HisPrinceSubmits

by MarieMedina

  “We’ll have to get more men to bury the dead. To record all of this,” Henri said, all joy gone from his deep voice now. “What you can do is stay by Alexander’s side. I know you have a life in the human world, but he needs you. It’s not my place, and I apologize, but I can tell how much he already cares for you. How deep his feelings run. Your support is more important than even mine.”

  “I don’t understand why, but I do believe you. He’s made it clear … what he feels for me. And of course I understand what finding your cariad means, even if I have lived a different life for so long.” He swallowed, feeling tears well up as it really hit him that so many had died needlessly, senselessly. He gazed around, finally looking at the faces of the dead. “Why did he do it? These innocent people. Women and young people who couldn’t have fought back against armed men. Simply because they wouldn’t follow him?”

  “That’s what I assume.” Henri glanced to the tower again. “I counted seventeen corpses in the tower. That’s where the seers worked. We’d grown worried because no seers had come to seek refuge with me. Three have escaped, possibly. There could be others down here among the dead. It will take time to check thoroughly. One of the ones who may have escaped was Ronan, the man who had the vision of you and Alexander ten years ago. I daresay he left shortly after Alexander did because he feared what the king might do, but he never came to us. He may be hiding. The other two I didn’t see were women, Sara and Dru. I could see them both siding with Ronan right away, based on what I know of them, and I hope they all ran away to safety.”

  “If they didn’t, I’m your only seer?”

  Henri nodded. “For now. There may be children whose powers haven’t come to light yet. We’d need you to help find them. I … honestly, I have no idea what happens if there is only one. If all the visions come to you or … I just don’t know.”

  “I was never religious in the human world. But my parents were open and talked about those things. I know it’s not really a religion, but it’s similar. You have to have faith the seers aren’t lying. That their visions truly mean something.”

  “Yes. I never gave it much thought at all until I met Lorelei. I’d have believed anything a seer said the first time I kissed her.” He smiled, briefly, and then his gaze went to a woman about ten feet away. “Her name was Agatha. She picked and arranged all the flowers for our wedding. When I saw her face, I got scared. A chill came over me, breaking through my anger. Lorelei’s pregnant. She’ll be so upset, and danger may be coming for all of us, for anyone and everyone who supports Alexander.” He closed his eyes. “I wish I’d killed our father years ago.”

  “I don’t blame you for feeling that way, but you had no way of knowing.”

  “Oh, I knew he was evil.” He opened his eyes. “He only cared for himself. Had no values at all, at least no good ones. He would come and watch me train when I got older, and you know what he would ask me? Whether or not I was fucking enough. Said it was essential to being a strong man, far more than my training was.” He shook his head. “Though he liked my fighting skills when they could be used to his advantage. Asked me to kill more than one person. He gave up after I’d told him no for the fourth time. And then he eyed me with suspicion, as if I’d betrayed him for not being his personal murderer.”

  Sebastian shuddered, glancing to the doorway Alexander had gone through.

  “Shit, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking about your grandmother.” He sighed. “Yet another reason Grayden must be stopped. Punished.”

  “Don’t apologize. Now isn’t the time for tiptoeing around subjects.” He hugged himself, suddenly feeling chilled despite the sun. “I won’t leave Alexander. Not as long as he needs me. I can’t just go back to the way things were. Not now. Everything in my human life can wait.”

  “The portal in Alexander’s room will stay open until he closes it. Just let us know if you need anything. Need to contact anyone. It’s best you stay close to us.”

  “You think I’m in danger?”

  “No one is safe. No one.” Alexander appeared at their side, his face flushed and the streaks from his tears obvious. “We have to get help. Make plans.”

  “You need to go to the throne room,” Henri said.

  “I did. No one’s there.”

  Henri shook his head. “No. You need to take the throne. You have two witnesses. It’s enough.”

  Alexander didn’t respond at first, his gaze moving over the courtyard again. “I don’t feel like a king right now.”

