Bitten

"So, you and the Prince have been getting cozy with each other," Marius said to Rhys while they were sitting in his room about a month after midterms. "Rumors say the two of you have been meeting up a lot."

"To

study

," Rhys corrected him. "We're studying."

"Is that what you two decided to call it?" Marius teased.

Rhys gave his brother a look that spoke to just how unamused he was. "You know me better than that, little brother. If I was with him like that, I would simply tell you. As it stands, I only get to be with him like that in my dreams."

Marius' eyebrows rose in surprise at that answer. "So you

are

actually interested in him like that?" he asked.

"Does it even matter if I am or not? He has his entire life planned out for him, including who he'll marry, just like my cousin," Rhys grumbled. "And I don't want to be a king's paramour. Especially not in Arcasias. So my feelings on all of this mean nothing."

Marius looked at his brother with some sadness in his eyes. "So, all the time you're spending with him is...what? Your way of making sure you never want to come back to Arcasias once you leave? A means to break your own heart?"

"Stupidity, madness," Rhys replied, agreeing with his brother. He let out a sigh before he managed to notice the time. "Shit, I have to go and meet Vasile. We're going over the differences in psychology between the various magical races."

"You're such a nerd," Marius teased him. "Don't let me keep you."

Rhys rolled his eyes at his brother and grabbed his bag. Marius left the room before him, and then Rhys headed toward the North wing. The weather had turned cold and rainy, so they had begun meeting in their own rooms. So far they had met in Rhys' but today they were meeting in Vasile's because his class right before then was closest to his own room.

Rhys got there first and leaned against the wall waiting for Vasile to get there. Vasile arrived not long after, striding purposefully through the hall, his face set in a scowl. His countenance brightened considerably when he saw Rhys, but there was still thunder in his now-royal purple eyes. He grabbed Rhys up in a bear hug, a most unexpected breach in his usual decorum.

"I totally forgot about our session today, but I am eternally grateful to see you," he offered by way of explanation once he had set Rhys back down and placed an appropriate amount of space between them. "Why are you out here?" he asked as he opened the obviously unlocked door and strode into his lavish room.

Rhys smirked at that as he stepped in after Vasile did. "I thought vampyres were all about the decorum of being invited inside. It may not be something I'm forced to wait for, but I would never enter without a clear invitation," he teased Vasile.

Vasile chuckled as he spun around, gesturing grandly at the room. "For one thing, that never applies to close confidantes and family," he began, stopping cold once he was facing Rhys, who had not stepped beyond the entryway. "Uhm, close the door," he commanded, the tone in his voice concerning Rhys nearly as much as his change in expression.

Rhys did as he ordered, shutting the door behind him. He kept his eyes on Vasile as he did so, suddenly nervous as to what was wrong. It was only when he went to try and move away from the door that he realized he couldn't. He looked down at the floor, which was made of nice hardwood, but now that he was looking, he could see the spellform of the fae trap in the wood. He looked back up at Vasile in shock once he realized what had happened. Why did the prince have a fae trap in his room?

Now that Rhys was inside the trap, his glamour had fallen away and his true form was visible to anyone who was near him, which meant Vasile could see him. His ears were long and pointed at the end, and his eyes seemed to sparkle more with magic than they did before. He had intricate markings all over his face in a blue-green color, which normally glowed when he used fae magic but was just there when he wasn't. From the markings, which looked like knotwork of leaves and branches, Vasile knew that Rhys was probably a wood elf.

Vasile's expression was a mix between deeply apologetic and enamored as he quickly draped a nearby leather duster over the edge of the trap, breaking the spell and returning Rhys' glamour. "I will get rid of that, I promise!" he exclaimed, stepping back so Rhys could come further into the room. "I had no idea or I would have..."

Rhys stepped out of the trap, looking back at it like it was one that could cause actual harm. He looked shaken up, and he turned his eyes back to Vasile warily. "Is there...Why do you have a fae trap in your room?"

Vasile fell all over himself explaining. "I picked up a few superstitions during my time with the humans," he said apologetically. "I know it's racist to distrust the Fae but my tutors were also pushing the idea and it seemed like such a small thing to keep them quiet."

