He was a month shy of thirteen when the soldiers came, demanding lodging from his father and filling the halls with raucous laughter. They called his father king but always with a laugh and they did what they wanted regardless of the etiquettes of his father’s court. His father shut him and his brother’s and sisters away in their quiet wing of the castle while he and their oldest brother went to deal with them.

Three days the men staid and for three days he sat with his younger and older siblings, sometimes playing music to wile away the hours, other times reading. He was content with this as he was content with all things, peace leaving him quiet and calm while his more volatile siblings ranted and raved over being kept locked away. When, on the third night, their father came and beckoned him to come while telling the others to sleep he went as he always did, quietly and with grace.

His father seemed agitated and would not look at him but he did not mind. Their father had been plagued by the heavy burden of ruling a kingdom as a puppet king. Once their family had been free to rule as they saw fit but with the coming of soldiers bearing the sigil of Lohara they had lost their autonomy and had become just another satellite kingdom under Loharan rule. It was a fate their father rallied against but one he could not escape from. No single kingdom was strong enough to claim its independence and no two kingdoms would come together for fear of the Loharan king learning of their alliance.

They came to the dining hall where soldiers ate and spilled ale upon the expensive rugs. His father led him away from their offensive calls and predatory eyes, shutting out the sound of their voices in the meeting hall where two men waited. They ordered him forward and spoke over his head as they pulled his chin this way and that, arguing over his traits or commenting on his lack of anger at being pushed between them. They asked his father questions to which they received gruff answers before sending him away. His father refused to go and he watched dispassionately as the sought to threaten him with the power granted to them by the Lohara king. His father ignored their words, reaffirming that they were merely messengers in his kingdom.

He was passed off to a third man who stood quietly in the corner. This man had gentle hands but his eyes were hard as he tested his mind. He answered the man’s questions, acquiescing when he answered wrongly and waiting patiently as the man railed at him for his lack of knowledge. It was not his way to raise his voice or feel anger as the man berated him, demanding a response and calling him a fool when he did not try to defend himself.

Finally the man halted his rant, falling into silence. He watched as the anger drained from the man’s face as he turned towards the other two.

“He will do.” The man said, folding his hands behind his back.

The two men conversed quietly among themselves before nodding and turning to his father.

“Come.” The man before him said and, at his father’s curt nod, he followed.

The came to a private office where he was bade to sit before the desk while the man sat on the edge. Grey eyes studied him and he met their gaze honestly.

“My name is Ryhan,” the man finally said, “I was Prince Kent’s tutor. Do you know who he is?”

He nodded. “Yes. He is King Boreal’s only son. One day he will be King of Lohara and the nine kingdoms.”

The man inclined his head. “He has a very important fate laid out for him. You are a prince as well but his life is harder for it is more significant than yours. The Prince spends all of his time learning what he must but even someone such as him cannot devote all of his time to his studies. He is a man like the rest of us and he needs companionship.

“You and he share the same birthday and are of the same age. I have been sent to teach you how to be his perfect companion. When you are ready you will go back with me. You will share the prince’s classes and be at his side always for you must know what things he experiences and how they weigh upon him. You must take his guilt and his anger and in return you must give him your calm. You will share in his joys and in his pain. Do you understand?”

Again he nodded.

“You must do all that I say. I have no time for failure or argument. If you disappoint you will be punished and set to the task again. It will be hard for you to reach the Prince’s level but that is your chosen fate and you will do as you are told. You should be grateful, Odel, as the middle son you would have been nothing but our king has seen fit to give you a better life. Be sure you are properly grateful for it.”

Odel bowed his head. “As you say, my lord.”

Odel was forced to share a room with the tutor. His days were filled with lessons designed to train his mind and his actions. His style of speech was changed as well as his movement. The ways of his homeland were erased, either through harsh words or the occasional sting of a switch across bare skin. Learning was never easy for him but he worked at it diligently. Ryhan was strict but fair, as quick with praise as he was with the switch. Never once was his skin broken nor did any of the punishments leave a mark.

