Royal Treatment

The parade continued outside the imposing iron gates of Château-Narcissus, the abode of the Equix family. I pulled away from the crowd and looked through the gates to the lush green gardens that were still kept in bloom even in late November weather. A large fountain erupted in flowing patterns before the broad building.

I imagined Ian Kirtak's handsome chiseled face, and caught myself smiling. A car honked from behind me and I jumped out of the way, realizing that most of the parade had gone on without me and I had been standing in the way like an imbecile.

It was a non-description but elegant old car and the back windows were tinted. However the one nearest me was rolled down a little and I could see a frail young woman with her brown hair piled up behind her head in a tight bun sitting clutching a leather purse worriedly. She was done up prettily however her face looked strained and slightly sad.

The iron gates opened and the expensive car continued on. I felt my smile fading. Who was that woman and what relation was she to the Equix family? I shook my head as if to clear those thoughts. What was I even thinking?

The last of the acrobats pirouetted and leapt by followed by some of the lagging stragglers. A woman sighed from behind me and her irritatingly shrill voice drifted to my ears.

"Ah, Princess Ophelia returns to her fiancé at last. It's such a shame Prince Kirtak will be married off to that sickly woman. Can her feeble form even support a child? He's so good looking too..."

Another woman joined in the conversation and I turned to see the two overly done up women in puffy long skirts and oversized hats walking by with their upturned noses.

"True, but it's been arranged since they were sixteen. I'm sure after the Centennial ball their marriage will be announced."

I felt a stab of ice hit my heart and I staggered to follow the women. I couldn't look back towards the gates; I felt if I did I would faint.

"I hear he doesn't even love her," the first woman said with a wicked cackle. "Again it's such a shame! He should marry a woman he loves."

"Stop dreaming. He doesn't love you," the other woman sneered. "This is how royalty works. Especially those serious types like him. They always follow their parent's orders."

The rest of their conversation was drowned out by a cheer that ran through the parade. The path the parade had taken was winding around past Castle Delphinium and it seemed that Prince Van Orcello was putting on some sort of performance.

I stood on my toes and tried to see what was going on. The Prince of Delphino was standing on the white stone wall that surrounded the castle, waving at the crowd. A harassed man in a suit was shouting at him and gesturing wildly for him to get down. His bodyguards also seemed to be attempting to pull him down.

My heart felt lighter at the amusing sight, but I still ached for Ian.

 

 sorry for late updates, as you may know I'm in the process of moving and sometimes when I update on my computer I don't have interwebs to upload the chapter 

 

Over the next couple of days in honor of the holiday season, there will be some "fan fiction" with an Xmas flavor. These stories will not be related to the main storyline however they will feature the protagonist and the top 3 male leads that you readers have picked so far.

1) Ian Kirtak
2/3) Van Orcello
2/3) Nathan

Thanks for reading and have a happy holiday season 

 

Crown Prince Ian Kirtak's Christmas Story

It was Christmas Eve and I was wandering through the streets of Corsac, looking in the windows at the sparkling displays. The shops had lights and tinsel lining their wares to entice and excite their patrons. It was beautiful.

I blew into my hands to warm them as a wind blew in from the sea. Snow wasn’t falling yet but the clouds above looked heavy. A precious parcel sat in my purse; the only thing I had bought so far. I heard a voice from behind me calling my name.

“Aren’t you cold?” said the deep voice that made my heart flutter.

I turned to see a man in a brown fur coat leaning out of the back of a long black car. He was smirking at me from underneath tinted sunglasses. It was Prince Ian Kirtak of the Equix Kingdom.

“Get in,” he said, opening the door. I hesitated a moment. Looking around I saw that no one seemed to have noticed yet so I hurriedly slid in beside him.

His arm rested over my shoulder, pulling me closer. I felt warm suddenly and the earlier chill had all but disappeared. The car drove on but I barely noticed. I was too nervous being so close to him.

The car stopped and he pulled away at last. I immediately missed his warmth and sweet spicy scent. The door opened and he stepped out, the long fur coat brushing over the pavement and sweeping around him majestically.

