My King's Seraglio

by Ann T. Ryan

  "Tobey is not waking up," Adam whispered.

  "I know, your Majesty, but you have to let him go for the physician to look at him," Luke said slowly, as if talking to a child.

  Adam forced himself to let Tobey go and Caleb and Luke took Tobey out of his arms. Adam stayed in his spot, only his eyes following Tobey.

  "He is bleeding!" Luke said in panic to the physician.

  Adam felt the dampness in his lap then, and slowly looked down to see the red smear of blood that Tobey had left behind. And for the first time in his life, Adam prayed. Please don't take Tobey away from me. Please let our child be all right. Please.

  * * * *

  Tobey was dreaming. He heard voices and wanted to wake up. But he could not. His eyelids were too heavy and he had no strength. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of darkness. He could hear, but he couldn't see nor move his limbs. And sometimes he heard someone crying, calling out his name. But no matter how much he wanted to wake up, he could not. He could only listen.

  * * * *

  "Your Majesty, you have to eat."

  "I'm not hungry, Luke. Please take the tray away."

  "How will you take care of Tobey if you fail to take care of yourself, Adam?" his brother asked.

  "I am fine, Will," Adam continued to hold on to Tobey's hand, needing to feel the pulse, weak though it was, reassuring him that Tobey still lived.

  "He has always been the stubborn one." Will sighed. "Did he eat before I came?"

  "He ate once yesterday, your Grace, but it was just a few bites of bread," Luke said.

  "And Tobey?" Will asked, concerned.

  "He will be all right if… when he wakes up… b-but the child is gone, your Highness…" Luke said sadly.

  "What was the cause?"

  "The physician said it was a slow-acting poison."

  "Bloody hell."

  * * * *

  "Your Majesty?"

  "I do not want to see you right now, Zachary," Adam said, anger laced in his voice.

  "You think I am responsible for this?" Zachary said quietly.

  "I don't know, Zachary. Someone from the seraglio did this and when I find out who he is, he will pay for causing Tobey pain." Adam looked up and Zachary could see the misery in the High King's eyes, and the hatred too.

  "It was not me, your Majesty. I may dislike Tobey for stealing you away but I would not harm an innocent child."

  "Fair enough, Zachary. An investigation will be carried out. We will find out then."

  "I…"

  "Anything else, Zachary?" Adam said without taking his eyes of Tobey.

  "Nothing, your Majesty. I will take my leave then."

  But Adam no longer listened, already engrossed in stroking Tobey's head gently.

  * * * *

  Adam lost track of the number of days Tobey stayed unconscious. He only knew he wanted to be there when Tobey woke up. Will took over the affairs of the kingdom and for that, he was grateful.

  "Wake up, Tobey. Please. I don't want an heir. I just want you. Please come back to me." He begged, hoping for Tobey's eyes to open, but other than Tobey's shallow breathing, he received no response.

  * * * *

  "A-A-Adam…" A raspy voice called out to him. Adam felt a hand stroking his head gently, dragging him away from his sleep.

  He opened his eyes and saw a familiar pair of brown eyes looking back at him. "To-Tobey?" Adam said almost in disbelief.

  "Adam…." Tobey tried to smile only to grimace in pain.

  "Caleb! Caleb!" Adam called out.

  "Your Majesty?" Caleb said as he opened the door.

  "Call for the physician. Tobey has woken up."

  "Yes, your Majesty," Caleb smiled, relieved. For the first time since the favoured concubine had gone into a coma, he finally saw the High King smile again.

  * * * *

  "Adam? What does he mean, Adam? Tell me what he means?" Tobey asked, his eyes looking slightly manic.

  "Tobey…"

  "I still feel our child. So what does he mean when he said our child is gone?! What does he mean?! Dammit, answer me!" Tobey shouted agitatedly.

  "Tobey…" Adam began again before his voice broke seeing the tears roll down Tobey's face. Taking Tobey into his arms, he held on tight as Tobey pummelled his fists into Adam's chest.

  "I still feel Elliot. He… She…. We were going to call her Elle for short…" Tobey cried out.

  "Shhhhhh Tobey," Adam stroked Tobey's back gently as Tobey continued to sob.

