Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

No one really talked about them, but there were definite downsides to being a prince, especially a crown prince. First of all, he had very little if any privacy, even in his own rooms. Everyone expected him to have wisdom beyond his years for some reason. And that was to say nothing of the potential danger he was always in simply because of his birth status. He would have to always be on guard for people trying to take advantage of him or worse. A prince would never know who was in his life because they cared for him or because they cared for what he could give them. But arguably the one that caused the most issue was that his future was not his own. A prince’s life was to be lived for the betterment of his kingdom. And so every decision he made was done with his people in mind and not based on his own wants and desires. What he wanted wasn’t allowed to matter.

A prince was raised with this knowledge. It was a simple fact of his life. He took lessons others his age did not have to. Learned the ends and outs of royal protocol and court etiquette, often while he was learning to read and write. There was much he would need to know and never enough time to learn it all. He would have to miss what many would consider milestone moments in adolescence, due to a separation from those that would be his peers. A prince was forever striding towards an impossible goal of perfection. Never allowed to truly be who he wanted to be. No matter how much he might love his kingdom, a piece of him would always long for the freedom to follow a path he chose. 

And then there was the subject of marriage. A prince was not even able to decide who he would spend his life with unless they were considered to be of benefit to the kingdom as well. The list of requirements for a mate was lengthy to say the least. They must be of noble birth or highly endorsed by a house of nobility. The more noble the rank of the house, the better. They must be able to produce heirs to be able to continue his bloodline, though that had become less of an issue in recent years with the advancements made. Often producing an heir was the primary reason for a royal marriage. Also a prince might marry to forge an alliance with another kingdom. Whatever the reason, a royal union was rarely built on love. Many times they had met perhaps once or twice before the wedding. That wasn’t to say they couldn’t fall in love, and indeed some did. But the interests of the kingdom were always the top priority.

Objectively, Malleus knew all this applied to him as well. As the crown prince of Briar Valley, he knew what was expected of him. One day he would take the throne and be crowned the king in his grandmother’s place. He would be married to someone who met all the requirements and together they would produce heirs to the Draconia line. Fae didn’t reproduce easily, but what did that matter when you had centuries? However, these obligations had always seemed so far off in the future. It was something to worry about later, not right now. Until one day, several years after Malleus had left Night Raven College for the last time, his once distant future started demanding his immediate attention. 

It was a relatively quiet afternoon that day and Malleus was on his way to one of the gazebos in the castle gardens. He had been called to a meeting with his grandmother. An informal one, if the setting was anything to go by. When he arrived at the gazebo, he found a tea party set out for them. His grandmother greeted him and waved him towards a seat. They exchanged pleasantries while their tea was poured. Queen Maleficia did not look at all like she was nearing a thousand years old, but fae rarely showed their true age. However, her eyes held a depth to them that only came with time and her bearing spoke of her long reign. A reign that would likely be ending before too much longer. It was only after the servants had stepped back that the Queen addressed her true reason for calling Malleus out to the gardens.

“We had your coming of age celebration last year. You are now seen as eligible to take the throne when the time is right. However, since then I have received a number of letters proposing alliances with our kingdom in exchange for your hand in marriage.” Maleficia told her grandson. Malleus felt his blood chill at the words. Not that he didn’t want to marry someday, but this was the part of his future that he had always dreaded. Not having the ability to choose for himself made him wish he wasn’t a prince. True love was one fairytale that he couldn’t help but indulge in. The thought that there was someone out there that was meant especially for him was a wonderful one. Even if he logically knew that he would likely never meet them. And that was if they even existed at all.

“And who have you selected?” He asked, trying to remain as passive as possible. Best to find out sooner rather than later. He hadn’t heard anything about proposals, but knowing his grandmother, he wasn't surprised by that. If his parents had still been there, he wouldn’t have likely heard about them either. He hoped he could at least get along with his mate. Though the most likely outcome was that they would fear him like so many others did. And they would have good reason to fear him. He had gained much better control over his magic since his school years, but that much power was always dangerous. These worries swirling in his mind almost made him miss what Maleficia said next.

“No one. I have decided to break from tradition somewhat in selecting your mate.” The Queen paused, waiting for Malleus’ reaction. For his part, the prince did not know how to react. What did she mean ‘break from tradition’? That was vague at best.

“How so?” This sounded like it could be promising, but there had to be a catch. Surely she wasn’t going to allow him to marry just anyone? Since he had been so sure that his mate would be chosen for him someday, he hadn’t allowed himself to consider anyone in a romantic light, even those that would be acceptable. If she did let him choose, he suddenly felt a little overwhelmed by all the possibilities. The more rational part of his mind pointed out quietly that he would still be restricted. He still wouldn’t be able to choose the one he wanted to.

“Normally, a mate is selected by the parents of the heir apparent from a list of eligible candidates. The heir may be asked for their opinion on the candidates, but in the end the parents make the final choice.” Maleficia began. Malleus nodded to show he was following. He knew this and had been expecting it for himself. “Instead, I have decided to host a brand new event. Soon we will be inviting all those that have offered marriage and those we possibly wish to ally with to present a candidate. They will live here at the castle during the duration. How long this event will go on we will discuss later, but at the end you will choose one of them to marry. Do you have any objections to this arrangement?” 

“None at all.” Malleus replied immediately. Inside he cringed at how fast he had answered. The Queen smiled at the quick response, but graciously didn’t comment. She remembered wishing she had been given such an opportunity when she was wed. At least it was something she could give to Malleus. She had many regrets in her long life, but most had to do with Malleus…or his mother.

“I did have one more thing to clear up with you. As dragon fae, we are able to reproduce largely through magical means. That means that you don’t have to marry a lady if you would prefer a lord instead. The list of candidates I have already includes a few lords, if you wish for them to be included that is.” The prince could feel the blush spreading across his cheeks all the way up to the tips of his ears. He knew she was trying to be delicate about it, but this was a conversation he never thought he would be having. He had never expressed any preference either way, especially not to his grandmother. In truth, he didn’t really have a preference. Both genders held some allure to him. 

“I-I would like for them to be…included.” He finally said, wincing slightly that his voice had failed him at that exact moment. Maleficia nodded with a serene smile. She had thought as much. It might take some doing to get some of the older courtiers to not cause a bit of a fuss, but very few had the courage to truly stand up to the Queen of Briar Valley and her incredibly powerful grandson, the heir apparent to the throne. After their discussion, the pair enjoyed the rest of their tea party mostly in silence. 

Malleus couldn’t deny that he felt a little lighter after that. A burden he hadn’t been truly aware that he was carrying had lessened somewhat. Though he would still be limited in who he could marry, he now had more choice than he’d had previously. It was just like Maleficia to use his marriage as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with allies while simultaneously trying to make it at least a little better for Malleus. His future mate would still have to be a royal or noble though. That was a baseline requirement. A tiny part of him was disappointed by that. There was a name that he had never allowed himself to say out loud and it echoed in his mind then. Malleus still couldn’t bring himself to voice it. How could he? To say it out loud was to admit he had fallen in love. He didn’t have that luxury.

The next several weeks were filled with preparations for this new event. Maleficia was pleased with the volume of replies that she had received. It could mean that the rest of the world was beginning to see Briar Valley as a potential ally and not some looming threat. Once while looking over the candidates, she asked Malleus if he had anyone he hoped would be nominated. The young fae had hesitated, enough that she noticed, before he denied being able to think of anyone. She was fairly certain he was lying, but she didn’t want to press the issue. He likely had a reason for his silence. She had always thought there was someone at that school he had attended that had caught his eyes. He’d been excited to return each year, more so than she’d expected. To her, it appeared he was looking forward to seeing someone specific. But he had never said anything. She could understand the likely reason why. 

Eventually it was decided that the candidates would be invited to stay at the castle and would remain as guests until the end of the event or until they were dismissed. It was to last six months. When questioned about this lengthy amount of time, Maleficia stated that it may take some of the candidates time to relax and show their true selves. In the grand scheme of things, six months wasn’t very long at all. But for something like this, it appeared to be. She had proudly announced it was to be the first ever Tournament of Crowns. Malleus wasn’t too sure about the name, but the Queen had been pleased with it. She had come up with it herself. In reality, Malleus knew it didn’t matter what they called it. The end results would remain the same.

Now they had to announce the duration and time for the event to those that had been invited. To Malleus the preparation took forever and went too quickly all at once. In less than a year his entire world would change forever. He would be wed to someone he didn’t even know yet and, to add to his stress about the situation, Maleficia was already talking about stepping down as Queen shortly after that. The idea of being king would be an enticing one to some, but the truth of it was less glamorous than it appeared. Only a small part of being king was fancy clothes and lavish parties. Most of what a king did was making sure the kingdom was taken care of day after day. Some days, a king was little more than a glorified babysitter for his people.

It was going to be a hard enough transition from being single and only having to worry about himself, to being married and responsible for someone else as well. And that’s with very little time to get to know his spouse beforehand. Having to step up as king right away after that made Malleus want to disappear and not come back. He was starting to see why there were so many fairy tales about a prince wanting to escape his life. Luckily, the panic he felt when she had mentioned it seemed to be visible and Maleficia promised that they would discuss it further once things were settled. She told him that she wouldn’t spring it on him out of nowhere. They would decide together when he was ready.

Once they had decided the overall time frame for the Tournament, they shifted their focus to the finer details. Rooms for the candidates needed to be prepared, supplies would have to be made available, extra security measures taken to ensure the safety of all involved, and many other necessities required their attention. There were many late nights where the Queen and prince poured over the preparations. Who to place where in the castle, what requests were acceptable and which were a bit much, among other things were considered by the royal pair.

“Each candidate will be bringing a small number of their own personal staff. That way our own servants won’t be overwhelmed with the extra work.” Maleficia said during one such late evening. “We will, of course, have to have accommodations for them as well. There is a wing of the servants’ quarters that is not currently in use, I believe. Those rooms will have to be prepared as well.” This was easily accomplished along with everything else that went along with entertaining nobility. 

Malleus was blown away by the schedule when he had seen it one night. The whole six months was planned out. There were many days that not much in particular was planned, intentionally left blank should he desire to spend time with a certain candidate. But other days were filled with tours of parts of the country, galas and parties, tea times in the gardens, demonstrations of the military, and many, many other activities. The festivities were to begin with a grand ball where each candidate would be officially presented. And it would end six months later with Malleus and his mate announcing their betrothal at yet another grand ball. Those would likely be the easy part. It was everything in between that would be challenging. At least, that’s what Malleus thought. He had nothing to base that on.

Before he was truly ready for it, the time came for the Tournament of Crowns to start. Guests would be arriving early the next day and the opening ball would be that same night. This was it, he realized. In less than a day, the next phase of his life would officially begin. Malleus wasn’t sure if he was dreading it or looking forward to it. Regardless of his feelings on the matter, it was time.

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Royal balls were tedious and mentally exhausting affairs. Sure, they could be fun and exciting for those in attendance, but that wasn’t as true for the royal that was hosting the event. They were usually too busy to properly enjoy their own efforts. At a royal function like this, certain niceties had to be observed so as not to cause any offense. Remembering all the unwritten rules for high society was a challenge during the best of times. And a chaotic environment like a royal ball was not exactly the best of times. There were also the cultural differences to factor into things as well with an international and political event such as this one. In short, the Draconia royals had a lot on their plates that first night.

Malleus, dressed in his royal finery, stood in the receiving line next to his grandmother and greeted the guests as they arrived. There were more than he’d expected there to be. Of course only a fraction of those in attendance were actual candidates. The rest were those who were presenting the candidates and other guests that needed to be included for appearances’ sake. There were also the candidates’ attendants and bodyguards in attendance as well. The fae prince had to work to keep the look of impatience off his face as the line seemed to stretch on and on forever. This was the worst part. He felt like a doll on display, or maybe a choice cut of meat, and that wasn’t too far from the truth. For many if not most of the candidates, this was their first time ever seeing the fabled prince of Briar Valley. He wasn’t a person to them. He was a myth made real.

Since Maleficia was doing the bulk of the greetings, Malleus allowed his mind to wander somewhat. It was the only way to stay sane at times. He responded to any greetings directed at him reflexively, his answers to questions were vague but polite. He appeared calm and self assured, even if on the inside he was anything but. While the ball was indeed the easy part of the Tournament, it was still time-consuming and draining. So many names to remember in such a short amount of time. He tried to keep track of which candidate was from which kingdom, but knew he would have to ask his grandmother for a list later. For now, Malleus had only brief interactions with his potential mates, but he knew several of them would likely be dismissed in short order. 

There was an unsettling gleam in the eyes of one of the young lords when he saw all of the finery around him, barely turning to properly greet his hosts. Greedy. Aloofness and a certain amount of superiority was to be expected in many nobles, but the princess with the dark eyes had a bit too much. Malicious. The prince with the bright eyes and fair hair was lovely to look at, but based on the few words he said, that was about it. Shallow. There was something lurking underneath the fine veneer of the lady with the fiery hair, though she appeared on the outside to be quite charming. Deceitful. 

Others were not quite so transparent in their intentions. Or perhaps they really were as they appeared to be. Hopefully time would tell. Many that were presented had a little fear in their eyes when they greeted Malleus. Something he had been worried about. He didn’t want his mate to be scared of him. He wanted an equal, not someone who was subservient to him. Finding a true equal was next to impossible, but as a bare minimum he didn’t want them to be frightened of him. What a miserable existence it would be to live in constant fear of the one who was supposed to be most dear to you. He didn’t want someone subjected to that.

Finally after what felt like an eternity, all of the candidates had arrived and the royals made their way to the head of the ballroom to officially start the festivities. To make mingling easier, and to avoid a seating arrangement that could potentially cause conflict, food was served buffet-style. There were plenty of tables set up around the edges of the ballroom, but none reserved for anyone in particular. There would be no dancing during this first ball. There would be time for that once he had a better idea who the candidates were. The ball was expected to last well into the night, so Maleficia had told her grandson that she wanted him to try and talk to some of the candidates. Even if he wasn’t able to talk to everyone, it would help his image to be more approachable.

That was what Malleus was doing when he realized that this Tournament of Crowns was going to be harder than he’d first imagined. He’d been swarmed, in the way nobles did, almost as soon as he had stepped away from the Queen. He had never liked it when people were overly familiar with him, even if many of the candidates were actually his peers. That didn’t mean they were his friends and could act as such. It took some doing to politely get away from the vultures, and even then he could tell that some were angry about it. Somehow they were already forgetting that they were all here for a chance to marry him and not the other way around.

Since he was the one who would ultimately make the choice who he would marry, Malleus had made the effort to remember the candidates that had made the best first impression. Those were the ones that he sought out during the ball that night. Some were able to maintain the positive view he had of them after a brief conversation. Others, not so much. He could feel the sharp glares from all around him whenever he approached any of the candidates. This was the other thing he had been concerned about. He didn’t want this to devolve into a mud-slinging fight. Maleficia had advised that no one be dismissed on preference alone for a month, two weeks at minimum. But Malleus wasn’t sure how plausible that was. A title didn’t automatically make someone into a decent person. Nobility wasn’t always very noble.

Whereas he was glad his grandmother had come up with this Tournament of Crowns idea, Malleus was beginning to realize that it brought with it a whole other set of challenges. Now the burden of decision was on his shoulders. The choice of who to marry could make or break his kingdom. What if he made the wrong choice? If he were anyone else, he could simply divorce them and try again if he wanted to. But royals didn’t like admitting that they made a mistake. And heirs must be produced in order to continue on the royal line. He wouldn’t have a second chance at this.

Perhaps it was his distraction as he walked through the ballroom or perhaps someone felt slighted by a lack of attention and deliberately got in the way of the servant passing out drinks. Regardless of how things came about, Malleus was unprepared for a full tray of beverages to come flying in his direction. He could put up a barrier to block anything from getting to him, but that was not an easy thing to do under pressure. He also had to be careful of those around him. Just because his control of his magic was considerably better than it had been when he was a student at Night Raven College, that didn’t mean it was perfect. If he reacted without thought, someone could get hurt. But he didn’t have time to think at all.

As he braced himself to be drenched, a streak of radiant light shot passed him. It collided with the wall of liquid, scattering it into a sparkling display that dissipated into nothingness, almost like a miniature fireworks show. The glasses that had been airborne, floated down to sit perfectly upright on the floor. Not a single one was damaged. A shocked gasp had gone through the whole ballroom when the glasses flew, many freezing in place to see what would happen next. The servant who had been carrying the tray bowed low in apology, but the prince graciously waved it off. They hadn’t meant to drop anything, that much he was certain of. There would likely be an investigation into what happened. Malleus then turned to see who it was that had saved his dignity.

Head bowed in respect, a young man stood a little ways behind him. In his hands was undoubtedly his magestone, set in an ornate arrowhead. The arrow was fixed in the notched position on a delicate-looking, but clearly very sturdy, miniature bow. It was obviously not a real weapon, unless held by a mage. He was wearing a familiar looking, wide-brimmed hat with a feather stuck in the band. Peeking from underneath the brim of the hat was a neat braid of long blond hair. His savior raised his head and Malleus found himself staring into a set of forest green eyes that he had dreamt about on many of his late night wanderings. 

“Pardonnez-moi, but it would break my heart to have your beautifully prepared gathering ruined. C'est merveilleux! You have truly outdone yourself tonight, Roi des Dragons!” The words, though more muted than the prince expected, were still spoken with a familiar vulpine smile. A smile Malleus had always found intriguing. That one name came to the front of his mind once again, and this time he said it out loud. Though not in the way he had always wished that he could.

“Hunt.” Rook’s smile widened as he gave an acknowledging nod. This was going to be much harder than he’d imagined.

Chapter Text

Malleus remembered very little of the ball that night after Rook had come to his rescue. He was distantly aware of thanking the hunter for his quick actions and hearing his grandmother do the same. When she had approached, he wasn’t certain. Rook had accepted the thanks with another bow, remarking that it had been his pleasure to be of assistance. For the rest of the night, Malleus was…distracted to say the least. His eyes kept straying back to wherever Rook was. He was here. But why? Why had the fates decided to have him of all people come to Briar Valley? Especially now?! Malleus wondered what he had possibly done to deserve this torture. Whatever it was, he was more than sorry for it.

The prince had learned that Rook had come as the attendant and bodyguard of the candidate from the Sunset Savanna, a young woman by the name of Kamaria Pretorius. Malleus vaguely remembered meeting her in the receiving line, but she’d been rather quiet. She hadn’t made a bad impression, but she hadn’t made much of an impression at all. He was certain that Rook had not been nearby when she’d been introduced. Surely he would have noticed him…unless Rook didn’t want to be noticed, that is. The hunter was quite skilled for a human, able to remain unseen unless he wished to be. Honestly, Malleus knew he was a solid choice to guard anyone. His unique magic would ensure that he never lost his charge once he marked them. An ability both terrifying and comforting depending upon the circumstances.

Safely back in his room for the night, Malleus found himself pacing anxiously back and forth. He was likely causing the security detail stationed outside of his room a great deal of concern, but he just didn’t have it in him to care at the moment. Malleus knew he had to get his emotions under control or he’d never make it through this Tournament with his sanity intact. It was going to be hard enough to pick a mate from the candidates before this, but how could he now? How could he choose someone else when the one he’d wanted was so close? And yet, Rook was still out of his reach. Malleus sighed heavily as he ceased his pacing to lean heavily against the mantle over his fireplace.

He recalled when he’d first met Rook Hunt, the rough and sun-kissed boy from the Sunset Savanna and a newly minted Savanaclaw student. He’d been leery of him at first, as many others were. Not only was he under Leona’s authority, a fellow prince who had made an instant enemy out of Malleus, there was a danger that lurked beneath that apparently open expression. Rook was a finely tuned weapon, well hidden behind a wide-eyed youth. Or so Malleus had first thought. Upon closer observation, he realized that Rook meant everything he said. He truly saw beauty everywhere he looked and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He simply wanted to know everything he could and would go to some ridiculous lengths to find things out. And even though he could be dangerous if he wanted to be, he only was when it was absolutely necessary. At his core, he was a peaceful person.

Watching Vil Schoenheit help to transform the rugged hunter into the polished Pomefiore Vice Housewarden he eventually became had been fascinating to see. Who knew he’d had that kind of potential hidden under the dirt and freckles? Malleus had been relieved to find that Rook’s personality had not changed along with his appearance. He was just as exuberant and eccentric as he had always been. If anything, the only inward change was that he was more confident than he had been before. That moment, when he’d realized how pleased and relieved he was that Rook was still Rook, was the first inkling the fae prince had that perhaps he held some regard for the hunter. He had to admit that he rather missed the ruddy freckles on Rook’s face now that they were hidden behind a high end concealer. Malleus also found that he preferred the longer hair that he’d used to sport over the sharp bob he ended up with. 

Malleus had continued to watch the other from a distance for the next couple of years while they attended school, but he’d never allowed himself to get even slightly closer. He had to keep his heart well guarded. Rook was a commoner and he was a prince. So he never allowed his intrigue to develop much beyond just that. It was just a little crush, and that’s all it could ever be. He assumed they would part ways at the end of their school years and never see each other again. He would become a wistful recollection, held secretly in a fae’s long memory. And Malleus had been right for quite some time. 

But the moment he’d seen those fathomless green eyes again, a green so different from his own acidic hue, everything had come rushing back. The ‘what-ifs’ that he had dared to entertain in the back of his mind taunted him once more. It didn’t help that Rook’s new appearance was more like how he’d used to look mixed with the polished finish that Vil had brought about. In the prince’s opinion, it was his ideal look. Malleus knew that Rook held little fear of him, though the hunter did have a healthy respect for what he was capable of. But it was next to impossible to tell how Rook truly felt. Yes, it was clear that he found the fae prince to be interesting. But did he view him merely as a specimen to observe or perhaps something else? Malleus didn’t know the answer to that, no matter how much he wished he did. If he knew that Rook didn’t care for him as Malleus, only seeing him as an oddity to puzzle out, then perhaps he could get over this infatuation he had.

For a time while they were in school, Malleus had been all but convinced that Vil was the object of Rook’s affection. He’d even chased him to the Island of Woe, for Seven’s sake! However, seeing the way Rook watched Vil when they’d returned had told Malleus that he had been wrong in that assumption. He cared for his Housewarden, sure, but as his best friend. Malleus had been relieved to learn that. It was a small part of why he’d offered his assistance to Vil. He knew it would make Rook happy to have his friend back. Malleus wished he could do more. He’d happily give Rook anything he’d want, if only he could. But this gesture would have to suffice.

None of that helped his current situation however. It might have even made it slightly worse. Now that he was analyzing everything altogether, Malleus realized how bad his ‘crush’ on Rook really had gotten. It was so much more than a simple crush. Since he’d never tried to get over it, the feelings had instead settled deep into his heart. He may not be able to say it out loud, but in the privacy of his mind he finally allowed himself to admit that he had come to love Rook Hunt. It was something his heart had known all along. And what a time to come to terms with that! Not for the first time and likely not the last either, Malleus wished that he wasn’t born a prince. Oh, to have the freedom to pursue a relationship with whoever he wanted to! He’d happily be a nobody in exchange for that liberation.

“Merciful Thorn Fairy, what am I supposed to do now?” Malleus asked the air in desperation. He was surprised when he received an answer.

“First, tell me what exactly is the problem.” He whirled around and was dismayed to find Maleficia standing in the doorway of his bedroom. He hadn’t heard her come in and had no idea how long she’d been standing there. “Malleus, you knew the young man that saved you from that trayful of drinks, didn’t you? What about seeing him here tonight has you so distressed?” This was what he had been afraid of. How could he tell his grandmother the truth? Surely she wouldn’t be happy to hear it. But if he made something up about why he was upset, Rook may be sent back home. Which was worse? Having him here, but out of reach? Or to not even be able to see him at all? Did Malleus want to torture himself like that? The prince sighed, resigned to his fate. He didn’t want to lose what would likely be the last bit of time he had left to be near the hunter. Malleus didn’t want that time to end until it absolutely had to.

“I do know him. He was in the same year as me at Night Raven College.” Malleus conceded. “I’m not…distressed to see him. Just, reminded of what I can’t have.” It was as close as he could bring himself to admitting that he had fallen in love. He had only just a moment ago admitted it in his own mind. There was no way he could say it out loud just yet, especially not to the Queen. Maleficia nodded thoughtfully. In all honesty, it was about what she had been expecting. She had always wondered if he had found someone at Night Raven that he’d been interested in. It seemed she had been correct.

“I see.” She replied, tone carefully neutral. “And I assume you don’t want me to do anything about his presence here.” It was less of a question and more of a simple statement of fact. Malleus shook his head, but avoided eye contact with her. He didn’t want to see the disappointment he was sure she felt. Maleficia didn’t allow him to hide, however. She walked over to him and tilted his head up to face her. Then she waited for him to raise his eyes. When he finally did, her expression softened.

“Oh, Malleus. Even we can’t control our hearts. No one can, no matter how hard they try. The heart does whatever it will. How could I be upset that your heart did something out of your control?” She placed a kiss on his forehead before she turned to leave. At the door, she paused. “Don’t lose faith just yet. Nothing is set in stone, not even what seems to be inevitable.” And then she was gone. Malleus wasn’t sure what to think about her words. It was unlike his grandmother as he knew her. He didn’t see a way out of this situation. Had the Tournament not started yet, maybe he could’ve done something, but it was far too late for that. But he could dream at least. Even if that would possibly be more painful in the end. For now though, he would bury his feelings as best he could. He needed to make sure that he was fair to the candidates that had come so far to participate in this Tournament of Crowns. In his present state, he couldn’t do that. His heart knew what it wanted and was not going to accept defeat so easily.