Rhys' expression turned to one of understanding. The humans were the most afraid of the Fae, and probably for good reason so it was hard to argue with that logic. Still, he found he felt hurt and shaken at the same time. Slowly, he nodded his head. "I suppose that makes sense. Are your tutors worried about the fae trying something on you? It's not like eating our food can harm you. The worst you could do is make a deal with one of us..."

Vasile nodded. "Two of the three of them are human. I completely understand if this experience upsets you and you choose not to continue our visits, but it would sadden me to lose your companionship," he said quietly. "I've personally never met any of the Fae - well, before you, I suppose. Your secret is most assuredly safe with me as well, no matter what you choose to do moving forward."

Rhys let out a sigh and sat down on the chair to Vasile's desk, letting his glamour fall away since Vasile already knew the truth. "To be fair, I'm only half Fae, though with the Fae, that counts as much as being born full blooded to them. Not so much to the vampyres though. My mom is the third born of the Caimaer royalty. A princess, who didn't want to be. Technically, the family doesn't have much to do with her since she chose the Duke and Duchess over home in Fyrie, but they still teach me and train me for if I ever needed to take the throne.

"Your people would hate me all the more if they knew I wasn't just a normal dhampyr," Rhys added without any mirth in his voice.

Vasile slumped down into a chair, seemingly defeated. "Probably, but I hope you don't view vampyres as a monolith," he responded. "I never based my friendship with you on your parentage, for whatever that is worth."

"Not all of them, no," Rhys agreed, and then his expression softened. "I know you didn't. You've been curious to know me despite what you've likely heard about me, or how odd I've acted. For the record, I didn't approach you with any ill intent either. I just...am drawn to you."

Vasile nodded. "I

do

have that effect on people," he said with a self-confident smile. "I meant everything I've promised you, and that still stands. Friends are rare and true friends are rarer still for people in our positions. I

did

have some inkling that you were more than dhampyr, though."

That didn't completely surprise Rhys, but he took the bait anyway. "Oh really? What gave me away?"

"Uncle Ingram," Vasile answered simply as if that was a complete answer.

Rhys stared at him for a long time, his expression showing clearly that he had no idea what that meant. "Did I...do something to him? Or did he see me do something very un-dhampyr like?"

Vasile laughed his melodious laugh. When he slowed down enough to speak he answered, "No, dear Rhys, he spends most of his time in crow form. When you responded to the others as if you understood, he was startled. I mused aloud in his presence that I hadn't seen you about in a while and he told me where you've been holding court."

Rhys looked like he remembered something as his expression took on understanding. "Ah, the crow that freaked out and flew away. And here I thought I was being so careful. My uncle would scold me for being careless with that. I suppose as long as you don't hate me though, both for hiding what I am and for being it, then it's fine. I don't think I could stand it if you did."

Vasile shrugged. "You can no more help being of mixed heritage than I can who my parents are," he said. "As for hiding it, I hardly blame you. You suffer enough stigma as a dhampyr, what more would you face if people knew you are also Fae?"

"That's exactly why my parents wanted me to hide it," Rhys agreed. "They even considered if I shouldn't glamour myself to look more vampiric, but I'd had the red hair and tanned skin for so long before I learned the glamour it would have looked odd." As he said that, the glamour returned, only now his rich tanned skin was pale, like perfect porcelain, and his hair was a much darker red to match what most vampyres would have instead of the fae. His eyes had darkened to a deep blue instead of the vivid aqua it usually was.

Vasile chuckled. "You're right, I prefer the way you originally appeared. I would offer that you not maintain the glamour in my presence, but I can imagine the potential for disaster should you become comfortable and forget and someone less progressive see you," he said regretfully.

Rhys let the glamour drop again. "It's risky to do that, you're right, but perhaps in the privacy of either of our rooms, it would be okay to not maintain it. I'll just need to remember to put it back up before I leave your room."

