The Prince's Servitude

Part 1

Percy

The energy in the air felt chaotic. It was not my first time at war, but the looming sense of foreboding was new. The enemy stood proud in the distance. An army more vast and visibly stronger than ours.

I was a man of 24, while not as young as the newest of the ranks, I had experience beyond my years. I had been instructed and drilled from a young age as a prince of the realm, heir of a king, and general of an army.

There were young men intermixed within the ranks that were not yet fully in their maturity but old enough to wield a sword. I shifted my gaze forward once again to the enemy, unwilling to worry more about their trembling hands and the awkward shifts in their armor.

We had faced enemies with numbers just as large, but they were often men scraped together from farms and homesteads. Not this enemy.

This was the Horde. An army put together by the best warriors of the conquered nations that it plowed through. Somehow incorporating their strengths seamlessly.

The Ganion horde arose a decade ago from a small nation a thousand miles north of here. From the stories, the nation was once splintered into many small factions led by individual chiefs. They were considered fierce warriors who ate, slept, and dreamed of battle. They trained their warriors, both men and women, at a young age to withstand pain, hunger, and exhaustion.

They were never an issue before as they spent their days fighting amongst themselves to ever be a threat. That all changed with the rise of the warlord Loukas. Loukas was a horde warrior that quickly rose within the ranks of his people. His passion for his country ignited with dreams of power led to the unification of his countrymen.

Had that been it then maybe we would not be where we currently are. But that wasn't to be. The neighboring nation, were fools and did not see them as a threat and their greed to possess such a force led to their demise.

They invaded Ganion cocky in thinking that such a country not used to fighting as one would defeat their armies. What should have been a fast destruction of the Horde proved to be difficult under the guidance of Loukas.

It was within that first year he defeated them and thus wet his thirst for conquer. From there they spread. Overtaking one nation like a knife through butter across the land. Many caved immediately and those that did not paid in souls.

Here today, we were one of the last to fold, fighting off skirmishes and small army clashes for months. But it was evident that they were toying with us. They were at our gates. I could do nothing but pray that whatever happened, my parents and sister lived to tell the tale.

Loukas

They had spent two weeks traveling to the gates of Corinth. His curiosity of the small country grew as he approached, as word of his smaller formations come back in a stalemate.

No country had pressed such a resistance. He was more than a little intrigued. As days passed, word of their Prince General filtered to his ears. Percy. An seemed to be an opponent worthy of his sword. Yes, he must meet this Percy.

Percy

The battle, like all wars, was bloody, but unlike times before, it seemed our blood was shedding more. For everyone we cut down, two were stepping in and pressing forward. Day after day, we were fighting hard, but our ground was giving. The dawn of the 8th day came, and I knew it would be our last.

In the distance, an impossibly large war horse that was as dark as night appeared. Its rider was just as imposing and large. There was no doubt that this was Loukas. Every day he led his army, he did not cower in the back but fought fiercely with his men. I had yet to face him in battle, but I felt his eyes on me.

I looked over my shoulder and said, "Open the gates." I waited as I heard the command shouted from my second in command and echo forward.

Metal clanked as the gate-opening mechanism engaged with the pull of ropes from a team of 6 mules. It groaned in protest as it opened slowly, revealing the landscape and the army that lay beyond. I put my hand up in a silent command for the army to stay as I shuffled forward on my horse. My head raised and my eyes focused as I slowly left the safety of my men and rode toward the advancing army.

I knew this was the only chance his men and country would have to leave this day unscathed. I knew my people were not meek and would fight to the last man and the last woman until there was nothing left. I did not want this for them and was willing to make whatever sacrifice, short of enslaving his people, to keep them alive.

There was movement in the Ganion army. It parted as Loukas moved forward with what I assumed was his second-in command. The fact that he was willing to meet was a good sign, but it was far from over, and the anticipation rose as he drew closer.

It became clearer and clearer the size of him. When they were but ten feet apart, it was clear that this man far outweighed me in heavy muscle. Even on horseback, his horse was at least 2 hands taller than mine, appearing statuesque and momentous.

