The Warrior And His Emperors

A New Journey

All three reached back to their room. It was cleaned up and fresh blankets were laid out. Eloy sat on the bed. He had a chain around his hip which accentuated his hip now. He wore it when he dresses separately. All married men, submissives, wore them. His husbands were looking at him.

Both men went down on their knees and lifted his legs. They both looked at him for permission. Once he nodded, they slid a toe ring each, proclaiming their fidelity in the marriage. Then he bent down and wore the toe rings on both of his Emperors' toe. Finally, Eloy looked at them both.

"Now you," he said.

Both the emperors looked at each other. Mithraos wore one on Adharva's toe. Then Adharva slipped one into Mithraos's toe.

Silence reigned.

"I think it is time to sleep," said Eloy and moved up to the bed and laid down. He closed his eyes. He never knew awkwardness could be like this. He felt the emperors move and lay down on his sides. He was silent when he heard the rustle of the blankets. He felt an arm around him. He could actually sense the protectiveness in Mithraos's hold. Eloy never thought this day would come. He opened his eyes to look at Adharva whom he was facing. The emperor looked at him silently.

Eloy felt his cheeks go red. Silently, all of them fell asleep.

Eloy was the first to wake up. He realised, as he did when a child, Mithraos was splayed on the bed. He seemed somewhat relaxed in sleep. Adharva meanwhile seemed to be on guard even when asleep. Eloy moved the blanket up to cover them both.

He turned to leave for his daily morning rituals when he felt an arm hold his. He turned. Adharva was looking at him.

"You cannot wander like you do always. Not alone atleast," said Adharva. Eloy's eyebrows raised. He looked at the emperor challengingly.

"I am a warrior. I am your submissive , yes. But your highness, I am not a fragile flower," said Eloy.

"You are many things Eloy. You are also the High King of the Empire. It is your responsibility to stay safe," said Adharva.

Both looked at each other. Adharva got up. He opened a new box on the side and pulled out a garment. It was a soft silk robe. He slid it around Eloy who looked at him. He was wearing only a bottom wear till then.

"I understand, your highness. You need not worry about me getting caught by your- pardon me- our rivals," said Eloy.

Adharva looked at him.

"I do not doubt that you will outshine them, Eloy. However, there are a few protocols for a royal," said Adharva.

Eloy nodded.

They looked at Mithraos who was deep asleep.

"Does he always sleep so deep?" asked Adharva.

"He does. His highness never wakes up before sun," said Eloy.

Adharva nodded.

Eloy struggled to move the golden chain and to tie it above his robes. He froze when he felt Adharva's firm arm around him. He felt him tying it above his robes. Eloy was too stricken to move. He just stood there. Once it was locked in place, both men looked at each other.

There was a knock on the bell outside. Both looked at Mithraos who slept half naked. Adharva stretched a bit and pulled the blanket up while he tied up his robes.

"Enter," he said as he walked out to the sitting area.

Guards stepped in.

"Your highness, the party to palace is to leave in three hours. Chief warrior also insisted on the presence of all three of you for the prayers to the sun god beginning in another hour, " said the guards.

"Is that all?" asked Adharva.

"Yes, your highness," said the guards and they left. He stepped inside and saw Eloy waiting.

"Wake him up, will you," said Adharva.

Eloy walked over to Mithraos's side and gently shook him. He was mumbling something in sleep and turned.

"Leave me be, El," he mumbled.

Eloy looked at Adharva.

"Queen mother used to call his highness-

"I am awake. You were saying," asked Mithraos sitting up and looking at Eloy who looked smug.

All three of them got ready to leave. They were about to step out when Adharva looked at them both.

"Before we step out, there are a few things I want you two to be aware of," he said.

Both looked at him expectantly.

"As you might have already noticed Chief Warrior is not just another official. He practically brought me up. I consider him by parent. I would expect the same respect from your part for him," said Adharva.

Both nodded.

They stepped out.

They reached where all four of the family were waiting. All beamed when they saw them.

Shikhar hugged all three of them together and led them all out. The priest began the prayers and all sat silent. Once it was done, they were all ready to leave.

Eloy stood near the river and looked on at the palace that was his home. It was far and only the dome was visible from here, miles away.
He turned when he felt presence beside him. Both his husbands stood there.

"It was home," said Eloy.

He looked at Mithraos who was silent. There was no emotion on his face.

"Before we lost them, yes," he said.

Mithraos turned.

"Let us go," he said as he took Eloy's hand. Adharva followed, silently. He looked at the two and for a moment wondered about a few what ifs.

They reached the chariot set to leave. Adharva stepped in first. He looked at Eloy and was amused because Eloy was having trouble adjusting all his fancy clothes. Probably something that he was not used to.

He extended his hand and Eloy looked at him. He took Adharva's hand, not denying his emperor. He stepped up. Mithraos followed. They sat down. All three were silent.

Eloy noticed nail mark on his body and remembered how he got them. That had his cheeks red as he sat between his emperors.

They could see the palace of Mauryae from distance. It became brighter as they reached closer.

----------

So... What do you think?

Are they way too awkward?

What do you think will happen?

Will they bond well?

How do you think they will bond?