Because the ball had gone late into the night, and might have gone later had the incident not happened, nothing was scheduled until dinner the next day. Malleus planned to use the time until then to get his emotions under control, or at the very least construct a mask to hide behind. That was likely the quicker option, all truth be told. He’d initially been happy when his grandmother had suggested this Tournament idea. Now he hated it for all the reasons he had hated his lack of a choice before. It seemed no matter what, he would get his heart broken in the end. This was going to be a long six months.

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Well, this had been an interesting night indeed. It hadn’t gone quite how Rook had intended, but he wasn’t upset by that at all. He hadn’t expected to come to Roi des Dragons aid, but he couldn’t stand to see someone get away with such blatant disrespect to their gracious host. Malleus may have only suspected that someone deliberately caused the servant to trip and drop the tray, but Rook knew it to be a fact. The culprit had quickly retreated and no one else had been the wiser that the ‘accident’ was anything but. However, the keen-eyed hunter had seen them. A Briar Valley noble unless he was mistaken and he didn’t believe that he was. Rook had paid close attention to everyone that had been in attendance. He had passed on what he knew to Silver when he had happened upon him en route to his own room for the night. There really was little else he could do about it.

When it had been decided that Rook would come along with the chosen candidate as an attendant and bodyguard, he never expected to have much interaction with Malleus. He had every intention of maintaining a respectful distance while he was in Briar Valley. His place was in the background. If everything had gone like he’d meant for it to, Malleus would have been none the wiser that he had been there at all. And that was probably for the best. Rook hadn’t wanted to taint the prince’s view of Lady Kamaria with his association. He had initially had some reservations about coming at all, believing he wouldn’t exactly be welcome.

The hunter was not unaware of his reputation, especially amongst the beastmen and fae at Night Raven College. He also knew that it had been rightfully earned. Rook was insatiably curious, but that was no excuse. He’d been aware that he was off putting to those around him, but he had very little idea how to fix it. His friendship with Vil had helped immensely with that. Rook could always count on his friend to tell him the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it was. He was thankful that, while Vil pushed Rook to change things, the changes he pushed had been for his betterment. Vil had never once tried to make Rook into something that he wasn’t. But he did encourage him to try to temper his excitement to learn something new, especially when it was about someone else. It had not been easy, and Rook still had to remind himself to pull back. He didn’t want people to be unnecessarily uncomfortable around him if he could help it. It was a different matter entirely if he wanted them to be uncomfortable.

Rook also knew that Malleus was among those that had been extra cautious around him. The hunter held back a regretful sigh at some of the memories he had from school. When he referred to other students as prey to be studied, he hadn’t meant it literally. He’d meant to imply one should never be unaware of who or what was around them. Being caught by surprise could be dangerous. A danger that Rook did his best to counteract. He’d also found the Briar Valley fae to be fascinating. Lilia had a depth to him that seemed out of place, of course he now knew why. And then there was Malleus… Malleus had entranced Rook from the first moment he saw him. He was tall, regal, and quite frankly, breathtakingly gorgeous. But that pretty exterior couldn’t completely hide the power that was inside. The hunter knew immediately that he was a quarry not to be trifled with. Which of course, only made him more curious. But try as he might, he was never able to gain any real ground with the elusive prince. He had largely abandoned his pursuit by their third year. 

At first, Rook had no more than a simple curiosity regarding Malleus. He was so different from everyone else the hunter had encountered. He was nothing like the only other prince Rook knew and that had caught his attention. But as time went on, he came to have an admiration for Malleus. He was powerful, but without arrogance. The care he had for his kingdom was plain for all to see. There were few that made it into his inner circle. But the hunter never managed to span that distance to reach Malleus. The fae had resisted his advance at every turn. After a while, Rook came to the conclusion that Malleus didn’t want anything to do with him. He’d been surprised by the heartache he felt when he came to that conclusion. Had le Chasseur d'Amour fallen in love himself? In vain, it would seem. Why would a prince, and an extremely powerful fae prince at that, have any interest in someone like him? He was nobody special.

After school and his internship was over, Rook had returned home to the Sunset Savanna. As much as he loved his best friend, Rook knew that he couldn’t just follow Vil around for the rest of his life. He needed a new purpose in his life, something to chase after. Something that wasn’t dependent on anyone else. Eventually, he found that purpose, for the time being at least, in his service to the crown. Falena Kingscholar had asked Rook for his help in tracking and apprehending a certain dangerous individual. The leader of a recently caught crime ring had managed to evade arrest, though his crew hadn’t been so lucky. This was who Falena wanted Rook to find. It hadn’t been easy or quick, but Rook had managed the task. No one else had come close. Thus his new position had been achieved. Few jobs he’d been sent on since that first one had been quite as difficult, but Rook didn’t mind. It was fulfilling in a way nothing else had been. It was an accomplishment all his own.

Time marched steadily onward and Rook found some semblance of peace. He could live the rest of his life this way and be content. When the invitation from Briar Valley had come, Falena had approached Rook initially to be the candidate from the Sunset Savanna. It made sense. Rook’s family was one of the more prominent ones in the kingdom and he knew Malleus since they had gone to school together. Leona had too, but his brother knew better than to suggest that. Recalling the distance that Malleus had always ensured was between them while they were in school, the hunter had declined the position and instead offered his services in a different capacity. He offered to go along as the chosen candidate’s bodyguard. Why he had done that, he wasn’t immediately sure. Of course, he wanted to see Briar Valley and he found fae culture to be fascinating. That wasn’t why he had offered though. Something inside of him seemed to whisper that this was his last chance to get close to Malleus. Rook had pushed that voice away almost as soon as it had come, but decided to go anyway. Though he had rashly offered, Rook wouldn’t go back on his word. The days and weeks leading up to the Tournament were filled with many conflicting emotions for the hunter. 

Once the time came and they arrived for the Tournament, Rook had been enthralled with the dark beauty of Briar Valley and wished he would have more time to explore it. He could spend years here and still find something new to study. But he wasn’t here on a pleasure trip. He was here to work. He had stayed back when Lady Kamaria was introduced, leaving that duty to the others that had come with them. Most of his night was spent observing from the shadows at the edges of the ballroom. And he was somewhat concerned by what he noticed. There was an undercurrent of tension in the nobility of Briar Valley. That much was understandable. Nobles often balked at changes to how things are done, no matter how big or small the change was. But there was something sinister lurking in the room that night. The hunter could feel it, but not well enough to track it to the source. So he continued to watch the festivities closely. And he waited.

Perhaps it was because he had been aware of the discord in the room or due to his natural tendency to observe his surroundings. Either way, Rook was not surprised when the glasses went flying towards the fae prince. He had hesitated for a moment in order to see what Malleus would do. When it became apparent that the prince was unable or reluctant to react, Rook had stepped in. It was an admittedly risky move on his part, but he was confident in his ability. The shot had been perfect, but he’d blown his self-imposed cover. Rook silently prayed that he wouldn’t regret that choice. He had expected the surprise he saw when Malleus turned towards him. However, he had not expected to see something that looked a lot like fear cross the prince’s face. He didn’t think he had given Malleus any reason to fear him, but he couldn’t read the fae very well. Perhaps he had misinterpreted his expression?

After accepting the thanks that both of the Briar Valley royals had extended, Rook attempted to once again slip into the background. That quickly proved to be impossible for a couple of reasons. The first was the temporary fame he had garnered with his quick actions. He was approached several times with questions about where he was from and how he had learned to react like he had. The boy that had spent his life as an unknown by choice, was now caught in the spotlight. He realized that he hated it with a passion. It very soon became quite difficult to completely mask the annoyance that was welling up inside him. He’d never liked it when people tried to pry into his affairs. Now he knew how Vil felt.

The other main reason he wasn’t able to disappear like he wanted was that certain set of eyes he could feel on him. Malleus was watching. Whereas his gaze didn’t feel hostile or even displeased, it was still very intense. The hunter wouldn’t have been surprised to find marks left on his skin. Of course there were none visible, but he could still feel it. Rook did his best to avoid eye contact with the prince. It should have been easy due to Malleus having returned to the head of the ballroom, but the hunter’s eyes had always been drawn towards the prince. He was also bothered that he couldn’t figure out what Malleus was thinking. And he had been deep in thought since he’d seen Rook. It would not have surprised the hunter if he was asked to return home in the morning. He hoped that wouldn’t be the case and had decided that he would stay as long as he was allowed to. No matter what that would cost him emotionally.

“Mon dieu, perhaps I shouldn’t have come.” As he lay in bed that night, wide awake, Rook continued to replay the events of the evening over and over again in his mind. He analyzed everything and considered the ‘what-ifs’ and realized that he wouldn’t have done anything differently. He didn’t regret stepping in and ensuring that Malleus didn’t end up wearing a trayful of drinks. Not at all. Rook had expected a certain amount of intrigue at a royal event like this was, but perhaps not quite so soon. He decided that he would need to keep a sharp eye on things. So much could go wrong with something like this Tournament of Crowns. Rook wanted to prevent any of these potential disasters, if only to give Malleus some peace of mind. With his new resolve set in his heart and mind, Rook was able to sleep.

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Despite the late hour, Maleficia sat at her desk surrounded by papers. She was carefully reading through the lists of candidates, attendants, and bodyguards that had come to the Tournament of Crowns. She recalled one of them having an addendum attached to it. An addendum that corrected who the candidate actually was. However the original name had not been removed, merely reassigned to a different position. The Queen had questioned the change and had been told that their first choice had declined the invitation. When Malleus had mentioned the name ‘Hunt’ when addressing his rescuer, she had thought it sounded familiar. That was the name that had been changed. Rook Hunt. He was originally going to be the candidate for the Sunset Savanna.

“Well then, it appears that I need to have a little chat with this Rook Hunt.” Maleficia said to herself. “I wonder why he declined…? Perhaps observing him for some time first would be wise.” The Queen set aside the papers before standing from her desk.

“I told you not to lose faith, Malleus. The Fates know what they are doing.”

Chapter Text

Well, there is no point in waiting any longer, I think. Maleficia decided to herself one day. The Tournament of Crowns had been going on for just over two months. Almost half of the candidates had either been dismissed or had stepped away by their own choosing. All of the ones that Malleus had been worried about during the ball that opening night had been among the firsts to go, much to his relief. They had gone with very little fuss as well. Most of those that had made a good first impression with the prince still remained. All in all, things were going fairly smoothly. Especially for an event involving nobles from several different kingdoms.

Malleus had been rather perturbed to learn that the rest of the world was viewing this event almost like it was a reality TV show. A concept which had been explained to him by one of the candidates. This was an incredibly important event that would decide the course of the rest of his life, and his kingdom’s future. And yet all people cared about was him picking the one they liked best? He distantly wondered where they were getting their information from concerning what was going on. Probably the attendants or bodyguards that had come along with the candidates. A citizen of Briar Valley wouldn’t dream of doing something like that. At least, he didn’t think so. If the world only knew the truth about what was going on. Finding out that he was actually in love with the attendant of one of the candidates would send the drama-mongers into a frenzy. 

Malleus was trying to keep an open mind about the remaining candidates, spending time with each in equal measure. But it wasn’t easy. He didn’t dislike any of them and indeed some of them were lovely people. If he wasn’t already in love, he could see himself with one of them. But he couldn’t get his grandmother’s words out of his head. “Don’t lose faith just yet.” His heart knew what it wanted and had no intentions of giving up easily. How could he even pretend to woo someone when the object of his deepest desires was standing only a few feet away? Spending time with Lady Kamaria was a two-edged sword for that very reason. If he spent more time with her, he was usually nearby. But if Malleus stayed away from her, then he wouldn’t be able to see Rook as often. It was a torture that Malleus wouldn’t have wished upon his greatest enemy.

For his part, Rook had done his best to stay in the shadows. He didn’t speak to Malleus unless he was directly addressed and then he only spoke with the utmost respect. He had started avoiding the prince’s eyes whenever he felt them on him. Now that Malleus knew he was here, the hunter was determined not to repeat past mistakes. However, the whole situation felt rather tense, like he was walking on eggshells at all times. Rook could tell that he was being observed, but he wasn’t sure who exactly was watching. He assumed someone was keeping an eye on him just in case he reverted back to how he had behaved during their school years. It made him feel that if he slipped up even once, he would promptly be sent back home. He certainly didn’t want that. As much as watching Malleus as he was choosing his future mate was painful for the hunter, leaving would hurt worse. Rook wasn’t sure that he’d ever recover from either scenario, but it was too late to step back. Each day he was more and more regretful that he had come at all. 

While most wouldn’t notice anything amiss, at least one person did see the agonizing dance that Malleus and Rook were locked in. Maleficia watched everything that happened between the pair from a distance. The more she saw, the more confused she became. She had set out the very first night of the Tournament to observe all the candidates and their attendants but, after her talk with Malleus, she especially watched Rook. She had every intention of speaking to him about why he had turned down the candidacy. But first she wanted to get a feel for who he was. In order to do that, she managed over the course of the next couple of months to get some stories out of Malleus. Though she framed it that she wanted to know more about his time at Night Raven College. The Queen had even spoken to Lilia, Silver, and Sebek about the hunter as well to get their impressions. 

From all she was able to gather, the Rook Hunt that was currently in Briar Valley was not quite as exuberant or talkative as they all remembered him to be. During her observations, Maleficia noted that whenever Rook would begin to get excited about something, he would stop himself and almost physically pull back from it. This was doubly true for anything having to do with Malleus directly. There were only glimpses of the shine in his eyes that Malleus had talked about one day. Maleficia could almost see the mask he kept putting on, complete with a passive, polite expression. He almost seemed scared of something, but of what the Queen wasn’t sure. He had all the signs of a man in love, but unable to pursue that love. Just like Malleus did. They couldn’t really be that dense. …Could they?

On another front, Maleficia had received a letter back from Falena Kingscholar, the acting monarch of the Sunset Savanna. From one ruler to another, she had written to him about the change of candidate, specifically wanting to know the reason for the change. The reply was regretfully uninformative. Falena had stated that he didn’t know why Rook had declined, only saying that he didn’t feel like he was an appropriate choice. According to Falena’s younger brother, Prince Leona, Rook had always seemed inclined towards Malleus during their school years. He also expressed a desire for Rook to find a place all his own, citing that he didn’t seem to be completely happy where he was. All that she had learned brought the Queen of Briar Valley to this exact moment when she answered the knock at the door.

“You wished to see me, ma Reine?” Rook asked as he stepped into the quiet and somewhat out of the way sitting room Maleficia had chosen for this meeting. 

“I did. Would you have a seat, please?” Rook did as he was asked and waited to see what the Queen wanted. She didn’t keep him in suspense for very long. “I am aware that you were initially to be the Sunset Savanna’s candidate for the Tournament of Crowns, but that you declined the appointment. And yet, you came anyway, as an attendant. May I ask why?” Rook’s already fair skin paled further as the Queen spoke. Had she been the one watching him?

“I-I felt that…there were others better suited to the position than moi.” Rook replied after some hesitation. Maleficia hummed thoughtfully.

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you.” She said, with a smile. “I have been watching you. I think you’ve noticed as much. You are in love with my grandson, that is clear to me. Why you have chosen to hide that is not as obvious. I won’t tell Malleus, but you should. Preferably before the six months are up. I think you will be surprised at the result. Regardless of whether or not Lady Kamaria remains the full time, you have an invitation to stay. Also, if you don’t tell Malleus before the end of the Tournament, I will tell him. Just so that you are aware.” Rook felt his throat tightening and his heartbeat began to roar in his ears. This was what he’d been afraid of. However…

“I don’t comprendre…” Rook said. “He did his best to avoid me while we were at school. And I can tell that he is not comfortable with me around. Why would he want to know about my sentiments for him?” He knew that he had all but admitted that he loved Malleus, but apparently the Queen already knew that. What did he have to lose at this point?

“That is a question that I believe you should ask Malleus yourself.” Maleficia replied placidly. “I wouldn’t want to answer for him, lest I misspeak.” Rook knew better than to argue. For one, it would be unwise to argue with a Queen. And another was that he knew those techniques of avoidance. He’d used a good number of them himself on many occasions. 

After he had been dismissed, Rook left the sitting room with his head spinning. What had she meant when she said he would be surprised by the result? Well, he supposed he would know in the next few months at least. He’d already been thinking of the end of the Tournament as a looming deadline, and now it actually was. His foolish heart was beginning to hope that maybe he wasn’t bound for heartbreak. He’d never been able to get a good read on Malleus, no matter how he had tried. Not that he’d gone about it in the right way. Maybe he had misinterpreted the reason for his distance? 

But now Rook had to consider how he would approach the prince. He couldn’t tell Malleus the truth with Lady Kamaria present. It wouldn’t be very gentlemanly. He didn’t think Falena would be upset if he was chosen instead of her. He had wanted Rook to be the candidate from the beginning. However the lady would definitely feel slighted. He was going to have to find a way to speak to Malleus privately. This wasn’t a conversation to be had in public anyway, no matter what the outcome was. Being in love never looked all that complicated from the outside. Being in the middle of it however, was a different matter. Rook felt totally lost. A feeling he wasn’t used to. The hunter was so distracted by his thoughts that he didn’t realize he had been seen leaving his meeting with the Queen.

Malleus had been summoned to the sitting room by his grandmother, the scheming fae that she was. She knew that Rook would likely be leaving the room right as Malleus would be arriving. And she had been right. The prince stopped in his tracks as he watched Rook walking away. By the look on his face, he was conflicted about something. Malleus was suddenly very suspicious of his grandmother. What was she up to? He stepped into the sitting room after hearing Maleficia answer his questioning knock. Malleus had waited until Rook was out of sight to knock, not wanting to alert him.

“Malleus, dear! So glad you’re here, I wanted to ask you if you had narrowed your choices at all yet? No rush, if you haven’t. I’m merely curious.” Maleficia asked. She was quite pleased about something. That much was obvious. This was similar to how she had acted when she’d chosen the name Tournament of Crowns. His suspicions grew. The prince sat down and stared hard at his grandmother.

“What have you done?”

“Whatever do you mean? I have done nothing.” Malleus didn’t believe the look of innocence she gave him in the slightest.

“He was in here just now. I saw him.” Malleus said. Maleficia, if possible, looked even more pleased. Feeling like he’d just fallen into a trap, Malleus couldn’t help but pout a little.

“You are correct. Rook Hunt was in here just a moment ago. I told you I would do nothing about his presence and I have done nothing. I merely had something I wanted to speak to him about.” The Queen informed her grandson. She was being particularly evasive.

“What did you say to him then?” He wanted to know. Maleficia laughed. He was almost never this persistent. He must really care for the hunter.

“You will have to ask him to find that out.” Malleus sighed, slouching down in his seat. He had wondered if she was eventually going to push him to do something. She had been asking questions for the last two months. It was phrased in such a way that it seemed like she was asking about school. But he could tell she wanted to know about Rook. Malleus may miss some things, but he wasn’t blind. 

Something else that he had noticed was the difference between how he remembered Rook acting and the more reserved man that was here now. It occurred to him when he was telling his grandmother about his time at NRC. The reason for the change was not something that Malleus had figured out yet. Every so often, he would start to see the Rook he had fallen for, but in an instant, he would be gone again. Replaced by the reserved man that attended to Lady Kamaria. Malleus didn’t like it. He didn’t like it at all. He found that he missed the normal exuberance that he had always associated with the hunter. Rook was holding himself back from how he really wanted to act. But why? Malleus wished he wouldn’t hold back, but he also didn’t feel like he had any right to ask anything of Rook. 

Before he too left the sitting room, Maleficia once again made a comment about him talking to Rook. She was oddly insistent about that. The vague sense that she was up to something, turned into a certainty for Malleus. She knew something that he didn’t, but she was apparently not going to just tell him. She probably wanted him to figure it out for himself. Likely it was some roundabout way of training him to take the throne some day. He wished she would be more direct with this though. His heart was tired from the Tournament and he still had four more months to get through.

But what could it hurt to talk to Rook? Maybe he would find out that the hunter didn’t care for him the same way and then he could get over his own feelings. If only Rook had been the candidate for the Sunset Savanna. That would have made things so simple. Well, either way, he wouldn’t know anything until he spoke to Rook directly. He’d just have to find a way to do that.

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“It’s simple really, this whole Tournament is just an act. A show for the general public. The prince’s mate has already been selected and they are just wasting everyone’s time. But, if the Queen was out of the way, we could persuade his highness to choose you instead. Few are able to get as close to her as you are and no one would suspect you of anything nefarious. We’ll give you everything you need and keep you safe in the end. What do you say, my dear? A deal?” She knew better than to make a deal with a fae, but if what he said was true… She didn’t really think Malleus would choose her on his own. He was kind to her, yes, but she could tell that his eye was wandering elsewhere. And more than anything she didn’t want to go home and once more fade into the background. 

“You have a deal, sir.” She took his outstretched hand and shook it firmly. Once she had started down this path, there would be no going back. To get the happily ever after she desperately longed for, she may have to kill the Queen of Briar Valley. 

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Now that she had set things in motion with Malleus and Rook, Maleficia started to get all of the technical details out of the way. Once everything came out, she didn’t want anyone trying to make an argument about Rook’s eligibility. Since she already had paperwork that listed Rook as the candidate, that wasn’t really an issue. As far as the official documentation said, Rook Hunt had been a candidate in the Tournament of Crowns from the very beginning. The Sunset Savanna wasn’t the only kingdom with more than one candidate. She had once again reached out to Falena and had his official stamp of approval for Rook to top things off. She’d like to see them try to fight it now. 

With all that out of the way, all the Queen had to do was wait. How long she would have to wait was now the question. From what she knew of Rook, he was the type to go for what he wanted. But now he was hesitant, haunted by the timer ticking away over his head. With Malleus, she knew she was in for quite a wait. Time flowed differently for the fae. In a hundred years, he will look to have only aged a year or two. Meanwhile, Rook’s lifespan was considerably shorter. His grandmother had dropped hints to Malleus that he didn’t have much time. Not only because of a human’s shorter life, but also because the Tournament had a time limit as well. If it came to it, Maleficia had decided that she would sit them down so they could properly talk. She’d lock them in a room together if she had to.

Another month passed and a few more candidates left or were dismissed. Only about a third still remained. Though he had until the end of the Tournament to come clean, Rook was starting to feel the pressure. Not only that, he noticed that the sinister tension he had first felt during the ball opening night had suddenly increased tenfold. Something was coming. Something big. And it felt dangerous. It put the hunter on edge for a completely different reason. He likened the feeling to how a deer knew when a predator was near. It made him realize what a prey animal felt when its end was approaching, and he decided he did not like it one bit. Rook was determined that he wasn’t going to be blindsided by whatever it was that was coming.

Malleus had set out from the meeting with his grandmother with the intention of speaking to Rook fairly quickly. But the hunter had all but disappeared. He’d been hard enough to keep track of before, but now he may as well have been a ghost for as often as Malleus saw him. To the prince’s relief, it didn’t seem that Rook was avoiding him. More like he was on the hunt for something. He’d heard more than one servant comment that they’d come across the hunter lurking in rarely used hallways and corners. To counter this, Malleus started taking the lower hallways as well. If he had any luck, he’d run into Rook while they were alone. A secluded hallway in the bowels of the castle was probably just as private as a sitting room would be, maybe even more so. People wouldn’t be looking for him there. So far though, they’d missed each other.

One day, a little over halfway through the Tournament, Rook heard something that confirmed what he had been suspecting. He’d been walking down one of the more out of the way hallways when he paused mid step. Approaching a sharp corner in the cobweb filled tunnel, he heard what he believed to be distant voices. They weren’t very clear, likely whispering so as not to be overheard. Sensing that same dangerous tension in the air, Rook silenced his footsteps and crept closer. When he did, he was appalled at what he heard being discussed.

“This poison will put the Queen in an enchanted sleep. She won’t wake until long after you and the prince are wed. Put it in her drink and we will take things from there.” Rook recognized the voice. One of the activities that the Queen had planned was a day at court. The voice belonged to one of the lesser nobles that had been present that day. It had been plain he wasn’t pleased with the Tournament of Crowns, but who would say that to the Queen’s face. Were they really that determined to stop the Tournament that they would stoop to what amounted to treason? It seemed so.

“How do you propose I do that?” Another voice asked, so quietly that Rook strained to hear. But he recognized that voice as well. How did she get mixed up in this? When had they approached her? He would have to be careful from here on out. With so many different kingdoms here, it would be easy to cause an international incident without even trying to.

“That is your part to figure out, my dear.” The fae answered. “I made a deal with you because you are clever. Don’t disappoint me.” Rook heard their footsteps walking away. At the next fork, he heard them split and go separate ways. He knew he would need to hurry. They were likely on their way to the luncheon that was scheduled to begin soon. It would be a perfect opportunity to attempt to poison the Queen. He couldn’t let that happen.

The lower halls of the castle were a maze even to those that knew them and Rook was still learning them. He arrived at the great hall doors just as they were about to close. Slipping quietly inside, Rook beelined towards his place near Lady Kamaria. He hoped to avoid causing a scandal if at all possible, so he would need to not act differently than he usually would. On his way to his place, he handed off a short note to a member of the Queen’s guard. A few moments later, he noticed the note being discreetly shown to the Queen. Her eyes found his in the crowd. Whatever she saw on his face must have convinced her of his sincerity. She spoke quietly to the servant filling her glass. Her ornate goblet was whisked away and replaced by a simpler one that looked identical to everyone else’s. The same was done for the prince.

Malleus noticed the subtle exchange between his grandmother and Rook, and of course he noticed the goblet switch. Since he was waiting for an opportunity to talk to Rook, his attention was constantly on the hunter. He seemed anxious, though few were likely to notice it, only relaxing somewhat when the glasses were removed. Something had happened and Rook knew about it. Malleus also noted that Maleficia was more tense than she had been before. The prince wondered if someone had attempted to poison one of them. It was a possibility they had regrettably considered when they’d discussed the Tournament. If he had to hazard a guess, Malleus would say that Rook had somehow found out about a poison plot and then stepped in to prevent it.