I climbed out after him, his hand out waiting to help pull me to him. I was caught in his arms and we stayed like that a moment. He looked down at me and I could see his lips curling into a smile.

“Come with me to Equix,” he said, gesturing behind him to a small private jet. “I want some company this Christmas.”

My heart was filled with excitement but I tried to contain it as it threatened to beat out of my chest. I found myself nodding as he led me up the ramp and into the hand stitched leather seats. As he sat next to me he pulled me close so my head lay upon his chest. Again my heart beat a swift staccato.

I woke in confusion as I slowly regained my senses. The plane was touching down and I realized that I had fallen asleep on Ian’s chest. I tried to pull away but Ian looked away as he stubbornly held me in place. I relaxed into his grip and enjoyed the moment.

Another car took us through a town lined with brilliant red and gold lights. It was like being whisked into another world. I saw at the center a giant pine tree with gold bows, red and green orbs and brilliant strings of lights. I let out a sigh of wonderment and Ian noticed.

“Stop the car,” he said and the driver obeyed. “Let’s go take a closer look,” he said while exiting the car.

“Wait, you can’t! People will see you…” I began but Ian had already begun walking towards the tree.

I hurriedly followed him, keeping my head down as much as possible as I pushed through the crowd. It wasn’t hard to notice that most of the people here were couples, taking pictures and nuzzling one another. I wondered if Ian and I could do that one day.

As I broke through the crowd I gasped as I stood at the base of the tree, staring up into its magnificence. It was so beautiful and so enormous I couldn’t help but wonder how it got here. Arms wrapped around me from behind and I gasped but a soft chuckle made me relax.

“Ian…” I said and we stood like that amidst the couples. It was wonderful and special, because no one noticed us despite Ian being a prince. It was a perfect gift and we stayed in our own world until I felt a shiver.

“Let’s go back,” Ian said softly and I followed him to the car.

We arrived at Ian’s chateau. I was a little disappointed when a butler led me to a separate room but it was to be expected. Ian told me to join him in the morning for breakfast in his room. None of the staff said a word but I could feel their curious stares.

It was cold that night but I couldn’t stop thinking of Ian’s arms around me. The morning came sooner than I thought and I could see bright light streaming through the window. As I got up and pulled the curtains aside I was delighted to see that a layer of pristine snow covered the ground, brilliant, unbroken and untouched.

I hurried to Ian’s room and knocked lightly. He opened the door immediately as if he had been waiting for me to come. He looked breathtaking, his tousled light brown hair and his sleepy but warm brown eyes gazing at me. He was wearing a loose robe and warm pants but his chest was bare and I couldn’t tear my eyes from it.

He looked regal yet somehow more endearing as he motioned for me to enter. I could see sitting before his grandiose bed was a platter with food and drinks. He sat upon the bed and grabbed my arm as he fell back pulling me next to him in one motion.

I stared down at him in surprise. Our lips were almost touching and he had a sultry grin on his relaxed face. I could feel his hard muscles beneath my thin pajamas and blushed. He had a beautiful body, I couldn’t deny it.

“Merry Christmas,” he said softly.

Then he closed the distance between us and his lips were on mine, taking my breath away. They were soft and warm and his tongue explored my mouth, tangling with my own. His arms encircled my form and pulled me close. I felt tingly down to my toes and then he pulled away. I whimpered at the loss but I was too weak to protest more.

“I have a present for you,” he said taking out a small box wrapped in red and black paper. My fingers trembled as I took it. Opening it up I discovered a delicate silver necklace with an Equix insignia charm. I looked up at him curiously and he blushed in rare form, looking away. “I just want people to know you’re…” his voice got low almost to a whisper. “Mine.”

“Wait right here,” I said anxiously and leapt from the bed. He made as if to follow but I shook my head and went to my room, grabbing my purse and rifling through it. I pulled the parcel out and hurried back to Ian who looked a bit nervous at my sudden departure. “Here,” I said handing it to him a bit breathlessly.