Great care was taken with his appearance and once he had accidentally been nicked by one of the servants who had been clipping his hair. That servant had been beaten and thrown to the streets while a healer checked the wound and fussed over the scratch as though it were some mortal wound. Odel found it all very strange but took it in stride as he did with all things.

He was forbidden from seeing his siblings and was no longer allowed to associate with anyone but the Prince’s tutor. Once a month his father joined them for dinner but Rhyan kept it a strictly formal affair and Odel was instructed on what to say and how to say it. He had broken the edict once and Ryhan had quickly ended the evening, sending his father away and sending Odel to the small closet with stinging skin reddened from the switch.

A year passed and another as he was taught everything that the future king of Lohara had been forced to learn. He was taken outside to learn to ride and keep up with a hunt. He was taught to dance and play the games the prince enjoyed. He was taught the languages and the histories the prince knew. The only thing he was not taught was how to fight, for Ryhan had forbidden him from ever touching a weapon. It was not, he had been informed, something a prince’s companion needed to know.

Spring came and went and the seasons turned. When it came again, heralding his birthday when the waning moon once against hung full in the sky, he woke to find servants packing the books he had been forced to read. Ryhan was overseeing the whole experience and Odel went to stand by him, waiting patiently to be recognized as he had been taught.

The man ignored him as he directed what was to be packed and how. Only when all of the books, papers, ink, and quills had been packed as well as Ryhan’s clothes did the grey eyes turn to him.

“Come.” Was all the man said and Odel followed quietly. He wondered at the fact that none of his own clothes had been packed except for a few changes of shirts and pants stuffed into a small bag. He longed to asked about it but kept his peace, remembering that he was not to ask about things that did not immediately interfere with his duties. His clothes had not been packed and though he did not understand it he knew that there must be a reason for it and he would be told if it were necessary for him to know.

He was taken to an ornate carriage that bore gaily-colored banners. Above them a rectangular flag bearing the sigil of Lohara flapped lazily in the breeze. Ryhan gestured for him to go up but as he mounted the first step a shout rose from behind him and he turned. His father, red faced with anger, stormed towards them. Odel cried out as his hand caught him under the elbow and drug him to his father’s side. Through his pale hair he could see Ryhan’s eyes narrow as he straightened.

“Is there a problem, sire?” The tutor asked, his voice a mask of polite inquiry.

Odel’s father snarled and he winced as the grip on his arm tightened. “How dare you ask such a thing! You think you can just steal away my son without informing me?”

Ryhan’s face was impassive in the face of his father’s anger. “You knew he would be taken to Lohara, sire. The Prince’s companion could hardly do his job here, after all. I do not understand your anger.”

“You would take him without allowing us to say goodbye? We’re his family! He has brothers and sisters who miss him. He will celebrate his . . .” his father paused, turning his next words into an insult, “. . . good fortune . . . with his family!”

Ryhan sniffed slightly, his eyes drifted towards the castle. “That is not possibly, sire. Such a thing might cause him to slip back into old habits, which would negate his training. We do not have time for such a thing. You knew this would happen. Release him now. We have but a month before he will be present and time is pressing. There is much to do and evaluations to be performed.”

“You and your evaluations can burn! He is not . . .”

“I lose patience with this, sire.” Ryhan snapped, his grey eyes finally turning angry. “Come now, Odel, we must go.”

Though he had no chance of breaking the grip on his arm Odel tugged at the trapped limb. He laid his free hand on the broad chest and peered up into his father’s blue eyes, the only feature he had inherited from the man. “Please, father.” He whispered. “Tell everyone that I’m happy to do this, even though you all see it as an unfair sacrifice. I don’t want Lohara to turn on us and if my staying there keeps their anger at bay I am glad to do it.”

His father stared down at him in astonishment and Odel smiled sadly. “I’m not smart like Vilay or Nathaniel but I listen. I know why I was chosen and I take this responsibility gladly. I do not mind it because, even though I’ll be a prisoner to assure your loyalty, I will not be kept in a cage or fed on bread and water. I do not long to see the world or seek out its secrets. I am simple and content to just be. Remember that. I hold no anger or grudge against you.”

