Chapter Sixteen

Sébastien awoke to the nearly dark room. They'd left a lantern on in the sitting room, and the glow it lent to the bedroom was faint. From their nest of blankets on the floor, he could see the window wasn't quite as dark. They'd have to get up soon.

Except he'd woken up from the voice reminding him of the same thing he already knew because Satan or whatever he was told him every night.

"You're mine."

He hadn't heard it the night before, but he figured it couldn't go too long without saying so to warn him.

A sort of resigned emptiness had opened in him during the past days, and he wanted to tell Remus, but how could he? What was he supposed to do? Sébastien had told him the night before that he could find happiness with someone else, trying to hammer in a fact that he was positive couldn't be avoided.

If the shaman had abandoned him and run with her wife, he was fucked. There was no hope for him even if Remus did believe him about the night in the tomb.

He'd find another man one day. A man who truly deserved him. All Sébastien could hope was that Remus never forgot him.

He rolled over to put his back to Remus who was still asleep, and he stretched out, naked under the blanket covering them. It had been rather freeing to sleep with nothing, and it wasn't like Remus was going to take advantage of him in the night. He could enjoy what he had now, and that's what he'd decided to do.

He focused on the previous night to avoid thinking of the future that awaited him. Or the lack of it. He still almost couldn't believe he'd sucked off Remus, and the activity hadn't been dreadful. At first, he'd been nervous about taking such a big cock in his mouth and doing an act he'd always hated, but he'd rather enjoyed getting him off. It was a lot easier when the other party wasn't forcing his head down and sacrificing his ability to breathe for their pleasure.

He still couldn't pretend it was his favorite thing ever, but he could do it again. There was a type of power in making the other feel good, and he'd never known it could be enjoyable for both parties.

Someone shouted from below the window, and he jumped before remembering one of the werewolves had said they'd get the pair up before dawn. Remus grunted in his sleep. Sébastien dragged himself up to go to the window and open it enough to poke his head out.

"We're up."

"‘Kay." The dark shape ambled off, and the breeze brushed loose strands of his hair around as he peered out over the dark remains of the village. He could just make out shapes leaving one way to keep the mass of werewolves entering rather randomly.

One started bawling in the most obnoxious way, apparently practicing his grief. Sébastien closed the window and padded back over to Remus to crouch by him. "Get up."

"I'm awake…kind of."

"You're not doing a very good job of getting up."

Remus grabbed him and pulled him forward. "Wake me up in five minutes."

Half-lying on him, Sébastien rolled his eyes. "Oh, I can stay awake while you snore?"

"Yeah. Actually, I'd rather stay with you and not see a sack of shit today. I mean, my twin."

"I know, but we have to get it over with." Sébastien kissed his cheek and couldn't help but shift to lay on him more fully. Staying there all day sounded like a fabulous idea. Remus could show him again how good it felt to cum in someone's mouth.

Remus brushed back his hair. "If things were different, a lot different, and we'd met some other way, I would have liked to invite you over to see my Palace, and meet my family…you'd like the garden out back. Father kept the rose maze the same after Mother passed because it was her favorite part. I mean, you can still see it...I wish things had gone another way with us still finding each other."

Soon, Remus wouldn't even have him. But he would find someone to share his life with. He'd be happy, and the most Sébastien could look forward to was to be free of his past and little scraps of bigger things he'd never get to keep. "I wish things were different too."

He pushed down the unpleasant future so he could focus on the day. With water drawn from the well in the backyard, they washed, dressed, and finally left the house. Whisper wasn't happy when Sébastien told him he had to stay there, and someone would come to get him later. The young werewolf who'd be staying to watch him knew to get them both out if everything went south.

Sébastien felt guilty about leaving him behind as they mounted a fine, brown horse.

Even at dawn, it was warmer than Sébastien liked, and the weather wasn't about to cool down yet. To spare their nice clothes, they'd loaded them into a pack. Several hours of riding wouldn't leave them the cleanest. They ate some stale buns as they rode, and after about four hours, they came to a stream where they had a quick wash-up, changed, and hurried off once again.

The dust wasn't too bad, and their riding cloaks covered them enough so they wouldn't be filthy after the last leg of the journey. The horse ate up the miles until they reached a main road that led to the capital.

The coast went inward until it reached the edges of the docks at Norraco and went back out. Soleil would have attempted to take that first, but the inlet was treacherous with rocks.