What was most remarkable, though, was his intensity, his commanding strength, and aura. It was no wonder he had been able to unite his country where none before him could. This was a true leader.

I let out a breath as I scanned his face. He wasn't unattractive, his features strong and angular. There was a heavy shadow on his jaw, and a scar was visible, rising from the lower half of his left cheek, extending up to his brow. His eyes were a deep brown, nearly completely black. His corded arms were exposed, nearly as thick as his own thighs, and littered with old scars. A large sword lay at his waist.

His face remained unencumbered by a helmet. His leather pants strained to contain his large muscular thighs that straddled his horse. They looked just as powerful as the rest of him. I realized indignantly that he did not look nearly as worn as I felt, which spoke to his endurance. I looked back at his face and noticed a brow quirked up, despite the rest of his face remaining impassive.

He had been watching me as I perused his body like a courtesan. I felt my cheeks flame, but I refused to turn away.

I breathed out, realizing I had held my breath, and drew my horse forward another foot. He remained unmoving. Fighting the urge to clear my voice like a novice cleric, I spoke.

"King Loukas of Garion, I am Prince Percy Aurel Marcanto, son of King Rionatinor and Queen Maressa of Corinth. I formally requested to offer terms of surrender for the survival of my people."

He tilted his head and his eyes twitched, and if I didn't know any better, I would think he was disappointed.

A voice that seemed to rumble up from his chest made my own breath catch, and I swallowed hard. "What exactly would be your terms for surrender, Prince Percy Aurel Mercanti, son of King Rionatinor and Queen Maressa of Corinth?"

My eyes narrowed. Was he mocking me? Bolstered in anger, I pressed on. "That all those who peacefully surrender would be allowed to remain untouched. My men, the people, my family, everyone. They will not be enslaved; they will go about as if this war did not happen. We will fall under your rule, however, you will allow my family to continue to rule as stewards. No rape, no killing, no imprisonment."

His second next to him exploded in laughter. I gritted my teeth but refused to allow my eyes to stray from him. He raised his hand, and the laughter died off. "And how would that be beneficial to me when I can just take all that, dispose of you, and send my own stewards in place?"

I raised my chin higher. Do not waver Percy.

"Loyalty, Your Highness. You would have our loyalty. My people are strong, they are fierce. We are willing to die for our loyalty if given our freedom. But we will fight tooth and nail till there was nothing left but fire and ruin if you take that away. Our only goal is to take as many of you out as possible. We will not win, but we will die happy knowing that we would cripple you," I spat out. His second pushed forward with ill intent and was once again stopped.

"Who are you to threaten me?" His voice had deepened, and I clutched my reins tighter but refused to look away from his narrowed eyes.

"Little Prince, you play a dangerous game, but I respect your courage. Too bad that it is not enough."

He swung his horse around and said over his shoulder, "Prepare yourself, my little acula."

Panic stole my breath, and my mind scrambled. No! He could not leave!

"Me!" I shouted.

He stopped, but he did not turn around. I pressed on. "You will also get me... I will serve you!" I couldn't stop the words that tumbled from my mouth. I jumped off my horse and stumbled forward, around to the front side of his horse. I ripped off my helmet.

The sun blazed in my eyes as I looked up at his shadowy figure. "Me."

It felt like an eternity before he motioned beyond me. The steel that I barely acknowledged withdrew from my neck, but I dared not breathe, even as I felt the fresh, sticky trail of blood from the small cut it left rolled down my neck.

"You've got some balls on you, acula." His voice seductively deep.

He nodded, "I accept your terms. Make your arrangements. I expect full surrender of all your people by this time tomorrow. My men expect to eat." He leaned forward, raising his hand to clutch my chin.

"Understand this, little prince, you will be completely mine." He released me and fell back to his army.

Loukas

When the little Prince rode up, I couldn't help but grin at his fearlessness. Not many were able to face his army by themselves confidently and without a second thought.

He was competent in his horse, his armor gleamed, and his exposed forearms showed lean, strong muscle that spoke of his training. This was not a lazy prince. He had a grimace on his face and spoke his title with confidence. I was impressed, even when he threatened me.