His father sighed and shook his head, reaching up to gently touch his cheek. “You are a good son.” He murmured before kissing him on the forehead and letting him go.

Odel smiled brightly and turned, thanking the servant that helped him climb up into the carriage. He heard his father and Ryhan exchange angry words before the grey-eyed man joined him and the carriage moved. Odel allowed his tutor to push up his sleeve and check his arm for any sign of hurt, clucking his tongue in annoyance at the small bruises already forming.

Odel apologized but to his surprise Ryhan shook his head and gave him a sharp look.

“Never apologize for something that is not your fault and never, never try to hide the identity of someone who has hurt you. You are very important now, Odel, and you will be dancing in the circles that the Prince does. If someone harms you they can harm the Prince and we must know of that person. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

Ryhan nodded. “You must forget about why Lohara turned its eyes to your kingdom. Forget that, by keeping you in the palace, the king hopes to secure your father’s loyalty. Indeed it would be best for you to forget about everything but what I have taught you. The Prince is all you need to concern yourself about now. I was glad to hear your words, though they were meant only for your father’s ears. Although you have no choice in the matter none of us wish for you to feel trapped. You and the Prince will grow close and, though you have not met him and know nothing of him, trust me when I say that your happiness will make him happy.”

Odel bowed his head, staring at the hands clasped in his lap. “Would it be wrong of me to ask about him?”

There was a sigh from the man across from him. “Yes. It would be best for you to meet him with a mind free of the taint of how others see him. He is the Prince and as such only the King truly knows him as himself. If any of us were to tell you about him you would learn only of the Prince, not of Kent himself. It is of Kent you must learn. I am sure this may seem confusing but you will learn.”

Odel frowned. “Your words do confuse me but I think I understand. You wish me to make my own judgments about him rather than seeing him through the light others have cast.”

Ryhan smiled. “Yes.”

“When shall I meet him?” Odel asked.

“Not until his birthday celebration. You are to be his present from his father. Even then you really won’t be able to speak with him while the celebration is underway. I have, however, secured the morning after for my own and though I have told others that it is for cultural purposes I will leave you two to learn of each other on your own. I believe it will help him be more at ease with your presence.

“You will be with him day and night afterwards. When he takes lessons you will take the same lessons with him. When he goes on a hunt you will go. When he eats, you eat. When he sleeps, so too shall you. You will be his constant companion so that, should he need to, he can confide in you his frustrations or anger and since you have been with him you will understand them. You will sooth these feelings as I have taught you to do so that he can continue with his duties.”

“I understand. May I ask about the . . . evaluation?”

Ryhan nodded. “It is to make sure that I have done my duty and you have learned what you need to know. It is also to make sure that you have the proper disposition and will not be a harmful influence upon the Prince.”

Odel frowned. “I would never hurt him.” He stated firmly.

Ryhan placed a hand upon his knee. “I know. If I had ever thought that I would have left and your elder brother would even now be wasting his life away in one of the “guest” wings of the King’s palace.”

Odel shook his head frantically. “I do not want that! My brothers and even my sisters were all made for a fruitful life! Some can figure, some can sing, and some are fit for ruling. I am not fit for anything. I am not smart, learning comes only with great practice for me, I cannot sing though I can pluck a tune on a harp, nor do I have the energy and charisma to be a good ruler. I have nothing! All my life I worried over this for I felt I was just a weight upon my family, good for nothing. It is true, I do not want to be locked away in some dark cell but I would bear even that to secure the bright future for my brothers and sisters. Do you understand that?”

Ryhan again smiled and nodded. “Yes. Do not fear, Odel. I do not sense any anger or ill will in you. You have no deceit for your face is always open and honest. I can read every emotion that you feel and I have never seen you hide anything unless it is in a situation where I have taught you to do so. You are gentle and patient. Your very presence can calm even the angriest of men. You will pass whatever test the King sets before you and he will allow you to be his son’s companion. Just remember what I have taught you.”

