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Category: Erotica/Gay-Lesbian Erotica/Fantasy
Description: Ericio didn't particularly want to become King. He finds politics tedious, in fact most of his duties are tedious to this spoiled prince. To top it all off, someone is trying to kill him. Now bodyguard to his childhood best friend, Kane is devoted to his King. Nothing seems to phase him, not attempts on Ericio's life, nor the demands Ericio himself places upon Kane. Will that devotion be enough to keep Ericio safe when insurgents rise against the ruler and try to replace him with one of their own? Will Ericio be his own worst enemy as the attacks escalate? Find out in this fantasy story about boyhood friends who must fulfil the roles they are destined to play.
eBook Publisher: Torquere Press/Screwdriver, 2008 http://www.torquerepress.com
eBookwise Release Date: November 2008

32 Reader Ratings:

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [206 KB]
Words: 43996
Reading time: 125-175 min.
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED

Chapter One

Ericio the Young, fourth ruler of the Kingdom of Veltia, worked hard not to roll his eyes, nor to slump in his throne or fidget. It wasn't easy, as the throne was made of wood. Oh, it was beautiful; carved from a huge, ancient tree that had been felled to build the castle, it had been worked upon by the kingdoms best artisans. But beautiful as it was, it had not been constructed for comfort. There wasn't even a single cushion upon it to soften the seat for his ass.

Once a month, he would listen to petitions. Once a month, he'd endure hour after hour of begging and whining and pleas. Not that he enjoyed the days where he met with the lords and generals and leaders of the clans either, but this was where he was stuck today.

It was nearly done, though, the last peasant of the day begging for lenience, for mercy. As soon as he granted it, he could retire.

With his bodyguard.

He could feel Kane behind his throne, a silent, ever-present and deadly shadow.

The rag-tag peasant before him was clothed in voluminous rags, eyes flashing, groveling and bowing, kowtowing and asking for favor. Ericio raised a hand at last, convinced the man would go on and on until he expired, unless stopped.

"Enough." He wasn't a selfish man, had no desire to see people suffer. He nodded toward the scribe and treasurer who sat at a table; the man's chair was small, but he couldn't help but notice the dark velvet cushion beneath Geof's ass. "Give him what he needs, and have him send his daughter to the kitchens to work off the debt."

"Aye, Sire. As you wish." Geof nodded, forelock bobbing, eyes kept carefully lowered. He didn't bother to answer, just stood and stretched, turning to leave.

A scuffle sounded from behind a tapestry, something larger than a mouse, and one of the ladies in waiting screamed. Kane moved like a ghost, a long, thin blade flying across the air to pierce something behind the tapestry.

Ericio gasped, vibrating in place. Someone had tried to kill him. That knowledge surged through him like lightning from the sky. They trained for this; he knew what to do and was ready to leap away or to fight, waiting only for Kane's signal.

Kane whistled once, low and sharp, and one of the guards appeared at Kane's elbow. "If it lives, I'll interrogate it shortly."

Ericio practically purred; Kane's competence, nay the man's sheer power and ability aroused him like very little else did. The danger hadn't hurt his libido any either.

"Yes, sir. I'll have it waiting for you, sir." The guard saluted, and Ericio found himself muscled down a hallway and then into a secret corridor.

It made him harder, the way Kane pushed him down the dark, hidden hall, one hand firm around his arm. They were safe now, and even if they were not, Kane had his back. "I owe you my life. Again."

"Is it my duty, Sire." In this, Kane was immobile. Duty above all, in all things.

"So strong." He stopped them, hands sliding up Kane's arms in the darkness, moving to trace the sharp features he knew as well as his own, perhaps even better. "So loyal. You will have your reward now, Kane."