Prince Lothian (MxM)

1

"Of all your children, why did you think choosing me for the arranged marriage was a good idea?"

My father stared at me and frowned. "You disagree with my choice? Why?"

"Well, for one I'm the oldest child you always forget to mention, and secondly, I'm far from wife material." I scoffed.

"Lothian prefers men, which is why I dismissed your sisters, he doesn't want a wife, but a partner. I also do not forget to mention you, I purposefully do so, as you said, you're the oldest, your perfectly capable of introducing yourself."

"I still can't understand how your came to conclusion that I was the best choice."

"You are the oldest Cassis, and therefore the first choice, but that wasn't my only reason. You know your brothers as well as I do, if not more being siblings, they would not take kindly to me marrying them off, and certainly not to another man.

They are men of war, always have been, you… you are content with your books and… and sometimes I am thankful for that, knowing I don't need to worry if you'll come back home and in how many pieces." he said solemnly. "I might have not had a choice with the marriage, the king demands that our families join through matrimony but I at least could choose which member of the family would be responsible for such a task. I feel most comfortable putting that responsibility in your hands, I might trust your brothers with bringing down armies but with matters as delicate as the heart and high society I would sleep much better with you in that position."

Well that makes one of us, he wouldn't be the one sleeping next to the deadly and incredibly feared Prince Lothian. I've never met the man but the rumours that came across the dangerous Tork Sea that separated our two kingdoms hardly painted him in a good light.

My father is the war general and younger brother to the king of our kingdom. My uncle is still childless, although not from lack of trying I hear.

All of my father's sons bar me led platoons of their own at the behest of our uncle, King Marin, I on the other hand was a scholar, and although my knowledge has proven quite useful, especially on past battles and such, I was far less of a war general's son than the rest of my brothers.

I could fight as well as my brothers, just chose not to, more fascinated by past battles than the current ones and all manner of other history.

For that exact reason I knew why our families were joining by marriage, our kingdom was quite small but incredibly powerful with a huge army. Our little island was known across the world but we lacked certain materials and although competent saliors, paled in comparison to Prince Lothian's people.With our families joined we together could create an empire unlike the world had ever seen.

...

I left my father's office in a foul mood, although I kept that to myself.

I was terrified but also angry about the marriage. I didn't want to marry Prince Lothian! It would mean I would have to move for one, to an entirely new kingdom, away from all my family and the few friends I did have, and I'd be expected to lay on my back for the Prince, one who was rumoured to be a ruthless and vicious killer, a emotionless monster with an unkind nature.

My feet were already taking me to him, the purple uniform making him stand out against the pale stone walls of the palace, the gold buttons and chains shimmering in the bright afternoon sun, as always his black leather boots were polished to perfection, his dark hair slicked back neatly and his stoic expression faltered at the sight of me.

"Cassis, I didn't expect to see you at this time, you're usually buried under a pile of books in the library right about now, did your fath-mm!" he was cut off mid-sentence as my lips slammed against his, his groomed beard scratching at my cheeks and the taste of the mint chews he snacks on whilst on guard duty hitting my tongue.

I kissed him with desperation, knowing our secret relationship would have to end soon and the thought made me clutch at him tightly, not caring that anyone could walk by at any moment, not anymore, not knowing that what was between us would have to end.

I didn't pull away until I was breathless and even then only parted our lips enough to speak. "Come to my room after your shift, please, I need you." I panted in a whisper against his lips before taking a few steps back and keeping eye contact for a few moments before walking off.