Vasile considered that, then held up a single finger before going over to a tall book stand and rifling through the pages of the tome supported there. He found his page quickly and read off a spell before gathering some supplies from a nearby chest. He waved Rhys over and pointed at the book, "Help me out here, chum. That's a perimeter spell. It'll tell us if anyone comes within earshot of this place and you can put your glam back on. With you here, we should be able to do it," he said cheerily.

Rhys smiled at him and got up to help him out. He grabbed the rest of what they needed and together they set up the spell to warn them if someone came near Vasile's room. Vampyres couldn't do much beyond their innate magic, but he was right that Rhys was proficient in spellwork. Only once they were done and both sitting on Vasile's bed, with their backs against the wall and their shoulders and legs touching, did Rhys look over at the prince.

He'd never had anyone other than his siblings and parents know about him, and he thought of something as he looked into Vasile's violet eyes. "Want to see something cool?"

Vasile smiled broadly before responding, "Only always."

Rhys got into his bag, searching through his seeds for a moment until he found the one he wanted. Then he pushed the bag away and took the seed in his hand. He concentrated and the markings all over his face and neck began to glow a bright green color while his eyes glowed a rich aqua. As he opened up his hand that held the seed, a stunning purple fae flower bloomed as if it was simply growing over time at light speed in the soil. Once it was done growing and had bloomed in all of the rich purple and pink colors of the flower, Rhys held it out to the prince.

Vasile admired it without touching it, afraid to damage the delicate-looking petals. "You're right, that entire experience gave me chills!" he said, awestruck.

Rhys smiled at him, putting more energy into the flower to make it look like a cut flower but so that it wouldn't wilt unless it ran out of his energy. When he put the flower into Vasile's hand, the prince could feel the warm energy signature left behind that was all Rhys. It was like getting a small taste of sunlight on his skin, warm and comforting and gentle.

"It reminded me of you," Rhys told him. "Rare, beautiful, and only blooms in the right circumstances."

Vasile could scarcely believe he'd been given such a gift. He carefully placed it in a crystal bowl on his mantle and turned back to where Rhys was sitting. "Careful, young Duke. Flattery will get you everywhere," he intoned.

Rhys grinned at that. "That's good to know. I'll keep it up then. Though you know, I'm technically not the next Duke. That title goes to my brother Marius."

Vasile made a dismissive gesture. "Silly details that I fully intend to exert power to change in the coming centuries. If not for your sake, then for your fellow folk. There's no reason to allow superstition to rule the apex predators of this planet, hm?" he answered. "You've inspired me to do more than the bare minimum in my political training."

"Me?" Rhys asked in surprise. "However could little ole me inspire you, Your Majesty?"

"Don't be obtuse, Dukey. It's below you," Vasile said. "Besides, it's not easy dealing with the expectations of an adoring public, you know."

Rhys smirked at him for the first part, and then nodded his head at the second. "Yes, that much I know. I've watched my cousin do it for some time now. I'm certain once you graduate from here, your engagement will be announced to the perfect vampyre lady and then your crowning will happen." Rhys wasn't able to mask the sadness that came across his face at first at the mention of an engagement.

Vasile groaned and slumped down farther into his seat beside Rhys. "Ugh, don't remind me. I'm sure Mother is screening candidates already with not a care in the world that I've likely never met the future potentials and might actually want to find love instead of dealing with a political marriage. I've been trying to find every means possible to push the coronation off as long as I can for mostly that reason," he bemoaned.

"A prince marrying for love," Rhys mused. "Sounds like something in fairy tales. Though...my cousin is the one who gets to choose the lovely lady who will become queen, so long as she is of noble blood. I'm glad my uncle at least gave him that much control. I wish there was a way to help you too, but I have very little power to change anything here."

Vasile shrugged, defeated. "There's not much to do besides deciding not to foist the same on any successor I may have," he said without looking up.

That seemed to Rhys to be as solid of an answer about what Vasile would do as he was going to get. He wasn't surprised by the path that was chosen, but he was surprised by just how much it hurt. He sat there silent for a long time, his eyes on the window as he tried to rein in his emotions. Finally, he cleared his throat and reached for one of Vasile's books. "We should probably study," he said, his voice as even as he could manage to make it right then.

