They only nodded in understanding at the thought of knowing the nobles ; it made sense , he was the soon to be "wife" of the Prince . It would be rather improper for him to not be introduced to high society . He could work with that, he was confident in his skills and ability to make do . But at the mention of learning decorum, he raised a brow - that certainly was a joke ? He paused momentarily , a frown creeping on his face at the way the man had said it. And at the glance at him he narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. He let himself be led by Faelin to their destination and blinked as he continued and mentioned classes with a maid . He was gritting his teeth , this was definitely meant as an insult of some sort a slight huff of displeasure came from him - lips pursed as if wanting to spew fire but he was trying to restrain his sharp tongue .

He was even more irritated that Faelin had the nerve to be irritated with what he was doing. What was his deal ? He had been acting odd lately , like a stick was up his ass and the mage couldn't find any reason for him to act in such a manner . They were soon in a rather nicely decorated room , the room obviously having style and taste - while he hated the King he could admit that his decorators did the job or was it Alucard fussing about the castle being drab and forcing his father to change things ? That's when a woman caught his eye, and she seems to examine his appearance - and he kept a neural expression as his eye washed over her in examination .

He had to scowl when they began talking about him like he wasn't there - like he was just some piece of property. And in a way it wants, but it was still annoying and dehumanizing . He decided to tune the two out, until his chain came back to him and wrapped around his wrist and blinked in surprise. He had to give a scoff at the words of Faelin, an almost sneer threatening to escape him .

"Oh quite your whining, I don't have the energy for it today . " he said a bit snappish, his eyes narrowed at the male in contempt .

The woman introduced herself and he found himself raising a brow at the woman. He made his way to a couch - with the grace and expected of someone noble and sat with proper posture .

"I'm surprised the King didn't do more research about my origins , if any mage knew he was coming for me then he would know that I'm not some normal mage . " he said with a bit of amusement in his tone , " he would know that up until my fourteenth birthday I was raised as the Prince of my Kingdom. " he then stood and turned around, to show a mark at the base at of the back of his neck , " a mark of my Royal Blood, a mark that signifies the Royal Lineage I come from - a family of mages that worshiped the Goddess of the Moon along with the God of Nature and Creation. Our most powerful magics deriving from nature, the moon , and aether of life itself. Our family was the most magically gifted , it's why our nation fell - greedy humans wanted our artifacts and came and took them . "

He then sat back down , " Even though I escaped to the Priestesses , they still had a Governess for me . I would say she stayed with me up until I was about nineteen , and then the Temple was raided , and I had to run. And so I made my way through Kingdoms , having to lock my more formal ways away to survive and blend in with the crowd . " he said with melancholy .

" And as for my adjustment with the Prince . . ." he started as he fiddled with the ring on his finger , the object signifying his contract with the Prince , " I'm not stupid to believe I hold his heart, and I'm a mere pretty thing that interests him - especially with what they wish of me . I'd rather have a gilded cage than whatever fate I could've suffered - and make no mistake , I won't deny my attraction to the Prince . . . he's sweet on me and treats me more humanely than the King , so I'd rather be a pretty trophy that stands by his side rather than having him complain to his father I'm being unreasonable and suffer whatever punishment the King has in mind . " he says a bit defensively, not minding the slight blush that graced his features before disappearing.

" And , you, " he said playfully glaring at Faelin, " I didn't take you for a gossip . " he said with a raised brow, no real heat or annoyance to his words - just a plain statement that bordered curiosity, but that's all he left it at that.

" Besides the magic here is awfully wrong. The King is messing with forces that he shouldn't be and it will come back to bite him . Magic has price and for a man who so hates it - he uses it so callously and disrespects it . " he says with a slight frown on his face .

He then took a deep breath, centering himself before he spoke , " And I'm not foolish as to not accept help , you haven't given me a reason to dislike you . That's like biting at the hand that feeds me . I will definitely admit I am five years out of practice when it comes to this, but it should be just like retraining an unused muscle . I can say I do look forward to dancing, that's always fun . "

At being hit with the fan, their multicolored eyes narrowed in annoyance . " Your King is a human man who knows nothing of the intricacies of magic . But I'll hold my tongue on my thoughts . " the mage said with a bitter tone as they huffed indignant. He knew he was being about bold in his speech, but he wasn't one to sugar coat nor mince his words - even if it got him in trouble .