  “Doesn’t matter. You must do it.” Henri took him by the arm. “Come on. Be the king who will avenge these people. Who will save as many as he can.”

  Sebastian chewed his lower lip, then nodded. “Yes. He’s right. It will only take a few moments.”

  Alexander looked into his eyes and eventually nodded, reaching for Sebastian’s hand and squeezing it tight. As they walked together, Alexander walked between them. Henri rested his hand on Alexander’s back as they moved through the eerily quiet hallways. Alexander still had tears running down his face, but he didn’t make a sound. Sebastian wanted to tell him it was fine to show his grief and let his emotions come out, but in a way he admired that small amount of control. He felt proud of Alexander’s compassion, even as he wished to comfort him.

  They entered the throne room, and Alexander stared at the throne from a few feet away. He approached it slowly and sat down, closing his eyes and gripping the arms of the ornate chair. When he opened his eyes, he said, “I claim this throne … as the rightful heir of Grayden, who has betrayed his people … and forfeited their allegiance.” He closed his eyes again. “And he will be punished.” He opened his mouth to say something else, but no words came out as he bowed his head. Sebastian saw his shoulders begin to shake and immediately walked over to him, kneeling by the throne and putting his hand on Alexander’s.

  Alexander looked down at him, seeming to try to rein his emotions in.

  “Don’t hold it in. This is why you will be a wonderful king.” Moving closer, Sebastian kissed his cheek and added, “The kind of king I will admire and obey. And love.” He bowed his head. “I’m at your service, Your Majesty.”

  Alexander slid to the floor beside him and cupped his face in both hands. He placed a gentle kiss on Sebastian’s forehead and whispered, “Not at my service. At my side.”

  “Yes,” Sebastian said.

  Alexander wiped at his tears and rose, offering a hand to Sebastian. “Then it’s time I take responsibility for the state of my kingdom. And end this age of darkness.”

  Sebastian rose and kept hold of his hand. “Then lead the way. We have a lot to do.”

  They strode from the room with Henri at their side, and despite his fear, Sebastian finally felt as if he belonged in a way he never had before in his life.

  * * * *

  Four Days Later

  Alexander exited the main tent in their camp and looked around. After the palace had been cleared, he and each of his three brothers had set out in different directions with a group of soldiers to search for Grayden and those who traveled with him. Seeing how brave and resilient his people were made him even more determined to end this conflict quickly. One tragedy was already one too many.

  If they could only find Grayden.

  Sebastian had tried to use his powers, but he simply didn’t have enough training to command a vision. And he hadn’t had any since that day at the palace. Alexander saw Sebastian sitting on a stone just outside the tent they’d been sharing, and he stopped a moment to admire his cariad.

  They’d been together constantly the past four days, yet they’d had very little time alone. They certainly hadn’t had any time to have a private conversation. Alexander kept thinking back to what Sebastian had said to him in the throne room. The words had been exactly what he’d needed to hear. What Alexander wanted to know was what Sebastian had meant when he’d said he would love Alexander. Had he only meant as a king, or as more? It hadn’t been the ideal moment to ask, even
as Sebastian had promised to stay by his side. Was he only doing it out of a sense of duty? Loyalty? They’d slept inches apart every night, but nothing had happened between them since Sebastian had kissed his cheek in the throne room. They’d both been distracted and tired as they worked, but having Sebastian close had given Alexander more than enough strength. He hoped his support and care had done something for Sebastian as well.

  “You’re always looking at me as if you think I might disappear,” Sebastian called.

  Alexander blinked and walked over to him. “Sorry. I don’t mean to.” The sun had set, and only a handful of nearby torches gave them light.

  “Don’t apologize. I kind of like it.” Sebastian stood and looked into his eyes. “Though I don’t like it when you look sad as you do it.”

  Alexander’s heart sped up. “Not sad. Not when I’m looking at you.” He shrugged one shoulder. “Or maybe I do. I’m not usually thinking about things like controlling my expression when I’m thinking of you.”