The luncheon went smoothly after that, if not a little rushed. Maleficia made some apology about having something that needed her urgent attention and left the great hall. Soon after everyone else had also gone their separate ways, Rook was approached by a member of the guard. The Queen wanted a word with him. Immediately. The hunter followed the guard and was ushered into Maleficia’s sitting room. Malleus was present as well.

“I owe you my thanks.” The Queen said once everyone else had been dismissed. “My servants were able to determine that my drink had been tampered with as you suspected. Several candidates approached the table before the luncheon so they couldn’t say who had done it. Would you tell me how you knew?” The doors and windows had all been magically sealed so that no one could listen in. This was not how Rook had intended to spend his time in Briar Valley. This was decidedly not the kind of excitement that he enjoyed. He held back a sigh.

“Oui, I came upon them discussing the poison just before the meal. I was in one of the lower halls and overheard. One of your lords has conscripted a candidate into this, ma Reine.” Rook explained. “I had been concerned about something like this happening since that first night. That was why I’d been down there in the first place.” Maleficia nodded thoughtfully.

“I take it you know who they are. Have you any proof beyond your own word?” She asked next. The hunter shook his head regretfully.

“Non, I have none.”

“Then we will not be able to take action yet. You have done well, Master Hunt.” Rook bowed in thanks. “Now, I need to speak with my guard about this, but I believe you two have something to discuss as well.” With that, the Queen stood and swept out of the sitting room, leaving the pair alone and stunned into silence.

“I should’ve known she would do something like that when she called me here, too.” Malleus said. The prince had been standing behind his grandmother, but now he sat in the chair she had recently vacated. A part of Rook wanted to run away, but Maleficia was right. They did need to talk. He took a seat as well when Malleus gestured for him to do so. “I have a question for you. I saw you when my grandmother met with you last month. She wouldn’t tell me what she said. Instead I was told to ask you. So…what did she say?” That wasn’t what Rook expected Malleus to say. He was beginning to realize that Maleficia was much more mischievous than she let on.

“She told me I should tell you the truth.”

Chapter Text

“She told me I should tell you the truth.” Despite the opportunity that the Queen had just provided for him to do so, Rook hesitated to say more. The silence hung heavy in the air between him and Malleus. This was it. Once he told Malleus how he really felt about him, there would be no going back. For better or worse, everything would change. Distantly, the hunter wondered if standing on the precipice of a cliff and knowing he had to jump would be less terrifying than what he was about to do. He knew that he would feel relieved once he’d done it…if he could just get the words out. The closing up of his throat made him certain they were trapped in his throat.

Meanwhile, Malleus was unsure of how he should respond to Rook’s announcement. ‘The truth’ could be so many things, some good and some bad. It could mean that he would once and for all learn that Rook only thought of him as an oddity to study out and nothing more. Or it could be the confession of love that he had dreamt about. The prince was tired of wondering and guessing at what the hunter was thinking. Thanking whatever powers that may be listening that Maleficia hadn’t locked them together in a tiny closet somewhere, Malleus decided that he would stop waiting for the perfect opportunity to just come along and simply take the one that had been presented to him.

“And what is this truth that you should tell me?” He asked, attempting to keep his voice level and calm. Surely his grandmother wouldn’t push Rook to break his heart? She was pragmatic even with impractical things like matters of the heart, but she was never cruel. Maleficia would probably use something more roundabout like this as a matchmaking tactic. Tricking the both of them into confessing to each other was definitely something that she would do.

“The truth of my sentiments for you.” Rook answered finally. He found it hard to look Malleus in the eye while he confessed, so he focused instead on the carpet at his feet. He wasn’t a coward by any means, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t scared of showing his vulnerabilities. It wasn’t an easy thing to do for anyone. “I…I fear that I have loved you since our school years. Your grand-mère seems to think you would want to know. I don’t know why, since you tried so hard in school to keep me away. I know that you found me too much to deal with, as much as I know that you don’t share my sentiments—”

“How do you know that I don’t ‘share your sentiments’? Or that I found your enviable delight at the world to be ‘too much’?” Malleus demanded, sharply enough that Rook’s eyes snapped up reflexively. He didn’t expect to see that kind of intensity staring back at him. Based on that, he would’ve guessed that Malleus was angry at what he’d said. That hadn’t been his intention, nor did he understand the reason for the prince’s reaction. Not that Malleus appeared angry at him, more like he was upset that Rook thought that. Had he been wrong? That wouldn’t surprise him in this instance. Fae were hard to read even when his senses weren’t compromised by his emotions.

“Pardonnez-moi, I was always under the impression that you didn’t much care for how I was before.” Rook admitted, a forlorn expression crossing his face. Those words threatened to break Malleus’ heart for a completely different reason. This was how his decision to stay away had come across to Rook? He thought that Malleus disliked him, when nothing could possibly be further from the truth? It was almost enough to make the prince do something reckless. Almost. It took a monumental amount of effort to collect himself before speaking once more.

“Rook…I stayed away from you because I knew that if I let myself get too close, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from falling in love with you. And, as it is, it happened anyway.” Malleus told the hunter. Momentarily thrown by the fact that the prince had used his first name, something he’d never heard before, Rook didn’t immediately process what he’d just been told. Before he could say anything however, Malleus went on. “I’ve wished more times than I can count that you were the candidate that the Sunset Savanna sent. I would have chosen you the moment I saw you on that first night.”

“I was the candidate.” Rook blurted out, eyes wide. This felt like a dream. …Or maybe a nightmare depending on how things ended up playing out. “Mon Roi asked me if I would and, since I didn’t believe you would want that, I declined. The first night, you would have chosen moi? …You love me?” Not that he doubted Malleus, he just wasn’t sure that he had truly heard what he thought he had. It was beginning to sound like they had both misunderstood the other. But much like Malleus, he was done with guessing what the other was thinking. Best to just ask, no matter how terrifying that was.

“I do.” Malleus confirmed. “It would seem that we love each other. And based on the fact that my grandmother has been pushing us both towards this conversation, I would say that she approves of you. Does she know that you were the original candidate?” Rook nodded. This was not where he had thought this conversation would go. But he was thrilled nonetheless. Now he understood what the Queen had meant when she told him that he would be surprised by the results. He was certainly surprised to learn that the Prince of Briar Valley was in love with him. And who wouldn’t be? But they still had one major problem.

“Oui, that was the first thing she asked me about. But…I declined the position. I am not a candidate that you can choose. What are we going to do now?” He asked. Malleus thought for a moment before he stood and took the couple of short strides to where Rook was still seated. He reached out and pulled the hunter to his feet. Great Seven, he was beautiful. The prince had been used to watching him from a distance. Not that the view had been bad, however up close, he could see how deep those green eyes really were, as well as the freckles dotted across Rook’s face. He loved those little imperfections dearly and was looking forward to being able to kiss each and every one of them.

“Now? We do whatever we want and worry about the consequences later.” Malleus said. Cupping Rook’s face carefully in his hands, the fae did exactly that and leaned down to kiss the hunter. Though momentarily surprised by the action, Rook returned the kiss readily enough, reaching out and gripping the front of Malleus’ jacket to pull him closer as well. It started rather chaste, but was quickly getting more intense. This was how Maleficia found the pair when she returned to her sitting room. They hadn’t even reacted to the door opening, too focused on each other to hear anything else.

“Well, it’s about time.” The Queen said when it became clear that she would have to interrupt them. Better to do so before clothes started to be removed. The pair startled apart, though not far, and turned to find Maleficia smiling at them from the doorway of the sitting room. Before they could say anything, she continued speaking. “I know that there are officially still three months left of the Tournament, but I never said we wouldn’t end it early if we wanted to. We could announce your engagement at the end of the week! How would you like that?” Her question was met by confused silence from them both.

“Announce our engagement?” Malleus asked eventually. He hated to point it out, but despite finding out that Rook loved him back, he still didn’t see how they could be together. “How? He told me that he declined to be the Sunset Savanna’s candidate.” Maleficia gave her grandson that familiar look of faux innocence, eyes wide and face carefully neutral.

“Oh, did I forget to tell you? Rook Hunt is a candidate in the Tournament of Crowns, happily endorsed by his sovereign, and has been since the very beginning. We do sincerely apologize for any confusion. In fact, he was nominated before Lady Kamaria even was. And I have the papers to prove it.” Maleficia said. As she spoke, her expression shifted into a wicked grin. So, that’s what she had been up to. Suddenly so many things that had confused him for quite some time made sense to Malleus. She had been working behind the scenes to make sure that no one could question Rook’s appointment as a candidate. Well, it looked like he’d get through this Tournament with both his sanity and his heart intact after all. “Congratulations, Malleus. And to you as well, Rook. It seems we now have a wedding to plan!” She sounded downright delighted by the prospect.

“Thank you, grandmother.” Malleus said, once more pulling Rook close. The hunter felt light-headed with relief and wonder. He couldn’t believe this was really happening, to him of all people. If this was a dream, he never wanted to wake up.

“Oui, merci.”

“You’re welcome, my dears. Now, off you both go.” Maleficia said as she shooed them towards the door. “I have things to do and you have lost time to make up for.” She ushered them out and into the hallway. After the door closed behind them, Malleus and Rook stood there for a moment. Each unsure of what to do next, they lingered in the hallway. Then the prince suddenly had a realization. Grabbing Rook’s hand, Malleus began walking. Rook followed behind him willingly but his curiosity got the better of him.

“As happy as I am to follow you anywhere, may I ask where we are going, mon amour?” The hunter asked. Malleus smiled at the endearment. In the back of his mind, he wondered how long Rook had been wanting to use it. Likely just about as long as Malleus had been wanting to hear it.

“To the royal jeweler.” The prince replied readily. “I believe I owe you a ring…and a proper proposal.” Rook’s grip on Malleus’ hand tightened and his breath caught at those words. This was really happening. He was really going to marry Prince Malleus Draconia, the heir apparent of the Briar Valley throne and one of the most powerful mages in the world. Of course, none of those titles the world associated with him mattered to the hunter. He was just happy to be marrying Malleus, the one he had been in love with for years. But it was staggering to him that someone like Malleus was in love with him.

He probably shouldn’t have been surprised when the jeweler, an older fae who had worked for the crown for an age, already had a selection of rings prepared that he thought Rook may like, but Malleus hadn’t expected it. Maleficia certainly had been busy. The hunter didn’t want anything big or flashy, but the prince knew that he would need something more extravagant for royal functions. In the end, a simple band of black metal in the shape of an arrow was selected for Rook’s everyday use. Malleus chose, for those special events, a larger ring with a stunning Tsavorite stone set in a sturdy black metal band. His own special occasion ring looked similar to Rook’s while the one for his daily use looked like a loop of black vine with dull thorns on it.

Leaving with the promise that both sets of rings would be ready by the end of the week in time for the announcement, Malleus found he didn’t want to part from Rook. Unsurprising, considering mere hours before he had been so certain that he’d never get to experience this closeness. It was the same for the hunter. They’d spent so much time apart, why not get a head start on the rest of their lives? So lost in finally getting to know each other, neither realized that someone else had been watching them. Someone who had just seen her own happy future go up in flames in an instance.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

The rest of the week passed at an extraordinary speed. No longer lamenting his fate, Malleus spent the majority of his time with his fiancé. Every day, the prince tried to find something new to show the ever-inquisitive hunter. Rook eagerly took in all he could of what was soon to be his new home. There was so much to see and it was all so beautiful. To be able to spend that time with Malleus, Rook had largely abandoned what few duties he had as Lady Kamaria’s attendant. Though he had made sure to get express permission from Falena first. The acting ruler of the Sunset Savanna had been delighted when Rook reported to him what had happened. He confessed that it had been his hope for the hunter to find happiness when he went to Briar Valley. It was why he had allowed him to go at all. He happily relieved Rook of his position as an attendant. Like Maleficia, Falena made sure that as far as anyone knew, Rook had always been a candidate. His position was ironclad.

The candidates and nobles alike noticed the shift in the prince’s attention as well as Rook’s apparent elevation in position, but nothing had been officially announced yet. The only thing they knew was that there was to be an announcement in the upcoming days. But it was hardly a secret what that announcement would be. Pretty much everyone knew that the prince had chosen someone and that someone was Rook Hunt. Maleficia had intentionally not forbidden the couple from spending time together. She believed that the would-be assassin was going to try again in the short amount of time that they had left. The Queen was making it clear to everyone that she knew of Malleus’ choice of a mate and that she approved. Essentially, she was painting an even bigger target on her back. It was a gamble, but one that she hoped would pay off.

Since he had been the only one in the hallway when he’d overheard the assassination plot, Rook knew which candidate was involved and who the noble it was that was coercing them into it. Maleficia had not asked who they were, only confirming that Rook was certain of what he knew. She wanted to avoid any confirmation bias on her part. The Queen had however requested that Rook write a full report of what he had seen and heard. The report had been thoroughly reviewed by the captain of the guard and then sealed. Those who needed to know had been informed and the trap was effectively set, ready to be sprung when the time was right.

Considering that the Tournament of Crowns officially had three more months before it ended, people outside of Briar Valley were surprised to receive an invitation to a grand ball to be held in only a few days. It was not on the initial schedule that had been released at the beginning. Something had happened, something big, and the rumors were flying about what it was. Surprisingly, no one was leaking the information about Rook being recognized as a candidate. Those that had been so loose lipped earlier, were strangely silent now. The gossip talked about the whole Tournament being a fae trick, or the possibility of a child on the way that needed to be born legitimately to inherit the throne, and everything in between. One or two suggested that maybe the prince had made his choice and felt no need to continue the Tournament after that, but they only discussed the candidates as they had previously been known. No one was a clear favorite either.

A few people were made aware in advance that the Tournament was effectively over, Lady Kamaria being one of them. She had not acted as hurt or offended at Rook being chosen as the hunter thought she might. He had made his sincerest apologies in person, not wanting her to hear from anyone else, but she waved him off. She had taken the news in stride and wished them both luck. But she did start to avoid him after that. The only thing that took some of the joy out of his engagement was the sharp sting of envious eyes in him. It was understandable really. Each candidate was having to grapple with the fact that they had lost to someone they didn’t even know was in the competition. However it was readily apparent that Malleus was in love and that Rook loved him back. If anything, many wished they could find that for themselves. 

Going from just Rook Hunt to Lord Rook, the future Royal Consort to Briar Valley’s heir apparent, had been quite an adjustment for the hunter. The servants, who had practically been his peers for three months, now treated him with a reverence that he knew he hadn’t earned. Luckily, largely thanks to his association with Vil, he was not unfamiliar with the rules of high society. He would need everything he had learned soon enough. The fae nobility was not going to so easily forget centuries of conflict with humanity. After the official announcement was made, Rook would be presented at court and the prime target of those that had opposed the Queen’s Tournament idea. This world of opulence and prestige was not the one he’d expected to end up in. However he would gladly brave this unfamiliar territory to be by Malleus’ side.

“I know you aren’t one for a flashy affair, however I will let you know, it is hard to avoid it with a royal wedding.” Maleficia said one day. Almost everything had been prepared for the ball, so the royals were relaxing as best they could. Rook and Malleus had been invited to have afternoon tea with the Queen, something she was hoping would become a tradition. “We can still try to keep it as understated as possible, if you prefer.” 

“Oui, I would like that.” Rook loved that Maleficia had welcomed him so readily. He already felt like part of their family. It helped the loneliness. The one thing he would regret leaving behind was his own family. The Hunt clan had always been close and he knew he would miss being near them. But he’d always had an adventurous nature, so his mother had been surprised that he’d stayed so close to home for as long as he had.

“My own tastes are similar.” Malleus added. “I am used to the extravagance but I am not overly fond of it. I agree that something on the simpler side would be perfect.” The prince still couldn’t believe he was sitting with Rook next to him, discussing possible plans for their wedding. The next evening, they would be announcing their engagement at the ball. The royal jeweler had presented the rings earlier that day and they were everything the pair had ever wanted. 

“That works out wonderfully then.” Maleficia said with a smile. Talk shifted to other topics as the three enjoyed their tea together. In the back of his mind, Rook was perfectly aware that the threat wasn’t over, but for now he would enjoy the moment.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

Who did that upstart think he was?! Sneaking in and ruining all her hard work?! This was supposed to be her ‘happily ever after’ and now it was gone. Taken from her. She had made a deal, one that she intended to see through. There was too much on the line now. That tricky noble had assured her that he could persuade the prince to marry her if the Queen was gone and he still held fast to that. She didn’t believe him. Frankly, she never had. He’d given her a dagger in a special sheath. It was very likely poisoned. The question she had to ask herself now was who should she really use the dagger on? The Queen, the prince, or the traitor?

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

The grand ballroom was once again filled with the dull roar of conversations. Those that had traveled from outside of Briar Valley were attempting to find out what those that had been there the whole time knew. Some gave rather coy responses. “You’ll just have to wait and see!” While others were more clipped with their replies. “Why ask me? I know as much as you do.” Not a word was said about how much time Malleus had been spending with Rook. A few still harbored some faint hope that maybe Malleus would still pick someone else, maybe even them. But by now most were resigned that they had lost.

Malleus was enjoying this ball much more than he had enjoyed the previous one. The pressure he’d been under last time was gone and he was able to relax. Though it wasn’t really a secret that Rook would be his choice, they decided not to start the ball with the hunter already at Malleus’ side. Though after the announcement was officially made, no one was going to keep the prince from his fiancé. He had dreamt of this day for so long and to have it be a reality was overwhelming.

Rook meanwhile, was dealing with the pointed stares from the other candidates and the cold shoulder from Lady Kamaria. Like the first ball, there were not assigned tables and people were able to mingle as they pleased. But unlike that opening night, no one approached Rook to ask anything. Instead, they watched him from a distance. It could have been because they were bitter about Malleus choosing him or it could have been the fact that the acting ruler of the Sunset Savanna was standing next to him. Falena had come this time to support the hunter as well as to help guide the somewhat listless Lady Kamaria. She sat nearby, quiet and emotionless. If Falena asked her a question, she would quietly answer, but she ignored anything Rook said. Whereas he was sorry for being the cause of her despondence, he was still thrilled that Malleus and he would be officially engaged in mere hours. He couldn’t trade his happiness for her contentment and he wouldn’t even if he could.

There were quite a few more guards than there had been before. And the Queen also maintained more of a distance than she had previously, not stepping down from her throne to interact as she had the first night. So much so that it was noticeable. Rumors were circling about why, but no one had been made aware that there was an assassination plot that involved the fae nobility and a candidate. The only ones who even knew who to watch were Rook, the captain of the guard, and a few select members of the Queen’s guard. She was watching everyone intently. Since she didn’t know who she was looking for, she kept a sharp eye on everyone.

When the time came for the announcement of Malleus’ engagement to Rook, the shocked silence was nearly deafening for a moment. The visiting dignitaries looked around and realized that none of the candidates seemed to be surprised. Though a few were quietly fuming. Since Falena was standing right next to Rook and was actually a part of presenting him, no one could say anything against the hunter. If his King was endorsing him and the Queen accepted that endorsement, no one could argue. One person however, couldn’t take any more.

“You just couldn’t keep your head down and let me have this, could you?!” A shrill voice echoed across the ballroom. All eyes turned to see Lady Kamaria standing there, shaking with rage. It was the most emotion they had seen from her in nearly a week. Gripped tightly in her hand was a keen dagger that looked to be dripping some kind of cloudy liquid. “All I ever wanted was a place that was mine! That I didn’t have to share with someone else! I was promised a happily ever after! And if I can have that, no one else can either!” 

Faster than anyone thought possible, Lady Kamaria darted forward. It wasn’t clear whether she was heading towards Malleus or Maleficia, but the guards quickly stepped in to intercept her. When they did, she grinned at them, a manic light in her eyes. She shifted mid-step and slashed out at who she could reach, the one that had been her real target. The one she considered to be the traitor. Had he had been even a second slower, the damage would have been far worse. But even he couldn’t completely evade the blade. Rook clutched at his left side, a thin trickle of blood escaping between his fingers. By then, the guards had rushed forward and Lady Kamaria had been subdued, still shrieking that he had stolen her future. Rook was afraid that she had now stolen his.

“Rook! Are you okay?!” Malleus was instantly at his side. Rook shook his head, tears already forming at the corners of his eyes and not just from the pain. He looked up at Malleus, dreading what he had to tell him.

“Non, it is poisoned.” He said. Time seemed to freeze for the fae as he processed those words. Looking into the deep green eyes that he loved so dearly and realizing he may lose him if he didn’t act fast, the prince steeled himself with a deep breath. Without another word, Malleus scooped the hunter up into his arms and vanished into sparkling fairy lights.

Chapter Text

Malleus paced back and forth outside of the infirmary room, flashes of greenish lightning sparking around him on occasion. He tried to temper it but, with his emotions in turmoil, any control he gained didn’t last for very long. He was beyond anxious to find out what was going on with his fiancé. How long it had been since that door closed, he couldn’t say. All he knew for certain was that he would give anything to ensure that Rook survived. Why did he always lose the people that were most important to him? He shook his head. He couldn’t allow thoughts like that in. But not knowing what was going on behind that door was gnawing at Malleus.

Shortly after he had appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the infirmary, Rook had been pulled from his arms and the prince had been pushed back out into the waiting area. He could hear the nurses rushing back and forth behind the door to Rook’s room. He knew they would do their best, and there was no one in the kingdom better equipped to help Rook, but he was terrified that it still wouldn’t be enough. The cut itself had been largely superficial, but still needed attention right away. But that wasn’t what worried Malleus. The hunter had seemed so certain Lady Kamaria’s blade had been poisoned. And the expression of heartbreak he’d worn when he said it had been seared into Malleus’ mind. 

Mere seconds after Malleus reached the infirmary, Maleficia had also arrived in a similar fashion, bringing Falena along with her. To the prince, it felt like he had been standing there for hours when Maleficia placed a hand on his shoulder. The Queen did her best to comfort her grandson, but what could she say? When she had made her decision to not arrest the would-be assassin immediately, for whatever reason she never thought that Rook would be a potential target. She assumed they would continue to come after her. Maleficia felt a heavy guilt settle on her shoulders. Rook getting hurt was her fault. Had she acted more promptly… She should have had Rook tell her who it was, then the danger he was in would’ve been plain. She would have considered the possibility that Lady Kamaria would be angry at Rook and made plans for it. But that wasn’t what she had done. So, in the end, the Queen just let Malleus pace anxiously as she sat watching, wondering if she would ever stop failing him.

For his part, Falena was debating whether or not he should notify Rook’s family right away. Should he wait until he knew more, or let them know immediately? If the hunter suspected poison, he was not likely to be wrong. It didn’t take long before he came to a decision and a message was sent to the Hunt household about Rook’s injury. He’d never forgive himself if he waited and something happened. Of course, he hoped for the best, but he also knew how to be realistic. Lady Kamaria had been acting odd since he had arrived. Too distracted by Rook’s upcoming engagement, Falena hadn’t devoted as much time to her as he could have. Perhaps this could have been prevented if he had paid better attention to her. He would never know, but he could ensure that, though she would have to pay for her crime, she would be able to get the help she needed.

Back in the grand ballroom, the festivities were clearly over. The royals had abruptly left and those still present had no desire to celebrate in the wake of a tragedy. Even if they had essentially lost to Rook, none of the remaining candidates had wanted him dead or hurt. Guards escorted everyone out of the ballroom and magically sealed it. Many in attendance decided that it was probably for the best if they simply left Briar Valley altogether. However, it was strongly hinted that though no one else was currently suspected in aiding Lady Kamaria, it would be ill advised to leave without official permission. The lady herself had been taken to the dungeon where she awaited her fate. The entire castle had a cloud of unease floating over it. What should have been a joyful celebration of the kingdom’s future was now a waiting game to see what would happen. 

“My lord?” A voice startled Malleus. When he turned, he saw the head nurse standing up in the now open doorway. Her expression was carefully neutral, but there was a somberness to her bearing. Malleus knew that would tell him very little. For as long as he’d known her, the aged fae had always worn that expression. “You may see him now.” The prince hurried into the room after the nurse and found Rook reclining in the bed with bandages around his stomach and a robe thrown over his shoulders. The atmosphere in the room was heavy and tense. It was immediately apparent that Rook had been right about the poison. There is already a change that could be seen in the hunter. Normally fair skin was paler than before, his freckles standing out more, and his eyes were slightly sunken. It wasn’t drastic, but it was definitely there.

“Bonjour, mon amour.” Rook greeted with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Malleus carefully sat on the edge of Rook’s bed and took his hand. Neither said anything for a moment.

“How are you feeling?” The prince finally got up the nerve to ask.

“Tired more than anything. The infirmières tell me that it could have been worse. Had it been nearer my heart, not even you could have gotten me here in time, however…” He trailed off then. He wasn’t out of danger yet, that much was clear. The unspoken words threatened to shatter Malleus. Rook was dying right before his eyes.

“Can nothing more be done?” Malleus asked, turning to look at the nurses. He felt so helpless, an uncomfortable and unfamiliar feeling for him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Maleficia and Falena stepping into the room. Neither spoke, however. The head nurse sighed heavily, while the others looked away. The prince was certain he saw tears in at least one of the nurse’s eyes.

“Everything that can be, has already been done. We are unsure what she used, but it is clearly a very aggressive poison. The fact that he is alive at all is something of a miracle. I have slowed it as much as I am able to for now. At this time however, we have no means of curing it.” She stated plainly. “My lord can rest assured that we are doing all that we possibly can. I have my best potionologists and apothecaries looking into this as we speak. Every resource available is being thoroughly explored.” Malleus nodded and turned back to Rook. The hunter was putting up a brave front, but the fae could see how worn out he was.