“I will do my best, as I do in all things, sir.”

Ryhan patted his knee before drawing back. “Then you will do well, Odel. There is nothing to fear.”

Odel had expected to be taken to the King straight away but it was nearly a week before he was dressed in expensive fabric and taken before him. During that time Ryhan continued his education. In addition to his lessons he was taken to tailors, who measured him and held cloth up to his skin for Ryhan’s acceptance. He was even taken one night to an informal court where his tutor pointed out certain personages in hushed tones, giving their names and why they were so important. Odel tried desperately to memorize their faces but he could not remember them when Ryhan had asked him about it the following day. The man had scolded him but to his surprise the switch was not brought against his skin nor was the flexible rod snapped across the backs of his hand as was his tutor’s normal reprimand. Ryhan had laughed at his confusion and had teasingly promised that it would happen again but he did not wish to risk leaving a mark before the King saw him. He must be perfect, Ryhan warned, when the King called for him

And perfect he was as he stood quietly under the King’s scrutiny and answered truthfully what questions were asked. He respectfully kept his eyes cast downward as the King asked him about his life. All these questions he answered until the King began to ask him of his father’s private dealings. He answered what questions he felt appropriate but when the king pressed him to speak of whether or not his father was having affairs outside of his household or how he felt about Lohara Odel kept his peace. When the King demanded answers of him he refused, telling him that he must ask his father himself for they were not things for him to tell.

He had expected this to anger the King but to his surprise the man sank back behind his desk thoughtfully. He called Ryhan forward and the two sat down at a table. Odel served them, as Ryhan had told him he must, and stood behind his tutor silently as the two spoke of him over their tea. He was called upon once or twice to answer questions.

The King congratulated Ryhan on his accomplishment before sending him out. Odel moved to follow but the King’s voice stopped him.

“My lord?” He asked softly, trying to keep the desperation out of his voice. Few things frightened him but the possibility that he had failed his family was foremost among them. The King sat down upon on of the divans and Odel stood before him at his gesture.

“Sit.” The King commanded and Odel did as he bade, sitting on the far edge of the divan, his hands folded in his lap as Ryhan had taught him.

“Look at me.”

Drawing in a silent breath Odel lifted his eyes. The King’s dark eyes searched his face and Odel did the same in return. The King was obviously in his middle years though Odel could sense no weakness in him. His face was lined with worry and his thin lips were serious. His eyes were so dark that they were nearly black and Odel found them hard but fascinating. His hair was white but he could see darker streaks among it that were silver in appearance.

“There is something I must ask you but first I will tell you that this is not a test. I require an honest answer from you.”

Odel nodded his understand.

“Have you had any lovers?”

Odel flushed slightly and looked down at his hands before remembering the King’s order and lifting his eyes. “No, my lord.” He whispered.

“Why?”

“Because I do not feel the need for one, my lord.”

The King frowned slightly. “Would you like to have one?”

Odel shook his head. “My older brothers took me to . . . a place once where they tried to teach me of such things. I did not like it.”

“You didn’t like the house?”

“No, not the house, my lord. I . . . I did not like the touches of the people that made the place their home. Nor did I like their words. I knew their claims were false and I found them uncomfortable to be around. Afterwards I refused to go back.”

“I understand,” the King replied, “However, it must have been at least two years ago, a lifetime for a boy whose body is changing as quickly as yours. I am sure Ryhan kept you from such things for it was my order that he do so. Surely now you think different?”

Again Odel shook his head. “No, my lord. The memory still does not sit well with me nor have I had the desires my brothers said would come. Perhaps I never will.”

The King smiled broadly and chuckled. “Do not fear, little Odel, you will. One day your body will stir and you will wish to find those pleasures. However,” the King’s face turned serious again, “you must control those feelings. There are some that will try to sway you in order to get close to my son. You must not associate with any of them. When you experience these urges that your brothers spoke of you must tell Ryhan. I know they are not things that people wish to speak of to others and I know that we teach you otherwise but they are normal, despite our claims to the contrary. We will decide what to do about them but you must take no lover for yourself. I am firm in this, Odel, and I will not be merciful if you should force my hand in this matter. Is that understood?”