Suddenly my heart lodged in my throat as I watched him take it from me with his broad hands. He carefully unwrapped it and I began wondering if he’d like such a silly thing. He lifted the black ring from the box and examined it.

“It’s not… expensive or anything,” I said blushing furiously

“I love it,” he said suddenly and slid it onto his finger. Then he pushed me down and climbed over me predatorily. He placed the necklace he had gotten onto my chest and I shivered at the cold metal. His arms circled behind my head and he clasped it.

At the same time he swooped down and captured my lips again, his hands on my wrists that had come up to grab at him. I leaned up into the kiss this time, answering with my own tongue as they entwined and mingled. A knock at the door came and broke the moment.

“Go away!” he roared at the door and then blinked down at me. I laughed and then he did too. He kissed my forehead gently. “Best Christmas ever,” he said softly.

Opening the curtains we watched the snow falling into the garden as we drank strong coffee from the mugs from the platter and I knew we would have the rest of the day to continue where we left off. If Christmas was a time for lovers to come together than I agreed that this was the best Christmas ever.

 

Crown Prince Van Orcello's Christmas Story

I was standing outside the movie theater, waiting for Giselle to arrive. She was over twenty minutes late and I was beginning to think she wasn’t coming. It wasn’t unlike her to have to cancel at the last minute if her plans were found out by the paparazzi, or if her agent found out her plans to escape and have fun.

I sighed as I pushed my hands further into my coat pockets. It was Christmas Eve and as I looked around I could only see couples going into the theater. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I fumbled with it as I took it out to read it in my numb hands.

Sorry, Jack caught me. I will call you later to explain. Forgive me?

I sighed again and put my phone back in my pocket, starting towards my car. I wasn’t mad at her, although she apologized every time this happened. It was just a shame I wouldn’t get to see her since it had been so long since she had come to Corsac.

“Going somewhere?” a voice called to me in a teasing lilt.

I turned and two gloved hands covered my eyes. “W-Who?” I stammered bewildered.

“Forgot me already?” said the voice and I recognized it right as he removed his hands.

“P-Prince Orcello!” I half-shouted before covering my mouth. “What are you doing here? Quick, you need to hide!” I could already imagine the mob of paparazzi that would flock here if they saw him.

“I’m in disguise,” he said with a laugh, placing a pair of wide-rimmed glasses over his eyes.

It was rather silly but endearing nonetheless. I realized now that he also was wearing civilian clothes and indeed didn’t look like he usually did. Would it work though? Even though Van was different from the other princes, he had that special regal air that separated him from people like me.

He grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the movie theater. “Let’s go see that new movie,” he said with a grin.

“But-” I began but he had already pulled me inside.

The warmth hit me and I felt a shiver go through me at the change in temperature. He bought the tickets and we surprisingly entered the theater without anyone noticing. It seemed that the couples were too engrossed in each other this season to notice.

The movie was the new love story, starring Giselle Schneider. It was very passionate. I found myself blushing to my ears as Van took my hand halfway through. Looking over, I found that he was watching me and not the movie. His clear green eyes were looking at me in fondness, but clouded with another emotion… hunger.

He leaned close to me and his brown hair brushed over his shoulders as his perfect pink lips touched mine. I was immersed in his delicious scent, a mix of cinnamon and heat. His tongue parted my lips and explored my own, and his hands clutched mine tighter as we turned to one another.

The movie continued on unwatched as his hands roamed down my arms, tracing patterns with his tender fingertips, crossing to my chest. I felt a trail of warmth wherever he touched, and I gasped as his lips travelled down to my neck, sucking lightly as to not leave marks.

A burst of laughter from the front seats broke the spell and we pulled apart. I was gasping and breathless as I stared at him, his eyes clouded in lust but also happiness.

“Let’s go,” he said, grabbing my hand and pulling me from my seat.

The next thing I knew we were in his car and he was driving towards the sea. Our destination was a fancy cabin, overlooking the sea. I could see a fine layer of ice beginning to form over the water although snow had yet to fall.