As he was instructed to show off his walk , bow and dance . He sighed as he got himself off the couch, gracefully hoisting himself up . And so he decided to just follow instructions as he was given . He put on a neutral mask of indifference, his face elegant and controlled as one of high society should have it. Then, he relaxed his shoulders and posture but not too much to be slouchy, and then he walked fluidly - slow and elegant , not quick and in a hurry but with careful practiced steps . He could feel the ghost of books on his head as he walked , and then they elegantly spun on their heel to walk away . They walked in a circle for a moment to give the woman a full examination of their walk , a dangerous and natural sway to his hips as he moved - and if he was being a bit bratty towards Faelin, he would never admit it . But they knew they walked with the grace of a cat , their steps poised and calculated - barely making a sound against the floor, that's how light they were . And then they came to an elegant stop with a click of their heels .

They faced Aurelia with a charming smile , their posture calm and poised as they went slightly on one knee and lowered his body while gracefully holding the folds of the dress out beside him in an elegant manner . Not noticing the way the sun made the jewels on his exposed chest shimmer brilliantly. As he rose from the bow . He rested his hands in front of his waist and gave a half bow , and then a slight bow to show he knew the differences . He hoped this was rather satisfactory for the woman, because all of this posturing was rather exhausting and boring in his opinion. However, it seems they were getting to the good stuff as Aurelia made a show of assaulting Faelin with her fan - and the mage had to give a dainty giggle at the sight of the large man being fussed at by the woman .

And that's when the man lost the bulky clothing . The mage didn't know what to expect when he got out of that stuffy shawl and he wasn't expecting a dark fencing shirt under it . But he had to blink as he realized that the strings of his collar was undone and his collarbones and the slight beginning of his pecs were visible. It was a rather scandalous sight ! In a room with an engaged man at that , but he wouldn't care to admit the sight was a welcomed one . But what nearly did him in was the man rolling up his sleeves , exposing his well-crafted biceps. God was he sweating, was the room warm ? He didn't care to acknowledge the rising blush on his face and his face remained neutral even if he was beginning to look like a tomato.I

Why did this man have to be so infuriating attractive ! And he noticed the ink on the biceps, so it meant he was a criminal . He wondered what lead to the man getting them . But he also couldn't help but admire the way his arms flexed slightly as he approached. And they looked so bitable, he wondered how they would look with marks from his fangs. Better yet, how Faelin would sound receiving them ? Would he let him do it, or put him in his place for doing such a thing ? The thought of being underneath the muscl- No, no , no - those thoughts had to be squished immediately , he was engaged and had someone to wait on . But he had needs and desires too . . . it didn't hurt to look at attractive people , if Alucard could , why couldn't he as well ?

But what jarred him out of his thoughts was the man nearly bumping into him - and any lustful thoughts he was having was destroyed by the man's attitude. Because now the prick was acting like he was too good to even look at him. And he found himself growing irritated by that - it was so childish and infuriating to even think about. But the man's scent came cleared and he smelled of vanilla and cinnamon , it was sweet and delicious and the warm and creamy undertones of sandalwood was maddeningly addictive . But he soon broke out of his stupor.

"Am I really that unappealing in appearance that you have to act like I'm the plague ? " he asked , a bit offended by the actions of the man - his eyes furrowed slightly.

At the words of the male , he gave a scandalized gasp, his cheeks turning a bright shade of scarlet , " I am not whiny " his cheeks puffing out in indignation and offense at the statement . He wouldn't dare comment on his voice rising a slight octave at his protest .

That's when he registered that the man hadn't denied him being appealing - those words being unsaid but lingered . He found himself silenced and astounded by that revelation. So, the big bad wolf did find him appealing- however , the big guy didn't show it all and it was annoying. His eyes were narrowed and his brows scrunched into confusion as he looked at the strong brow raised at him - one that was to deter him from arguing but he would argue with him anyway. He perked his lips up a bit to show his fangs, a display of his annoyance and a way for fae to politely tell someone to fuck off .