They got into the material, neither of them sure how to proceed on the personal front, but both willing to let their mutual company soothe the issue. At least when they were working on school work, neither of them could focus on the feelings between each other. By the time it was time to head back to his own dorm, Rhys put his glamour back on and carefully stepped over the trap, glad to see the coat on the ground still made it not work anymore.

Once Rhys was safely out of the room, Vasile worked on removing the fae trap spell, leaving the indent in place so as to keep his human tutors mollified. He put the coat back on the entryway rack where he had found it and sat down to have a think about what to do with these feelings he was experiencing.

Rhys tried to do the same on his own time, and he was coming up empty. He knew what his options were. He could be one of the King's side pieces, or he could walk away. There wasn't much more besides that. He eventually came to the conclusion that he either had to get okay with the idea of being with Vasile only for a little bit and outside of marriage, or he needed to leave the country, and the man, behind.

Vasile had trouble placing his feelings in order at first. He wrestled with the complicated nature of his viewpoint on relationships until he could distill it down to its simplest essence. What he arrived at was that his State Marriage was an obligation that had rules but that didn't necessarily require fidelity. Most vampyres recognized that marriages weren't enforceable as lifetime commitments because of their longevity and that understanding typically extended to arranged marriages. So long as promises were kept as they were made, all else was negotiable and would be negotiated prior to the ceremony.

Where all of that broke down was really up to hierarchies. Most vampyre brides expected to be the priority relationship and there was no way Vasile could take a forced marriage seriously. On the other hand, anyone else interested in him would expect to be the "side" person (and therefore relegated to second place, at best) while Vasile himself saw things the opposite. It was such a tangled web of feelings that he was left basically hopeless when it came to making anything satisfying work prior to meeting his commitment to his family and the crown.

The biggest problem for Rhys was that he knew that being the secondary person could work. He'd seen how the triad his parents had worked. It was loving, sweet, and fair. There were times, though, when the legal wife had to take precedence, and the legal children as well. Even more so for a future King, his secondary or third or fourth relationship, could never take any sort of priority because he had responsibilities to uphold.

If they could have the deal that his parents had, he'd be all for it, but whoever was chosen for his state marriage very well could hate Rhys and his entire existence. It was fine with his mom and dad and Ma, because they had all loved and respected each other. For that reason, their families respected each person because his parents would allow nothing less. Rhys didn't have that guarantee though.

On top of that, he didn't know how to talk to Vasile about this, and it seemed Vasile was having trouble talking to him about it as well. It was clear to both of them that the way they felt for each other was more than friends, but neither could find a path forward that worked.

Both of them knew that if they wanted to stop from being hurt more, they should probably stay away from each other, but the reality of doing that was easier said than done. Neither of them wanted to stay away, so they didn't. They continued studying together, having meals together, and getting to know each other.

In their downtime, Rhys told Vasile what it was like living in Fyrie for the time he was there and learning magic from his uncle. He told him how he had been given just enough blood to survive on, and the rest of his sustenance was Fae food. He had, of course, been making a joke before about his sweet tooth. He did indeed have one, but it was because of his ancestry, so fae food was his favorite but also wasn't dangerous to him.

Vasile listened with rapt attention to Rhys' stories of Fyrie, happy to improve his sorely lacking knowledge of the Fae and their society. In return, he expounded at length about court life and some of the lesser-known vampyre lore that dhampyrs weren't always subjected to. For instance, Rhys did not know that the vampyres were once severely allergic to sunlight. It was one of Vasile's ancestors on the Brosnya side who first discovered the cure.

Rhys asked as many questions about that as he could, and it was clear to Vasile that he really loved hearing about the scientific side of how it was cured. He talked about some of the issues the Fae dealt with that he had considered whether there might be a cure for, like the severe allergy to iron. Rhys pulled his jacket off and unbuttoned his shirt to let it fall down over his shoulders and to his waist to show Vasile the marks left behind from wrought iron bars used in buildings here from when he was a kid. Vasile could see a currently healing one on his left arm that seemed recent.