Chapter One

Remus slid off of his horse and stretched. They'd ridden all day and arrived at a lord's Castle where they would spend the night. A servant led Sébastien who headed for the Castle without a backward glance, so Remus went right for Commander Alger.

Alger had the look of a decent fighter. He also had the look of someone young who was too sure of himself.

"What do you want me to do after I take care of my horse?" asked Remus.

"Hm?"

"I'm awaiting your orders."

Alger glanced at the enormous stable where the wagons and boxcarts were being pulled inside. Someone was already unhitching the first cart's horses. The Prince's grey charger was being unsaddled too.

"Uh, I don't know. Ask the Prince. He already went in. Aren't you supposed to follow him around?"

"No. I figured you'd want me to ask you and not bother him. I think he'd prefer that too since you're in charge of general things. You know what you're doing."

He added the last bit to butter up Alger and see how that worked. Alger raised an eyebrow as his horse snorted and stamped, and he thrust the reins at someone else leading their own by. "Here. Take him. You're his slave, so shouldn't you save your energy for Prince Sébastien? I'm sure he'd like you to destress him later and help get the stiffness out."

He couldn't quite hide his smirk, and Remus had to bite his tongue. If this were his army, Alger wouldn't last ten minutes. He also wouldn't be leading a group or even a small squad of men with that attitude.

"I shouldn't get special treatment just because I belong to the Prince. Every man should do his bit so everything can run smoothly. If needed, I have a sword to fight with, and everyday tasks are also important. Somebody has to do them."

Alger straightened up. "Fine. Speak to the bald guy by that wagon over there. He's in charge of the drivers, and he's got the list. You can do inventory with him."

Mostly everyone hated that job since it was tedious. It also had to be done daily when they stopped for the day and again before leaving. They'd be fed on the way when they had the opportunity to sleep at a lord's home like that night, but they'd have to camp out later in the journey. Besides food and water, they had things such as spare weapons, armor, tents, bedrolls, and ale to be rationed out. Medical supplies were another thing despite having a couple of healers. No army goes without at least bandages and other basics in case something happens to those with healing magic.

That meant opening all of the crates and sacks. He didn't need to check the Prince's trunk or his pack, and by the time he dealt with his horse, a servant had already taken those things inside.

The bald, winged carter grumbled when Remus said they needed to do inventory. "We already checked off everything at the Palace this morning."

"And?" Remus climbed into a wagon.

The man shook the list. "Do you think someone nicked a box of bandages while we were riding today?"

Guards and soldiers could also steal from their own either because they wanted an item or would find someone to sell it to later. That was another reason for inventory. Someone had always taken care of it in Rowland's army no matter what.

"You'd be surprised at what can go missing or end up misplaced by accident," said Remus. "If you don't keep regular inventory, and something turns out to be missing, you won't know if it disappeared that day or three days ago. Is this your first time driving for the army? You have to do more than guide the horses pulling the-"

"It's not my first time, and we're not at war now."

If he'd done a good job in the war, he must have respected King Jean, which meant he didn't hold the same level for Prince Sébastien.

"There's no need to be nitpicky. Also, don't get that tone with me." The man pointed at Remus and fluffed his wings. "You think I don't know what that collar means or who you are? You're not some high and mighty Prince anymore, and no Rowland man is going to tell me what to do."

Remus's boots clomped as he shifted and slipped a finger under the heavy metal. He'd always think of himself as a Prince no matter what happened, and Sébastien certainly hadn't broken him. Still, it was best to play humble to certain ones. "I'd never presume to tell you what to do, but I know what needs to be done and what I've been told. Since I am required to serve Prince Sébastien now, that means doing the tasks he'd expect to the best of my ability. If you slack now, I cringe to think of what kind of job you did in the army before."

The man flushed.

"And if Prince Sébastien knew you were slacking and refusing to do the count with another, as is proper, he'd wonder too. He might have you arrested and punished for neglecting your duties. I'd have to tell Commander Alger who would have to tell his superior about such an offense."

Even the top of the man's bald head turned crimson. Alger might not care to report anything. The threat was still clear because Remus could speak to the Prince too.

"We can avoid trouble by doing the count. It's your job, and it's the job I was given for tonight at least, so let's just get it over with. It's not like I have much say either."

The man crinkled the side of the parchment as he clutched it. "Fine."

Once every item was counted, everything was secured, and the carter left with a huff to get his supper in the guardhouse, Remus headed to the stable entrance. A servant was waiting, and he gave Remus a quick up-and-down glance.

"Uh…are you Prince Sébastien's slave?"

"Yeah."

The servant's eyes flicked up and down again, and his mouth opened a little like he couldn't believe the Prince had such a muscular man. Or that Sébastien trusted his enormous slave with a sword. "I was sent to find you. You're supposed to be in the Prince's rooms."

"Can you lead me? I had to check the inventory."

The servant led him in the back way since slaves didn't get to use the front door on their own. The lord there had a mix of slaves and servants in his home, and they passed a few in the back passage.

The room Sébastien had been given upstairs had too much lace. Even the couch had a frilly skirt around the bottom, and Remus paused by the door as he looked around. Sébastien probably hated it, and he'd draped himself in an armchair with lace covering the back and arms. Already washed and in fresh clothes, he didn't look too pleased.