"Did you put spiked chains up before the war?" Sébastien asked Remus.

"Yes, we did just in case your Father decided to go for the heart first. He was smart to pick at other coastal cities and not risk his ships here. We couldn't have chains everywhere. It's easier close to Norraco because of all the rocks and the way the inlet grows narrower." Remus gave a quick chuckle. "You'd have had a pile-up of ships with busted hulls even if you'd risked docking along the beach away from the city itself.

Father was sure they'd taken advantage of the local area and set up chain traps near the coast. Even Corentin had advised not risking it. With the narrower space, it would have been easier to set up a blockade of ships to fight, and that's why he'd decided to invade elsewhere.

"Unfortunately, our coast is more open in general," said Sébastien. The rocky areas close to shore in some spots weren't a big worry in most cases because an army would take rowboats to reach land once the main ships were anchored. "Well…that's not so unfortunate now because it'll be easier to get your army into Soleil."

They crested a hill, and Sébastien was able to have a proper look at Norraco, a massive, walled city that was on a slight slope. Brightly colored flags fluttered in the breeze by the docks. Sébastien couldn't make out any of the crests of various shipping companies. Smaller boats to one side were specks, and he could make tiny dots of people on the docks. A ship was on its way and shrinking in the distance.

The woods were patchy, likely from past logging, and he spotted a stretch of beach that wasn't in front of the city. Fisheries, more docks, and small boats were out that way. To Sébastien's left, the hilly land was dotted with trees that grew thicker, and he saw a small farm with brightly colored rainbow sheep grazing in the fields. Beyond that, rocky, hilly land choked with trees continued.

"If you leave Norraco, follow the road south, and head through the pass in the hills, there's a spot we used to go hunting at sometimes, the woods are quite large. If you enter that forest and keep heading west, you'll eventually find yourself on the route we took near the river. There are a few streams that branch off from it too."

Remus had mentioned that before. The road carried them down, and Sébastien kept looking at the Palace. Even with their distance, the dome of the Hall was massive, and he couldn't imagine how long it had taken to build such a structure and keep it perfect.

"Were you trying to beat the Midas family?" asked Sébastien.

"Huh?"

"Their Palace is supposedly the largest in the realm." When the new one was built, Father had mentioned maybe they could go bigger for bragging rights although he'd decided against it.

Remus laughed. "No. I'm sure that was never the goal."

The closer they got to the city, the more people they saw. Little farms had full wheat fields, corn, and other crops. They passed a few carts, and some of the drivers waved or nodded, clueless that their rightful King had just ridden by. They crossed a ravine that would have presented a problem if Soleil had tried to approach that way. The bridge likely would have been destroyed to force them to go around the ravine.

A flock of spinkies flew overhead, and they passed a field of mookies who chewed grass and occasionally mooed.

Sébastien remembered this was probably the last long ride they'd ever have together, and his throat tightened before he forced his thoughts to the coming danger.

They passed werewolves on the road who pretended they were nobody special. A man with a bunch of dead chickens strung onto a stick and balanced across his shoulders walked with a werewolf. Remus had to slow the horse since some of the stones in the road had come loose, making the way less smooth.

"We thought he had years left. He went to sleep one night and never woke up." The werewolf sniffled.

"I'm sorry," said the man. "At least it was painless."

The area closer to the walls was mostly empty, although a group of what appeared to be drifters had made a fire and were cooking. The road curved and split, and Remus took the right curve. The walls were taller and would present another problem, although no wall is truly impassable. It depends on tactics and how many soldiers the enemy is willing to throw at it.

The gate was open, and the guards took a kop from a cart ahead. The horse had to slow again to avoid running into the back of the laden cart pulled by a surly ox.

Remus kept his hooded head low like Sébastien, and the guard barely looked at them. As soon as they could, they went around, although the horse couldn't canter anymore. The streets were too crowded.

Sébastien eyed the buildings as they went. No roosters or lynxes decorated anything there. The wolf was their thing, and he spotted a few corbels carved to look like one. Larger homes had porticos, columns, and gables. A building in silver stone had a small dome, and they passed a square with a statue of two wolves side-by-side and howling.

The off-white and pale grey stones of the Palace kept drawing his eye. Long, invented rectangles that followed the perfect curve had glass set in them. Just like Remus said. They wouldn't come out on their own, but they could be removed.