Inside the cabin was a fireplace already crackling heartily and despite the large size of the cabin, it gave the room an intimate feeling. I felt nervous suddenly being alone with him and on Christmas Eve at that. He returned to me from the kitchen and handed me a cup filled to the brim with marshmallows.

I laughed a little and he looked at me curiously as he sat on the couch facing the fireplace. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing,” I said, sipping the delicious chocolate. Despite his passion earlier in the theater, he still had a childish side to him I loved.

I sat next to him and he put his arm around me, holding me close. His fingers were stroking my hair and it relaxed me to the point I dozed off. When I woke, I could see snow falling outside. The cups of hot chocolate sat unfinished on the table, and the fire was dying.

Looking over I saw that his head was tilted and he had been sleeping while holding me. It looked uncomfortable so I slowly began to get up so I could let him lay down. He surprised me suddenly by tightening his arm about me. Caught off balanced I fell and he flipped us so he was on top of me.

His green eyes caught the dying embers of the fire and I couldn’t think of any other word to describe him but “beautiful…” He lowered his head as he crouched over me our bodies so close I could feel the heat coming off his slim toned body.

“You are,” he said softly and he kissed me tenderly, the passion rising as the moments passed. “Merry Christmas…”

“I didn’t get you anything yet,” I said guiltily, suddenly feeling horrible.

Van looked at me seriously and then pulled me up into his arms, holding me close. “You’re the only thing I wanted,” he said in a husky voice. “Spend the day with me here?”

“Of course!” I said immediately, kissing him in a rare show of possessiveness.

He returned the kiss and we fell back into the couch, our bodies entangled. In the next moment he had taken his shirt off and I caressed his smooth skin as he devoured my neck. Everything moved so quickly but the desire was almost painful it was so intense.

As we lay cuddling in the aftermath, we watched the snow falling from the darkness of the room. The fire had long gone out, but I felt the heat between us was enough to keep me warm forever. His fingers were playing with my wrist and I felt a weight upon it after he moved on to touch my shoulders and face.

Lifting my hand up I saw a beautiful gold bracelet, the design like the waves of the sea. He smirked at my admiration and grabbed my wrist, kissing above the clasp.

“But I didn’t get you anything,” I said again.

“Are you leaving?” he asked, his green eyes staring into mine feigning hurt.

“You know I won’t,” I replied vehemently.

He laughed; a musical sound. “Then you gave me you.” His tone turned mischievous. “You belong to me.”

I snuggled into his chest in contentment. “I wouldn’t have it any other way your highness. Merry Christmas.”

My phone buzzed then and Giselle’s name flashed on the caller ID. She must be calling to apologize for not being able to come last night. I grinned and hit ignore. Thank you Giselle. Best present ever.

 

Nathan's Christmas Story

I hailed a taxi exhausted. The concert had been overwhelming even though I had only been there to gather information for an article regarding the Christmas benefit the band was holding. It wasn’t often that I had to travel to the small town of Zerda. It was under governance of Pantora, but didn’t reside on the main island.

I was astounded that instead of a traditional car, a horse and sleigh pulled up, bells jingling. I stared at it in wonder, seeing the golden script along the side of the red sleigh saying ‘Taxi’. I supposed it fit since it was Christmas Eve after all. The driver was a man in a smart black coat and he held the reins up as he pushed a button, the door opening automatically.

I climbed inside in bewilderment. To my confusion the cab was already occupied. “Oh, I’m sorry,” I began, trying to step back out.

An arm pulled me inside and the door shut behind me. I looked up into familiar grey eyes and felt my heart grow warm. “Never had a sleigh taxi before?” said the thrilling tenor tinged with laughter.

“Nathan,” I said and I sat upright quickly realizing that when he had pulled me inside I had landed unceremoniously on his lap. He pulled me close again. “What are you doing here?” I said in surprise, letting myself relax into his strong arms.