  “You have to control that stuff with your people, I guess. Seem strong and sure of yourself even when that’s not how you feel.” He paused, studying Alexander briefly. “You do it well. Everyone seems to have lots of confidence in you. They admire you.”

  “I hope I deserve it.”

  “I think you do,” Sebastian said softly. “I wouldn’t blame you for looking sad right now. We haven’t had much luck.”

  “There are many places to hide, and Grayden is very powerful.”

  “Would be nice if magic worked the way it does in movies.”

  “Yes, but it would also be dangerous. I’m glad that it’s more of a skill than, well, something magical.” He looked toward the mountains as he said, “I guess you had a very different idea of magic half your life. It was something unreal and completely mystical. Wands and incantations and crystal balls.”

  “Yeah. But you’re right. Watching a movie or reading a book is fun. You really want to be impressed. But it would be terrifying if even one person really possessed those kinds of powers.”

  “I’m very glad Grayden doesn’t have such devastating powers. It’s unfortunate he’s good at illusions. They could be camped ten feet away, and we’d never know it until we walked right into someone or something.”

  Sebastian frowned. “Why didn’t he simply kill me?”

  Shaking his head, Alexander said, “I don’t even want to think about it.”

  “I’m sorry, but I do wonder. Perhaps the seer who identified me saw something special.”

  “My fear is Grayden wished to one day use you against me. Tell me about you and threaten you in order to make me bend to his will.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “I don’t know if Ronan saw anything unusual. I think he would’ve told me.” Alexander sighed. “I hope he’s still alive.”

  “If we’re moving again tomorrow, you need to rest.”

  “I couldn’t sleep right now.”

  Sebastian stepped a little closer. “Perhaps I can help you relax.”

  Despite his fatigue, Alexander’s body responded to Sebastian’s words and his nearness. “I’d certainly welcome that.”

  Sebastian chuckled. “Such a polite way to say you want me to touch you.”

  “You know I want that. No reason to forget my manners simply because I’m excited.”

  “Excited, huh? We have been too busy for any romance.” He slid his hand up Alexander’s chest. “So you’ll submit to me?”

  “In all things, yes.”

  Sebastian licked his lips. “I was being more specific.”

  “What?”

  Sebastian took Alexander by the shoulder and pulled him down. Brushing his lips to Alexander’s ear, he said, “I’m asking if you’ll let me fuck you.” He drew back and smiled before briefly bowing and adding, “Your Majesty.”

  “As if you need to ask.” Suddenly nervous, he reached down and stroked Sebastian’s cheek. “That’s what you want?”

  Sebastian nodded slowly. “I thought I would wait for a more romantic moment. After all of this was over. But I think we both need this.”

  They stood there looking at each other a moment. Sebastian tilted his head and asked, “Are you really so nervous? You look terrified.”

  “I do?”

  “Yeah. Which is pretty silly.”

  “It’s silly that I’m worried about pleasing the man I love?” Alexander whispered.

  Sebastian opened his mouth, then closed it again and grabbed Alexander’s hand. He pulled him into their tent and closed the flaps. The interior was simple. There was a chair and a small table a few feet away from the pallets they’d been sleeping on. A small trunk sat in the corner. Sebastian waved one hand and lit the lantern on the little table, and then he pressed close to Alexander and looked up at him.

  “You’re getting good at using your powers,” Alexander said, feeling awkward as Sebastian gazed at him. “I like that you seem to be good with the elements, like me.”

  “Don’t change the subject,” Sebastian said. He backed up and began to undress Alexander. “I believe you just said you love me.”

  “I did.” He shivered as Sebastian’s fingers made contact with his flesh. His tunic was dropped to the floor.

  “Never thought I’d have a king declaring his love for me,” Sebastian said as he unlaced Alexander’s breeches.

  “I didn’t want to pressure you by saying the actual words. I thought it was clear how I felt about you.” He gasped as Sebastian reached into his breeches and wrapped his fingers around his shaft.