It must have been nice to live in a place where one often didn't have to worry about snow. Winters weren't too hard in Soleil, but shoveling and sneaky ice patches were something everyone had to think about. Sébastien had almost slipped and busted his arse on the steps outside last winter. He'd managed to grab the railing in time, although it had still infuriated him.

Remus took a deep breath against him. Being back in his home city had to be causing all sorts of mixed feelings, and Sébastien squeezed him a little harder before he straightened up and pushed his hood back. He didn't have to hide so much now, so he tugged on the tie holding his hair up to let it fall loose.

Werewolves were mixed in with the people, and a few were outside of a tavern and drinking with glum expressions.

A vast square much closer to the Palace held a well in the middle, and it was stuffed with werewolves and fairies who also looked sad as they stood around on the square stones carved with little snarling wolves. The ground by the well was littered with shiny pebbles, little grass dolls, and other trinkets. A fairy picked his way through the stuff and tossed in a kop.

"It worked," Remus muttered as they passed an older, crying woman.

Sébastien went for neutral once they were past the square. The entrance ahead to the Palace was open, and guards leaned against the wall. At the sight of someone approaching, they straightened up and moved to block the gateway a little.

One squinted at the pair. "What's your business?"

As Remus pushed his hood back, Sébastien spoke. "I'm Crown Prince Sébastien Cadieux of Soleil, and this is my companion and aid, Remus Rizzo."

The guard's mouths dropped as their eyes slid to Remus. Had any of them directly helped when he was dragged from his bed in the dead of night? One reached for his sword like he thought Remus would leap from the horse to attack.

"I announce myself, and you pull your weapon?" drawled Sébastien. "Last I checked, we have a treaty between our two Kingdoms."

The guards all paused, and one had his sword halfway out of his scabbard. "I-"

"Clearly, I'm here to visit and speak with King Quintus."

Remus kicked the sides of the horse who barreled forward, forcing the guards to move or get stepped on.

"Hey!"

"You can't come in here!"

One shouted, and the men on the walls leaped into action, not that they had heard who was there. All they knew was that someone who shouldn't be inside had entered. Bows were readied, and others came down the steps. Remus paused the horse who stamped on the interlocked stones that made up a good deal of the yard. Sébastien immediately slid down.

"Not only is this place stuffed with mutts, the guards have the manners of backwater village idiots. You didn't tell me this many werewolves lived here."

Remus dismounted as the guards inched forward, and ones from the wall gawped at him. "Normally, there aren't that many."

Sébastien cast his disdainful gaze at the guards. "Well? Are you going to stand there and stare like I'm a spectacle?"

"He can't be here!" One pointed at Remus and looked ready to piss himself.

"You've got your King, so I don't see why you're worried," snapped Remus.

"State your business," one snarled at Sébastien.

Sébastien tilted his head. "Has the treaty been canceled, and I wasn't made aware?"

"Uh, no, but-"

"Or are you such a savage, you don't know what to do when a Prince enters? I sent a dove ahead, and not one of you seems capable of pulling your head from your ass. I started to change my mind about you people since Remus is all right, but apparently, a good deal of you are bumbling barbarians. I suppose I'll have to go in, find the King myself, and figure out what room I'll be sleeping in. Shall I cook my own lunch too?"

A few of the guards finally hurried to the Palace, eager to get away from the furious Prince, and a couple jogged toward the stables down at one end of the front yard.

"Nobody said anything about a dove," said one.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," muttered Sébastien. "Did you eat it?"

The guard reddened as Remus sighed. "Maybe a hawk got it or…it had an accident. It happens."

"Mm." Sébastien plucked off his riding gloves and didn't look at the couple of remaining guards holding their weapons. "If you don't put those away soon, my Uncle will be most displeased that his nephew has been treated so poorly, especially when I come here in obvious peace. I haven't even brought a slew of guards, and you're acting as if two men are something to be terrified of. I expected far better of Palace guards."

"Why did you bring your slave?" one demanded even though Remus had no collar or cuffs.

"I'm not in the habit of discussing personal business with those below me." Sébastien removed his riding cloak and thrust it along with the gloves at a man. He fumbled to catch the items. "Someone take care of my horse. Can you manage that?"

Remus took his off too and tossed it at the guard. "Usually, there's a servant to do this stuff, Prince Sébastien. I swear they're usually not this dumb."