“Well then, I put our fate in your hands.” He said to the nurse. He trusted her to do as she had promised. The prince leaned forward and placed a kiss on Rook’s forehead. “Rest now, my heart. I will stay with you.” Rook relaxed a little. That voice of insecurity had whispered to him that Malleus would move on to someone else. Someone who wasn’t slowly wasting away from a deadly poison. Something that he knew logically wasn’t true. The nurses came over to help get Rook comfortable. Taking care to be quiet, Maleficia and Falena slipped out of the room and everyone else except Malleus soon followed.

The two monarchs walked in silence for quite a while, each wondering if they could’ve prevented the disaster they were currently experiencing. Everything seemed so much clearer in hindsight. If they had only done this or that… But dwelling on what they couldn’t change would get them nowhere. Falena asked how Maleficia wanted to handle this. While Lady Kamaria was his subject to govern, she had committed her crime in Briar Valley. The Queen considered this for a moment.

“I will leave her to you, Falena. Despite her poor choices, she is something of a victim in this situation as well.” She answered. “I have to find and deal with the one that convinced her to do anything in the first place. Rook had told me that he was a noble here in Briar Valley. That is unacceptable. A title of nobility is not a birthright, but a continuing gift from the crown. I will have to make an example of him.” Falena nodded. He had hoped that she would allow him to handle Lady Kamaria. 

“I appreciate your grace and mercy, Maleficia. I plan to consult Rook on how to deal with her. I doubt he will seek vengeance. It isn’t like him to do that.” He told her. Maleficia had to agree. After getting to know the hunter better during the last week, she understood Malleus’ love for him, if only a little. He was optimistic, loved life and everything in it, but he was also grounded. Rook came into a room like a warm ray of sunlight. Which helped make what had happened that much more tragic for the couple.

“How soon do you think Rook’s family can be here?” The Queen asked suddenly. Falena glanced at her, but he couldn’t guess what she was thinking.

“Within the hour, I would guess. They have easy means of traveling here.” He replied. Maleficia nodded thoughtfully. She was fairly certain that Malleus had understood what the head nurse was implying. Rook was dying of this poison and, as of right then, they had no way to save him. If his family arrived soon, Maleficia would see if the couple wanted to marry right away. She could offer that much at least. Though, she would be lying if she denied that knowing it would make the nobles angry didn’t factor into her decision. That part was just a bonus.

“If you are able to, hurry them along. I plan to ask Malleus and Rook if they wish to marry today. I’m sure Rook would prefer to have his family present as well.” Maleficia said. Falena nodded in understanding and went off to do just that. 

After he had gone, the captain of the guard approached the Queen where she stood still in the hallway. In his hands was the sealed report that Rook had written only a week ago. Wordlessly, she took it from him and tore open the envelope. Just as she had suspected, inside the candidate mentioned was indeed Lady Kamaria Pretorius from the Sunset Savanna. Rook had been correct on that front. By that logic, the noble of Briar Valley that had been coercing Lady Kamaria into this crime must also be true. When she read that name, Maleficia sneered, her eyes flashing with anger. Of course, it would be him.

Lord Xaven Kenrient, a lesser noble in the fae court, had always been a little louder than someone of his station should be. He had never been supportive of anything that encouraged positive relations with humanity. His hatred may have been more understandable if he or someone in his family had been involved in the wars in some way. But as far as Maleficia could tell, they were not at all. He had been quite vocal about his dislike of her Tournament of Crowns. But she never would have guessed he was capable of something this low. Green flames licked at the hem of the Queen’s robes and the captain instinctively took a step back. Perhaps it was high time everyone learned what it meant to defy Maleficia, the Queen of Briar Valley and a direct descendant of the Thorn Fairy herself. Unfortunately for Lord Xaven, he would now be the primary target for her ire.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

Rook lay in the infirmary bed that night, marveling at the difference just one day had made. When he had woken up that morning, his whole life had been ahead of him. He was to be officially engaged to his true love and starting down the path for that classic fairytale ending that everyone strove for. Now…his whole life could be as little as a few months. A year, if he was lucky. He had forbidden the nurses from telling Malleus the full effects of the poison, knowing how that information would affect the prince. The truth was, Rook could feel the poison draining his life force. It hurt. And since they didn’t know what the poison was, they didn’t want to give him something for the pain that could make things worse. The initial introduction of the poison to his system had done the most damage of course, but even slowed as it was, it hadn’t been completely stopped. Slowly but surely, the poison was creeping closer and closer to his heart. And since he could feel it, Rook had the terrible realization that he would know when the end was nigh. Unless…he was able to find a miracle.

Maleficia seemed to know that his fate was sealed as well. Rook could’ve cried when she suggested they get married right away. It wasn’t how he had imagined his wedding day, but considering the circumstances, Rook was happy to be able to have one at all. As Falena had predicted, his family arrived within the hour and the couple were wed shortly thereafter. It was a bittersweet moment for all involved. There would be no honeymoon and Rook wouldn’t even be able to join Malleus in their rooms until the nurses released him. If they were ever able to at all. Not that they were spending their first night as a married couple separate. Malleus was asleep on a cot nearby, easily within reach should Rook need him. No one was going to be able to get him out of that room while Rook was in it. Not that anyone was willing to try.

Falena had done as he’d intended, and asked Rook how he wanted him to deal with Lady Kamaria. The hunter had been afraid that he would be asked that. He didn’t want anything to do with her punishment. In her mind, he already had been. Rook told Falena that he should do as he saw fit, but to bear in mind the circumstances as well. Lady Kamaria was clearly unwell and Rook didn’t believe she would’ve acted as she had if she had been of sound mind. Falena smiled, commenting that he had suspected that Rook would say something like that. After that, they had been left alone.

For some time, neither said very much. Rook was disheartened to discover that the ring that had fit perfectly just that morning, was already slightly loose on his finger. Not by much, but enough that he was worried it might slip off when he was asleep. He was going to hide that from Malleus as best he could, but the prince wordlessly produced a chain for Rook to keep his rings on instead. 

“I hate seeing you like this, Rook.” Malleus said eventually. “You’ve always been so bright, so full of life. I won’t give up, you know. I will find some way to save you.” Rook smiled at that. 

“Oui, I know. Je t'aime, mon roi.” 

“I love you, too, my heart.” At that time, the nurses came back and Malleus’ sleeping arrangements were discussed. The prince had gone back to his chambers briefly to grab a change of clothes and to bring Rook some of his own clothes to wear once he was able to. Malleus had wanted to sleep in the bed with Rook, but the head nurse had put her foot down at that. She would release the hunter once she could, but even a prince must obey her orders concerning her patient. 

Malleus was asleep, worn out from the emotional turbulence they’d experienced that day. Rook however wasn’t so lucky. He lay awake, staring straight up at the ceiling since he couldn’t lay on his side while injured. His wakefulness was partially because of the pain he was in, but also because he felt like he knew what poison this was. It came from an herb, he was fairly certain. But since he was so drained, physically, mentally, and emotionally, he was having a difficult time remembering what the name of it was. Perhaps Vil could help him remember the name of the herb? Then it occurred to him.

“Merde! How will I tell my beautiful Vil?!” Rook cried in a whisper. Vil would never forgive him if he found out from someone else, or Seven forbid, a reporter asking insensitive questions. He would have to call him first thing in the morning. They’d brought Rook his phone earlier, but the hunter had been hesitant to turn it back on. He couldn’t even reach it at the moment and he didn’t want to wake Malleus to get it for him. The fae would know that he hadn’t slept yet.

“Still awake, I see.” A voice from the doorway caused the hunter to realize he wasn’t alone. Normally he wouldn’t have been surprised and that realization bothered him. The head nurse slipped into the room, a faint glow coming from her hand, and dark circles beginning to form around her eyes. She had yet to go to sleep, looking for a solution and just generally keeping an eye on them. “I found something that should help with the pain and it won’t interfere with whatever this poison is. You need to rest as much as possible. I had doubted you were getting any. Seems I was correct.”

“Merci!” Rook was more than a little relieved. He wanted to sleep if only so he didn’t have to think for a while. The head nurse helped him sit up a little and drink the medicine she had brought. Rook recognized the taste. It was an older recipe that had fallen out of popularity in modern times, but was still very effective. And it worked quickly. Already feeling the numbing effect of the medicine washing over him, Rook was dimly aware of the nurse speaking.

“Good night, Lord Rook. I will check on you both in the morning.”

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

Early the next morning, Maleficia sat on her throne in the court assembly room, watching the nobles filter in and find their places. There was an almost suffocating silence in the large room. Some of the nobles glanced her way but quickly turned away when faced with the readily apparent displeasure that was staring back at them. The Queen had received word that, while Rook’s condition hadn’t really worsened, it hadn't improved either. It was implied that though slowed, the poison was still working to kill him. She had expected that, but it didn’t improve her mood at all. 

On a more positive note, the castle apothecaries had learned what kind of poison was used in her drink during the luncheon. A rare herb that induced a deep sleep called, Somneel lilies. An ancient law prohibited the cultivation of the herb, but they still grew naturally in some places. Few knew how to properly refine the flowers into poison so it wasn’t common or easily acquired. After a search, it was concluded that there was no trace of Somneel lilies of any kind in the castle. Someone had to have brought that particular poison into the castle for Lady Kamaria to be able to use it. There was no other way for her to get it.

The Queen had also spoken to Lady Kamaria the previous night, with Falena present as well. She wanted to hear what the young lady had to say. The poor girl realized her only hope was to cooperate and so she revealed everything. Hearing the details of this ‘deal’ she had made with Lord Xaven had further strengthened Maleficia’s resolve to make an example of him. Both the poison used during the luncheon and the poisoned dagger had been provided to her by Lord Xaven. Lady Kamaria said she didn’t know what poison was on the blade, she was told only that it was dangerous and that she should be careful. Distantly, the Queen wondered if he never intended for her to succeed. Only to be caught trying… Perhaps as a way to demonstrate that Briar Valley shouldn’t have allowed outsiders in. Regardless, it was still treason.

With this information, as well as the results of the guards’s investigation, Maleficia had called an emergency session of court. It was her intention to kill two birds with one stone. First, she would inform the court of Rook’s condition, as well as Malleus and Rook’s union. Nothing would be hidden this time. The court would also be informed of the assassination attempt and that Rook was the one that saved her from it. If anyone tried to argue that Rook shouldn’t have been chosen to marry the prince, she would counter that, as a hero to royalty, he was allowed special considerations.

Secondly, she hoped the announcement would draw out a certain traitorous noble. She was going to make him sweat. Then, she would have him and his whole line removed from any place of elevation. Such a betrayal to the crown deserved a severe punishment. Rook may not care for vengeance but Maleficia would seek it anyway. Once everyone had arrived and had been called to order, Maleficia stood to address the room.

“Though I know some of you don’t care, I wanted to report about the Royal Consort, Lord Rook Draconia’s condition.” A surprised murmur went through the crowd. It had not escaped notice that the hunter’s title and name had changed. The Queen went on as if she didn’t hear them. “While the wound itself was minor, the blade was poisoned and the healers are not presently able to remove the poison. Due to this unfortunate circumstance, Lord Rook and Lord Malleus were wed last night. As the Consort to your future King, Lord Rook is now owed the allegiance of each and every one of you.” That caused a few more mutterings, but most were silent now.

“But I was curious about how a young woman not of this kingdom, who has been well guarded in my castle, was able to acquire such a deadly poison.” Maleficia went on. “I found out that it was not the first time she had. In fact, someone had been providing her with the means to assassinate me. An attempt was made at the luncheon held for the Tournament of Crowns candidates hardly more than a week ago. It failed, but only due to the quick intervention of Lord Rook.” Out of the corner of her eye, the Queen noticed Lord Xaven begin to shift uncomfortably.

“Your Majesty, surely you don’t mean to imply that someone from Briar Valley has been enabling this young woman, do you?” One of the nobles asked, interrupting her. Maleficia glared at the interruption, and the lord recoiled slightly.

“I’m not implying anything.” She declared. “After having spoken to several witnesses, I know precisely who it is that has committed treason and will in short order be stripped of his title and lands.” The entire room held their breath while the Queen’s eyes scanned across each and every one of them. Her gaze finally came to rest upon Lord Xaven Kenrient, who paled when he realized she had focused on him.

“Lord Kenrient, the Royal Consort, Lord Rook Draconia, has named you as the instigator of the assassination plot against the Crown. As has your alleged co-conspirator, Lady Kamaria Pretorius. Her confession was given independent of any outside influence. I have also had reports from a number of castle staff that you have been frequenting the lower halls of the castle. And that you have been seen in Lady Kamaria’s presence in these lower halls on more than one occasion, just as she confessed. Lastly, I have a report from the castle guard that talks of you entering the castle, carrying a dagger with an ampule built into the sheath. The very same weapon that was used to attack Lord Rook. What have you to say against these charges?” Queen Maleficia demanded, her voice echoing loudly in the silent hall. 

“I-I don’t…I don’t know what you are talking about, your Majesty! I would never give anyone poison! Especially not to use against my sovereign! I don’t even know where to find Somneel lilies or how to refine them! As for the dagger, I carry a small one for protection, but it doesn’t have a place for poison in it!” Lord Xaven sputtered. Maleficia arched a brow at him.

“Oh? I never mentioned that refined Somneel lilies were the poison that was used. I only found that out this morning. How did you know that?” The Queen asked. What little color the lord still had, drained from his face then. Maleficia waited to see what he would say in his own defense then, but he snapped his mouth shut and didn’t say another word. After it became clear that he was done speaking, Maleficia motioned to the captain of the guard. Several other members of the guard came forward to arrest Lord Xaven while the rest of the court watched on in stunned silence.

“Lord Xaven Kenrient, having been charged before the court and without sufficient answer to the charges, you are hereby found guilty of treason against the Crown of Briar Valley. Effectively immediately, you are to be stripped of your title and your lands, as are those of your line.” The Queen declared. “Once upon a time, you would have been executed before nightfall and your family banished from the kingdom. But I have decided against that. So instead, you will be imprisoned for the remainder of your days. Your wife may remain in Briar Valley, if she so chooses. It is fortunate that you have no children that will be made to pay for your mistakes. Take him away!” No one spoke as Xaven was taken out in chains. Maleficia watched them leave, her expression carefully impassive. 

“As for the rest of you…” Maleficia began, a sinister smile appearing on her face. The nobles all tensed, waiting for the axe to fall on them. “I know that the Tournament was not a popular idea amongst you. However, not a single ill word spoken against Lord Rook will be tolerated. He is the consort of your crown prince and the only reason your Queen is still alive. He is owed your utmost respect. Bear that in mind. Dismissed!”

Chapter Text

“Hello?” Vil’s voice came through the phone speaker, momentarily startling Rook. Just as he had intended to, the hunter called his best friend as soon as he could the next morning. Malleus had some things that he needed to take care of personally, and had been parted from Rook’s side with great reluctance. After promising to be back just as soon as he could, the prince gave his husband a quick kiss and then he was out the door. Rook decided to use that time to call Vil. As much as he was dreading it, he couldn’t stand the thought of his best friend finding out about his condition from anyone else and so he needed to reach out right away. Normally he had to leave a voicemail and wait for a call back from the busy actor/model. That’s what he expected to happen. So, when Vil answered on the second ring, he wasn’t mentally prepared to have a conversation quite yet. 

“Ah! Bonjour, my beautiful Vil! How are you this merveilleuse morning?!” Rook greeted, attempting to sound as normal as possible. He’d overdone it, and not in a positive way. Rook knew that right away. At first, there was no response before Vil gave a thoughtful hum. The hunter heard some quiet rustling on the other end of the line and then the sound of a door firmly closing and locking before Vil said anything else.

“What’s wrong?” Vil’s tone was tinged with concern. “The last time we spoke you were about to be officially engaged to the one you’ve been pining over since high school. Now you sound like you’re trying not to cry. I expected for you to be sending me pictures of a ring, but instead all I got was silence. Rook, what happened?” The hunter sighed in resignation. He should have known Vil would catch on to the act immediately. If anyone was going to be able to spot a bad performance, it would be Vil. The hunter knew he wasn’t capable of putting on a good show at the moment.

“A lot has happened, mon ami.” Rook began. He proceeded to tell Vil about the new developments since they had last spoken. Talking about how beautiful the ball had been and how happy he was to marry Malleus was easy. What wasn’t easy, was to explain to his best friend that he was essentially living on borrowed time. He tried to focus more on the positives of his situation, but explaining that he and Malleus had married quickly because they otherwise may not be able to at all wasn’t exactly an upside. “I am pleased I was able to speak to you about this before anyone else, Roi du Poi—”

“Do not call me that while you are dying of poison!” Vil growled out. Rook snapped his mouth shut. Regret immediately washed over him. He hadn’t thought about the implications when he’d used the name he’d called Vil for years. It was habit. 

“…Désolé, Vil.”

“I know you didn’t mean anything by it, but I can’t accept that name. Not right now, Rook.” Vil’s voice cracked a little. He took a moment to compose himself before he spoke again. “Do you think Malleus would mind if I came to visit for a while? I’d hate to intrude on your time together, but I want to see you. Maybe I could help somehow. I have some things I’ll need to get finished before I do, but…” Technically as the Royal Consort, Rook had the authority to invite Vil to the castle as a guest, but he thought he should still confirm with Malleus.

“I don’t see why not, mon ami. I will talk to Malleus and make certain of it, but I would love to see you as well. Would you be coming alone…or would Monsieur Magicam be coming with you?” Rook asked. It was Vil’s turn to sigh, but the hunter could hear the smile in it. Few people knew it, but Vil and Cater had started dating a few months back after having danced around each other for years. They had managed to keep their relationship out of the public eye for now, wishing to be more comfortable together before they let the world know. They knew they couldn’t hide from Rook however, so he was told the truth. 

“I’ll ask him. It probably won’t be right away. Cater has his new album dropping soon and a couple of different interviews lined up to talk about it. We were considering telling people about us then, but I should be visible when that happens.” Rook could hear someone talking in the background and then Vil’s voice responded to them. Rook didn’t quite catch what was said, but he was fairly certain that it was Cater speaking. “I could be there by the end of next week, but Cater couldn’t until the week after at least.” That was understandable. Rook was touched that they would go to such trouble just for him. They discussed Vil’s upcoming visit for a bit longer until the actor was called away.

After ending the call, Rook didn’t know what else to do with himself. He was still bedridden until the nurses released him, so he couldn’t go exploring like he would like to do. There was so much of Briar Valley that he hadn’t seen yet. He hoped he would get the chance to see it. At least the herbal remedy the head nurse had found for him was lessening the pain. The sensation of the poison slowly making its way towards his heart still hurt, but it was more easily managed now. Perhaps he should ask Maleficia if there was something he could work on while he was in the infirmary? Otherwise, the boredom might get him before the poison could. 

Then again, he may have a hard time focusing on much of anything. The other thing that herbal remedy did was make him sleepy. It dulled the pain, but it also dulled everything else as well. Despite having only woken up a few hours ago, Rook already felt his eyes growing heavy. He began to realize that it would be impossible for him to avoid succumbing to the drowsiness, so why bother fighting it? Feeling thankful there was some relief in this tragic situation, Rook drifted off once more.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

Vil stared hard at his laptop screen, willing it to give him the information he wanted. Ever since his phone call with Rook the other day, the actor had been utilizing his other skill set and trying to identify the poison that had been used on his best friend. The unfeeling machine however did not comply with his silent demands. Resisting the urge to curse the device, something he knew he would later regret, Vil instead turned the laptop off and closed it. He looked around at the books scattered across the island of his kitchen where he had set up his research. He could sense that Cater was watching him from his place on the living room couch, though he knew if he looked over it would appear like the ginger was simply on his phone. Vil wasn’t surprised when Cater spoke.

“No luck still?” 

“No.” Vil answered, scrubbing his hands over his face in frustration. “I don’t have enough information to figure out what they used to make the poison. We just don’t know very much and Rook probably didn’t tell me everything he thinks he knows, but that’s hardly surprising. If Briar Valley’s best couldn’t solve this, I’m not sure what I could do to help. But I won’t give up. I can’t.” Tears started to well up in Vil’s eyes. The thought of losing Rook was horrible. The hunter had always been so strong and it seemed like very little could touch him. And all it had taken was a small cut with a tainted blade.

“You’ll find something. I believe in you. But you should probably take a break. You’re going to exhaust yourself and then you might miss something important.” Cater reasoned. Vil sighed, but he knew the ginger was right. The urge to just push on through was strong, but Cater wasn’t going to let him do that. “Vil, come here.” 

“You’ve gotten bossy.” Vil said with a smirk. But he did as Cater said. The ginger just grinned at him and held his arms open in invitation. The actor happily curled up in his boyfriend’s arms. He hadn’t realized how much he needed the hug until then. He could no longer hold back the tears and they began streaming down his cheeks. Cater noticed his shirt growing damp and the quiet shaking of Vil’s shoulders, but he said nothing. He just kissed the top of Vil’s head and held him tighter as he cried. He didn’t know what else he could do.

“What if we can’t save him?” Vil whispered. For a moment, Cater wasn’t sure how to answer that. Logically, from what they’d been told, he knew that the odds of Rook surviving were pretty low. But like Vil, Cater couldn’t imagine not having the hunter around. A scenario where Rook wasn’t popping in for a quick visit before leaving again in a whirlwind just didn’t feel real. He’d always been there and they’d just assumed he always would be. Few were ever truly prepared to face the truth of how fragile life could be.

“I don’t know, Vil.” Cater admitted after a bit of thinking. “For now, let’s just look for that miracle and we can worry about what comes after when it gets here.” It wasn’t the answer Vil wanted but, for all his optimism, Cater knew how to think realistically. He wouldn’t lie to the actor just to make him feel better. It was something that Vil appreciated even if it was inconvenient at times.

“I’d give just about anything to help them.” Vil said as he sat up a little, but stayed close to Cater. “I keep thinking about how Rook was finally about to be really happy and not just okay with how his life was going. And now he’s going to be lucky if he even gets to live at all. And poor Malleus! He’s spent so much of his life alone already and, if Rook doesn’t make it… He’ll still have to marry someone else and have at least one child. The Draconia royal line can’t end just because he lost the one he views as his soulmate. I can’t imagine having to go through that.” Cater hummed in agreement. The pair sat quietly for a while, basking in the comfort of each other.

“We should get you all packed for tomorrow.” Cater said, breaking the silence at last. Having begun to doze off a little, Vil grumbled in agreement. However it took a couple of nudges from Cater, before Vil began untangling himself from his boyfriend’s arms. 

“Are you sure you’re okay with holding off on announcing we’re together?” Vil asked suddenly. With the actor heading off to Briar Valley for a while, they had decided to wait until after the trip to let the world know. One of Vil's biggest concerns when they had started dating was making sure they were both on the same page. Too many times in the past, they had misunderstood each other. He didn’t want Cater to think he wanted to hide their relationship because he was ashamed of it. He could never be ashamed of Cater. However, the ginger nodded with a smile. 

“We have plenty of time, but Rook might not. Whether or not anyone else knows we’re together doesn’t change anything for me. I know the delay isn’t because you don’t want to tell people. But thank you for asking. I love you.” 

“I love you, too, Cater.” Giving his boyfriend a quick kiss, the model finally stood from the couch and stretched. As he did so, the burn of hungry eyes raked across his skin. Glancing down at Cater, Vil saw the heat in his gaze. Well, if he was going to leave for a while, he may as well give Cater something to remember him by. Seven, he had turned into such a sap.

“Come help me pack?” He asked, holding a hand out. “I’ll give you a reward if you do.” Cater laughed at that. Vil didn’t need to bribe him to help, but he wasn’t going to say no to a reward. Especially since he knew what that reward was likely to be. 

“How could I say no to that?” Taking the offered hand, Cater followed Vil to his bedroom. It was a good thing Vil was an early riser because he ended up having to do all of his packing in a hurry the next morning. At least Cater did get up and help. He’d already gotten his reward for that after all.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

It had been over two months since the disastrous engagement ball and as the head nurse, an older fae by the name of Maren, had promised Malleus, she was looking everywhere she could for a solution. Day in and day out she, and anyone who could assist her, carefully combed through books, scrolls, pamphlets, and whatever else they could get their hands on. There was no stone unturned in their search. Though Rook’s wound was mostly healed at this point, the poison was preventing it from closing entirely. He had been released from the infirmary, but spent most of his time in his and Malleus’ rooms. Every little thing exhausted him and he was asleep more than he was awake. They still didn’t know what poison had been used and Rook’s condition was slowly but surely deteriorating. They were running out of time. 

First they had checked the obvious places. The dagger with the ampule in the sheath was where they looked first. If they were able to get that, it would be able to tell them so much. But someone had been one step ahead of them on that. One of the members of the guard had attempted to pick up the dagger when arresting Lady Kamaria, but it simply blinked out of existence when they reached for it. It seemed to have been spelled to disappear once it had drawn blood. Where it had disappeared to, they didn’t know. They were still looking for it, but no trace of the weapon had been found so far. So, that was a dead end for the time being at least.

Xaven Kenrient, the treasonous former lord, had refused to speak at all. No one had been able to get anything out of him, let alone anything useful. In looking through his house after it had been seized by the crown, they found nothing that would help Rook. It was likely that he’d outsourced what he needed from a variety of places to avoid drawing attention to himself. They did however find he had many different plans, some just in the beginning stages, others in the middle of planning, and several ready to be used against the Queen. It had taken some time to sort through it all, and being somewhat clever, Xaven had written in a sort of code. Little good it did him. If anyone had thought Maleficia’s judgment of him too swift, they were quieted when everything else came to light. He had been plotting for years and saw the Tournament as a means to that end. He had committed treason long before he’d met Lady Kamaria.