  Sebastian knelt and pulled Alexander’s breeches down almost to his knees. Alexander sighed as Sebastian licked the head of his cock and then took in the shaft. The exquisite torture of the slow, much too gentle sucking had Alexander trembling soon. Sebastian slid his hands up and over Alexander’s ass, squeezing both cheeks before backing away and standing up. He began to strip, nodding toward the pallets.

  Alexander somehow managed to get his boots and breeches off without falling over, though he wasn’t too sure how. He couldn’t take his eyes off Sebastian. They came together on the pallets, kissing and touching each other frantically. Alexander wanted to hear Sebastian say how he felt, but each moment in Sebastian’s arms made it matter less. Words weren’t necessary as they looked at each other, as Sebastian’s mouth and hands moved over him. Sebastian stroked both of their cocks in his hand as they kissed, but then his hand slid over Alexander’s ass and between his cheeks. Alexander lowered his gaze as Sebastian touched him there. The gentle massaging felt good and made Alexander ache for more.

  “If this embarrasses you, just wait until my mouth is down there,” Sebastian whispered before kissing him deeply.

  Alexander tried to say something when their lips parted, but Sebastian put a finger to his lips to silence him. “Get on your hands and knees.”

  Alexander did so without another word, though his arms and legs shook a little. Sebastian’s hands were all over him, finally moving down his back and then settling on his ass cheeks. His fingers teased the crack a while before he spread Alexander’s cheeks. Alexander cried out when he actually felt Sebastian’s mouth on him, followed by his tongue sliding into him. Sebastian used his fingers as well to stretch Alexander. There were some moments of pain and discomfort, but the pleasure began to overshadow all of it.

  Sebastian withdrew and rolled Alexander to his back again. He spat on his hand and then stroked his cock before pushing Alexander’s knees to his chest. He rubbed the head of his cock along Alexander’s hole and then met his gaze. “You know what?”

  “What?” Alexander whispered back, amazed Sebastian could utter an entire sentence right now. He knew he wouldn’t have been able to.

  Sebastian slid into him, just a few inches, before answering, “I love you, too.” Then he slowly slid home as he lowered his body.

  The brief pain didn’t matter at all as he looked up at Sebastian, stunned speechless. Sebastian began to move in a steadier rhythm as th
ey gazed at each other, and Alexander felt the tension in his body melt away. The strange sensations soon became far more pleasurable, and then Sebastian smiled and whispered, “It surprised me, too.”

  * * * *

  Sebastian reached down and caressed Alexander’s cheek, taking in the man’s stunned expression. He’d delayed telling Alexander he loved him until this moment to distract the other man from the discomfort of the penetration, but Sebastian hadn’t given as much thought to how saying it would also affect him. Sebastian had been sure of how he felt the first night of their search. He’d woken in the middle of the night, and his true feelings had struck him as he lay there looking at Alexander. It had been tempting to reach over and wake Alexander with a kiss, but he’d held back.

  As they came together slowly, Sebastian knew he’d made the right decision. They couldn’t wait around for everything to be perfect. Love didn’t work that way. Life didn’t either, as he’d found out these past weeks. Sebastian bent to feather kisses over Alexander’s chest, feeling his ego bolstered with every sigh and noise that came from his prince.

  No. My king. Sometimes it was easy to see Alexander as a king. But right now, the older man seemed vulnerable, practically helpless in Sebastian’s embrace. He nibbled on Alexander’s earlobe and whispered, “You feel so good. Your ass squeezing me tight, your hot cock rubbing against my stomach.” Sebastian thrust high and deep, a sigh escaping his lips as well.

  Alexander moaned as he wrapped his arms around Sebastian and buried his face against his neck. Sebastian felt Alexander tighten even more, and then a hot burst of cum hit his stomach.

  “Yes, come for me,” Sebastian whispered. He captured Alexander’s lips as he fucked him harder, and he came just as Alexander had begun to still.