"You could have fooled me. I'm surprised these men have managed to dress themselves."

Sébastien's nasty, pompous attitude worked wonders since a few only hovered as they crossed the yard. To the left, a small gate led to the walled gardens that took up that side. The Palace itself was quite impressive with massive, wide steps leading up to the portico and the front doors. White columns supported the triangular gable above which had been carved. On either side, fairies and wolves mingled, and a single man in the center who was a little taller stood with a hand raised. Atop the point was a statue of a woman in loose robes with her arms held out as if welcoming those in the carving.

Sébastien paused at the bottom of the steps as he gazed up. "Do you have enough wolves? Every time I turn around, there's some statue or picture of a beast staring at me."

Remus rolled his eyes. "So? You've got roosters all over Soleil. That's not even your crest, yet you're all obsessed with giant cocks."

Sébastien had to fight to keep his expression neutral instead of smirking, and he looked at the doors. "Oh, look. More wolves."

The double doors bore knockers shaped like wolf heads with the rings clutched in their mouths. Both flew open to reveal several guards who started coming down the steps. Quintus stepped out.

They were identical twins, so for a second, it was almost like looking at Remus. Quintus was dressed in a silk, emerald coat with gold trim that well with his brown skin and yellow eyes. The buttons were done, hiding the shirt and vest underneath. His hair was a little shorter, and like his twin, he lacked facial hair. Even his height and build matched.

The difference was still stark, although Sébastien couldn't quite place his finger on what. Something about him wasn't as warm. Remus had hated him for a while, and he'd had a good reason. Since then, with their situation gradually shifting, Sébastien had gotten used to the real him.

If Quintus had been sent as a slave, he had a feeling the twin would not have shown such patience and care if he knew what Sébastien had been through. They looked the same, but they were not the same.

Quintus's expression wasn't pleasant to say the least as he took in the sight of Sébastien standing next to Remus.

"Don't you say hello when you have guests?" Sébastien asked in a droll tone as Remus grew tense beside him. He glanced at the rightful King who had managed to keep his face neutral. "Your brother isn't here to snatch you off the throne."

Quintus furrowed his brow. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to visit. Now that we have peace between our nations, and some changes have been made, I thought it'd be nice to come by. Your country is quite lovely, and since I'm also the Duke of Midland, I live much closer so it was no trouble to sail over."

His voice was nearly the same too. Sébastien couldn't imagine him saying he was safe even if he couldn't form the word no or froze. He likely wouldn't have cared to ever touch Sébastien or try to get to know him. Maybe it was because Sébastien knew what Quintus had done and what truly lay beneath the fancy exterior. He was still sure the usurper wouldn't have been the same if the situation had been flipped with Quintus being sent to Soleil.

He might have even simply crouched on the floor and watched Sébastien suffer and die from poison that night.

Quintus was scanning the yard, the wall, and whatever he could see of the square beyond the gate where werewolves and citizens still milled around the well. He'd likely expected a pack of guards. "Unannounced?"

"I sent a dove, and everybody seems clueless, so I suppose it never made it. Perhaps a werewolf ate it. I didn't bring a bunch of guards, although maybe I should have. Your city is filled with vermin, and some don't know how to get out of the way. It's hot, and I'd like to come in."

Quintus gave him a hard look and still seemed befuddled by the unexpected visit, especially with his twin.

"You can come in. The slave can stay with your horse."

"He's my aid. He's not my slave, and he's certainly not staying outside."

Quintus pressed his lips together before he turned. "Very well. Come inside, Prince Sébastien."

The cool entrance hall with its marble and pillars was a relief from the sun. One could go straight, or head left or right to the rest of the Palace. The dome outside was impressive enough. When they went up the steps that led into the Hall itself, he saw it was empty even though it was nearly lunchtime. After the war, Remus said they hadn't brought the court back, preferring peace at home instead. Quintus hadn't invited them to return. Perhaps he was afraid of being stabbed in the back.

The guards were tense and didn't seem eager to let those inside deal with the newcomers on their own.

The white, gold, and silver marble shimmered in the sunshine that poured through the large glass panes set in the dome near the top. Columns half set into the curved walls drew the eye up to the vast space ahead. On the wall behind the High Table hung a tapestry with the wolf crest. The empty, round tables for courtiers were only set with a crystal lantern in the center, and they were out since the sunshine provided enough light.