It also appeared that the Queen had been correct when she supposed that Xaven had never intended for Lady Kamaria to succeed in any of her attempts. He had made notes alluding to how he could deny any involvement with her, as well as some pondering how to get rid of her if he needed to. She had not been told what poison was used either. One less thing for him to worry about. The young lady was lucky that not only had she not succeeded in harming Maleficia, but that Falena had decided that her punishment would be rather lenient. He sent her to a facility that, while technically a prison, was also there to help get people back on their feet. How she responded to the treatment would determine the rest of her sentence. It was a punishment that both Rook and Malleus had approved.

While he had been unable to learn what the exact poison was, during his stay in Briar Valley, Vil had helped the nurses determine that it had been some sort of herb that had been finely chopped, steeped, and then strained. When they had cleaned the wound, one of the nurses decided to save the cloth that had been used. Just in case. This turned out to be very helpful. When they looked closely at it, small white-colored flecks could be seen on the cloth. There wasn’t enough of it to say what part of a plant it had come from, but they now knew it wasn’t a mineral or a powder that had dissolved. That cut down the number of possibilities. But finding the answer was still a monumental task. 

Once his own obligations had been fulfilled, Cater had come to Briar Valley for a while as well. While poisons weren’t his forte like they were Vil’s, the ginger was able to get through an amazing amount of information quickly. So, he had helped by looking through the mountains of material they were scouring while Vil experimented with different plants. Neither said it, but the changes already apparent in Rook were startling. But that just drove Vil to try harder. When they simply couldn’t stay any longer, Vil and Cater were forced to return home without an answer. But they promised to return as soon as they were able to. Malleus was thankful for their presence. It helped to lift Rook’s spirits.

The Hunt family were also frequent visitors at Briar Valley. Something else that Malleus was grateful for. One or more Hunt would suddenly pop up one day, help out for a while, and then be gone again. The love and support the family had for each other was a wonderful thing to see and they all made the prince feel welcomed right away. Watching how they all interacted, made Malleus even more determined that someday he and Rook would have that for themselves. He wanted a family of his own and he wanted it with Rook. There had to be something he could do. He wouldn’t ever give up. Every night, carefully holding the hunter close, Malleus would ask for some sign of what he should do.

The search for the poison and its cure went on and late one evening, Maren sat in her office. She was carefully looking over an old tome of potions and poisons. It was just one of many stacked on her desk and all around the small room. On the other side of the room from the head nurse sat her apprentice, Selya, with her own stacks of books to look through. Selya was young for a fae, especially given she already had a position in such close proximity to the royal family. But from a very early age, she had shown quite a bit of promise in alchemy and medicine. The speed with which she was often able to diagnose a patient was incredible. But now even she was struggling to figure out what was going on. 

The head nurse put down the tome she’d been reading to rest her eyes and glanced over at Selya. The apprentice was focused on her own reading. After a while Maren noticed that Selya seemed to be holding a small bottle in one hand and reading off names from an index of herbs and plants. Every so often, the young nurse would pause and look over the bottle carefully. Maren couldn’t tell what was in the bottle from that far away. Just when she was opening her mouth to ask what exactly she was doing, Selya jumped up suddenly and held the bottle close to her face with both hands. She stared intently into it, as if searching for something.

“What is it, child?” Maren asked. Giving the older nurse the motion to wait for a moment, Selya checked the book she’d been reading and then went back to the bottle. Whatever she saw there, it didn’t appear to be good news.

“I think I know what they used to poison Lord Rook.” She said finally. “I believe it is wither root. But it must have been a very concentrated dose. Wither root usually isn’t deadly.” Maren stood and walked over to her apprentice. Now that she was closer, she could see that the small bottle contained a piece of the cloth used to clean Rook’s wound right after he’d been injured. The white flecks in the poison were starkly visible against the bloodstains on the fabric. On the bottle was a label, still shimmering slightly with magical energy. On the label ‘Wither Root Extract’ was clearly written. Maren was certain that label hadn’t been there before. 

“How did you learn this?” The head nurse wanted to know. She examined the small bottle herself, fascinated by the hum of magic she could feel from it. “Where did this label come from?”

“Oh! That’s my signature spell. I came up with it while helping my father growing up. He was a healer in our little village. Once the spell is cast, whenever I say the name of whatever is in the bottle, a label will appear on it. It’s called Doctor’s Orders. I’d have found it sooner if it hadn’t started with a ‘W’!” Seyla replied, voice laced with a hint of exasperation. Well, it was no wonder she was able to diagnose patients so easily. Maren had to admit that she was impressed. She had magic of her own, but had never developed a spell that was unique to her. Not that she knew of anyway. She hadn’t thought to check.

“Excellent work, my dear.” Maren said. “What do you do with the bottles afterwards?” Selya leaned over and opened a small chest that had been sitting next to her desk. Inside was a collection of small bottles, each with a clearly written label and sealed with a shimmering wax-like substance. Maren picked up one and looked at it carefully. The label looked very similar to the other one. But the seal had a date stamped into it. She noticed that the bottle Selya was holding was not sealed.

“Most of them I keep in here. That’s why I use these little bottles. It makes storing them easier. I was hoping to find a more permanent storage situation soon, but it hasn’t been my priority. Once someone is cured or healed of that ailment, the bottle seals itself. And if I encounter the same thing again, the label appears immediately since my magic is already familiar with it. I usually don’t use it for everyday injuries, just the more complicated ones.” Selya answered. Maren made a mental note to find a place that Selya could securely store the bottles. The knowledge she gained through them was invaluable.

“I have heard of this wither root, but I have not encountered it personally. What is it used for, do you know?” The head nurse asked. The apprentice nodded and gestured towards the book she’d been looking through.

“It has gone out of style, but its main use was as an insecticide.” Selya said. “I came across a few causes of wither root poisoning since it was still used in my village sometimes. But none of the cases I saw have ever been this severe.” Maren leaned over to examine the index that was still open on the desk. There she saw the entry for the herb in question. “Wither Root - a small white root that grows on the edge of boggy areas. It was most commonly used as an insecticide, but after a number of people were affected by it, its use has declined. Wither root, when ingested, causes the body to start withering away, hence its name.”

“It doesn’t mention anything about how it was cured.” Maren pointed out. Selya nodded and dropped back into her chair. Despite having solved a mystery that had puzzled some of the best potions masters in Briar Valley, she looked defeated. 

“That’s because the insecticide was such a low dose that whatever effects it had were mild and didn’t require treatment. People just waited for their system to flush it out.” She told Maren. “There is no known antidote for wither root.”

Chapter Text

Maleficia sat alone in her sitting room one day, thinking about everything that had happened in the last six months. The Tournament was originally scheduled to end that very night. This wasn’t at all what she’d envisioned being the outcome when she’d come up with the idea. For a fae, time was normally quite slow moving. What did a year matter to someone that lived for hundreds? That wasn’t presently true for the royals of Briar Valley. So much had changed in such a short amount of time. The Queen distantly wondered how many more times their world would be turned upside down before this was all over.

The tea Maleficia was drinking was supposed to help relax her, but it wasn’t able to do much. It didn’t help that she’d had very little of it. The tea in her cup was probably quite cold by now. She’d hoped that afternoon tea would become something that she, Malleus, and Rook all had together. Something they shared as a family. Now Rook could barely get himself out of bed most days. Malleus hadn’t given up hope quite yet, but watching the hunter slowly dying was wearing on his emotions. The Queen hated what her grandson and his husband were going through. But what could she do? For all her power and authority, she could find nothing more that could be done to help them.

The nurses had discovered what the poison ailing Rook was through a clever use of magic, but there wasn’t a known antidote for it because one had never been needed. Since then, they had been experimenting with the wither root, but had no promising results so far. They had reached out to various potion masters all over Twisted Wonderland in the hopes of learning something, anything, that would help. While many had been willing to help, they had no leads to offer. When he had the time, Vil was doing his own research as well. All they had really learned was how severe the symptoms Rook was hiding were. Not that he’d been able to hide them much lately. Malleus had been displeased when he learned that, but he also understood the reason. He’d have likely done the same.

All this was compounded by something that Maleficia had forgotten about until that very morning. Normally after an heir came of age, within that next year they went on a tour of the entire kingdom. It was a tradition that went back for longer than anyone could remember. But it also came from a time where travel was slow and potentially dangerous. The timeframe for this trip hadn’t changed since its inception. The villages that were on the route had events planned years in advance. Essentially since Malleus had been born, the kingdom had been preparing for this. But Malleus needed to start on this journey within the next week. It couldn’t be postponed any more. How could she ask him to leave his dying husband?

When she had set the dates for the Tournament of Crowns, the traditional tour of the kingdom had been factored into that timeline. She set the Tournament to end right before Malleus was to leave. The Queen had intended for him to be on this excursion while his chosen mate went home to get their affairs all in order. Then when he got back, the two could get to know each other more without a looming deadline. But that isn’t what happened. Now Malleus would have to be away from his dying husband for what could potentially be his last days. And there was little Maleficia could do about it. 

They had discussed this when they planned the Tournament, but with everything that had happened, Maleficia knew that Malleus likely had forgotten that. As much as she wished that she could just ‘forget’ that he had to go, she knew that wasn’t possible. Somehow she was going to have to tell him that there was no way to put this off. Instead she sat alone dreading the task ahead of her. A knock at her door shook her out of her maudlin thoughts. She called out for whoever it was to enter.

“Grandmother, I wanted to speak with you.” Malleus said as he stepped into the room. Maleficia felt her heart lurch at the sound of his voice. “Do you have some time?” Despite her current anxiousness concerning him, she would never turn Malleus away. She might as well get the conversation she’d been dreading out of the way. There wasn’t ever going to be a better time to do it.

“For you, always.” She said. The prince entered the sitting room and took a seat opposite Maleficia. For a few moments, neither one spoke.

“I want you to promise me something.” Malleus began at last. “While I am on this tour, if anything happens, call me home right away?” Maleficia was surprised to hear that. She thought for sure that he had forgotten about that with all that he’d been dealing with. But she was more than willing to grant his request. Really that was the least she could do.

“Of course. I am sorry that this happened now, Malleus. While we will likely have some difficulties communicating during this trip, I’ll know where to send word. I’ll encourage Rook to write to you as well. I have also asked Vil if he would come and help watch over Rook while you are gone. He should be here tomorrow.” Malleus nodded at that. He was sorry this was happening now as well, but as Rook had pointed out when they had talked about it, he had to do what was best for his people and his kingdom. If the hunter hadn’t been the one to tell him that he should go, Malleus knew he would be neglecting his duties as prince. 

“Thank you.” He said. He could see some of the tension falling away from his grandmother’s shoulders. She must have been worried about this. “Vil has been excellent at helping Rook keep his spirits up. I think of him as my own friend as well. Will Cater be coming along with him?” Due to the amount of time they had all been in close proximity with each other, Malleus had grown closer to the pair. He had even stopped addressing them by their last names. 

“I was informed that he had some other engagements that required his presence, or else I suspect he would be coming.” The Queen replied with a shake of her head. Cater had been so open to the fae, even when they had all still been in school. Maleficia loved it when he was there. He livened up any place he was in. “When will you be leaving then?”

“Tomorrow. First thing in the morning. Best to get this done as quickly as I can.” Malleus stood and gave his grandmother a kiss on the cheek. They had never been overly affectionate before, but one upside to this trial they were going through was that they had gotten closer to one another. That was something Rook had encouraged. “I’ll see you in the morning for the send off. Don’t expect to see me at dinner tonight. I have a promise I made to Rook that I plan to keep.”

“As you should. Till tomorrow then.” Malleus left after that and Maleficia breathed a sigh of relief. That was one less thing to worry about. She suspected that Rook had something to do with Malleus’ willingness to go. He had been so good for Malleus. Maleficia was worried that her grandson would regress if he lost the hunter. Something that was looking more and more likely as time passed.

The Queen stood and left the sitting room. It had been some time since she had talked to Maren or her apprentice. Perhaps they had some news for her. When she arrived at the infirmary, the Queen was informed that Maren had been called away briefly. However, they told her that Selya was in the alchemy lab working on something. Maleficia decided that since she was already there, she would speak to Selya a bit. The young fae was still owed her thanks for the work that she had done. They wouldn’t even know it was wither root if it hadn’t been for her.

“Oh, your majesty!” Selya greeted her after she had knocked on the laboratory door. “Is there something I can do for you?” She stepped aside and motioned for the Queen to enter the lab if she wished to.

“Not really. I came to check on any progress you might have made. But I realized that I had never properly thanked you for discovering the poison.” Maleficia said as she stepped inside the room. Selya bowed respectfully.

“It was my pleasure. I only wish I could do more to help.” She replied. “As for progress… I regret to say there is very little. I have tried just about every herb there is that helps with poisons and so far nothing touches wither root. I think we’ll find the answer in spells and not alchemy, but I haven’t come up with anything yet. Maren was looking into a few other things as well, but unfortunately she is out right now.” The Queen nodded thoughtfully. That’s about what she had expected to hear. Perhaps when Vil arrived tomorrow, she would see if he was willing to help Maren and Selya.

“Thank you, my dear. You have done well. The prince will be leaving on the kingdom tour tomorrow morning. We will have to be extra vigilant while he is away. Lord Rook’s friend, Vil Schoenheit, will be here tomorrow. Perhaps his insight would help.” Selya nodded.

“Oh, yes! I learned quite a bit from him the last time he was here. I’d be delighted to have his help once again.” The apprentice assured. As they spoke, she had gone around the room, cleaning up whatever it was that she had been working on. Maleficia almost asked her what the experiment had been, but decided not to. Most of the herbs or minerals they were working with, she had only heard the names of once or twice if at all. Any explanation would probably be beyond her understanding on the topics.

“There is one more thing. At the slightest hint that Lord Rook is about to pass, I want to know immediately. The prince has requested that he be notified and I’ve given him my word. They should be together when that happens.” Maleficia said. Selya nodded and quickly pulled out a notebook to jot some things down.

“It will be done, your majesty.” With a nod, the Queen swept out of the infirmary. Selya stood there, realizing that they didn’t expect to save Rook at all. They were all readying themselves for his death. It was a depressing thought. In the short time she had known him, Rook had been nothing but kind to her. Even despite the amount of pain she knew he was in. Surely there had to be something they could do? 

She knew that Malleus hadn’t given up. He’d been to the infirmary that very morning asking about what potions would react badly with wither root. Maren had given him everything she knew and the prince had thanked her before he left. Maren may not have realized why he was asking, but Selya had a pretty good idea. Several of the potions he’d mentioned could be used as contraceptives. Why he was asking now, she didn’t know. But the prince was planning for a future with Rook, that much was clear to her.

Heading back to the office she shared with Maren, Selya checked on the bottle that was connected to Rook’s ailment. There were no signs of any change, neither positive or negative. No news wasn’t necessarily bad news. It wasn’t really good either. Carefully locking the bottle away, the young nurse returned to the alchemy lab. She wasn’t done yet. Not until he was gone.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

“How are you feeling this evening, my heart?” Malleus asked. The sun was starting to set if the light coming in through the window was to be believed. The fae prince had finished his preparations to leave the next morning and returned to their rooms. He had no intention of leaving for the rest of the night. When he had arrived in their rooms, he found Rook in the front room. The hunter was sitting in one of the high backed chairs, reading something.

“Très bien, mon Roi.” Rook replied, looking up from the papers on his lap. Malleus noted that it appeared to be a letter he was reading. Likely from his family. They wrote to him often. “You have spoken with your grand-mère, oui?”

“I have. I’ll set out first thing in the morning.” The prince answered. “Are you certain you are alright with me leaving?” Rook smiled as he set aside the letter he’d been reading. He’d been expecting Malleus to ask him that. Of course he’d rather his husband not leave, especially right now. He could feel the poison getting closer and closer to his heart. He didn’t have much more time left. However, Rook also knew that Malleus had responsibilities that needed his attention. 

“Oui, I am sure. I will miss you desperately, but you have a duty you need to perform for your kingdom. I would not deprive them of your presence.” The prince nodded, but didn’t respond. After a moment of contemplation, he carefully scooped Rook up into his arms and carried him towards their bedroom. For his part, the hunter didn’t resist in the slightest. Instead, he leaned into the embrace. Once in their bedroom, Malleus gently laid Rook down on the bed before climbing on top of him. The fae was careful not to place too much of his weight on his husband. Rook however appeared to be quite content being caged in Malleus’ arms.

“I love you, Rook. I’d trade my kingdom for you in a heartbeat.” Malleus said, reaching out to caress his face. Rook leaned into the gesture with a sigh. “And yet, you’d never let me do that, would you?” 

“Non, I wouldn’t.” Rook agreed. “That is because I love you as well. Have you considered my request, mon amour?” From the look on his face, it was clear that he already knew the answer. Malleus nodded. He was terrified of hurting Rook, but the hunter had only ever asked him for one thing. When they had discussed the end of the Tournament, Malleus had suddenly remembered the approaching kingdom tour that he was expected to embark on. After he’d told his husband about it, the prince had expected Rook to beg him not to go. He should’ve known better. Instead, Rook had asked for something else. 

“I want you, Malleus. At least once before you go. That is all I ask. S'il vous plaît?” And how could Malleus say no to that? The only reason they hadn’t consummated their union yet was due to Rook’s condition. Not to say that they had done nothing. Many times they explored one another’s exposed bodies. But now, Rook was asking for more. Malleus had spent much of that day making sure that Rook would be safe, as well as ensuring that he had a way to prevent conception. The hunter’s body was in no condition to bear a child. No matter what that thought did to Malleus.

“You had to know I would give in to that request, Rook.” Malleus laughed. “I want this as much as you do. That was hardly playing fair.” All he received in answer was that vulpine smile he loved so much. With a wave of his hand, Malleus made certain that they wouldn’t be interrupted, sealing and locking the doors and windows. Then he rose up to a kneeling position above Rook. Dark green eyes watched in appreciation as he disrobed, almost putting on a show for his husband. The burn of that gaze across his skin was very familiar. The prince had felt it quite often before. Then slowly and carefully, as if he was unwrapping something precious, he undressed Rook as well.

Every time he saw Rook completely exposed, Malleus was reminded just how much damage the poison was doing to him. He’d hidden it well under his clothing, but Rook had been a finely tuned weapon. But now much of that muscle mass was gone, leaving him atrophied. It saddened Malleus, but he never mentioned it. There was no need to point out what they both knew.

Placing a hand on Rook’s stomach, the fae muttered the words to the contraceptive spell he’d decided to use. He had done a lot of research that day and came to the conclusion that a spell would be safer than a potion, considering the circumstances. He’d asked the head nurse about potions, but in the end came to the conclusion that it was best to avoid the potential conflict with the herbs. The spell was supposed to stay in effect until there was no chance the seed had taken, but something didn’t seem quite right. He tried to cast the spell again and then felt his magic settle where it was supposed to.

“What was that?” Rook asked curiously.

“A spell for protection. Just in case.” The hunter nodded in understanding. Neither spoke much after that. Malleus took his time to make sure Rook was comfortable before proceeding. The hunter’s hands clawed weakly at Malleus’ back once he’d slid inside. Malleus had to take a moment to steady himself, then he started to move. Finally. The prince knew he’d be hearing Rook’s moans in his dreams every night while he was gone. He was having to fight to stay in control. Every fiber of his being wanted to just let go, but he couldn’t risk hurting Rook. He lowered to wrap his arms around the hunter.

“C'est incroyable! You are merveilleux, mon Roi! Je t'aime!” Rook’s breathless exclamations were spoken right in Malleus’ ear. The prince felt tears welling up in his eyes. He’d give anything to be able to experience this again. Once again, he silently begged for a miracle as he placed kisses along Rook’s shoulders.

“I love you, too! My heart, my hunter.” Malleus could tell that Rook was nearing his peak. The prince pulled back enough to see his husband’s face. The sight would be burned into his mind. Green eyes lidded in pleasure, face flushed, and mouth opened in yet another moan. Surging forward, Malleus kissed Rook deeply. That was enough to send the hunter over that precipice and Malleus soon followed. Once he had caught his breath, Malleus got up to fetch a damp washcloth. Rook whined at the loss, but didn’t try to stop him.

“How are you feeling, Rook?” Malleus asked as he cleaned them both up. The hunter laughed, deeper than Malleus had heard from him in a while. The prince loved that sound. He hadn’t realized how much he’d been missing it until that moment.

“I feel fantastique!” He said with a tired smile. Rook reached up and cupped Malleus’ face tenderly. “Merci, mon amour.”

“Anything for you, my heart. Shall we sleep now?” Malleus asked. Rook nodded sleepily, eyes already struggling to stay open. By the time the prince had finished putting things away and readied himself for bed, Rook was lightly snoring. He’d really worn him out and they hadn’t done all that much. Malleus climbed into bed next to Rook and gathered him into his arms. He was dreading the morning, but this night had been amazing.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

The next morning, Malleus quietly slipped out of bed so as not to disturb the still slumbering hunter. Glancing at the bed as he got dressed for his trip, Malleus saw that Rook was breathing deeply and evenly. For the first time in weeks, he had a peaceful expression on his face. Normally, even while asleep, the hunter’s brow would be slightly furrowed. Once he was ready to leave, Malleus leaned over and placed a kiss on Rook’s forehead. The hunter stirred and opened his eyes slightly.

“Good morning, my heart.” Malleus whispered. Rook mumbled some kind of greeting and attempted to burrow deeper into the blankets, causing Malleus to laugh. “I will return as quickly as I can. Wait for me?”

“I will, mon Roi.” Rook’s voice was gravelly from sleep. Placing one last kiss on his husband’s temple, the prince slipped out of the room. He heard Rook’s breathing even out before he’d even reached the door. He was already asleep again.

The halls were bustling with activity as Malleus made his way to the great hall. Servants scurried back and forth making sure that everything was prepared. In the great hall itself, Maleficia sat waiting for him alongside a hearty breakfast to begin the journey. She silently nursed a cup of tea while the prince ate.

“Are you ready, Malleus?” She asked after a while. It was a trick question really. They both knew he’d rather not be going at all. 

“As I will ever be.” He replied, standing from the table. “Watch over him for me?” Maleficia nodded. She started to speak, but instead looked towards the doors, something catching her attention.

“We will both watch over him.” A familiar voice said. Malleus smiled as he turned to find Vil standing there. It looked like the actor had just arrived. “I’m glad I made it before you left. I had something I wanted to give you. Idia got it for me.” In his hands was what looked like a cellphone with a prominent antenna attached to it. Though he had a phone of his own, Malleus never had gotten the hang of modern technology. 

“There are very few towers to run this where I will be.” Malleus said, but he took it regardless. Vil smiled and held up an identical one in his other hand. It appeared they were a matched pair.

“These don't run off of towers. They run off of a satellite. S.T.Y.X.’s satellite to be precise. They can only talk to each other and there is a slight delay, but it is the fastest way to get in touch that I could find on short notice.” He told the prince. “I’ll keep this one with me and notify you as soon as something happens. If anything happens.” Malleus felt a sense of relief wash over him. The issue of easy communication with home had been weighing on him heavily. Technology wasn’t always available throughout Briar Valley and magic sometimes faced interference from the land itself. 

“Thank you, Vil. You have no idea how much I appreciate this.” The actor nodded, acknowledging the thanks. 

“I’m glad I could help. How is Rook doing?” Vil asked. 

“He woke up to say goodbye, but was asleep again before I got out of the room. Probably wait a little while before you go check on him. He likely needs the rest.” Malleus answered. With any luck, Rook would wake enough to get dressed before Vil went to check on him.

“Of course. I planned to meet with the head nurse and see if she and her apprentice would like my assistance.” Vil replied. “I’ll check on Rook after I’ve spoken to them.” By then, the servants had lined up and were waiting for Malleus. It was time to go. Maleficia came forward and hugged him tightly. 

“Be careful. Come home to us safely.” She said. Malleus nodded and placed a kiss on her cheek. It was a somber procession out to the castle gates. Even though Rook wouldn’t be able to see him off, perhaps he would be able to welcome Malleus home again. The Queen and Vil watched until the prince’s carriage was out of sight before they moved to head back inside.

“If you don’t need me for anything else, I’ll head to the infirmary to see if they need help. I’d also like to talk to Selya about her signature spell. Perhaps she is right and magic will be the answer to this.” Vil said as they walked. The Queen waved him off.

“Do as you like, Vil.” Maleficia replied. “As much as I do greatly appreciate your help, you are a guest here. Your time is your own. All I request is that you join me for dinner.” Vil nodded in agreement and the two parted ways. The actor stopped by his room briefly to change into something more comfortable, before he made his way to Maren’s office. His knock was answered by someone calling for him to enter.

“Oh! I didn’t expect you to get here so early!” Selya said when she saw who was at the door. “Maren is doing her rounds, but we could head to the alchemy lab if you want.” Vil smiled as the young fae spoke. He liked Selya. She was so open and honest and with a heart of gold. Having spent so much of his life surrounded by schemers and liars, it was refreshing to know that she meant everything she said.

“I actually wanted to ask about your signature spell. I was told that’s how you learn of the wither root. Would you be willing to tell me?” Vil asked. Selya blinked at him in confusion. She didn’t see that her magic was all that amazing, but people had been fascinated since she’d told Maren about it. Everyone’s interest had only increased since then.

“If you like.” Selya showed Vil the collection of bottles she had. They had been moved to a large cabinet in the lab with a sturdy lock for safekeeping. She then explained how her spell worked and answered whatever questions he had.

“What if someone isn’t cured? What happens to the bottle then? Does it still seal itself?” Vil wanted to know. Selya got quiet for a moment.

“The bottle breaks and everything inside it disappears. If I encounter the same ailment again, the label will still appear on a new bottle. But they only seal if someone is cured. I’ve only had one since I developed my signature spell that wasn’t cured. That’s the only reason I know.” She said eventually. Vil could see how much it was affecting her to tell him.