"Whoever decorated needs to pull back on the lace." Remus closed the door. "For Elira's sake."

"Do you want to tell me where you disappeared to?" Sébastien brushed back a strand of damp hair. "Were you discussing the horrid decorations with the lord?"

"You know damn well I wasn't. I was told to do the count."

Sébastien raised an eyebrow. "You were told to check the inventory?"

"Yes. I asked Commander Alger what I should do."

"Why?"

"I'm one of the men."

"No, you're not. Last I checked, you're neither free nor Soleilian."

"So what do I have a sword and armor for?" Remus barely kept the contempt from his voice as he approached and stepped around the couch.

"Because if needed, you can defend yourself against stupid bandits or furious Middies. Also, you're to defend me if I need you to do so."

"It's best if I present as one of them overall, and I can do that by working. A man who doesn't do any work and tags around after the Prince isn't much, and it certainly won't make you look better either because this isn't court." Remus lifted a hand. "I'm sure you can guess there's already a problem with the men."

Or he hoped so. Sébastien was only a year younger than Remus, but he hadn't gone to fight with the army before. Remus had fought before and had some experience in commanding.

"I am well aware of who the problem is. Commander Alger thinks he can chat and joke with those his age and squawk at them in the next second. When we stopped to water the horses at noon and eat…" Sébastien rolled his eyes.

Remus cringed as he remembered lunch. Sébastien had been content to sit on the backboard of a cart and eat since it was supposed to have been a quick meal so they could get back to riding and make it to their first stop before evening.

Commander Alger had changed his mind more than once about who would do what. He'd snapped at those who were slow. He'd also bitched at the one who'd burned the beans because basic cooking was not his strength, and he'd even said so. Then, Commander Alger joked around with the others and grew testy again when they were ready to leave and a few hadn't been moving fast enough. He'd argued with another about how to reload the food supplies back into a cart. The man reloading it had finally done it the way the Commander said.

They'd barely gotten a hundred feet before a few crates had fallen over inside. The driver of that cart had to get down and fix the mess. The ones who'd done the reloading had been yelled at even though he'd followed orders.

"He's used to being friendly with those his age," continued Sébastien. "Someone in command can have friends, but they all need to realize when it's friend time and when it's time to give orders or take them. Alger automatically resorts to yelling and nobody likes his pompous attitude. He hasn't spent time building respect or truly learning their strengths and weaknesses. There's an attitude you have to take when you're suddenly in charge of the guys you also drink with after work, and he doesn't have that demeanor at all."

No wonder the Regent had picked him. "You didn't say anything. If someone isn't doing their job, you can-"

"I know what I can do," said Sébastien.

Remus took a deep breath before he sat in the other armchair. Fuck standing there like a subordinate who needed a scolding. "If someone like you yelled at them, they'd hurry to get their asses moving. You've been above them since the day you were born. You also have that-" Asshole attitude wasn't a nice thing to say. "-commanding attitude, so you wouldn't even need to yell, and your position automatically commands respect. Don't you think you should use that?"

Sébastien smiled at him. That was never a good sign. "So I should take away Alger's post when he's barely had it for a day?"

"Yes. You could talk to him, but he's too young for this, and I doubt he'll improve fast enough. Not everyone is meant for leading, especially when they're young and have never held any kind of position like this."

"But I'd be flouting the Regent."

"If someone turns out to be unfit for a role, you have the power to deal with that on your own," said Remus. "You could say the Regent made an innocent mistake and was unaware of his attitude and actual ability. Since your Uncle picked him, I think he's hoping the group will fall apart before you even get to Midland. With two other Earls, it won't get better. I'm assuming Alger will keep command of this group, and each Earl will command his own in general?"

The smile remained as Sébastien nodded. "Yes, but we're to work together as a whole with overall orders from me if needed when it comes to bigger decisions."

"He's going to cause a problem. Even when men are divided into groups, they all have to work together like the limbs of an animal. You can't have one leg broken."

"Oh, I know."

Remus spread his hands. "You said we'd talk about things-"

"And I'd make the decision, not you. We have spoken about it, and we'll see what Alger does."

"He's not going to shape up on his own. Or if he does, it won't be soon enough, and the problem will grow worse. Midland is a bad place to have dissent among the men. This isn't simple training or a mere escort trip with nothing truly on the line. If you don't force him to heel, the rest are going to have less respect for you after a while because they'll see him not taking his position seriously, and you not doing anything about it."

Sébastien inclined his head. "I'm aware. We'll wait. I doubt the men are about to riot against me." He stood. "Someone will bring you food, and you're not to leave the rooms. Have a bath and be done before I get back from dinner. You'll sleep on the couch."

"Having the men think of me as one of them, at least partly, would be beneficial in the long run," pressed Remus, trying to at least hammer that point home.

"Then do it."

"Oh, wait."

Sébastien paused and turned. "What?"

"Are you feeling alright? You don't think you'll have a fit or anything, right?"

"I'm fine. If not, I'll say so. Anything else to pester me with?"