Like he owned the place, Sébastien followed Quintus to the dais where the High Table sat. It had a slight curve and fit the room better than the typical, straight one.

"Any reason you invited the traitor along when he doesn't deserve to set foot in my home? It's not a secret that our Uncle Lupo is now dead."

"Tell your guards to leave us be."

Quintus turned by the grand chair he'd killed to sit in. "Excuse me if I'm not comfortable about being left alone with only you and him."

Sébastien squinted. "Did I do something to offend you? That's quite hostile, especially considering I came with a single man."

"A traitor stands next to you, and you insisted on bringing him inside."

"He's being quite peaceful. The guards don't have to leave , but I'd rather speak while they're not practically shoved up our asses."

Quintus waved at the various men and told the outside ones to leave. "The rest of you can stay by the doors."

"Your Majesty-"

"Did he stutter?" snapped Sébastien.

The men hastened to obey. A servant appeared as if from nowhere with a tray and a covered plate. Another held wine and Quintus shook his head. "Take that away. Bring out some appetizers instead."

Both hastened to leave through an unobtrusive entrance to one side that must lead to the kitchen. Sébastien sat without waiting for the King. The chairs had a decent space between them, so he would have to reach a bit if he wanted to stab him, not that he would. Remus pulled his chair close to Sébastien's and sat.

"You have a lovely home," said Sébastien. "Your Hall puts mine to shame. When I go home later to take the throne, I'll feel as if we're primitive people banging rocks together."

Quintus's smile had none of the warmth Sébastien saw in Remus's. He must have felt safe enough. "Where are your guards?"

"We left them on the main boat and came to shore in a smaller one," said Sébastien. "I didn't feel like all of the fanfare and having someone pasted to my hip. The Midlanders have been kissing my ass since I'm their Duke now. I needed a break, although I did expect something a little better when we entered the grounds. Your guards aren't very smart."

Quintus eyed him. "The Regent's murderer is next to you. How would you expect them to act?"

Sébastien snorted like that was funny. "We don't believe that in Soleil. That's beyond silly." Quintus glanced at his twin, and Sébastien flung a hand up. "Let's be honest here. Not one single person thinks he woke up in the night to stab Regent Lupo and went back to bed with the intent to blame you in the morning. I mean, really." He chuckled. "That's stupid. Why not poison or at least something a little more clever? You could have said he had a heart attack in his sleep. The stress, age-whatever."

Quintus leaned over the arm of his chair. Something in his eyes was a little too close to Remus back when they were ready to throttle each other, and it sent a prickle of unease through Sébastien. He was a man who had killed for the throne.

"Let me make things clear. If you think about trying anything, you'll never leave this Hall alive."

Sébastien wrinkled his nose. "Do you think I'd be stupid enough to break the treaty and come inside with only one other man?"

"Whatever trick this is, you're not getting the throne," Quintus told Remus.

"You can have your fucking throne," said Remus. "I hope it ages you like it did Father and Uncle."

Quintus paused. "It didn't age them."

Remus let out a small, bitter laugh. "If you say so. Maybe I'll come back in twenty years and see how you're doing. Enjoy it while it seems all new and shiny. You'll feel quite differently later. And when I'm done visiting you, I'll say, ‘I told you so' and walk out."

"What-"

"Are you that blind?" demanded Remus. "Did you not see the strain it put on Father? I'm not talking about the war either. I'm talking about before Sébastien lost his Mother and oldest brother. The daily grind of work and having so many rely on you. How could you not see the burden it was on him? Even if you're not a single Father raising two boys, I'm sure you'll figure it out in a few years."

"I'm managing it just fine now. It's not easy, but it's not that draining either, and I have no idea what you're talking about."

Remus gave a hum worthy of Sébastien. "Maybe you should have opened your eyes."

Three servants hurried in with platters. The whole kitchen must have been in a dither to get all put together so swiftly. Various cheese slices had been fanned out next to thinly cut, smoked meats. Another platter held crackers and various vegetable dips. Sliced vegetables arranged on one were pleasing to the eye since they made a rainbow. A servant had opened a bottle of pink wine, and Sébastien barely kept his voice pleasant.