His attention was brought to Aurelia and her fan, and he made a grumbling chitter . He wasn't a fan of her fan, it reminded him too much of his Governess who used a ruler to straighten him out when he was incorrect . Aurelia began scolding them about going ahead and dancing. It seemed that Faelin was going to continue act like he didn't exist, and it irritated him - was he that hard to look at ? Just for a moment to focus and help him dance . He wanted to fuss at the man for avoiding him and ignoring him deliberately. It was annoying and hurtful, he don't know why it riled him up so when Faelin didn't have his attention on him - it was alright when Alucard didn't, he could whine about it and bat his eyelashes but Faelin ? No he was a stone wall , and he wasn't one to beg or chase after someone - and it drove his fae insane .

He had to ignore the way his heart fluttered for a second when Faelin put his hands firmly on his waist. And it drew him slightly closer to the male , until they were closely connected . And he felt himself blink at the bodily contact , and when Faelin mentioned it was a fancy waltz, the contact made sense . A waltz was a two-partner dance, with the lead dancer needing close contact with their partner to guide them so the dance could be seamless on the floor. And he nodded slightly, his brain malfunctioning slightly, all snarky quips lost to his tongue.

They didn't use music for this round of dancing. Surprisingly, Faelin was a good dance partner - he was patient and considerate in leading him through the dance . But the mage was fast learner, and dancing was something he liked to do - especially with his magic . He put that thought at the back of his mind as he focused on dancing .The way the two flowed together was mesmerizing, he could easily follow Faelin's lead - sure there was a few bumps at first, but soon their movement was fluid and the they were actually dancing seamlessly together .

Everything was going great but then he began to feel terribly warm , and suddenly the lights around him seemed too bright. His eyes scrunched at the sudden change and his lips pursed in a tight line of discomfort, as did his breath hitch in discomfort . It was followed by a throbbing sensation on the front of his head and he had to resist the urge to hiss . Even the outlines of his vision were beginning to go blurry, and he had to blink to focus his eyesight and squint in discomfort at the light . He kept his focus on his dance , but then he felt a slight ache in his body and he knew what was coming . He was starting to feel the consequences of not having his mana flowing through his veins and it sucked ass . The discomfort and pain was reminiscent of days before his magic bloomed , and he could feel himself growing widened even with this little dance. But he was too stubborn to say something , he could only ignore the slight beads of sweat that were forming on his forehead .

The young mage was living in his own personal hell, and he felt like everything was on fire. Usually it wouldn't be this bad, but he had to have a habit for not looking out for himself at times . However, he was a prisoner and he couldn't demand things, even if they meant his health . He was beginning to lose his focus, and his steps became harder and he grit his teeth at the errors . So much for keeping composure and riding this out , and his head felt like it was being banged on like a drum and even blinking was starting to hurt as the pressure behind his eye built due to the migraine . He felt like the world was tilting , and it was shifting to screw with his movements .

He hadn't noticed Faelin's concern for him , nor the concern from Aurelia . The mage could barely comprehend what was going on, and hadn't noticed the guard had stopped dancing - and had fully bumped into him . His nose was assaulted by the sweet scents again as he gave a soft mumble of confusion . Trying to figure out what had happened . He really felt ready about to faint , but being supported helped him keep his dignity intact - however, the ringing in his ear was loud and piercing and he saw Faelin saying something but he he couldn't make it out. And then Aurelia came over and got close - and he had the mind to hiss at her for getting so close but he took the option of hiding behind the taller guard - he didn't like his weaknesses being exposed like this . He was supposed to be able to keep them under wraps .

He had scrunched up his face in confusion , he really was lost on what was going on . Until he could hear the jingling of the chain and they were moving . He was rather confused , was the lesson over ? Wasn't there more to be taught ? But he could only follow Faelin , and hope his next move would be the right one . Faelin was his personal guard , right ? That would mean he needed to know about his personal needs to keep himself healthy ? He tried to tell Alucard but the man was busy, and Faelin was right there - and it would be unfair for the man to be scolded for something that could be avoided because he couldn't open his mouth . And so he took a deep breath and he touched the chain, and slightly yanked it to get the man to slow down or stop.

