Isak : Dreams of a Fallen Flower

A Revelation

Isak cannot believe his brother is doing this to himself. Esben was not like this but all the bad company and the betrayals he has faced at such a young age shaped him into what he is now. He was deep in thought that he was surprised when Arkyn's arm came around his hip. The man was heavily drunk and his leg came to rest between his legs. The man nuzzled his neck.

"Right. Whatever gave you the idea I would be willing to have sex with my 'captor'?" asked Isak.

"I am not going to be celibate all my life," said Arkyn his hand coming to rest on Isak's hip. Isak stared at Arkyn who looked a little cute with sleep muzzled hair.

"Goodness, Is he showing early signs of Stockholm syndrome- but maybe it's too early and this is the man he loved- loves, despite everything that came to light. He can afford one night of mindless passion with his husband. Isak pulled down the man's pant to give him easy access. They had lazy sleepy sex all night, falling asleep soon after climaxing. Isak sleepily pulled the blanket to cover them both in case the maids come looking.

---------------------

Arkyn woke up first next morning fast asleep on Isak's chest, his hand protectively around his head. Since his mother became paralysed no one has held him like this. He stayed like that for a while.

"Are you going to get up or do we need to have breakfast brought to bed?" asked Isak, sounding amused.

"Don't take that tone with me," he growled as he sat up.

"I will take whatever tone I wish, now move," said Isak as he sat up and got dressed rather efficiently. Sometimes how skilled Isak is in bed makes him wonder about his experience. For someone who seemed so polite and down to earth- he sure had some experience in his kitty.

"I am going to check on my brother and you- if you can't be civil, don't show up," said Isak as he went in to the bathroom. He left after getting ready for the day post his morning bath.

He found them later. Isak was sitting on Esben's bed and Esben was curled on his brother's chest, eyes closed, letting Isak run his hand through his hair soothingly. Esben had tear drops drying on his cheeks.

"I will tell Baba and Papa but not yet, only after you make some progress in getting back on track. Stay with me here till then," said Isak like his mother used to talk to him when she could talk.

"Hmm. It gets too much sometimes," said Esben.

"I know darling. It's my fault, I should have paid attention. But it's okay, we will get to your safe place together, yes- as a family? It's us six against the world, remember?" asked Isak.

"Yes," said Esben without opening his eyes and just staying put.

"Isa, do you think I am too soft for an emperor?" asked Esben.

"No darling. An emperor is not all about brute force. Its about how dynamic your mind is, how compassionate your heart is and how close you are to your people. People love you now as their favourite emperor's first born. They love you as their dear prince even though you have now ascended, they love you as the son of Vilhelm Aldereon- one day, they will love you as Esben Aldereon. They will Esben and not because of Mihaita or Vilhelm- or any title. Love and respect – they are not given- they are earned especially from the people you are ruling. You are their servant, serve them well," said Isak.

"Am I both master and servant?" asked Esben.

"You are darling. It is up to you as to which one you chose or if you want a middle ground," said Isak, letting Esben curl more into him.

"You know, I want to do this. That's why when Papa asked I said I am ready. Also, our parents found each other so late in their life as partners. I know all of us wish for them to have as much time together at this age when they are physically weakening and need to assimilate to the change of age. I thought I could do it. But sometimes my own weaknesses hold me back. It should have been you. Why did you say no? You are the emperor Mergamo deserves," said Esben.