"I only drink red or white, and I'd prefer it to be red and dry."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

They left oil bottles with herbs, fresh bread, and a flat kind with raised edges that Sébastien wasn't used to. It seemed to be stuffed with something. A bowl of green slop with mystery chunks didn't look appetizing, Remus put a scoop on one of the plates the servants had placed near it.

"Try that. I think you'll like it." He pushed it over and tore off a piece of the stuffed bread. "That's to dip in it."

"Can you pass the olives?" asked Quintus.

"Take it yourself," said Remus. "Like you do everything else."

Quintus's eye darkened, and Sébastien nudged over the bowl before he did like Remus with his bread and dipped it into the green slop. It took him a few seconds to realize what it was. Avocado wasn't something they ate at home, and Sébastien had only tasted it once as a child. Vaguely, he remembered his parents hadn't liked it. It was quite spicy, and the chunks were stewed tomato pieces. The raised edge of the bread was stuffed with cooked eggplant and herbs.

"That is good. I haven't eaten avocado since I was about…four." He would have loved it if they'd regularly eaten back home, especially with the flavors in the bread, although the Regent would have turned up his nose at the hot spice.

The servants left a few other things, including a glass of red wine for him. Remus only drank a little of his water and didn't touch his wine.

Sébastien took a good sip of his before he spoke to Quintus who had simply taken a few olives and seemed to be waiting.

"Any reason why there are so many mutts out there? I'm surprised the city doesn't smell like a wet dog."

Quintus's expression wasn't exactly pleasant. "They're not dogs."

Being a traitorous bastard didn't mean he disliked werewolves.

"They came because the Well Orator died," Quintus continued, and Sébastien gave him a blank look. "Remus never mentioned him?"

"No."

"He used to stand by the well and said he drew inspiration from it while others could only draw water. If you paid him a coin, he'd create a poem about anything on the spot. He was well-loved and died in his sleep not long ago down in South Sea. Werewolves have been pouring in to use the well as a memorial for him, and quite a few of the locals are upset. Nearly everyone had heard his amazing poems."

"Oh. How, er, unfortunate that he passed."

"Do you have anything to say that's important?"

"Actually, I do. When Remus was first brought to me, we didn't like each other, and I thought he was hoping to stab me in the back the first chance he got so he could run off to Rowland and take back his throne. We started talking, and he finally admitted that it was almost a relief to be away."

Quintus's eyes flicked to his twin.

"He'd been raised to be the King and never wanted the position."

"Really? Because he never bothered to tell me that."

"What would you do?" Sébastien selected a slice of cheese. "He was raised for it and felt admitting it would be dishonorable not only to his Mother but to his Father since he fought for Rowland. It's not so easy to admit that you don't want the throne even to your brother. It's expected of the firstborn. I couldn't imagine facing my Father and saying such words. I wasn't raised to rule, and that became my future since Enzo and Remere passed. Still, I don't think I could look him in the eye and refuse the position."

Quintus didn't appear convinced.

"He felt he had to do it or risk dishonoring his Father's memory since he had no other reason to refuse it."

"It's like a ball and chain that's been clamped to your ankle from the second you were born," fibbed Remus. "I never had another option. I would have preferred it if you'd won the race out of the womb, Quintus, but what was I supposed to do?"

"Not once did you say a word." Quintus reached for his wine.

"Would you?" Remus smacked the table, and the silverware jumped. The guards by the door shifted a little as they stared. "It was a burden on my Father."

"Mine too," Sébastien added with a sigh.

"It was a weight on Lupo's shoulder to take over as Regent even though it was a short time. I didn't want to be saddled with that weight either and forced into a role. If I had children, everyone would have looked at them more like heirs, and not as my sons and daughters. When you rule, you become like an object, and so does your family."

Quintus seemed a little doubtful. "I don't see it quite that way. Uncle Lupo didn't want to become the Regent. Obviously, that was because of Father's death."

"I wish to Elira you'd fucking said something to me instead of stabbing us in the back. If you'd asked me to step down and taken off some of the shame for admitting I wanted to be free of the throne, I would have done it in a heartbeat. But no, you had to kill Uncle and betray me. We came into existence together and were the first children Mother birthed after the other miscarriages. I thought I mattered more to you. I guess not. Later, I'll bet you'll wish you'd stayed as a Prince."

"No, I won't," Quintus stated firmly. "I didn't want to betray you."

What bullshit.