And once he caught up he tugged at the man's sleeve. His face was a bright crimson as he spoke , " I apologize for that, I'm usually of better health - but this collar is really infuriating, I suspected this would come but not as quickly as it did . " he said as he touched the collar, it feeling warm to the touch , " I felt like I should say this because , I've tried to tell Alucard but he's been too busy for me and some don't respect me enough for me to order them around - but, it's in regards to my health . . . And I don't want you to get in trouble because of something foolish . " he said his voice a bitter at the mention of Alucard .

" As a mage, you know we have mana and need to replenish it in different ways . For me, my most effective way would be to moon bathe under the moonlight because I get most of my power from the moon. But a secondary way for me would be to sleep in a forest or maybe a garden because of my connection to nature . And as I have this collar, my mana is being stored and not flowing through my body which also is dangerous because thing of it as this - pressure building up, but it needs be released unless something will go wrong. I haven't had this collar removed since I've been here, and my body is not acting properly - I was a sickly child, and my awakening as a mage healed my body but since my magic isn't flowing - it's regressing. And now , whenever this collar is removed, I fear for the repercussions - my power and mana is immense , and it being suppressed for this length of time is dangerous for both me and those around me. Because when this collar comes off , there's no telling the damage that will occur when my powers unleash and I won't be in control . We mages learn young, our power must be used daily and we must burn the energy of our mana unless we want to risk an overcharge which can result in a chaotic release of power that can result in the death of the mage and destruction of an area . I'm not trying to say this to get my collar removed , but please verify my concerns with any other mage you know of have spoken with and they'll tell you how dangerous this is . " he was rambling now and shaking in concern, and he was trying to make himself very small. It felt good to tell someone his concerns and he took a deep breath to center himself.

" As you also know I am part fae, and I have an unusual diet. I can eat normal food and get energy, but I also must have a diet of blood unless you want me to go into bloodlust . That was the state I was in when I tasted the blood of that rookie , I hadn't had human blood in ages - I usually drink animal blood , which curbs the appetite but isn't as filling. Human blood is more rich, and each human has a different taste - like your blood was very sweet and tasted like vanilla and cinnamon with cream. " he said with a small smile and then he grew shy, " usually fae would drink from blood sacks and such, but to drink directly from someone is a rather . . . intimate act , and usually once a fae is mated , they'd drink from their mate to reaffirm their bond and for pleasure in a way. " and he felt his heart racing saying this statement but he muscles through and continues ,"And the kitchen staff looked at me weird when I asked for animal blood and then I don't know if you all have any vampires here I could ask for a blood sac, but it has been frustrating not being able to care for my needs because I can't ask Alucard because I'm he's too busy to care , and I don't know if the King will use this against me . But I'm just tired and hungry , and I want to care for my needs without looking like a damned freak . " he said , and at this point he was pacing and waving his hands dramatically almost bordering hysterically. Tears were in his eyes and he sniffled , trying to wipe them away.

" Will you help me , please - I just don't know who to go to , and I don't trust a lot of these people in the castle . " his voice low and somber , but very sincere .

The mage didn't know what to expect from Faelin in regard to a reaction to his words . But he definitely wasn't expecting the concern and compassion from the male that he got. At the mention of him going back to Alucard's quarters to rest, he nearly pouted but he kept his tongue silenced . He did feel pretty awful and maybe a little rest would do him well , and so he simply nodded - surprisingly tame for him and isn't pick a fight. He was too tired to do so. And the thanked the Goddess that this man was listening to him and that possibly things would get better. But what he didn't expect was to be picked up and carried , and he let out a shocked squeal at the action . His arms instantly going around the man's neck for stability . And he thought of scolding the man for making such a big deal out of this but the way he moved so confidently with him in his hold was rather . . . nice . It felt rather nice to be cared for and doted on by someone . He didn't feel so lonely .

He was also appreciative he didn't have to make that hellish walk up the stairs to the spire . The way the man had climbed those stairs like they were nothing was amazing, and he had carried him and wasn't out of breath ? That was quite ... attractive , and so was being effortlessly carried by someone . He didn't like playing damsel in distress but this time being a damsel for someone didn't seem so bad . As they entered the room, he expected to sleep on the chaise as he had been doing for a while - what he wasn't expecting was for the man to bypass that all together and take him to the bedroom . And he felt himself blushing , he hadn't been here yet, but he found himself taking a look at the room itself curiously. But Faelin had paused and was looking at the bed as if it had offended him, and the mage tilted their head curiously at the male but didn't say anything about it.