I did not know why I accepted his terms, but when he stood before me bare-faced with a sword pressed to his neck, he lost his train of thought. The vibrant big green eyes pleaded with him. His lashes looked soft. And his curly light brown locks lay damp against his forehead and sides of his face. He may have had the body of a lithe warrior, but his face was... beautiful.

I spoke and could not take my words back, especially after I saw the relief flood his face. All I knew was that for hours after, I rubbed my fingers together, remembering the feel of his strong yet supple jaw.

The next morning, the gates of Corinth opened at dawn. My army was unimpeded as we marched through. Their army was unarmed in a show of faith but remained wary. There was a feast presented for my top commanders and me, and the restaurants were all opened for my men. There were very few small pockets of resistance that were quickly dispensed with.

My soldiers were given strict instructions that any peaceful party was to remain unharmed and untouched. As the weeks pressed on, the economy resumed and their trust in us, as well as our trust in them, improved as both our promises were kept.

Scribes from my country arrived, as well as trusted members from my house, to be present as ambassadors. I allowed the royal family to retain their titles but arranged marriage contracts between their eldest daughter and my younger brother Damarion. It was readily accepted. Percy himself acted as my guide. He was distant in his interactions and spent most of his time with his family when he was not with me. I allowed him his freedom, but it was nearing that time where he would fulfill his role.

Percy

The transition had been as smooth as it had been expected to be. There had been a lot of fearful anticipation that had gradually eased. My sister Layla had cried for days when the marriage contract had been drawn up, but she had known, we both had known as royal children, that we were nothing if not tools for barter.

The people had slowly started resuming their lives and the Ganion had blended more and more into the background. There had still been little resistance pockets, but as the days had gone on and it had been clear that the war was over, life had resumed. As my people had felt more at ease as the days had gone on, I had felt more and more constrained, knowing my clock had been ticking.

It had been at dinner four weeks after our surrender that Loukas had finally spoken of what was to happen. My father and mother had sat at his left, I had sat after them, then my sister. To his right had been his top advisors Gregor, Tamarius, and Januth.

"The main party will be leaving tomorrow. There will be a contingent that will remain and integrate as part of your army as we have already discussed. The same will go for your royal guards as well. We will leave at dawn."

"Please enjoy your meal," he had stood up as well as his people. Before he had left, he had turned to address me. "Prince Percy, it should go without saying that you also will be going."

I had heard my sister gasp and had seen my mother go pale. My father's face had been grim, but he otherwise hadn't made a sound.

I had told my father from the day of surrender the terms of my personal servitude, but I had not told my mother or sister. I had known they would worry, and I had not wanted them to.

"What is he talking about, Percy!" Mother had gasped.

"It was the only thing I could do, mother. I am to serve him."

"Serve him! How?" I had stayed quiet. In a flustered state, she had turned to my father. "Rion! Say something," she had said as she had clutched his arm.

He had sighed and had placed his hand over hers. "This is part of the treaty, sweetheart. There is nothing I can say that won't cause our destruction."

My sister had cried as she had thrown her arms around me.

"Oh Percy, I'm so sorry, and here I was crying about my marriage." I had released her and had risen.

"I must go pack. I love you all."

I had walked to my room and had collapsed against the door after I had closed it. Okay Percy, you made your promise, and you have to fulfill it. I hadn't wanted to think about what I was to do to serve him, but I hadn't been naive. I had known what he had meant when he had said I was to be his.

Though it hadn't been as common, it had been accepted that men could lay with men here. In theory, I had known how sex had been performed in these relationships, but I had never participated nor wanted to participate in such activities with men!

I hadn't even participated in fornication with women! Though I had been in my early 20s, I had been more concerned with becoming a competent leader and warrior than being consumed by lust as many of my friends had been. I had relieved myself whenever necessary and had moved on. Despite a stolen kiss here and there with a young noblewoman, I had not done more than that with anyone.

I had quickly called some servants to pack a large trunk and had sent some things to my saddlebag. I had still been figuring out what clothes I should bring for their cooler temperatures when I had heard a knock. My mother had entered as she always had, without requiring an answer.