"And if you're hoping to be allowed home, that's not happening regardless of how you felt before. In fact, if that's what you're here for, you both can go right now."

"Rude." Sébastien ate an olive.

"It's not rude when you barge into my home."

"It's not my fault the dove never made it. You could come to my new home anytime and be welcomed. It would hardly be a trouble." Sébastien gave him a big smile. "Don't be so suspicious. It's a bad look."

The smile clearly didn't ease Quintus.

"I do have something to ask you, and I think we can both be honest with each other. You committed blatant treason and murder, but honestly, I don't care. It's not my country, and your family troubles are your own."

Quintus didn't look at him that time. "You're walking a dangerous line."

"Why can't we be honest? I'm not here to judge you for your crimes. Since Remus has no wish to rule, and his job of being my aid is a lot easier, you won't have to worry about him. My main goal, and the reason why I brought no one else is because I need your help, and it's rather urgent."

Some of the tension melted as the fake King turned to him a little. "Why? Is there trouble with another Kingdom?"

"The mainland's fine as far as I know," Sébastien said slowly. The werewolves had done well with pretending to grieve, but they'd been paying attention, and they knew the Princes were inside the Palace. "I don't think anybody has a bone to pick with Soleil. My problem is Uncle. He wants the throne, and he's tried to have me killed multiple times."

Quintus's surprise seemed rather fake. He needed to work on acting, and it was proof he'd been plotting with the Regent. "Erm, what? I've heard nothing suspicious."

"Why would he announce it?" Sébastien gave a small laugh. "You don't announce that stuff out loud. Let's see. There's been poisoned wine, letting in assassins, and covering things up to make others look guilty. I'll spare you all of the details. I would actually like to rule even though Remus says I'll be worn out in a decade or two. Corentin would also like to rule, and he's not ready to give it up, so you see the problem. Even if I decided to stay as a Crown Prince, marry, and focus on family…well, Corentin's not willing to risk it. He wants me out of the way, and he could have a child to continue his direct bloodline."

He almost wanted to laugh at Quintus's big eyes and tell him not to try out for a traveling play troupe. "Remus, is this true?"

"I was there for a couple of events, and yes, it is true. Corentin's a good actor and plays the concerned Uncle while trying to have his nephew murdered. Anyone on the outside and looking in wouldn't suspect him, but it's quite clear now that he's gotten a taste of power and won't relinquish it."

"If you're looking for a war…" Quintus waved a hand. "No. I'm not dragging my Kingdom into another. The people deserve peace, and a civil war in Soleil has nothing to do with me."

"I want you to help me get away. My guards will be expecting me back, and of course, they'll start looking if I don't return. You could say I never showed up. In the meantime, hide us and make arrangements for us to slip off. If we go to another port city, we could take a boat anywhere. The overall plan would take some fine-tuning, and I have an idea to send my men on a wild chase in the wrong direction. I don't think you and I would have trouble with that."

Quintus snorted and sat back in his chair. "You bring my twin here and ask that I help you flee?"

"I like living."

"You expect me to help for nothing? What if the Regent blames me and my people? He could say we've done something with you and look for someone to punish. Even if he is trying to kill you, won't he have to act as though devastated by your sudden disappearance?"

"I didn't say it was for nothing. If you agree, I'll give you something important."

"I have money."

"Information is far more important than money." Sébastien took another olive.

Remus drizzled herb oil on a slice of bread. "Money can buy a lot, but not everything. Helping us live wouldn't be of any loss to you. We'll go far away, keep our lives, and you can have the information and the throne to do whatever you want."

Quintus picked up his wineglass although he didn't drink from it. "Has the Regent plotted against me? Is that what this is? That's not much. Rowland can defend itself."

"Against how many?" asked Sébastien.

Quintus smirked. "You can leave if you like and go wherever you please. A headstart would be helpful, right? I'll use honesty if the Regent sends men to bang on my doors and demand your location. You could be far away by then without my help, and since I won't know where exactly you've gone, I'd be of little help."

Now, he'd pick honesty? Hardly. It was a bit foolish to let the enemy walk inside. Quintus felt safe because it was only two men. If Sébastien and Remus tried to walk out, they'd never get past the front doors.