  * * * *

  Tobey alternated between bouts of anger and depression during the next two weeks. He vented his frustrations on everyone, especially Adam. The servants were scared of him and only Luke dared to remain by his side.

  "How long are you going to be like this, Tobey?"

  "Shut up, Luke."

  "I know you have lost a child. But the High King, he needs you right now, too."

  "I don't care anymore."

  "Yes, you do. You still care for the King. Once you get better—"

  "I will not get better. How does one get over the loss of a child?!" Tobey shouted.

  "So you do not mind losing his Majesty, too? Because that is what you are doing now by pushing him away every time he comes to visit you," Luke said softly. "Think about it, Tobey."

  Tobey stayed stubbornly silent.

  * * * *

  "I need to see the High King."

  "Yes, milord. I will tell him." The guard said enthusiastically before knocking and entering the room.

  "Your Majesty?"

  "Yes," Adam's voice rang out.

  "Lord Mitchell is here to see you."

  "Tobey?" Adam asked, hope evident in his voice.

  "Yes, your Majesty."

  "Send him in immediately."

  "Tobey." Adam smiled widely and got up from his seat to take Tobey into his arms. His smile faltered when he Tobey took a step back. "Tobey?"

  "I don't think I can do this anymore, Adam."

  "Do what, Tobey?"

  "I… I do not think I can be here anymore."

  "Tobey—" Adam started walking towards Tobey.

  "No wait… listen… the seraglio is no place for me. Even before our child…" Tobey took a deep breath in before continuing on. "Even before… I was not completely happy, Adam."

  "What are you trying to say, Tobey?" Adam asked worriedly.

  "Let me go, your Majesty."

  * * * *

  "Are you just going to let him leave?" Will asked his brother, who stared forlornly out the window.

  "What am I to do? He was not happy here. He was not happy with me. The light that used to be in his eyes, 'tis gone."

  "And what about the light in yours?"

  "I will be fine. When he is." Adam continued to look out the window and watched silently as the servants loaded Tobey's belongings into the carriage. Tobey stood there, his back to Adam, Luke right next to him.

  Will walked over, giving his brother's shoulder a tight squeeze. "It will be all right, Adam."

  Adam's shoulder shook under Will's hand. Adam had tried his best not to run to Tobey and tell him not to leave. He clenched his fists, willing Tobey to turn around so he could see Tobey's face one last time. But Tobey never did. He boarded the carriage, followed closely by Luke, and when the carriage finally moved off past the palace gates it took Adam's heart along with it.

  * * * *

  Luke held on to Tobey's trembling hands tightly. "It will be all right, sir. Everything will be all right." Since Tobey left the seraglio, Luke had taken to addressing him as sir, still uncomfortable with the idea of calling Tobey by his name.

  Tobey cried silently, his willpower fading as he recalled Adam's broken expression when he had asked Adam to allow him to leave the seraglio. But he had to do this. As the carriage took him further and further away from the palace, he prayed for Adam's happiness.

  CHAPTER 10

  Many months passed and several changes took place in Naverya. Prince Will made
the palace his permanent residence, assisting the High King in matters concerning the kingdom. Four men from the seraglio were executed, including one Joshua Irwin. The remaining men in the seraglio were given houses on various lands belonging to the Radcliffe family. They no longer resided within the palace grounds. Only Lord Zachary remained by the High King's side, taking over the position of royal Chamberlain after the previous occupant passed on. A task well suited to the diplomatic Zachary.

  Adam wanted to run after Tobey countless times, but he understood Tobey needed time to heal. He prayed Tobey would come to him after he had mourned the loss of their child. He waited patiently, keeping in contact with Luke who sent him frequent letters on Tobey's progress.

  * * * *

  "When will you go to him, Tobey?"

  "I don't know, Luke."

  "Do you not miss him?" Luke asked innocently.

  Tobey glared at Luke. "You know damn well I do!"

  "Then why are we still here and not with the High King?"

  "I n-need time."

  "Bullshit, Tobey. It's okay for you to be with him now. If you put it off any longer, he is going to find someone else. Someone else worth caring about who has not abandoned him."

  "You know why I left!" Tobey said accusingly.

  "Yes, I do. And I also know it is now safe for you to go back. He misses you, too, you know."