Remus was just making sure even though another wasn't likely. "No. I was checking."

***

The bath was good, and the food was better. A servant had placed a pallet by the wall in the bedroom. If the guest didn't want their slave in bed, the slave would make do on the pallet.

It was strange compared to before. If Remus had gone anywhere and stayed in a lord's home, he would have slept in his own room and eaten with the others. Like a normal fairy being.

At least the quiet was nice, and his situation wasn't forever either. A servant came to collect the dinner tray. Remus made himself comfortable on the couch and stared at the fire as he thought ahead.

He was still sure the Prince had been abused. If the physician was correct, and the one responsible had died in the war, Sébastien wouldn't have to see them again. Either way, heading to Arquous where it likely happened had to be weighing on him.

Since the Prince packed everything into anger, he'd get snappier as they went. Remus told himself to suck it up and deal. If the Prince's mood grew fouler, maybe it would be better once they left Arquous.

He was more worried about how much damage Alger could do over time since that was the most pressing matter. Men doing what he said in general didn't mean much on the first day, and without a firm hand, they could grow out of control. Sébastien needed to take command of their group and fast. Heading into Midland with a thread of disrespect running through them wasn't a good idea. The Middies hated him, and they'd pluck at that if they could.

He was surprised at how tired he was. The day of riding had been long after ages of nothing but a room and a hall to walk around in with the occasional assassination attempt on the Prince.

He stayed awake long enough to hear the Prince return. With the back of the couch blocking his view, he couldn't see, and the familiar footsteps didn't falter when Remus let out a small cough to announce his presence. Sébastien went into his bedroom, and Remus turned over to finally sleep.

***

Alger fucked up pretty fast.

Remus noticed the Commander and one of the men by the doors to the stable when he went to start inventory the next morning. He hadn't learned even half of their names yet. The other guard was looking at Alger like he was the best thing since fresh-baked bread. Remus had a feeling those two had sucked or fucked the previous night. Or both.

If relationships started, even just for release, it usually wasn't a big deal as long as it didn't get in the way of duties. Starting one with an underling was heavily frowned upon when it came with privileges.

Remus had one last boxcart to finish before he could saddle his horse unless someone was nice and did it for him. The Prince was already out in the yard atop his charger. One of the men spoke to Alger's new buddy and asked if he was going to saddle his horse or not.

"We don't have all day, and we're about to-"

"Why don't you do it for him?" asked Alger. "He's busy."

The man paused and glanced at the other who clearly wasn't busy. "I did the Prince's. We-"

"You can saddle another. Hurry up so we can go." Alger turned to his new pal and whispered something that made them both chuckle. The other guard moved to obey without a word. The stiffness in his expression said enough.

Nobody likes a man who fucks the one giving orders and doesn't have to do anything.

Remus got the guy next to him to talk that morning while they rode. The guard had been taking sword lessons since he was four and came from a family with money to afford it. That was why he'd been taken at the Palace and was sixteen.

A good deal of the fifty men were Remus's age or younger. That wasn't the worst thing, but he would have preferred men with more actual experience. Not that the Regent truly cared about his nephew.

Some of the ones who had guarded the Prince were there, including Tom. He should have been commanding since he could likely do a better job. When they stopped around noon outside of a village to eat, Alger's new buddy did nothing. The guy from earlier had to deal with his horse again, and a couple grumbled since Alger was too busy talking to his friend and practically undressing him with his eyes.

"For fuck's sake." Remus made himself comfortable in the shade of a wagon. Sébastien settled on the backboard while a few figured things out among themselves.

"I don't care if you do the inventory or whatever Alger says, but when my horse is saddled, you're to do it from now on," the Prince ordered him. "No one else."

It was a bit early to loosen his saddle, pray he tumbled off, broke his neck, and died. Better to be safe instead of sorry. Remus kept his ears open while he ate buttered bread and dried meat since the others had gone for a simple meal that required little effort.

A couple of the men had the sort of faces where they always appear rather unhappy, but a few were clearly pissed as they ate. Remus couldn't see Alger and wasn't sure where he had disappeared. Nobody had gotten into the swing of things, and leaving them to themselves was a bad idea at the time.

Alger and his fuck friend finally emerged from the back of a boxcart when nearly everyone was done eating. Afterward, Alger proceeded to ask in a snotty tone why they weren't getting ready to leave. When no one immediately moved, he yelled to hurry up.

Remus stood and brushed off his hands as he shifted around the wagon to give the Prince a meaningful look.

"Well?" he muttered.

"Well, what?" Sébastien plucked a crumb from his sleeve and flicked it away before he waved at Remus. "Back up." He slipped off the backboard.

Others complained that afternoon in low voices so they wouldn't be heard by Alger who stayed at the front of the group and slightly behind the Prince. If a Commander wanted to drain his balls in someone under him who wanted it too, he should do it privately and not give his fuck buddy special privileges.

A few cast the aforementioned buddy dirty looks, although he didn't seem to care or mind that he'd made himself stand out in a bad way. It must have been worth getting to slack off.

Besides that, a couple kept chuckling, and one kept bending his left arm. For some reason, that made his buddy turn red with laughter.