The guards by the Hall entrance would ensure that, and if Sébastien and Remus fought their way into the yard, the rest would converge. City guards would come, and Quintus would lie to the people once his two visitors were dead. He could say anything, and the Regent would later agree by saying his nephew had been plotting treason and trying to stir things up. Sébastien's body would be handed over to the Regent to be buried. Corentin would pat Quintus on the back while still plotting war.

Quintus was easy. The Regent had somehow gotten him on this, showed him the path to Kinghood, and likely rushed him at the end. That was why Quintus's story against his twin was so flimsy, and he'd later accused another lord of working with Remus in an attempt to tack on evidence that looked credible enough. It hadn't worked.

It didn't matter in the end because the Regent would come after Rowland, and once they had it, they'd attempt to wipe out the werewolves and claim South Sea.

Quintus saw his position as mostly safe, provided that the people didn't rebel in a few years. If he solidified himself and the citizens and lords fully settled by then without whispering too much among themselves, he could be okay, although his reputation might never fully recover.

Same shit. Different ruler.

"I asked you a question," said Sébastien, since Quintus was eating an olive and didn't appear inclined to give the Prince the courtesy of an answer. "Against how many? Do you think the Regent has no friends elsewhere?"

Quintus's arrogance wasn't fake. "Our treaty is solid, and he was eager to take it when Lupo offered it. Quite frankly, I don't like you. You bitched about it and wanted the war to continue. A war you didn't fight in, I'll remind you."

"Father forbade it."

"My point stands." Quintus swirled his wine. "You didn't fight. I did. Even Remus did, although if he's not lying, then he's weaker than I thought and not fit to be on the throne. I have no reason to help you, and if the Regent allies with another Kingdom, we'll make it-"

A guard hurried in. "Erm, Your Majesty?"

"This better be important."

"Er, a bunch of werewolves came on the grounds and ignored us when we said to leave. It was just a few at first."

"You let them run around like they own the place?" Sébastien hissed, and Quintus held up a hand to him.

"They started climbing up the sides of the Palace while shouting ‘Chicken!'"

Quintus stared at him for a moment. "I'm sorry, what?"

"I don't know what they're doing!" The guard flung up his hands. "Some of them were squawking and clucking. We yelled at them to get down, and one flipped us off and said we're chickens. Or…I think that's what he said. He was a bit high. A whole bunch of others started coming over the walls and running to climb up while constantly repeating chicken. We're not sure what to do. We think it's some kind of a game."

"Are you fucking serious?" demanded Sébastien. "Instead of bothering your King, tell the damn dogs to get down, and if they don't-"

"This isn't your Kingdom, so maybe you should practice a little restraint," snapped Quintus.

"If werewolves used my Palace as a toy, the men would stick a few arrows in their asses. I'd bet they'd come howling down real quick after that. But you let dogs run wherever."

"Sébastien, it's not a big deal," said Remus. "Calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down."

"Whatever they're doing doesn't matter. Let them play their silly game. It's not like they're climbing on the High Table."

"Good thing, or we'd have dog hair and shit in the food."

"They're not dogs," snapped Quintus. "Remus, you've been with him this whole time?"

"Where else do you think I've been? On holiday with Thor?"

Quintus's jaw tightened. "How can you stand him? I knew he was an angry man, but he's fucking annoying. I'm surprised you haven't put a pillow over his face even if it's just to shut him up for a minute or two."

"He's quite sweet when you get to know him and don't give him a reason to be angry. What do you care anyway? You sent me over to him without a second thought."

Sébastien glanced up and slid his gaze to Quintus to bat his eyelashes. "Did you hear that? I'm sweet."

Quintus glared back. "He must have lost his brains on the way over because you are a foul person."

"Not as foul as you. Bitch."

"Excuse me?"

Sébastien noticed the shape above, although no one else did. The guard was agape that someone had called the King a bitch right to his face. "Must I speak slowly? Are your ears clogged with dog shit? I called you a bitch. Shall I spell it?"

"You know what? You can take your offer, stick it up your ass, and get out right now."

"Why? You don't like being called a little bitch? You killed your Uncle in his sleep and betrayed your twin."

The guard's eyes widened at Sébastien's blatant accusation. "Your Majesty-"

Quintus stood. "Get out!"

"I bet if we try to leave, we'll be attacked because that's what bitches like you do." Sébastien put on one of his loveliest court smiles as Quintus balled a fist. "If it acts like a bitch, talks like a bitch-"

The guard screamed as a werewolf jumped on him.