  "I…" Tobey looked at Luke, his emotions coming to the fore. "Is it okay, Luke? Can I be with him again?"

  "Yes, Tobey. It is okay now."

  "Oh God…" Tobey tried to wipe the tears that fell down his cheeks in hot gushes. "Look at me, crying like a girl." He laughed.

  "Let's get your man back, yeah?" Luke winked at him.

  "Okay, Luke."

  * * * *

  "Your Majesty. A letter has arrived from the Mitchell household."

  "Give it to me." Adam opened the envelope eagerly, recognizing Luke's handwriting.

  "I will leave you then."

  "Thank you, Zachary," Adam replied absentmindedly as he continued to read the letter's contents.

  Your Majesty,

  Milord is doing well these past few months. He has been occupied attending to matters of the household, amongst other things, since his father was taken ill. He is most grateful for the sum of money you have sent us, but wished for me to convey that he would return the money as soon as he can. I told him you would not want it, but you know milord, he is still as stubborn as ever.

  He is smiling again, your Majesty. You have asked me, especially, to inform you of this and I am glad I now can do so. He is smiling, and it is a most beautiful sight.

  I have told him of what goes on in the palace, as you have requested. Although milord did not say much, I believe he was happy in particular to hear news that your seraglio no longer resided within the palace. I did not inform him of Lord Irwin's and the other lords' treachery or the measures taken. I will leave it to your Majesty to tell him, should you wish.

  One last thing, your Majesty. Milord said he would like to see you again. I believe this news should make you happy as it does for me relaying it.

  Your servant,

  Luke

  * * * *

  "He's here, Tobey."

  "Who's here, Luke?" Tobey looked up from the ledgers he perused.

  "His High King. He is here." Luke said excitedly.

  "What do you mean? He's here? As in here… in my house? He is here?" Tobey asked in disbelief.

  "Yes here. In the drawing room. He is waiting for you, sir."

  Tobey continued sitting, looking at Luke with widened eyes. "W-What should I do, Luke?"

  "Go to him."

  "But do I look okay?" Tobey asked worriedly.

  "Just go to him, Tobey!"

  * * * *

  Adam paced the room, waiting for Tobey to appear. Random thoughts rolled through his mind. How is he? Is he good? Will he be happy to see me? He heard Tobey's voice speaking to Caleb, outside the door… then it opened and Tobey entered, looking the same and yet different.

  "Y-Your Majesty," Tobey said tentatively.

  Adam looked at Tobey intently before crossing the room in large strides, taking the smaller man into his arms. "Tobey?" He whispered almost in disbelief.

  "Adam." Tobey looked up into Adam's eyes, caressing his cheek gently. "I have missed you."

  "So have I," Adam replied before kissing Tobey softly on the lips. A loving kiss, one that started gentle but turned desperate as they tasted each other again after so long. Adam gripped Tobey's hips, bringing them flush together. Their hardening cocks rubbed against each other in sweet relief.

  It took a few moments for either to register that someone had knocked on the door. They broke apart reluctantly, with Adam's arm still around Tobey's waist.

  "Enter!" Tobey called out.

  "Milord?" Luke looked to Tobey, a question in his eyes. "He is waiting outside."

  "Bring him in, Luke," Tobey said, smiling.

  "Bring who in, Tobey?" Adam asked, perplexed.

  "Joey Mitchell Radcliffe," Tobey replied before adding, "Elliot's twin." A flicker of sadness appeared in Tobey's eyes before quickly disappearing.

  The High King remained speechless as Tobey introduced him to a baby boy with golden hair and greyish-blue eyes the same hue as his own.

  CHAPTER 11

  Tobey went back with Adam, along with Luke and Joey, on the day that Adam had come for him. An announcement about the birth of their child went public and celebrations carried on for three days, everyone in the Radcliffe Kingdom joyous their King finally had an heir. Simply happy he had Tobey by his side again, Adam considered Joey an added bonus. One he would always be grateful for.

  "Are you angry with me?" Tobey asked him.

  "For what, baby?"

  "For not telling you about Joey."

  "No, Tobey, I'm not. I understand why you did it. Though I still wished I had been there with you throughout the whole pregnancy." Adam said regretfully.