“What about Rook’s bottle?” He asked next. “I don’t see it here.” Selya shook herself out of her darkened thoughts and reached for another compartment in the cabinet. This one was locked with a different key.

“It’s in here. I wanted to make sure it was saf—” Selya’s words were abruptly cut off as she stared at the tiny bottle connected to Rook. 

“What’s the matter?!” Vil demanded. He looked closely at the bottle nestled in the drawer. There was something sparkling around the top of the bottle. It looked like shimmering wax slowly appearing over the cork. “Is it…sealing itself?” 

“It is.” Selya said. Her tone said she didn’t believe what she was seeing. Without another word, Vil bolted out of the laboratory and towards Rook and Malleus’ rooms.

Chapter Text

Vil ran as fast as he could through the castle hallways. Before Malleus had left that morning, he told Vil that Rook was still asleep in their bed. No one had heard from him since then, but that wasn’t why Vil was rushing. Behind him, he could hear the nurse trying to keep up. Selya’s magic had seemed to imply that Rook was going to be okay. But until he saw the hunter with his own eyes, Vil wouldn’t believe it. He’d never wanted to admit it to Cater, but he didn’t really believe in miracles. He believed in working hard for what you wanted, but understanding that it may not happen. Life wasn’t going to hand you whatever you wanted on a platter just because you wished on a star for it.

Once he reached the door to the royal rooms, Vil hesitated. His hand frozen clutching onto the door handle. He was terrified of what he might find on the other side of that door. All the awful, horrible possibilities flashed across his mind. What if Selya’s little bottle was wrong? What if Rook had passed away while he was alone all because Vil hadn’t checked on him soon enough? What if…

“Would you like for me to go in first?” Selya had caught up to him by then, her out-of-breath question pulling him back to the present. Noticing Vil’s hesitancy to open the door, the young nurse had correctly guessed why and had offered an alternative. She’d dealt with this particular unknown many times before. It didn’t make it easier, but the first time was usually the most difficult. Vil took a deep breath and shook his head. He could do this. He’d make a promise to Malleus that he would look after Rook. And so he would. 

“No, I will.” Slowly turning the knob, Vil opened the door to the front room of Malleus and Rook’s chambers. Nothing looked amiss. He walked across the tidy room and approached the door to the bedroom itself. He didn’t give himself a second to reconsider and immediately opened the door. As soon as it swung open, Vil felt relief surging through him. He could hear Rook breathing deeply with an occasional light snore. He was still alive. Selya at his side, Vil rounded the end of the bed and looked down at the slumbering hunter. Perhaps he needed to start believing in miracles.

“It’s true.” Selya breathed, her words filled with wonder. “I’m going to get Maren and the Queen! Stay with him!” And then she was gone, rushing back through the door. Had he been able to speak, Vil would have directed her to do exactly that. As it was, he was too stunned to say anything. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Rook was sleeping peacefully, much like Malleus had seen that morning. But Vil noticed something the prince had not. The blanket Rook had wrapped himself in so tightly that morning had been pushed back, exposing his chest and stomach. Vil was amazed to realize that the hunter’s color had mostly returned and he didn’t appear as gaunt as he had before. A shimmer of magic caught Vil’s attention. Wrapped around Rook’s entire body was a sparkling net of fairy lights, the brightest being right over the cut Lady Kamaria had given him. Carefully, the actor peeled away the bandage to get a better look. Rook didn’t stir at all, but Vil didn’t notice that right away. The wound had nearly closed, but the lights seemed to be drawing something from it. A cloudy liquid, with small white-colored flecks in it, was dripping down and soaking into the gauze of the bandage.

The wither root poison! Vil realized. He was almost scared to touch Rook further, lest he mess up the magic currently working to save him. A hand landed on his shoulder as Maleficia appeared out of nowhere in her own flash of lights. Her vibrant green eyes took in the scene carefully. Wordlessly, Vil stepped aside to give the Queen more room. With a trembling hand, she reached out towards Rook with an inquiring spell. Maren and Selya entered through the door while the Queen was focusing on her magic. They waited to see what she might learn. Eventually she lowered her hand. 

“This is Malleus’ magic, but I can’t place what spell he used.” She told them. “Maren, I want you and Selya to look him over thoroughly, but take care not to disrupt the spell. Whatever it is doesn’t seem dangerous. I dare say it’s helping him.” The nurses stepped forward to do as the Queen had requested. They were amazed and relieved by what they found. Vil had been correct in his assumption. Slowly but surely, the poison was being pulled out of Rook’s body and its effects reversed. The only concern they now had was that Rook hadn’t woken up. He hadn’t stirred at all. That was unusual for him. He wasn’t a light sleeper as much as he was an aware sleeper. It was a skill that Vil had utilized quite often while they were the Housewarden and Vice over Pomefiore. But now, nothing seemed to be able to wake him at all.

“I would guess that whatever this spell is, it is keeping him asleep while it works. Restoration is an arduous process and one I wouldn’t want to be awake for.” Maren said. “We’ll need to keep an extra close eye on him until he wakes. I highly doubt he is in any more danger, but I want to err on the side of caution.” The head nurse started mentally organizing who she could trust to take a shift watching over Rook and when they would be able to. She was unsurprised when Vil and Maleficia both said they were willing to sit with him as well. 

“It seems you were right once again, Selya.” Maleficia commented as they left the prince’s rooms. Vil had stayed behind to sit with Rook first. He had promised to call the others immediately if anything changed.

“And what was I right about, your majesty?” The young nurse asked. Maren looked curious as well. The nurses paused in the hallway, waiting for the Queen’s response. She smiled at the young fae.

“A spell was the answer to this problem. Just like you thought it would be.”

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

Rook vaguely remembered Malleus saying goodbye before he left. He heard his own voice promising that he would wait for him to come back. But after that, things were scattered. Disjointed. Had that happened just this morning…or had that been days ago? He wasn’t sure. His sense of time was practically nonexistent, a strange feeling for him. Everything was swirling together and he was left floating. Almost like he was underwater. At times, it seemed like he was nearing the surface. But he couldn’t quite get there before falling back into the depths. And he was so very tired. All he wanted was to sleep undisturbed. But should he? It didn’t matter really whether or not he should. He didn’t have much of a choice about that. 

At least he wasn’t in pain anymore. A part of him worried that his mind was shutting down and decided not to bother telling him about the pain anymore. Or had his pain truly vanished? He couldn’t tell and just then he didn’t really care. At one point he swore that Vil was there, trying to wake him up. He wanted to greet his friend, to reassure him that he was alright, but it was impossible to open his eyes. Others came and went as well, but their faces were blurry and their voices distorted to him. Rook would catch fleeting glimpses of them, but couldn’t rouse himself enough to speak to anyone. There had to be some kind of magic at work, keeping him from waking up. He could tell that much. But everything else was beyond him at that point.

How long he was lost in that strange dreamworld, Rook didn’t know. When he was finally able to open his eyes, the first thing he saw was Vil’s worried face turned towards him. The actor was seated next to his bed. Something had drawn his attention to Rook. The hunter blinked a couple of times to clear his vision, but the worry was still there. It seemed to be lessening though. The sensation of floating faded away and he could feel the soft mattress underneath him. A manicured hand reached out and felt his forehead. He was feeling a bit warm, almost too warm. But not like he was feverish. Rook hummed at the cool touch, eyes drifting closed again. 

“If you go back to sleep again, so help me…” Vil’s frustrated voice came into Rook’s awareness. The first clear voice he had heard in he didn’t know how long. Ah, so he was actually awake now. 

“I am not.” The hunter said, causing Vil’s breath to catch. Rook grimaced at the sound of his own voice. It was scratchy and rough, the words coming out sounding slurred. He cleared his throat and tried again. “How long have I been sleeping?” That had only sounded marginally better. 

“Six days.” Was the answer. That got Rook’s eyes open. Vil just arched a sleek brow at him, but Rook could see the shine of unshed tears in his eyes. It must have been a long six days they’d spent worrying over him. Guilt settled on Rook despite the fact that he had nothing to do with what had happened…whatever that had been.

“Demande pardon?” Rook sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. In the back of his mind, he noted that the movement had been surprisingly easy. Everything he did for the last couple of months had been exhausting and painful to some degree. He also realized that he had been dressed at some point during the last six days. Rook recalled still being nude when Malleus left.

“You have been asleep off and on for six days. I checked on you after Malleus left and couldn’t wake you up. You’ve come around a little bit on several occasions, but this is the first time you’ve woken up completely.” Vil explained. “And there’s something else as well. Somehow, and we aren’t sure how just yet, you are no longer dying of poison. You’ve been cured.” At first, Rook didn’t know how to react to that, his still drowsy mind couldn’t comprehend the words. Then he threw back the blankets and stared down at himself in surprise. He was perfectly fine. Not even the slightest hint that he’d been wasting away for months. 

“…I don’t understand…” Rook said, more to himself than to Vil. The actor wordlessly held out a hand, signaling that Rook should try standing. He did so easily and realized that he was back to how he had been before all this had happened. Like the clock had been turned back for him. After watching Rook test his range of motion for a couple of minutes, Vil threw his arms around him. Rook readily returned the hug. Everyone had been so careful around him that he’d been rather touch-starved lately. He’d missed this, but he didn’t have to anymore.

“We don’t understand either.” Vil said after they parted. “I need to call the nurses and Maleficia. They wanted to know as soon as you woke up.” Rook nodded and Vil hurried out of the room. The hunter decided that he would get himself more presentable while Vil was gone. He had finished changing his clothing and was just sitting down at the dressing table when a flash of lights behind him signaled the Queen’s arrival. He watched in the mirror as she approached him, the elated disbelief clear on her face. He was unprepared for her to lean over and wrap him in a tight hug. 

“The Fates must love you, Rook.” As she spoke, Maleficia pulled him to his feet to look him over properly. Overcome with emotion at the sight of him whole again, she cupped his face in her hands and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. The same loving gesture she had used on Malleus many, many times. This close, Rook could see the tears in her eyes as well. “Won’t Malleus be surprised to see you when he gets home?!” That statement confused the hunter.

“You have not told him?” Rook asked. Maleficia shook her head with a sigh.

“Not exactly. I’m sure that he is waiting for the worst news, and we didn’t know exactly what was happening yet. I didn’t want to needlessly worry him anymore than is absolutely necessary. We have written to him, but I don’t even know if he has received the letter yet. I would encourage you to write as well. It would reassure him to hear from you directly.” The Queen said. Rook nodded, then lit up when he realized he now had the chance to write all the things he’d wanted to for years. He was almost giddy at the thought.

The door to the room opened and Vil walked back in, followed by Maren and Selya. When she saw him, Selya clapped her hands in excitement. Even Maren had a smile on her normally stoic face. Rook prepared himself to be fussed over until the nurses were satisfied with his recovery. And fuss over him they did. By the time the pair had finished their examination, Rook was considering going back to bed. He may be healed, but his stamina had suffered due to the inactivity. There should have been more loss to his muscle tone, but he assumed that was something the magic had fixed. Any lingering issues were something easily resolved on his own.

“I still don’t understand, but Selya’s little bottle was right.” Maren said. “You are perfectly healthy. The wound is even gone with hardly a scar. Do you know what spell Lord Malleus used?” Rook paused to consider that question. Really he didn’t. All he knew was that it was something to prevent him from getting pregnant at such an inopportune time. Beyond that, he had no information. 

“Non, I do not know the exact spell. I recall Malleus cast it twice though. When I asked, he said it was for protection. In the context of that situation, I assumed he meant a contraceptive.” The hunter said. He saw understanding dawn in Maren’s eyes, but Selya seemed unsurprised by that. 

“That explains a few things.” The head nurse muttered to herself. “There are several spells that do that, but most aren’t very compatible with male physiology. Perhaps he used…” She trailed off in thought. Behind her, Selya was rapidly flipping through a book that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. The young nurse paused, reading over the page she’d stopped on before handing it to Maren. The older nurse smiled as she read it.

“You have a skill, young one. I believe that is likely the one we are looking for.” Maren took the book and turned it to show Rook, Vil, and Maleficia. Until they saw the page, they hadn’t realized just how old the book was. It had been incredibly well kept. But it was old enough that, out of the three of them, only Maleficia could read the ancient writing. Rook could comprehend very little, while Vil was able to puzzle some of it out only due to having come across some similar things during his potions research. 

“Fascinating.” Maleficia said. Noting the look of confusion on Rook’s face, she explained. “Essentially what the spell does is it prevents anything foreign to the body from taking hold and restores someone to their previous condition. I would guess the reason that Malleus cast it twice was because when he did it the first time, it started working on the poison. Normally it would settle wherever it was cast and wait for an intrusion. But if something has already invaded the body, it redirects there instead.” Rook didn’t even know such a spell existed, and neither did Vil.

“If it can do all that, why is that spell not in use more often?” Vil asked. 

“Like many spells, its effectiveness is dependent upon the caster. Had anyone other than Lord Malleus cast that spell, I doubt Lord Rook would’ve recovered like he has. Not with the amount of damage that had already been done.” Selya answered. “A small intrusion is one thing, but poison spread throughout the entire body is another. Nearly any mage could use the spell to prevent someone from becoming pregnant, but only an extraordinary one could use it to undo that was considered medically irreversible damage.” Vil was satisfied with that explanation, if not a little disappointed by it. Rook, however, had some questions.

“What does that mean for the future? Mon Roi’s magical prowess is nearly unmatched. Will the spell not ever end?” He asked. Maren smiled and looked to Selya to answer that. The young nurse had proven to be very well informed. Thankfully, she also seemed to know what Rook was really asking.

“It has already ended. Both of the castings. Once the task the spell is working on is completed, the magic dissipates. Otherwise, you would likely still be asleep. Don’t worry, Lord Rook. You can still give our future king his heirs.” Selya said with a smile. Rook felt the blush rising on his face. Maleficia tactfully said nothing, but she couldn’t hold back a smile of her own. She was looking forward to great-grandbabies. If he looked at Vil, Rook knew he would say something teasing. So, he kept his eyes elsewhere.

“…Très bien…” 

“I would recommend that you take it easy for the next few days. After that, I think you’ll be fine.” Maren said, steering the conversation forward. Much to Rook’s relief. The hunter was given a list of dos and don’ts and then the nurses left the room, followed shortly by the Queen. She had rushed away in the middle of a meeting and needed to return now that she knew Rook was alright. Vil stayed behind with Rook. 

Things were quiet for a moment, before Vil walked over to the dressing table Rook had been seated at earlier. The actor picked up Rook’s hairbrush and motioned for him to sit and face the mirror. With a smile, the hunter complied. Vil carefully brushed out Rook’s long hair before he started braiding it. It reminded him of when Rook had transferred to Pomefiore. Everyone had said that he’d have his hands full getting Rook looking presentable. They had been right about having his hands full, but it hadn’t been hard to get the hunter cleaned up.

“I’ve always liked your hair longer.” Vil said absently. Rook smiled even brighter as his best friend worked on his hair. “It’s always looked good on you. You’ve taken excellent care of it, too.”

“Merci, Roi du Poison.” Vil paused at the use of that familiar nickname. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it, but it didn’t bother him as much as it had before. However, Rook wasn’t done. “For everything. I have always counted myself the luckiest of men to have known you, but to have you stay at my side during this trial has meant so much to me. And to Malleus as well. Merci, Vil.” Making eye contact in the mirror, Vil realized that Rook’s eyes had filled with happy tears. 

“You chased me across Twisted Wonderland to a top secret base under the ocean. And to the spectral realm at one point. The very least I could do in return was be there for you and Malleus.” Vil pointed out. 

“Touché, mon ami.” Rook said with a laugh. Vil continued to help Rook put himself back together. It was strange to see himself in the mirror now. It’s not the same view he’d had for the last three months. Rook almost felt like he was dreaming and, if he was, what a wonderful dream! However, this wasn’t a dream. Not for the first time, and quite likely not the last either, the hunter found him in awe of his situation. He was married to Malleus, the love of his life. And now, they would get to have a life together. The possibilities were endless and Rook felt that familiar thrill of excitement at the prospect. 

“So, now that you are no longer bed bound, what would you like to do?” Vil asked once the hunter was ready for the day. Rook paused to consider. He was spoiled by the choices. He knew that he needed to take it easy, but that’s all he’d been doing for ages! He wanted to get out and do something. Anything really! But before he dove headfirst into that…

“I was informed that I should write to Malleus and let him know I am well. I will do that first.” He said. “After that, I would love to show you some of my favorite places! Mon dieu, I haven’t been able to share my new home with you yet! Tis a pitié Monsieur Magicam is not here. There is so much I wish to share with you both.” As he continued to rattle on, Vil realized he was going to have to try and reign in Rook’s enthusiasm at least a little. That was always a task and a half, but the actor simply didn’t have it in him to be annoyed about it today. Vil would happily take on the challenge because it meant Rook was here for him to be able to reign in. It was worth the effort.

A little while later once Rook’s letter was penned, with more flowery language than perhaps truly necessary, he set out to show Vil the places in the castle he loved. Which honestly was all of it, but there were certain locations he preferred over others. The actor just hoped that Briar Valley was ready for the now unleashed force that was Rook Draconia.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

The fae prince sat carefully reading over the latest letter he had received from Rook. The hunter was certainly in excellent spirits and that set Malleus’ mind at ease. He couldn’t help but laugh at the joy that practically spilled from the pages. Rook had always had a way with words. That was one of the things that Malleus loved about him. He was almost sad that this would be the last letter he got. Of course if he mentioned that, Rook would probably write him more letters… That was an idea. Malleus would be arriving home in the next couple of days. He couldn’t wait to see everyone. Especially his husband. 

In this last letter, Rook had written that he had a “most merveilleuse and incroyable surprise” waiting for his husband when he arrived home. Based on some things said in one of Maleficia’s letters, Malleus guessed that there had been some progress in curing Rook’s condition. He didn’t allow himself to get his hopes up too high. He knew that Rook would probably never get back to where he had been. As sad as that realization had been, Malleus also knew he wouldn’t trade the hunter for anything. He’d willingly give away the kingdom for him.

The urge to hurry back as fast as he possibly could was very strong, but the last stop was a village just half a day’s travel from the castle. He would fulfill his duties there and be home by dinner that same night. For some reason, Malleus didn’t feel quite so anxious about Rook’s ailment anymore. Likely because his letters were so upbeat. Instead of the anxiety he had left with, now he couldn’t quite contain his excitement. 

“Malleus?” Malleus looked up to find Lilia standing in the doorway of his temporary room. The older fae had agreed to come out of his semi-retirement to accompany his prince on this journey. “I have to request an emergency leave, effective immediately.” He held out a slip of paper, which Malleus took and looked over. He was rather confused by what he found there, his expression saying as much.

“The Shaftlands? What calls you there?” He asked. Lilia shook his head with a sad smile.

“A personal matter that I will be happy to share with you once I return.” The general answered. “Do I have your permission?” The prince knew Lilia wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t urgent. He signed the paper and handed it back. Lilia looked relieved.

“Thank you. I will see you back at the castle.” And then he was gone. That’s when Malleus realized that he had all of his belongings already packed and strapped to his back. It really must be serious. Sending a silent wish of good luck in Lilia’s direction, Malleus turned back to Rook’s letter. As he picked up the stack of papers, a smile was already forming on his face. It wouldn’t hurt to read it one more time.

Chapter Text

Rook was nervous. Why was he so nervous? Honestly, he wasn’t really sure. There was no way Malleus wasn’t going to be thrilled that he was healthy again. He might be a little bit miffed that he wasn’t told earlier, but his excitement should overshadow that. The hunter had gone back and forth with whether or not to tell him via letter. Eventually he came to the realization that if he told Malleus, the fae wouldn’t be satisfied until he saw for himself. And he couldn’t stop in the middle of his trip for that. Rook had settled for being as positive as he could in his letters and talking about all the things they’d do once Malleus returned. Maleficia had taken a similar approach in her own letters. They had both dropped hints, but hadn’t said anything specific.

The moment of truth was rapidly approaching. Malleus was due home at any minute, so Maleficia and Rook were waiting for him in the throne room. It was the last little part of the tradition that accompanied the tour of the kingdom. The Queen had surprised Rook that morning with a new set of royal attire especially for the occasion. He needed something appropriate for his station and Maleficia loved spoiling those she loved. Looking everything over, the hunter could tell that Vil had given quite a bit of design input on it all. It was royal but distinctly him as well. Instead of the crown he was technically allowed to wear as the prince’s consort, Maleficia had given him a gorgeous hat. And of course it matched perfectly.

As per tradition, the nobles of the court were also present for the heir apparent’s homecoming that evening. The murmurs that had gone through the throne room when Rook entered right behind the Queen were not surprising. Very few outside of the castle had been made aware that Rook was fully recovered. This was his first public appearance since he and Malleus had married. Most of the nobility that still weren’t happy about the prince marrying a human had comforted themselves that Rook was dying. That consolation had just been taken from them, much to Maleficia’s obvious delight. And with her warning to respect the hunter, and the public display she had made of Xaven, none dared say anything. The weight of many eyes shifted from Rook where they had been trained to the throne room doors as they began to open.

Stepping through the opening doors, Malleus looked up towards the throne and immediately froze in place. His eyes were locked on his husband, who smiled at him brightly. For a moment, the whole room held its breath. Then the prince started running. So focused on getting to the hunter, the fae didn’t even think to teleport there. Rook quickly stepped down from the dais and met Malleus at the base of the steps. He expected to be hugged tightly, to be kissed senseless, but for some reason he hadn’t expected to literally be swept off his feet. Rook giggled as Malleus spun him around, his joy overriding the drilled-in sense of decorum a prince should have. Cupping his husband’s face in his gloved hands, Rook leaned down to kiss Malleus. The prince’s hands tightened their grip on Rook, sending a thrill through the hunter. 

Maleficia waited patiently, sending a sharp glare in the direction of any that dared even murmur amongst themselves. She’d have to be careful once an heir was on the way. What little trust she’d had in the court was long gone now. Once Malleus set Rook back on his feet, the pair turned towards the throne. Malleus bowed slightly to his grandmother, Rook’s hand still gripped in his. He wanted nothing more than to take him and disappear for a while, but he had a duty to complete first. And some news he had to share as well.

“How was your trip, dear? Not too trying, I hope.” The Queen asked, still smiling at them. Malleus shook his head, a matching smile on his own face. This had been the best welcome home he could’ve ever wished for.

“Largely uneventful.” Malleus answered. “The bog to the far southeast has been stirring some, but there have also been more storms than usual. I have recommended they keep close watch and notify us should anything change.” He went on to report a few other things that had caught his eye during his travels. Maleficia noted each one carefully, the court stenographer writing down every word for later reference. While Malleus spoke, she looked over those that had accompanied him and noticed someone was missing from their number. Someone important.

“Excellent. I appreciate your thorough report during what I know was a difficult time for you. However, I am curious about one thing. A member of your party seemed to be missing. Where is General Lilia Vanrouge?” The Queen asked. Rook glanced behind them and saw that she was right. Lilia would have been right behind Malleus, but he was conspicuously absent.

“That was the last thing I intended to tell you about. Three days ago he came to me requesting an emergency leave to go to the Shaftlands. He did not say what his business was, only that it was a personal matter and that he would tell me more when he arrived home. I gave him leave and have not heard from him since.” The prince replied. Maleficia nodded thoughtfully before she dismissed the court. Then she turned to her grandson.

“You too, Malleus. Go on. I’m sure there’s somewhere else you’d rather be right now.” She said with a wink. There was indeed. Without another word to anyone, the prince scooped Rook up into his arms bridal style and disappeared from the throne room in a flash of fairy lights. 

Between one blink and the next, Rook found himself back in their bedroom still held in Malleus’ arms. Before he could say or do much of anything, Malleus all but tossed him onto the bed. Gently, of course. The action caused Rook to start laughing. He knew that Malleus would be eager, but just how eager he was threatened to overwhelm Rook. The hunter was reassured that Malleus wanted him just as much as Rook wanted Malleus. An unreasonable worry, but one he had nonetheless.

“Something amusing, my heart?” Malleus asked. As he spoke, he climbed onto the bed. He moved to straddle the prone hunter, looming over him. For his part, Rook seemed to be incredibly pleased with his current situation. When Malleus leaned down over him, Rook reached up and stroked his cheek. The prince leaned into the touch.

“Oui. You are. There is no need to hurry, mon Roi. We have time.” Rook said with that familiar vulpine smile. Malleus paused to better process those words. He was right. The steadily ticking timer that had been haunting their days was gone now. The prince felt a calmness settle onto him. He could take his time enjoying his husband like he hadn’t been able to before. But first… Rook’s hands slid into the prince’s hair as he leaned down further for a searing kiss. Malleus’ own hands began mapping the plains of Rook’s form through his clothing. It wasn’t enough. He wanted, no needed, to be closer. The hunter couldn’t contain the gasp that left him when a rush of cool air hit his exposed skin. Looking down at himself, he found that Malleus had undressed him magically. Rook was unsurprised to see he had done the same for himself. 

“We may have plenty of time, but I have already been waiting for far too long.” Malleus breathed against Rook’s neck, pulling a moan from him. A few kisses were placed on the tender skin there before fanged teeth bit down slightly. Great Seven, that felt incredible! Rook wanted more. He wanted everything. The next words were whispered right in his ear. “I’ll savor you later. Right now, I’m going to ravish you.” Rook shivered in anticipation, knowing that Malleus would do good on his words. And he couldn’t wait.