Whatever debate the man was having , he was placed gently in the center of the large bed. And he found himself melting into the softness , this what Alucard was denying him ? The bastard would feel his fury . And he gave a content purr as felt the softness of the bed. He hadn't realize that Faelin was still there and blinked embarrassed, but the man seems to have something to do and so he had cleared his throat before ordering telling him to rest . And just as quickly as he got there, he was gone . He hadn't even had time to latch him to anything - and getting out the bed, the mage decided to take advantage of this moment to himself .

He called for a maid, the one who had helped him in the beginning . He found himself liking her, she was a rather sweet woman . She didn't question him or his body nor his quirks, but just silently helped him . She didn't say nothing as she helped him get out of the stuffy dress and quietly guided him to the bathing room. She gently coaxed him into the warm and refreshing scented water , humming softly as she combed through his hair and cleansed it , her hands gentle and kind and once done she placed the warm towel on it. She scrubbed and cleaned his body , cleaning his fingernails and when he was done with the bath, gently placed a towel around his body. She made a slight fuss as she felt his forehead and confirmed he did indeed have a fever . And he pouted as she scolded him for over working himself but she wasn't hearing it and made him sit on the bed as she got him a proper wardrobe - she could hear her muttering about "inconsiderate prince" , "not spoiling his consort" . But when she came back, she had a rather beautiful silk chemise-style nightgown along with silk undergarments . And rather stylish and elegant robe to wear if he decided to walk around the room or a sudden guest came .

She bowed and took her leave, but not before leaving medicine , water and a bowl of soup for him to eat . He put on the nightgown, and found that the frilled ends stopped at his ankles , and admired the puffy sleeves of the garment , but also was intrigued by the low cut . Was this meant to seduce his partner ? He wasn't one to wear risqué nightwear , but maybe for Alucard he could try? He couldn't deny he looked good. The way the silk hugged his curves and , teased the viewer of his chest and it felt so good to wear as well. And soon he found himself drinking his water and eating the soup , and reluctantly taking the medicine . Once he did that, he found himself curling into the softness of the bed , and melting away into a deep slumber .

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A shooting flaring pain woke up the mage and he gave a gasp of shock at the suddenness of the pain. As he tried to move, he winced in pain - his body felt like it was on fire and he tried to move slowly, but it still irritated his body. He managed to sit himself up , but he was in too much pain to try and make any other motions . His back ached , and his legs might as well feel like they were being run through glass and stuck with pins and needles . He curled up into himself trying to suppress his crying, but the tears came anyway . The hot tears coming down his face.

It was pathetic of him wasn't it ? He couldn't even handle a little pain and he was supposed to be the future spouse of a prince . And where was his prince ? Not here when he needed him , and no one in the damned castle cared enough for him to even help him with this . And Alucard was probably in some fancy brothel with a cheap woman having the time of his life while he was crying tears in bed . And that wasn't fair, this whole situation wasn't fair - he wanted to scream and shout, but he couldn't because he could get himself killed and he wouldn't be able to defend himself .

He wished Alucard was here , maybe then he could pretend everything was right. That he wasn't signing his whole immortal life way to a man who didn't love him. Because even in Alucard's death he would be bound to the man for life - after all , fae mated for life . He gripped a blanket , sobbing into it. No one would care , he was just a trophy for the Prince to tote around. As long as he looked good and acted well, everything would be alright. It didn't matter if it felt his heart was shattered , he would just play the role of a good spouse and smile and be charming. He could do that, he was good at wearing masks wasn't he . . . he slowly got up, as if in a trance .

He shuffled slightly, exiting the room and finding his way to the balcony. He opened the doors , and found himself looking at the fullness of the moon. It was bewitching , he sunk to his knees , praying a silent mantra to the goddess, hoping his words reached her , and as he got up, he found that it was hard to do in the moment , as he felt dizzy . And he groaned slightly in agony as he crumpled on the balcony floor , the last thing he remembers was thinking that the moon looked beautiful before darkness fell.