  "I'm sorry, Adam."

  "You were protecting our child. I understand, Tobey." Adam kissed Tobey gently on his forehead.

  "Thank you."

  "For what?"

  "For not giving up on me."

  "Never." Adam kissed him hard.

  * * * *

  "Does it hurt?" Adam traced the long scar along Tobey's midsection gently.

  Tobey snickered. "No, it doesn't, Adam. It has been so long. It doesn't hurt anymore."

  "Will it tear open if… if—"

  "If you made love to me long and hard?" Tobey said cheekily.

  "I'm glad you find it funny. Because I do not." Adam rolled to his side, facing away from Tobey.

  "Hey." Tobey touched his arm gently.

  Adam shrugged his arm off.

  "Ouch!" Tobey said.

  Adam quickly turned to face Tobey, grabbing his arms tightly. "Where are you hurt Tobey? Where?!"

  When Tobey laughed, he realised the man had trifled with him.

  "'Tis not funny, Tobey. I almost lost you twice."

  "I know, Adam. I am sorry. But I'm here now. The scar really doesn't hurt anymore. You haven't touched me since we came back. I'm getting worried you don't care for me in that way anymore. Is it because I'm ugly now?"

  "Ugly?! What are you talking about?!" Adam looked at him, for the first time seeing Tobey's insecurity behind the smiles and the laughter. "Is that what you think?"

  Tobey looked at him before nodding.

  "Tobey…" Adam sighed. "This scar shows you bore my child. It is a warrior's mark. How can I not love it?" Adam kissed the jagged tissue gently to prove his point. "Would you love me any less if I had a scar on any part of me?"

  "No!" Tobey replied immediately.

  "Why not?" Adam asked.

  "Because I love you. Not for your scars or… oh…" Tobey paused when he finally realised what Adam tried to tell him.

  "Yes. I love you, Tobey."

  "Then why the… not touching?!"

&
nbsp; "I didn't know whether your body was ready."

  "It's been almost a year since we last touched, Adam."

  "I could still hurt you, Tobey. What if the stitches broke apart?"

  "Adam. The stitches have dissolved, only the scar remains. Feel it." Tobey grabbed his hand and brought it to his stomach.

  Tobey was right. Adam could not feel the stitches at all. But could he risk it? He wouldn't want Tobey hurt, although it hurt Adam to be in Tobey's presence and not touch him the way he wanted to.

  "Adam," Tobey said sternly. "Make love to me or I'll find someone else who will." Tobey suddenly found his wrists grabbed tightly in Adam's dominant hand. The left hand pressed against Tobey's neck in a grip that felt gentle yet firm at the same time. "Adam?" Tobey said warily.

  Adam's hand tightened slightly around Tobey's throat. It amazed Tobey how he didn't feel threatened at all. He relaxed knowing Adam wouldn't harm him.

  "You are mine," Adam said roughly.

  "Then prove it," Tobey said challengingly, a glint in his eye.

  Adam reached for the bottle of oil on the side table, pouring a generous amount on his cock. He quickly covered it completely, all the while staring at Tobey. Tobey gazed right back, watching the bulbous head of Adam's cock turn purplish-red. Adam's nose flared when Tobey licked his lips in anticipation.

  Adam pushed Tobey's legs up until his knees almost touched his shoulders. He kissed Tobey in a mash of tongues and teeth. The kiss lacked skill. It was rough, dirty and wet. Before long, Tobey felt Adam's oiled finger enter his hole. He could only whimper, trapped under Adam's hard body. Adam tugged his hair to the side, exposing Tobey's neck which he licked and bit hard before entering Tobey in one hard thrust. The dual assault left Tobey breathless. His hips moved upwards in an attempt to get Adam deeper into him.

  Adam didn't say anything. He continued to gaze at Tobey and bucked relentlessly into him. In and out and in and out. He never broke the stare. No need for words, they communicated on an elemental level. Tobey moaned, finally breaking Adam's intense stare-down when his eyes closed against the pleasure as it became too much. His cum slicked both their stomachs in thick, creamy jets of white. A few moments later, Adam groaned his release. Tobey felt the wetness seeping out of his hole even as Adam softened inside him. Adam turned to his back, hauling Tobey gently on top of him.