She had had a book and a wrapped item in her hand. Her kind eyes had fallen on me. They had seemed to have aged some in the last few weeks from the stress and worry.

"Here," she thrust the book and package in my hands. "Put this with your gear."

"Mother, what is this?" I frowned, looking at the title. Guide to Pleasure.

"Knowledge, it was written by a famous male courtesan. It will help your longevity and survivability in your new position. I think if you knew the kinds of things he knew, you could be invaluable through skill."

My cheeks flamed. "Mother, I..." she pressed her fingers to my lips.

"And this is oil to help with the... the passage... men can be quite vigorous in their eagerness and may forget your comfort. You must protect yourself from injury."

If I could just die on the spot, I would.

"Mother..."

"Just listen, Percy!" Her yell startled me speechless as she rarely raised her voice.

"Write me as often as you can. Don't be afraid to talk to me. Be strong and stay true to who you are, my firstborn. I love you. Promise me you will read that book. It will tell you how to make the best of your situation." She clutched my forearms tight.

I nodded. She touched my cheek, followed it by a kiss before she stole away. I was shaken. My dreams that night was of me entwined naked with a large warrior and the whisper of the words "...little prince, you will be completely mine."

That morning I left with some of the Ganion Horde. How we left was not what I anticipated. My horse was situated with the pack horses. I was led to Loukas' horse. In my confusion, I just stared at the impossibly tall beast until a presence came up behind me.

"Do you need help getting on?" Loukas mused behind me. I spun to face him.

"What... no... what, why am I on your horse?"

He looked at me and I got a feeling he thought I was dense.

"Because you will be riding with me." My eyes widened.

"But I have a horse."

He leaned forward. "Are you arguing with me, little prince? Are you not here to serve me? To obey my every command?"

I balked. This whole time I knew I was his, but I never felt that way until now.

I sputtered. "But... but..."

"If you don't get on now, I will make you ride side saddle and naked." There were some chuckles from the closest soldiers.

My eyes widened and I moved towards the horse. There was no way, though. I was not used to this height. Before I tried to lift my foot for the stirrup, large hands wrapped around my waist, and I was launched into the saddle as if I was a child. He quickly followed behind me.

As Corinth fell away in the distance, my rigid back slowly relaxed until I had no choice but to fall against his impossibly warm body. Not used to just sitting there as someone else guided the horse, I slowly fell asleep.

Loukas

My fierce little warrior's face softened in sleep. His light brown curls pressed against my shoulder and grazed my neck and chest. He fit snug against me between my legs and wrapped uo on my arms.

My cock nestled into his ass and hardened against the extra stimulation. I wrapped my arms tighter around him lest he fall and ignored the knowing looks from Gregor and Januth as they eyed me. We set a quick pace, ready to get home, and I tried to ignore his sweet smell.

It was much later that his breathing changed, signaling he was awake, and his head slowly raised before he went back to that ridiculous rigid pose he assumed when we started the ride. He glared back at me when he heard my snort.

It knew when he finally felt my rigid cock snuff against his as when I saw his eyes widen and his face quickly move forward. I chuckled, however, when I saw his neck and cheek redden adorably. I had never thought of anyone adorable shy of babies ever. I took on a quicker pace to jostle him back into my legs and grinned at the increased redness that spread across his neck and ears.

When we finally stopped for the night and set up camp in the forest, I allowed my prince to amble off. He surprised me when he went straight to assisting Gregor to set up a fire.

I rubbed down Stormwind and set her off to graze. By the time I turned back to my little Prince, he had somehow obtained a ginormous stock pot, got it filled with water, and was setting about adding spices he must have brought with him.

He went to talk to one of my lower ranking men, and they ambled off into the forest after a word with Gregor. My jaw clenched. Gregor must have seen my expression as he chuckled at my grimace.

"Relax Loukas," he continued to chuckle to my growing anger. "He went to go pick some wild onions." My eyes narrowed, and I continued to make up my bedroll. So my acula knew about cooking spices and gathering herbs. He was surprising.