How long they spent tangled together, Rook couldn’t say for certain. Well, perhaps he could if he really cared to. But he didn’t care to at all. All he cared for was the feel of his husband on top of him, behind him, next to him, underneath him. Nothing beyond the two of them on the bed together mattered anymore. This was what he’d been dreaming of the entire time Malleus had been gone. He’d loved their first time together, but wished that Malleus hadn’t been so worried about hurting him. That worry was mostly gone now. There were sure to be marks left on both of them this time. Rook was looking forward to seeing them and reliving the moments they were created.

When the heat had abated somewhat, Rook found himself lying against Malleus’ side, his head resting on the prince’s shoulder. Their legs were intertwined under the light blanket thrown over them. Malleus had one arm around the hunter and the other stroking his hand that was resting on his chest. It was going to take some maneuvering to separate from each other. And they wouldn’t have it any other way. The lack of light coming from the edges of the covered window told them that the sun had long since set. Rook was breathing a bit heavily, his vision still slightly blurry and the roaring in his ears had not quite faded yet. But he could hear his husband speaking just fine.

“I’m sorry. I got a little carried away.” Malleus said apologetically.

“Non, non! Do not apologize.” Rook replied with a giggle. “You carried me right along with you. I am recovered from the poison, but my stamina is not what it used to be. Perhaps we should work on that together, oui?” Malleus laughed at that. It sounded like a great idea. Now that the urgency had worn off, the prince’s mind was working once again. He had some questions he needed answers to.

“How did they manage to cure the poison? When I left, I was terrified that I would be called back early because you were about to die.” Malleus said. Now that the danger had passed, he felt that he could voice the fears he’d had. Rook sat up and looked down at his husband. He wanted to see his reaction to what he had to tell him. 

“They didn’t cure the poison, mon amour. You did.” Rook replied. Malleus’ brows drew down in confusion. He didn’t remember doing anything all that special. Well, nothing that would cure Rook. Before he could voice this, the hunter went on. “It seems that the spell that you used ‘for protection’ was what started to remove the poison. Selya told me that it only worked that well because you are such an extraordinaire mage. So, in the end, you saved me. Just as you promised you would.” Something like that was not a solution that had ever entered Malleus’ mind as a possibility. But he was hardly going to complain about it.

“How did they determine that?” He asked next.

“I slept for six days after you left. Vil was with Selya in the infirmary and noticed that the bottle tied to my maladie had started to seal itself. Your grand-mère said she could tell that it was your magic. Once I woke, they confirmed that the wither root was gone. Maren asked what spell you might have cast. All I knew was what you had told me, that it was for protection. They surmised the rest from there.” Rook explained. Malleus pulled Rook towards him and placed a kiss against his sweaty forehead. Then he had an idea of his own.

“We should get cleaned up. Would you like to take a bath together?” Malleus watched as Rook’ eyes lit up at that idea. The prince congratulated himself for a moment before he started to get out of bed.

“Mais oui!” The hunter answered when Malleus held out his hand to him. A flash of magic could be seen and Rook immediately knew that the massive tub in Malleus’ bathroom was filling with perfectly heated water. The fae knew that Rook preferred to add the products he liked himself so he left that alone for now. Once again picking up and carrying his husband bridal style, Malleus headed towards the bathroom. 

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

Still seated on her throne, Maleficia watched the sparkling lights Malleus had left behind thoughtfully. Whatever was Lilia doing in the Shaftlands? Wasn’t that where Vil and Cater were from? She wondered if it had anything to do with why Vil had rushed back home almost a week ago. It didn’t seem likely, but nothing was impossible.

The actor had gotten a call from his father and Maleficia recalled how he had paled at whatever was said. He’d told them that he was very sorry, but he had to go home right away. Of course, both Rook and Maleficia understood and did whatever they could to help Vil get home quickly. They heard from him once after that, letting them know that he had arrived home safely. Since then, he had been rather quiet. Rook couldn’t even find any tabloid stories about what was going on. Whatever happened was big, but had been kept quiet. Had the prince not been due home so soon, Rook was sorely tempted to go to Vil. 

With Malleus’ return, Maleficia knew that Rook would likely not have time to contact his best friend for a little while. Malleus was going to monopolize his attention as much as he could. She didn’t expect to see either one of them herself until the next evening at best. There was nothing wrong with that. The Queen was overjoyed that her grandson wasn’t going to lose the love of his life so soon. The unspoken truth of Rook’s considerably shorter lifespan could be addressed later. For now, they had cause to celebrate.

The Queen finally stood from her throne and left the throne room behind. Something told Maleficia that she would need her curse-breakers on hand. For what, she couldn’t say. But it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared. Sending word that Briar Valley’s best in dealing with curses should come to the castle as soon as they were able, Maleficia retired for the night.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

Vil sat on the couch in his penthouse apartment, staring listlessly at the wall opposite him. It was too quiet. Normally he didn’t mind the quiet, but right now it was a reminder that he was alone. Distantly, the actor wondered if he had committed some crime in a past life. That could potentially explain why these kinds of things kept happening to the people he cared about. How much more could he take before he just shattered completely?

Nearly three weeks ago while he was having afternoon tea with Rook and Maleficia, he had received a call from his father. Eric hadn’t beat around the bush and had told Vil he needed to get home immediately. Cater was in the hospital in an apparent coma. That was all the information he had at the moment. With an apology to his friend and host, Vil rushed back to Maquillaville in the Shaftlands. After high school, the actor had made the fair city his “home base” of sorts. It was where he and Cater stayed when they weren’t on tour, filming, or promoting something.

When Vil had made it back, after letting Rook know he was safely there, he rushed to the hospital Eric had directed him to. He was relieved to find his father in Cater’s room. But he didn’t expect to see such an angry expression on the man’s face. When asked about it, Eric replied that Cater’s manager, a temp while his usual manager was out, had allowed someone unfamiliar backstage at one of the ginger’s shows. It was suspected that this individual was the one that was behind the incident that caused the coma. But authorities were unsure what exactly they had done or even who they were. The manager had been promptly fired, but the damage had already been done. The only good thing was that the general public didn’t know. It was his last show for a while so Cater not being seen wouldn’t be too unusual.

This same manager had failed to reach out to Vil, who was Cater’s emergency contact. Nor had he contacted Lilia, who they discovered was still Cater’s medical and financial POA. That was going to be changed to Vil, but the paperwork hadn’t been completed yet. Eric had also reached out to the fae, but he didn’t arrive for another couple of days. The diminutive war general had profusely apologized, saying he hadn’t received the message until that day. The cell phone coverage was spotty in much of Briar Valley. Vil was surprised he was even here that soon. He knew Lilia had been traveling with Malleus.

Now they were stuck waiting. Lilia floated the idea of taking the ginger back to Briar Valley. Something that Vil had no issues with. But there was a lot of paperwork and red tape to get through first. While that was being dealt with, Eric had ordered Vil back home to get cleaned up and to get as much sleep as he could. Sleeping alone had never been that hard before. There had been many nights where Cater had been gone and Vil slept just fine. This time, it was different. The next morning had been quiet and so had the one after that…and the one after that. He stopped counting at that point. Vil was about to turn something, anything, on just to drown out the silence. Instead, his phone rang.

“Vil, they are wanting to speak to you at the police station.” Adela said before the actor could even say hello. “They believe they know who our mysterious stranger is, and apparently he is claiming to be your friend. They wouldn’t tell me who he is, but I believe you need to get on this quickly.” Vil agreed and hung up. He called for a car as he went to get ready. While on route to the police station, Vil let his father and Lilia know of the new development. 

“Mr. Schoenheit, glad you could make it.” The detective greeted him when he arrived. The actor nodded and followed him to a conference room. “How is Mr. Diamond doing?” 

“No change.” Vil replied with a sigh as he sat down. “My agent said you think you know who did this to him. She also said he is claiming to be a friend of mine. Who is he?” The detective hesitated before he placed a picture on the table between them. Vil felt his blood freeze in his veins when he saw it. A few times growing up, Vil truly felt the dangers of being as well known as he was. One was when Jack had run off a group of kids that had been trying to bully the young actor simply because of a role he’d played. That was when he met the young beastman and made his first real friend. He didn’t count Neige.

Another was when he had a run-in with an obsessive fan. It was before he had started at Night Raven College. He met Jett Sempers at a meet-n-greet event. A few years older than Vil had been, Jett decided that they should be best friends, or more, before he’d even spoken to the actor. That wasn’t too unusual. Normally meeting the celebrity in question, and the ‘script’ they imagined not going like they thought, resolved that for most people. Vil had been polite, but stated that he was only in town for the event and then he would be gone again. Jett hadn’t liked that answer, but what could he do? Vil didn’t expect to see him again. He’d been wrong. 

It started small. Jett would occasionally pop up at events Vil was at. But he rarely did more than say hi. People did event hopping, so that wasn’t all that strange. Once or twice, he invited Vil to get lunch or something like that. The offer was always refused. Then, Vil started seeing Jett in other places he went. A cafe he liked to visit, the gym he used on occasion, or the hotel he was staying at. He also started to get pushier about wanting to get close to Vil. The actor was thankful for the security he had when he was traveling. Jett would often follow him to wherever he went, but never quite crossed over into illegal territory. So, there was nothing that could be done except wait and watch.

Eventually, Jett’s stalking did cross the line. Vil had been sitting in his dressing room when the door opened and Jett barged in. Before the actor could say anything, Jett went on a rant about how he deserved to be by Vil’s side. How no one else was as perfect as he was and only Jett could truly appreciate that. The man cornered Vil against his dressing table, firmly in between him and the door. What he was saying was somewhat similar to things that Rook had said before, the pair having become friends by then. But Rook’s praise was different. Jett’s sounded possessive, while Rook’s was just admiring. It left Vil feeling disgusted and almost as if he needed a thorough shower afterwards.

Vil had never been more thankful for the panic button in his dressing room than he was that day. Security removed Jett and he was banned from the property. There was a massive investigation into how he had gotten in at all. Vil had filed for a restraining order and it was granted. Not that Jett seemed to care. Rook had jokingly offered to hunt him down and kill him if Vil wanted. At least, Vil thought it was a joke. Adela had told him that he had received several more letters from Jett. Vil never saw these. At least once, he had been seen on Sage’s Island. However, the campus was locked up tight and he couldn’t get in. Suspiciously enough, Vil hadn’t seen much of Rook that day. And Jett seemed to decide that getting close to Vil wasn’t worth the effort anymore. He’d basically disappeared after that. Much to the actor’s relief.

That had been years ago. Vil had heard nothing from Jett since high school. He hadn’t come to any events, hadn’t sent any letters that Vil knew of, hadn’t shown up randomly where the actor was. The restraining order had expired and, since he had been absent for most of that time, there was no grounds to have it extended. Vil had hoped he wouldn’t ever have to worry about Jett again. It was one of the things that had worried him about letting the world know about him and Cater. What if they had to deal with another Jett? He never would have guessed that he’d have to deal with the Jett Sempers again.

“Why do you think he had something to do with this?” Vil finally asked. He hated how his voice quivered slightly, but he couldn’t help it. He was resisting the urge to flip the picture over just so he wouldn’t have to see his face anymore.

“There is video of him going backstage and entering the dressing room. He exited barely a minute later. No one else went in until Mr. Diamond did after the show. One of the assistants found him unconscious shortly after that. Thankfully, they made sure to keep everyone else out and preserved the scene. That was very helpful. We are waiting on some tests, so we aren’t sure what he did exactly. His residence is being searched now.” The detective replied. “If I had to guess I would say that when Semepers heard that you and Mr. Diamond were in a relationship that messed up the fantasy he’d been holding onto. So he had to correct that. What I don’t understand is why he ever stopped trying to get close to you,” Vil chuckled at that. 

“I have a guess.” He said. “My best friend likely ‘encouraged’ him to leave. But I don’t know anything for certain.” The detective nodded, but his expression gave away little as to what he was really thinking.

“He said that he was threatened to stay away from ‘the love of his life’.” Vil grimaced in disgust at that. “Who is this friend of yours?”

“Why? Are you going to try to bring charges against the Royal Consort to the Crown Prince of Briar Valley? For something you can’t prove even happened years before?” Vil countered sarcastically. “Also, ‘threatened’ is a rather provocative word. Do I believe he was told it was in his best interest to stay away from me? Yes, I do. But I believe it is more accurate to say he was warned away. Rook doesn’t threaten people. He explains why they need to make different life choices.” He normally wasn’t one to name-drop, but he also didn’t want this detective getting any clever ideas. However, the man laughed a little before speaking.

“I didn’t have any intentions of charging anyone for something like that. You are right, I can’t prove it happened. I’m just trying to understand how Sempers thinks. He’s got some pretty strong delusions, but he’s not stupid. That makes him potentially very dangerous. I think we’ve found that out the hard way.” They were interrupted by a knock on the door. Vil was unsurprised to see Lilia standing there. Like Vil, he’d been asked about anyone who might want to hurt Cater. Neither of them could think of anyone.

“You have caught him?” The general asked. Suddenly, Vil almost felt sorry for Jett. If Lilia got ahold of him, he might actually disappear for good. He’d never gotten the full story of why Lilia was Cater’s POA, but he knew the two were very close. Closer than Cater was to even his own family. In fact, the entire Pop Music Club still got together when they could despite how busy they all were. 

“We’re still investigating.” The detective said. “But we do have a suspect in custody.” Nodding thoughtfully, Lilia stepped into the room and carefully looked at the picture still laying on the table. 

“He’s my stalker. I thought he was long gone, but…I guess not.” Vil said when Lilia looked towards him. Understanding dawned on the fae’s face and he nodded. Suddenly, everything seemed to make much more sense. This was to get at Vil and Cater was just the unfortunate means to do that.

“Well, in any case, we will be moving Cater to Briar Valley soon.” Lilia announced. “After I explained to her what happened, the Queen has declared that, as someone that has been under my guardianship and of great help to the kingdom, Cater Diamond is under the protection of the Crown of Briar Valley. In light of that, we will be joining you in the investigation.” That was not what the detective had been expecting to hear. He didn’t get the opportunity to say anything before another figure stepped into the room.

“I assume that won’t be a problem, will it?” Maleficia asked, smiling sweetly.

Chapter Text

Vil hadn’t expected to be returning to Briar Valley quite so soon. And he certainly didn’t expect to be bringing along his comatose boyfriend. And yet, here he was. Maleficia had accompanied him and Cater back, leaving Lilia to deal with the investigation on her behalf. She had the utmost faith in his ability. The actor was relieved to be getting as far away as he could from Jett. And that some of the world’s best curse-breakers resided in Briar Valley. Before they had left the Shaftlands, it had been determined that Cater was under a very powerful curse. Maleficia’s hunch had been correct. Beyond that, they knew very little. That clinched the decision to take Cater back to Briar Valley as soon as they could.

Due to the magical nature of the ginger’s affliction, they opted for more traditional means of travel. The Queen didn’t think that using a mirror or teleporting would interfere with the enchantment, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Vil was anxious to get there but he also understood the reason for the delay. Also, one didn’t argue with the Queen of Briar Valley. During the trip, Vil had plenty of time to explain what he believed had happened. If the detective was right and Jett was the one who had done this, there was no telling what spell Cater was under. He had proven himself to be quite unpredictable. Vil dared to hope that there was another miracle out there for him and Cater.

When they finally arrived at the castle, Rook and Malleus were waiting for them. The actor expected a crushing hug from his best friend, but he was a little surprised when Malleus wrapped his arms around them both as well. He probably shouldn’t have been that surprised. Rook had mentioned how much the prince had appreciated Vil’s support during Rook’s convalescence. Eric had stayed with Vil for as long as he could, but eventually had to return to his filming. So Vil found he really needed the comforting presence Rook and Malleus brought.

“Let’s get you settled, Roi du Poison.” While the Queen and the prince went off to see to the things needing their attention, Rook led Vil to what was quickly becoming his permanent room and not just a guest room he borrowed when in town. The actor didn’t linger on unpacking, instead doing the bare minimum so that he could get back to Cater’s side. The ginger had been taken to the infirmary and placed under Maren and Selya’s care. Maleficia had sent word ahead for the curse-breakers to be there when they arrived. They were looking Cater over while Vil was putting away his things.

“Vil, what happened?” Rook asked quietly as Vil silently put things away. That’s when Vil realized that he hadn’t told his best friend the details. Only that Cater was in a coma and they were on their way to Briar Valley with him. He’d been so preoccupied with everything that he hadn’t remembered to get the hunter caught up.

“They think it was Jett.” Vil replied. “I hadn’t heard anything from him since he ran into you, so I guess I assumed he gave up. But Cater and I have made our relationship public. The detective thinks that he did something to Cater to somehow fix his fantasy about us being together? I don’t know and I really don’t care either. I just want Cater to be okay.” Vil didn’t miss how Rook’s eyes darkened at the mention of his stalker. He had never asked what happened when the pair had interacted, mostly because he didn’t want to know. Plausible deniability and all that. Now though, he was curious. 

“What did you say to him that time he came to Sage’s Island? It kept him away from me for years.” Rook giggled at the memory, clearly pleased with whatever it was.

“I never spoke to him directly.” The hunter replied candidly. “I sent him notes that advised him to stay away for his own sécurité. It took a few before he seemed to see reason.” Vil could see the wheels turning in Rook’s mind. Wondering if he had done more, could he have prevented this from happening? The reality was that he couldn't have done anything, but he would always wonder.

“And by sent I assume you mean via arrow?” Vil asked with a smirk. Rook grinned at his friend, eyes narrowing in that familiar vulpine expression.

“Oui! How else?” The actor shook his head at that. That’s about what he’d assumed had happened. Having random arrows shot in your direction with notes saying essentially ‘stay away or else’ would probably run anyone off. Compounded by the fact that Jett apparently never saw who was firing the arrows at him, Vil was surprised he’d had the nerve to go after Cater. Maybe he had been secretly testing the boundaries ever since then. It was a terrifying thought, but Vil would likely never know.

“Do you think they’ll be able to figure out what he did to Cater?” Vil asked quietly. He’d taken a seat on the edge of the bed. He was dying to get back to the ginger’s side, but also scared by what he might find. What if it wasn’t a curse that could be broken? Even though supposedly no such curse officially existed. With his luck, Jett would have found the only one in all of Twisted Wonderland that was impossible to break.

“Monsieur Curiosité will get to the truth, I have no doubt. He cares for Monsieur Magicam and wants to keep him safe and happy.” Rook said. “And the curse-breakers ma Reine had come to the castle are some of the best that there are anywhere.” Vil nodded, but he couldn’t keep the despair he was feeling off of his face. 

“I’m starting to wonder if I’m cursed.” He whispered, but of course Rook heard it. He hurried over and sat next to Vil. The hunter took his friend’s hand in his own and gave it a comforting squeeze.

“Non, non! Do not blame yourself for the misguided actions of others. Don’t forget that consequences are felt by all, not just the one who made the choice.” Rook said. “Let us go and see what news Maren and Selya have for us. Monsieur Magicam has been placed under their care and I cannot think of a safer place for him.” Vil had to agree with that. The nurses had proven more than capable during Rook’s illness and Maren had seemed to take quite a liking to Cater while they had been there. His signature spell had fascinated her. The actor recalled her making the comment that it would be incredibly useful in her line of work. Cater had laughed and answered that he often heard that, no matter who he was talking to.

Vil took a moment to ensure that he was still presentable before they slipped out. Old habits die hard. When they arrived at the infirmary, they found Maren standing protectively next to Cater while the curse-breakers did their work. Her eyes trained on the sleeping figure. No one was going to harm him with her nearby. After what happened with Rook, those close to the royals were still on high alert. Cater was in that category for many of them. Selya was also nearby, taking notes on everything. What little Maren might miss, Selya would be sure to spot. It took a moment before Vil and Rook were noticed standing in the doorway.

“Ah, my lord!” One of the curse-breakers said in greeting. “We believe that we know what is afflicting Master Diamond. It appears to be some variation of an eternal sleep curse. Which one, we have not yet been able to determine. There are unfortunately quite a number of them. If you desire, we try to discover the exact one. Or we can try the most common remedy for these types of curses.” Rook turned to Vil. With Lilia out of the kingdom, the decision fell to Vil as Cater’s significant other.

“What is that remedy?” The actor wanted to know. He had a guess, but wanted to be sure. And if he was right, he was scared that it wouldn’t work.

“For many if not most of the curses that cause an enchanted sleep, true love’s kiss is required to break the spell.” Another replied. That’s exactly what Vil had been afraid of.

“The suspected perpetrator has proven himself to be unpredictable. What are the chances that he has found a variant of the curse where true love’s kiss doesn’t help or even makes it worse?” Vil asked. While that was a genuine concern he had, a part of Vil didn’t believe that he actually was Cater’s true love. He certainly didn’t feel that he deserved to be. He was still the villain after all. Things were starting to look like perhaps Vil could break away from the typecasting that had followed him his whole career, especially after he and Cater made their relationship public, but it hadn’t happened yet. 

“My expert opinion is that the probability is very low. He would have to come up with an entirely new spell instead of adjusting an existing one. That is not an easy thing to accomplish. Many high-level mages only ever develop one such spell in their lifetime, often referred to as their signature spell. However, it is just my opinion. At present, I cannot prove that. If you are willing to give us a day or two, that could become a certainty.” The first curse-breaker said. Several around him nodded their agreement. Rook looked to Maren then. The head nurse nodded once in answer to his silent question.

“Let’s be certain before we proceed.” Rook announced. Vil was almost relieved to have the decision made for him. What if they found true love’s kiss was the solution, but he wasn’t able to wake Cater? What if he kissed Cater and it didn’t wake him? It would probably break him. He would then have undeniable proof that he was really just a villain, incapable of true love. But Cater seemed to believe he was the one for him. Maybe him believing it would be enough? But that was something to worry about when they knew for certain that a kiss was the answer they were looking for.

“…Vil?” When the actor was shaken from his dark thoughts, he realized that Rook had brought him back to his room. He didn’t remember leaving the infirmary. The hunter had seated him back on the edge of his bed once more. Looking up into the concerned eyes of his best friend, Vil took a shuddering breath. 

“Sorry. I was…lost in thought.” He muttered. Rook grabbed the chair from the vanity and spun it to face Vil. He sat down with his hands in his lap and his legs crossed, leaving Vil feeling like he was talking to a therapist. Something he was definitely going to need to do after this was all over.

“So I could see, mon ami. Care to share?” The hunter asked gently. The actor hesitated. Did he want to talk about it? Not really, but Vil had a sneaking suspicion that Rook knew what he’d been thinking about already. It felt like he was leading his friend to talk through it. He had done the same many times before. 

“If this is what they think, and true love’s kiss is what breaks the curse, what if I’m not the one who can break it? Would I have to search all of Twisted Wonderland until I found the one who could? I don’t think I could watch someone else kiss him, but I don’t want to leave Cater like this either.” Vil said. He looked up to find Rook watching him with something very close to exasperation. He hadn’t expected that sort of reaction.

“You still doubt him?” The hunter asked.

“What?! No!” Vil answered. That hadn’t been what he meant at all. Some of the longest running arguments Vil and Rook ever had were in regards to Cater and if he really loved the actor. “I don’t have any doubts that Cater loves me with his whole heart. Sometimes I think he believes I’m perfect, but—”

“So you do not love him then?” Rook cut in.

“I do love him!” Vil was starting to get angry. Probably part of Rook’s goal, but he couldn’t help it. “But what if it isn’t true love.” Even as the words left his mouth, Vil cringed internally. Some part of him was scoffing at how ridiculous that had sounded.

“If two people love each other sincèrement, how could it not be true?” Rook countered, echoing what that internal voice was saying. “Vil, I know you have long struggled with the picture you carry of yourself in your heart. But you know better than most that we are our own worst and harshest critiques. It is never easy to shake that long-held, but inaccurate image. Cater is not blind to your flaws, rather he chooses to focus only on your strengths. He’s never believed you were perfect. But he does know that you are perfect for him. Never doubt that.” For all his flowery words and exuberant expressions, Rook was unfailingly honest. He was also incredibly observant. Vil knew this better than anyone.

“You’re right. You usually are.” The hunter smiled in satisfaction. “Once the curse-breakers get back to us, as long as it is safe to do so, I’ll wake Cater up. I will also try not to worry that it won’t work.” It wasn’t going to be easy. He still didn’t think he deserved Cater and thought that perhaps this was the universe correcting its mistake. But for Cater’s sake, he would try to be more positive.

“Rest assured, Roi du Poison, le Chasseur d'Amour knows true love when he sees it.” Rook assured, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. Vil gave him an incredulous look.

“Is that why you thought Malleus hated you all through high school?” He snarked with an evil smile. Rook froze for a second as he processed that, but recovered quickly. 

“It is easier to see the truth when on the outside. That is why we have family and friends. You told me I was wrong when I couldn't see clearly. Allow me to do the same for you.” Vil nodded, his smile softening. He hadn’t really wanted to talk about what he’d been thinking, but he had needed to. Deep down, the actor was still worried that he wouldn’t be able to wake Cater from his cursed sleep, but it was a little easier to silence those fears.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

It was nearly a week before the curse-breakers came back to Vil with their findings. They now could say without a doubt that the curse on Cater could be broken by true love’s kiss. They still weren’t sure which one had been used, but in the end they felt it wasn’t worth chasing down. They knew the remedy and that’s what mattered most. During that time, Lilia had also returned with what they believed had been the source of the curse. After an examination, the curse-breakers agreed that it had been the means of delivery for the curse.

Jett Sempers had been interviewed repeatedly, but never would answer direct questions. However, Lilia and the detectives found that he would ramble on to fill the silence. So they let him do exactly that. Eventually he slipped up and said something that caught their attention. He mentioned an energy drink and not knowing where it came from. He also denied even being in the dressing room at all. Among the items gathered by investigators had been a half empty energy drink, partially spilled on the floor. The only place they found Jett’s prints had been on the can, underneath Cater’s. If he hadn’t been there, how did he know about it? And why were his fingerprints on the can?

