silas whispered pleadingly, as he grasped even more tightly on to Lorne’s hands.

Lorne’s heart starting beating faster, and he did not know why. He felt his hands start to get clammy where Silas held them. It took all his mind power not to turn his eyes away from Silas’ intense gaze.

“You’re going.” he whispered, shaking his head back and forth, “It’s too late…it’s too late.”

Silas’ pleading eyes hardened, and his black painted nails dug into Lorne’s hands “Why do you hate me so much Lorne?” he hissed, “We barely even speak to each other, so what did I do that offended you so much?”

“It doesn’t matter anymore Silas, you’re going no matter what.” Lorne replied, ignoring the pain of Silas’ nails. For some reason, he did not want to pull his hands away.

“Lorne…” Silas pleaded again, “I’m supposed to leave today, this is the last chance to change your mind.”

“Stop begging like a coward.” Lorne said coldly, “and just go.”

Resignation clouded over Silas’ face, and he pulled away from Lorne, “Goodbye Lorne.” he said, and walked out of the room.

The younger brother breathed heavily for a few moments, as a sinking feeling dropped in the pit of his stomach. Would this be the last time he saw his brother? Was he sending Silas to die?

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

“I wish I could go with you.” Nerini said as tears streamed down her face.

They were all standing in the courtyard, the horses ready to go. Simon had chosen the two best mares in the stable, and had already saddled them. Everyone had admired Silas’ new riding clothes, and laughed when they saw that he had refused to give up the kohl.

“I wish you could come too.” Silas replied as he hugged his sister. They drew away from each other, and Silas said, “Nerini, be careful. I don’t know what Lorne is up to, but he holds a grudge against both of us.”

The nineteen-year-old girl nodded with a brave smile, and brushed away her tears with her hand. She had grown up beautifully, with golden hair and marvelous blue eyes.

While she walked over to say goodbye to Simon, Lundie came to say goodbye to Silas. He stopped short when he noticed the choker around Silas’ neck, a look of confusion on his face.

“What?” Silas asked with a smile.

“Nothing…” Lundie replied, “I had forgotten that I gave that to you.” He lightly touched the lock with his hand, “It’s called Pandora’s Lock…” he smiled, “It’s just a small joke on the myth…”

Silas smiled, “I’ll treasure it Lundie, because you gave it to me when I had no one else.”

Lundie nodded, and smiled as well, “Silas, be careful on your journey. I do not know what exactly the future holds for you, but I know that there will be perils that you must overcome.”

Silas was about reply when Simon walked up and placed a heavy hand on the prince’s shoulder. “Silas, we should go now, while the light is good.”

Silas sighed and nodded his head. He gave one last glance at Lundie before he clambered on to his horse.

“This journey should not take more than a year.” the king said from the ground, “Try to learn something about life while you’re gone.”

As they trotted away towards the castle gate, Simon and Silas heard Nerini yell after them, “Watch out for dragons and pirate kings!” and the two boys laughed, trying to forget that they were about to face real life, not some game that would end at the dinner bell.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

((AUTHOR NOTE))

Hola people, long time no post…I had some health issues, lol. Funny story, I had started to write chapter four without rereading chapter three, and than I went back to look up some detail like what was Lorne’s hair color or something, and I ended up reading the entire chapter and was like….whoa there is no continuity from chapter three to chapter four, so I had to scrap like four pages of story. lol, I’ll call it the lost chapter.

I don’t know if you guys got the Pandora’s lock joke, so I’ll be a cheeseball and explain my own reference, lol, it’s supposed to be that Silas is Lundie’s Pandora’s Box, and the lock is a…lock…on the box…so yeah lol.

Ok, thirdly…you guys like Lundie? lol…did not see that coming, I tried to make an evilly character, and it’s always my curse that I make a character who was not supposed to be that important at all (For example, Zero from Demons) into like…the fan favorite. Well whatever, I’m just glad that you guys like anyone from the story!  Thank you for reading!