“I come here every holiday for their specialty cakes,” Nathan said, motioning to the package that sat serenely beside him. I hadn’t noticed.

I couldn’t resist teasing him a little. “You’re such a sweet tooth.”

“I prefer the term ‘confection connoisseur’,” he said and he tackled me up against the seat, our noses touching.

The mood swiftly changed to a dangerous one as our breaths mingled. The sleigh came to an abrupt stop then and his arm shot out to catch himself, pinning me against the seat. I felt my heart stop as I stared into his eyes. He was so close; I didn’t know what would happen next.

“Sorry!” the driver called out to us. “Festival traffic.”

Nathan pulled away from me and I was disappointed. He then took the cake and grabbed my hand, opening the door. “That’s fine, we’ll walk from here,” he said handing the driver some money.

It was so cold I could see my breath as Nathan dragged me through the street towards the sounds of carolers and holiday cheer. Zerda was small but they held a Christmas festival that everyone seemed to attend. There were carving stations and feasts laid out, decoration making, shops boasting reduced prices and even a nativity scene.

The lights were brilliant gold, red and green, lining every available surface. Silver and red tinsel was strewn over the rooftops and the trees, and festive wreaths adorned every door. It was like Christmas had burst over the small town and I was taken aback.

“Look, there’s Santa!” Nathan said gleefully pointing to a section where Santa was sitting before a line of kids. He smirked at me. “What do you wish for?”

“It’s a secret,” I joked. I blushed as the first thing I had thought of was for him to have kissed me back in the sleigh.

He looked at me as if he wanted to find out but he didn’t press the issue. We spent the time watching the nativity play, and sung along horribly with the carolers. Nathan made a wooden reindeer at the carving station although in all honesty it didn’t look a thing like one until he told me what it was supposed to be.

Nathan had left my side only once and returned less than a few minutes later. It was nice being with someone on Christmas Eve. The night ended with a giant parade through the lights, where everyone joined in holding a candle as Christmas music played. It was completely dark now and as the crowd dispersed I realized that it was very late.

“I need to get a taxi back to Corsac,” I said worriedly.

“It’s too late for that here,” Nathan said cheerfully as always.

I stared at him. Was he teasing? “Don’t tease me… I have to…” I paused, not wanting to tell Nathan about my work.

“You’re not going to find a hotel room this late either,” Nathan said with his trademark roguish grin. “But I’ll let you stay in mine.”

My face was burning as he led me to a small inn. I realized what he had said was true as no one was even at the front desk. We made our way up the small stairs and down the hallway to his room. He unlocked it with a key and gestured me inside.

He set the cake on the desk as I looked around noticing there was only one bed. When I turned to ask him about it my words died in my throat as I saw his serious side that rarely emerged. “Can I assume you came with me because you wanted to?” he asked, his voice laced with a gruffness I wasn’t used to.

I blushed but nodded and he captured my lips in his, the mood from earlier in the sleigh back with a vengeance. We fell back onto the bed and I could sense his urgency. I felt it too and I wanted nothing more than to be swept up in his pace. Then my traitorous stomach growled and I realized I hadn’t ate since I arrived in Zerda way earlier that day.

He pushed himself up and I could see he was turning crimson. “Sorry,” he said. His grin came back quickly and he stood and opened the box on the desk.

I felt dizzy in the moment but I sat up and looked at his silhouette. Even though he was such a joker I still admired his well-built frame. He had nice muscles in his arms and back, and I could see the lines of his body underneath his shirt. My body grew warm again at the thought.

Turning he caught my gaze and we both were embarrassed. “Close your eyes,” he said and I obeyed. His soft fingers touched my lips and I jumped. They parted my lips gently and I let out a happy sigh at his touch.

We sat less than a foot apart on the single bed and he fed me cake with his fingers. It was delicious, decadent and overwhelmingly arousing. I felt a little wicked myself as I licked his finger, and he responded by licking frosting off of my upper lip. Then he nibbled on it and his tongue ran over the swollen flesh irritated by his teeth.