“Yes, my lord.” Odel replied, happiness growing within him, “I am fit to be the Prince’s companion then?”

The King laughed softly and nodded. “Yes. You will make a fine present for my son.”

Odel smiled and stood, bowing slightly. “I am glad of it, my lord. I shall try my best.”

The King nodded. “Go to Ryhan now. Do as he says. Tell him that I will speak with him later.”

Again Odel bowed before slipping away, aware of the King’s eyes upon his back.

Ryhan peered into the dark room, watching the rhythmic rise and fall of his charge’s chest. There was enough moonlight in the room to allow him to see the peaceful face. Silver hair practically shimmered in the moonlight and he shook his head to dispel the illusion. Come day he knew the long hair would be more blue than silver, a rare coloring to be sure but one that pervaded in his people’s race.

Quietly he closed the door, turning the key in the lock. He knew that the boy would not try to escape but he chose to exhibit caution, more for Odel’s sake than his own. People had already begun to whisper about the blue haired boy he had brought back, though he had been careful to keep Odel from public places. He knew that no one would dare his chambers but still he slipped the key in his pocket as he moved through the deserted halls to the King’s office.

Boreal was waiting for him and he bowed deeply, waiting for the words calling him forward. He stood before the great desk; hands folded behind his back as the King finished with a scroll and set it aside. Dark eyes studied him for a long moment.

“You’ve done well, cousin-mine. The young prince will be perfect for my son.”

Ryhan tilted his head in acceptance of the compliment. “There was little for me to do. His disposition is all his own, I simply smoothed out a few rough edges and removed the manners of his people.”

Boreal nodded. “He seems pliant but was surprisingly firm in his refusal to speak of his father’s doings. It annoyed me but it speaks well for his loyalty.”

“Yes, whatever Kent chooses to confide in him will stay with him. As for the pliancy, I believe it will work for us. It makes him seem fragile and weak. Someone Kent will wish to protect, to coddle. Certainly not someone he will wish to see hurt.”

A sigh answered his words as Boreal rubbed his forehead. “I dislike using the boy in such a way but . . . it has to stop. Kent must be brought under control if only to keep Atol in line.”

Ryhan frowned. “Atol still influences him then?”

Boreal nodded. “I had hoped that with him getting older and giving him two years of freedom to travel the sorcerer’s control over him would wane and it has somewhat but still Atol torments him.”

Ryhan shook his head. “It is a pity, my lord. Kent is a gentle soul, to have such a thing darkening it . . .”

Standing Boreal slapped his hands against the desk. “This must end. Odel must bring Kent back to himself so that he’ll stop seeking out that creature. You spoke true, cousin-mine, he is indeed a brilliant light to Atol’s darkness. I pray that Kent has the sense to turn to his gentle touch and away from the sorcerer’s cruel one.”

Ryhan smiled. “You think that he will?”

“I believe so. That damned priest has made a right mess of him but Odel is, as of yet, untried. He claims he has no desire and I believe him. Kent has made no move to take a lover yet, either, nor have I caught him eyeing any of the bared flesh in court. It is a fortunate thing for Odel will not frighten him when his body finally becomes that of a man.”

“Do you honestly believe that he will turn to Odel when that happens? As I recall Mateo was most vehement against sex between two men. If all of his normal lessons caused such problems in the Prince how will he get over such built in fear of the act to learn to sate his desire with his companion?”

Boreal snorted. “We give him no other choice. He will be allowed no other lover nor will Odel. As you said, he will hate to see the boy in pain. Do you think he will be any happier to see the boy trapped in unsated desire when he alone can relieve it?”

Ryhan shook his head. “It is a harsh path you lay out for him, my lord.”

Boreal’s dark eyes met his. “It is the only way.”

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