He broke away and I opened my eyes to see him putting the cake aside. “Was it good?” he asked. The double entendre of the cake and the kiss wasn’t lost on me.

“Yes,” I said breathily as he pushed me back onto the bed.

He grinned down at me and I found myself smiling as well. “Thanks for spending this time with me,” he said, rolling to the side to lie next to me. “Merry Christmas.”

I noticed the clock beside the bed read that it was indeed after midnight. “Merry Christmas Nathan,” I replied.

Pulling myself into his arms, I fell asleep. In the morning Nathan was gone, and I looked around disappointed. A small neatly wrapped box sat on the pillow next to me and I picked it up. Inside was a pair of beautiful handmade earrings. I wondered if Nathan had picked them up at the festival last night when he had disappeared.

The door opened then and Nathan walked in, a look of surprise on his face when he saw I was awake. I felt my heart flutter in relief. “Oh, you opened it,” Nathan said his face flushing as he looked away. “Breakfast?” he said changing the subject quickly as he set down some paper bags.

I grinned and bounded over to him. As he drew the curtains I saw fresh snow on the ground. It was perfect.

“You don’t have to go back to Corsac right away, right?” he whispered as he held me close.

“No…” I said, surprising myself. I stared out at the snow and smiled. Work could wait. Christmas was meant to be spent with those you loved after all.

 

 I love you guys and your comments.
Everyone have a great holiday season whatever it is you may celebrate  thanks for the bumps 

 

That night I prepared for the fireworks. I was organizing the pictures I had taken of the parade on my laptop as I listened to some relaxing music from the radio. The fireworks represented the joyous change of the month into December, and I was hoping I’d be able to get some interviews tonight as well.

My article was coming along nicely, although I had discreetly omitted any of my personal relationships with the Prince’s. As I completed my work my thoughts drifted back to the day Werner had contacted me in the first place. What was my purpose here?

The phone rang and I answered it. It was the front desk calling me down as my car had arrived. As I pulled on my boots I thought about how Werner had orchestrated everything from transportation, to money, to the events for me. It was certainly mysterious.

The driver was the same one as before and he nodded to me as he shifted into gear. The car rolled smoothly from Hotel Calla and down the roads, navigating to our destination. He opened the door when we stopped and I stepped out, looking out at the grand field before me.

This was Helian Field, a grandiose open space that the Avyss family tended to. The perfectly manicured meadow was sprawling for acres, and people already were gathered there, having evening picnics and toasting champagne. I could tell that the mood was romantic already.

I could see that a stage had been set up to the side with an elevated viewing platform. I supposed that was for the Royal families as Zane DeGillus was already seated there with his butler. The chatter was low, as people were anticipating the show.

I found a place to sit and took out my camera, fiddling with it. It seemed unlikely that I’d be able to interview people until after the fireworks, so I planned on taking pictures in the meantime. A commotion ensued behind me and I turned my head to look at the source.

Prince Siegfried von Adler had arrived in a parade of cars all bearing banners of the Thiamat Kingdom. He stepped out, wearing a black militaristic uniform with his midnight colored hair pushed back from his face. He was swarmed immediately by his bodyguards whom he waved away.

His eyes drifted over the crowd and I looked away quickly. It was no use though. It was like his eyes were lasers, cutting through the mass of people and pinpointing me immediately. He stalked towards me, his long boots stomping down the grass with finality and purpose.

“You,” he said, narrowing his eyes. They were a clear blue with flecks of ice. “You’re the girl Ian’s interested in, aren’t you?” he asked.

I was nervous. Was that a rhetorical question? How was I supposed to address someone that intimidated me like this? By chance I saw Zane DeGillus had stood from where he sat and was leaning anxiously on the balcony railing. He seemed entirely interested in our conversation.

Siegfried seemed to have made up his mind without my input. “Come with me commoner,” he said holding out his white gloved hand. “If you won’t speak, I’ll have to see for myself why you’re causing such a stir.”

Decision Time
<Go with Siegfried>
<Decline>

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