After being confronted with all that evidence, he cracked and spilled everything. Jett admitted convincing the manager to let him in and leaving the tainted can in Cater’s dressing room. But he claimed that he had done it to save Vil from a doomed relationship. The curse was designed to keep the victim in an eternal slumber until their true love woke them. Since he believed there was no way that Cater could possibly be Vil’s true love, he was sure with the effects of the curse the ginger was as good as dead. By the end of his confession, it was clear that Jett had intended to kill Cater and was charged accordingly.

Jett’s declaration that there was no way Cater was good enough for Vil made the actor angry and indignant. If anything, Vil believed that Cater was too good for him. Instead of feeding the insecurity he had over whether or not he could wake Cater, it just made him more determined. By the time the curse-breakers gave them the go ahead, Vil was more than ready. Or so he had thought. When the moment truly arrived and they were all gathered in the infirmary, Vil was shaking with anxiety. 

“We’re ready.” Maren said. As soon as Cater woke, he would need to be examined to make sure that he was alright. But to make things easier for Vil, they would wait just outside. Maleficia, Malleus, Lilia, and Rook were also outside. The head nurse left the room and pulled the door to, leaving it unlatched just in case. Vil made his way to the side of Cater’s bed and sat down. He looked at the sleeping figure. Seven, he was beautiful. But Vil thought he was at his most beautiful when he was singing. There was a shine to him as he shared the music that had come from his heart. He was dying to hear his voice again.

“Come back to me, please. I need you.” Vil whispered as he leaned down for a kiss. It was brief, the gentlest press of his lips to Cater’s before Vil pulled away. At first, it seemed his worst fears were realized when the ginger didn’t stir. Just as the actor was about to break down into tears, Cater took a deep breath and those stunning emerald eyes opened at last.

“…Vil? What happened? Where are we?” Cater’s voice was scratchy, but Vil thought it was a beautiful sound. It was one he hadn’t been sure he’d ever hear again. But Jett was wrong. Cater was his true love. He should have never doubted it.

“A lot. We’ll have to get you checked out first, but I’ll explain everything. I promise.” After that, it was a blur of people in and out of the room. The nurses came first, ensuring that Cater suffered no lasting damage from the curse. Then curse-breakers arrived, confirming that all the traces of it were completely gone. Finally, the royals entered the room to congratulate Cater on his return. After that, Vil did as he’d promised and explained what had happened. The ginger had been confused as to why he had woken up in Briar Valley when the last he recalled he’d been in the Shaftlands.

“So, a stalker you had years ago found me and, because he thinks you and him are a thing, cursed me to…what? Get you to ‘take him back’ or something?” Cater asked. He had been released from the infirmary and moved to Vil’s room. That was where he normally stayed when in Briar Valley anyway.

“More or less.” Vil replied. “I doubt much of what he thinks or believes is based in reality. But they caught him, and Lilia said he gave a full confession. Plus, I proved him wrong.” Cater laughed at that. He wasn’t unaware of the secret worries that Vil carried. He had done what he could to show his boyfriend the truth, but in the end Vil had to be the one to see it. The undeniable proof he had now had gone a long way in easing that particular insecurity.

“He did.” Lilia said cheerfully. “A peck on the lips and you were good to go!”

“I always knew you were my hero.” Cater said. Vil preened under the praise. He refrained from mentioning that it was only because of their relationship that he needed a hero. Had they never gotten together, Jett wouldn’t have targeted the ginger. But he wouldn’t trade Cater for the world. Nothing was worth more to Vil than the man next to him.

“Now, if you are all quite done taking years off of my life, Malleus do you have something you wanted to ask Vil and Cater?” Maleficia said as the conversation had started to wind down. The prince gave his grandmother a look. For once, Rook looked lost. Whatever the fae were discussing, he wasn’t in on the secret.

“I wasn’t going to do it now, but I suppose I can.” Malleus said before he turned to address the others. “You two have been more than helpful while Rook was ill. I’ve been reminded many times how short life can be, especially for humans. I feel it is necessary for this to happen. It would certainly silence some of the discord in the court. We haven’t yet had a proper wedding.” There was a sharp gasp from the hunter. The fae prince turned to his husband and took his hand. Rook was staring at Malleus as if he had hung the stars, tears beginning to well up in his eyes. He’d been so distracted by everything that happened that he hadn’t even considered having a wedding. But he had secretly been a little disappointed that they hadn’t been able to have one. Malleus then turned back to their friends.

“Vil, you are Rook’s best friend. You’ve stood by his side through so much, and we would love for you to do it again. Cater, you and I have not been friends for nearly as long, but you have become someone that I know I can rely on. I would be honored if you would stand with me at our wedding.” Lilia smiled. Many would probably assume that Malleus would have chosen him as his best man. The old general however was pleased that the prince had friends outside of his retainers. It was good for him.

“Of course!” Vil said immediately. He turned to Cater to get his response, fully expecting the one that he received. The ginger nodded enthusiastically, a wide grin on his face. 

“Are you serious?! Yeah!” He said. “I love weddings! Do you guys have any idea when?” Rook looked to Malleus for an answer. Malleus shook his head with a laugh. 

“Not yet. I did not want to set a date that you two couldn't make due to scheduling conflicts. Since we were already thinking about a more subdued ceremony, I doubt it would take long to have everything arranged. I was also hoping you would be open to helping us plan everything.” He replied.

“Mais oui!” Rook agreed. He was giddy with excitement. “Take some time away from your busy lives and stay with us for a while. I very much doubt that you wish to return home right away.” Vil thought about the fact that, though locked up, Jett was in the Shaftlands. He was in no hurry to go back soon. Cater had just finished his latest tour and was slated to take some time away already. He’d been planning to try and convince Vil to relax with him. So this was the perfect opportunity.

“I could use a vacation.” Vil said. “Adele has already cancelled all my engagements for a while. I’ll let her know we are going to take some extra time away. I feel like we’ve earned it. I assume you don’t have any problem with that?” The actor looked to Cater and found him grinning from ear to ear.

“I was going to try to get you to chill with me while I was off anyway. So this works out great!” He replied. “Planning a wedding sounds like a blast! Did you guys have anything in particular in mind?” After that they bounced ideas around for a while. Talking of flowers, music, decor, and many other things that made up the average wedding. Vil was looking forward to helping with the pair’s attire. Meanwhile Cater was already coming up with suggestions for songs. The venue was the easy part. It would of course be held in the castle ballroom. Eventually, Cater thought of something.

“Since you never got to have a wedding before, you know what else you didn’t get to have?” He asked. When Malleus and Rook both shook their heads, Cater’s grin turned into an evil smirk. “A honeymoon.”

Chapter Text

Life had finally begun to settle down for the royal family of Briar Valley, much to everyone’s relief. Rook and Malleus were at long last able to have their wedding. They had been content with the small ceremony they’d had to make things official, but being able to show everyone their devotion to each other had been amazing in Rook’s opinion. Malleus, meanwhile, was intent on making a statement once and for all that Rook was his mate. Vil and Cater were overwhelmingly happy for their friends, and it was visible on their faces during the ceremony. The actor took mental notes of the things Cater seemed to like best. Just in case. He had a feeling he might need some of that information soon enough.

The wedding itself had been a rather quiet affair…as much as a royal wedding could be, that is. And it had been exactly what they had been wanting. Afterwards Malleus had swept Rook away for that long awaited honeymoon Cater had mentioned. Rook had been positively glowing when they came back, gushing about all the fantastic places they had been and the wonders they had seen. Instead of spending all their time in one location, Malleus and Rook went to several different places. They spent several days in each place, long enough to properly enjoy it, before moving on to the next location. Malleus too had enjoyed getting to see so much of Twisted Wonderland. He knew his opportunities to travel would be limited in the future.

Once they had returned from their honeymoon, Maleficia slowly began to transition Malleus into more of an active role in the leading of the kingdom. She wasn’t going to simply step down and leave him to it, but she was looking forward to retirement. The Queen hoped to smoothly transition from her reign to Malleus’. More often than not, the prince was the one presiding over court proceedings in his grandmother’s stead. Many of those times, Rook joined his husband in court. Malleus suspected that he did this as a way of telling the nobility that he wasn’t going anywhere. They were just going to have to get used to him being there. The general populace loved the exuberant hunter and therefore was putting pressure on the nobles. And with what happened with Kenrient, they were scared to do anything that would bring them to Maleficia’s attention. If she wasn’t enough of a threat, Malleus would burn the world down for his husband. And they knew it.

Vil and Cater were frequent guests at Briar Valley when they had the time. After spending quite some time helping Rook and Malleus prepare for the wedding, Vil and Cater took a vacation of their own after it was all said and done. While on that much-needed vacation, the actor found his Magicam feed exploding out of nowhere. It had somehow been leaked that Vil had woken Cater from an eternal sleep with true love’s kiss. Because of this, Vil had received a couple offers for lead roles in upcoming films. He would finally be given the chance to prove that he could play the hero. Cater had been thrilled for his boyfriend, as had Rook. They knew what this meant to Vil. He had tried for so long to break the typecasting that had been plaguing him and it was looking like that would finally happen.

Things had started to fall into a routine for the prince and his consort. Every morning, Malleus and Rook woke and prepared for the day together. Some days took longer than others for them to leave the privacy of their rooms. Then they would join Maleficia for breakfast in the dining hall. Breakfast was usually a rather relaxed affair, the three of them discussing their plans for the day or just general chatter. During the times that Vil and Cater were in town, they joined the royals at breakfast as well. After they finished eating, they would all split off into their tasks and the day would officially start. Rook often took Vil and Cater to see various places in Briar Valley that he had found. Sometimes, Malleus would join them on these excursions, too. 

However, this morning was different. As soon as he woke up that day, Rook kind of wished he could just go back to sleep for the rest of the day. He felt incredibly tired, almost as if he hadn’t slept at all. It had been happening most mornings for almost a week. And sometimes he was queasy when he woke up as well. Some days were better than others, but that morning was particularly rough. Malleus noticed his husband’s distress and recommended that he go to see the nurses. Since whatever this was seemed to be escalating instead of getting better, Rook decided to do just that. So, there he sat in one of the exam rooms, waiting for an answer to what was going on. Meanwhile, Maren was across the room, carefully looking over the results of the tests they had done. 

“Besides the fatigue and nausea, do you have any other symptoms? Anything else that changed recently?” The head nurse asked. Rook thought for a moment before he answered. She didn’t seem overly worried and that helped him from indulging in the paranoia that was left over from his poisoning. 

“Oui. At first, I thought that perhaps I was coming down with a cold. I have had a headache quite often and my nose has been stopped up some. My appetite has also changed. Foods that I have never had a problem with before have started to bother me now.” Rook replied. Maren hummed thoughtfully and checked a couple of other things before she turned around to face him. He knew right away it wasn’t bad news.

“Congratulations, Lord Rook. It seems the heir is on the way.” She said with a smile. Rook’s brain screeched to a halt when he heard that. However, the nurse just went on. “It is still very early, but that’s good. Birthing dragon fae is different in several ways. Dragons are not born so much as they are hatched. But we don’t know how your human blood will affect the pregnancy. That is something we’ll have to watch closely as you progress. I’ll make sure we are ready for either scenario. Later today, I’ll bring you some vitamins and supplements I believe you will need to start taking. But for now, I believe you have someone you need to share this wonderful news with.” By the time she finished speaking, Rook had recovered from the shock. 

“Oui! Merci, Maren!” And then he was up and out the door. The head nurse chuckled as she put things away. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think that Rook would actually be able to carry a child when she had first met him. Dying of an unknown poison and slowly withering away, she had been sure he would be in their history books as the prince’s tragically passed on first husband. A mere paragraph of text would be all that remained of their love story. Maren had never been so happy to be wrong.

Rook did his best to not flat out sprint through the castle halls, but it was hard. He wanted to tell Malleus as soon as possible. He knew that the prince had court that day, so he would have to find a way to tell him discreetly. Rook didn’t want the whole kingdom to know quite yet. He had a list of people he wanted to tell before everyone else found out. Just as he was arriving, Malleus was dismissing the court for the day. It had been an incredibly short session then. It truly was his lucky day. Thank the Seven! Rook knew he couldn’t have waited too long. It was hard enough to contain his excitement as it was.

“My heart? What has you in such a hurry?” Malleus asked when he saw his husband approaching quickly. Rook didn’t reply right away and instead pulled the prince into a private room off of the assembly hall so that they could talk without being overheard. Malleus was starting to get concerned. The last he had seen of the hunter that morning, he was on the way to the infirmary because he hadn’t felt well. The prince was beginning to fear the worst. “Are you alright?”

“Oui, mon Roi, I am merveilleux!” Rook said, smiling brightly. He took Malleus’ hands in his own and made sure he had the fae’s full attention. “I went to see Maren. She has informed me that the heir is on the way. Malleus, I am pregnant.” Much like Rook’s had previously, Malleus’ mind didn’t immediately process what he had been told. When it finally did, he too found a wide smile on his face. He couldn’t help the joyful laugh that bubbled up and he reached out to cup Rook’s face. As he placed a kiss on his forehead, Malleus mused on how things had turned out. Who knew this would be his life one day? He certainly hadn’t predicted this. Despite all the trials they had gone through, since it had brought them here, Malleus didn’t regret a single moment of it.

“I expected to have to try harder. It is not always easy for dragon fae to reproduce with others, especially humans.” He said. “But I could not be happier! You don’t know if it’s a boy or girl yet, do you? It’s too soon.” Rook shook his head with a laugh. 

“Non, mon amour, it is too soon. Maren said it is still very early.” He replied. Malleus’ reaction was everything he had hoped for. This was what he had been missing for so long. He had a husband that loved him dearly, a place where he knew he belonged, and now he was getting to start a family all his own. The sense that all was right in the world settled on Rook’s shoulders.

“Grandmother is going to be thrilled! How do you want to tell her?” Rook considered that for a moment. While people always thought he was one for big displays, in reality he preferred to keep things more low key. Especially with this kind of news. He was one for the simple things in life more often than not.

“How about we tell her over dinner tonight?” Rook suggested. “I will call my famille to tell them this afternoon. Also, Roi du Poison and Monsieur Magicam are coming for a quick visit the day after tomorrow. We can tell them then.” Malleus readily agreed and pulled Rook in for a nearly crushing hug. He then spun the hunter so that his back was pressed against his chest and naturally found his hands wandering across Rook’s stomach. Rook leaned back into the hold with a contented sigh. Though there were no outward signs yet, the prince could almost see it in his mind’s eye. He was eagerly looking forward to seeing his husband’s rounded stomach, especially knowing he was responsible for it. By no means had it been easy, but they were finally getting that happily ever after.

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

The official announcement had come and gone, along with a grand ball to celebrate. The kingdom had reacted with a flood of gifts and well wishes for the prince and his consort. If anyone noticed the increased security at the ball and around the castle in general, it wasn’t mentioned. But it was well understood. All of Twisted Wonderland now knew that the newest member of the Draconia royal line was on the way and that they would be very well guarded. The nursery had mostly been prepared, it was just lacking a few of the details that would be decided closer to the birth itself. All in all, things seemed to be progressing smoothly.

Like Malleus had been, Maleficia was also surprised that they had been able to conceive with such ease. Barely a year of marriage and already a child on the way? But after all that had happened, she wasn’t going to question the good fortune. Rook and Malleus had been afraid she would alert all of Briar Valley with her excitement when they told her. The Hunt family had also been thrilled by the news, and had even managed for the whole clan to make it to the announcement celebration. Much to Rook’s delight. It was so hard to get them all together in one place these days.

Due to the unknowns that were involved with a half fae birth, especially a dragon fae, Maren had Rook coming in for regular appointments from the start. Malleus was at as many of these as he could be. She and Selya were planning on keeping a very close eye on the Royal Consort every step of the way. One thing that they noticed right away was how fast Rook seemed to be gaining. In what felt like no time at all, his baby bump was readily apparent. But every test and checkup was coming back with positive results. Everything was fine. It was an offhand comment from Rook that ended up solving the mystery.

“Twins?” Selya echoed, eyes wide.

“Oui, I don’t know why I didn’t consider it before, but there have been several sets of twins and even triplets in my family tree.” The hunter confirmed. Now that the thought was out there, he was getting excited about the possibility of two babies instead of just one. He came from a larger family and had wanted that for his own someday. He hadn’t planned on doing it quite this fast, but if there was one thing he’d learned over the last year or so it was to expect the unexpected.

“Well, that would certainly explain some things.” Maren commented dryly. She was easily able to confirm that Rook had been right. He was in fact carrying twins. The hunter was over the moon at the revelation. And he couldn’t wait to tell Malleus this news as well. After Rook had gone, Maren looked over the results of the various tests they had done and noticed something else.

“Selya, come look at this.” When the young nurse did as asked, Maren pointed to something on the page she had been holding. “Tell me what you think that says.” Selya carefully looked it over and confusion overtook her features. Just to be sure, she read it a couple of more times.

“But…I thought he was…” 

“So did I.” Maren said. “That would make things easier, to be sure. Let’s do a little looking and see what we can find, hm?”

♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚ ♖ ♚

As the months passed, many things started to change. For Rook especially. Walking was becoming quite a chore. Leaving the bed in the morning required a long rest afterwards. Getting dressed by himself was nearly impossible. He was hungry all the time, no matter how much he ate. But still, Rook’s spirits weren’t even slightly dampened. If anything, he was even more excitable. Going from believing he would die young to being able to start a family with his very own Prince Charming had been a whirlwind of emotions and intrigue. But Rook couldn’t fault the results. 

The only thing he was somewhat miffed about was that Malleus now refused to let him go anywhere without a full escort. And since he couldn’t move as fast as he used to, he wasn’t able to ditch said escort. At one point when he was nearing the end of his pregnancy, the prince had also requested that his husband not leave the castle grounds until after the children were born. As much as he wanted to argue, the hunter didn’t have the energy and he understood the reason why. He hated to admit it, but he was more vulnerable at the moment. Despite being willing to take risks on his own, putting his unborn children at risk was unacceptable.

But that just meant he was bored. Rook hated being bored with every fiber of his being. There was so much to do, so much to see out there, and he was limited in what he could partake in. To counter this, he was steadily reading through the entire royal library. But what he really wished was that he could be more active. Something that was becoming a considerable challenge with his progressing condition. Rook had to settle for walks in the rose garden. His guards would keep watch at the entrance and leave him in peace. Malleus often found him here, basking in the warmth of the sunshine. 

The prince found that he had been correct when he thought he’d love the sight of Rook’s baby bump. Malleus had never needed an excuse to get his hands on his husband, but he wouldn’t reject one either. Rook would often find Malleus’ arms snaking around his midsection and rubbing his stomach. Thankfully he loved it just as much as Malleus did and would lean into the embrace every time. Sometimes Rook would feel the cool touch of a spell dancing across his heated skin. Dragons may share some similarities with reptiles, such as lower body temperatures, but Rook felt like he was attached to a heater these days. Malleus, of course, saw that and did what he could to help.

Maren and Selya keep a close eye on Rook’s progress, watching for anything that might be cause for concern. But everything was clear so far. In fact, Rook seemed to be handling the pregnancy better than they had expected him to. The head nurse had an inkling as to why, but she was still checking into a few things. Soon enough, she had the answer she had been searching for and called Rook and Malleus into her office to tell them what she had found.

“Is everything okay, Maren?” Malleus asked. He stood protectively behind Rook, who was seated on a comfortable chair in Maren’s office. The head nurse nodded with a smile.

“Everything is perfectly fine.” She assured them. “In fact, I expect far fewer complications than I originally estimated. Lord Rook, I noticed something in your blood that didn’t quite make sense to me. So, I did a little investigating. Did you know that one of your ancestors was a fae? A fox fae, to be specific.” 

“Non, I did not.” He answered, stunned by this information. “What does that mean?” 

“It means that we aren’t dealing with a half-fae, half-human birth anymore. The fae blood you have is waking up. Ours are not normal bloodlines. If you have the blood of a fae in your family anywhere, there is always a chance that it will fully awaken, as it seems to be doing with you. Which is why the royal line is a hundred percent fae, despite the fact that there is other blood in there.” She explained. “If I were to guess, I would say that you will not really be human anymore by the time the twins get here. That should make the birth easier as well. And, should you need the records, I can prove that Lord Rook is fae. That should finally silence those pesky nobles who have been against you.”

“I have fae blood?” Rook repeated. “And it is waking up. I…had noticed something was changing, but I had assumed it was pregnancy related.” He didn’t know quite how to feel about the news he had just received. Maren was making it sound like a good thing, but he had only ever been human. This was something completely new and, he’d thought, impossible.

“So, if he is becoming fae, will that extend his lifetime?” Malleus asked. The prospect of getting to rub this new information in the faces of the nobility was secondary to the prince’s fear of losing Rook. Humans didn’t live as long as fae. Objectively he knew that, and had also come very close to experiencing it. But he had been holding out a secret hope that there was a way around that. It seemed like he may get his wish after all.

“I would guess that it is quite likely, yes. But only time will tell for certain.” The head nurse answered. “Congratulations once again. I believe it would be safe to say that dreams can come true.” The royals couldn’t help the happy laughter that followed her words.

After this newest revelation, the changes in Rook were becoming more apparent. Especially now that Malleus was looking for them. The hunter’s eyes were shifting. Their color didn’t really change, but they gained a depth to them that was mesmerizing. Rook realized that it would be easy for him to talk someone into things. He knew he would have to be careful not to. He was developing fangs as well. Small ones, but fangs nonetheless. And his ears were coming to a slight point. The prince had always thought that Rook had a fox-like grace and charm, but now he knew why. And it was becoming more magnified. It fascinated him.

In what felt like forever, and far too soon all at once, Rook went into labor. Only those Maren absolutely trusted were allowed anywhere near the delivery room. The kingdom waited with baited breath for the news. The day they had long awaited had finally arrived. No one was more anxious than Malleus was. He paced outside the delivery room door, waiting to hear something. At one point he froze mid step and listened intently. He thought he heard something. A small cry. Then a minute or two later, there was another, quieter cry coming from within. Soon after, the door to the room opened and Selya ushered him inside with a wide grin.

On the bed lay Rook, looking exhausted but smiling brightly anyway. In his arms were two small bundles, wrapped securely in blankets. Malleus approached in near silence and got his first look at his sons. He saw two healthy babies, sleeping soundly. They had small knobs on their foreheads, the beginnings of horns like his own, and small dragon tails tucked into their blankets. Their tiny ears were pointed and there was a small scattering of scales on their foreheads in between the horns. But he was pleasantly surprised to see that both had a shock of almost white blond hair on their heads. Just like Rook’s.

“They have the most beauté green eyes, mon amour.” Rook said quietly, looking tenderly at the small bundles he held. “Just like yours.” He looked up and the prince could see the tears forming in his eyes. Malleus leaned down and gave Rook a kiss, basking in the wonderful feeling of having a family all his own. One he made with the man he loved. He had three miracles now and he planned to cherish them.

“You are amazing, my heart.” He whispered. “Rest now. You deserve it.” It didn’t take long for the hunter to be sound asleep. Maren and Selya kept everyone away until they released Rook and the babies to their rooms. Maleficia came and cooed over her great-grandsons, but didn’t intrude on the young family’s time together. Rook’s family came as well, his mother helping him with the first few days postpartum. It was an adjustment for the couple, but one they were happy to be able to make. 

Then there were the official things that had to be taken care of. The older twin was normally in direct line to the throne, but Malleus didn’t want the younger one to be left out or to resent his brother. They decided that they both would be eligible to take the throne when the time came. Another one of those official things that had to happen was the new princes’ presentation at court and to the kingdom. It had been so long since there had been a new addition to the royal family and the kingdom could hardly wait to meet them.

Eventually, the day came. Maleficia was the one presiding over the court that day. All the better to introduce the newest members of the royal family of Briar Valley. After the couple was settled, she would step down and Malleus would be king. Then she could enjoy her time with her great-grandsons. She beamed with pride as Malleus and Rook stepped out, dressed in their royal finery and each holding the baby princes in their arms. The royal tailor had even made outfits to match them for the babies.

“May I present the heirs to the royal line of Briar Valley, the sons of Prince Malleus Draconia and the Royal Consort, Lord Rook Draconia, Prince Maldwyn Draconia and Prince Melchior Draconia!”

Chapter Text

• Disclaimer: I do not speak French, however I do have a basic understanding of it. If anything is wrong, I’m a little rusty.
• This fic was inspired by some very well done artwork by just-themys-fanarts that I saw on tumblr of Rook and Malleus and some adorable little half-fae babies. I liked it so much that I eventually decided to write this. Didn’t think it would get as big and involved as it did though.
• I did take some creative license with the courting rules for the fae royalty since we don’t know much, if anything, about it.
• I also took some liberties with how Malificia acts in general. She is a queen and has been for some time, so she likely acts very regal. She is also a mother who has lost her daughter, and is still trying to be a grandmother to that daughter’s child. Because of this, I made her somewhat aloof. The kind to hide what she really feels because she has had to for so long that it’s now second nature.
• I struggled so hard with a name for the courting event because I kept wanting to call it the selection. But I didn’t want to imply any connection to the series with the same name. (I have never read the series.) In the end, I went with something over-the-top because that seemed like something Maleficia would do.
• It was deliberately vague about how many candidates there were, mostly because I didn’t want to get bogged down with a bunch of original characters. Also, only a few were actually going to be important to the story.
• Since I normally use emeralds to describe Cater’s eyes, I didn’t want to use the same for Rook. Instead I picked the tsavorite. It is one of the rarest green gemstones. And it is usually more vivid than an emerald. It seemed fitting. And I thought the arrow and vine rings were perfect simpler rings for them.
• There was originally going to be one or two more assassination attempts, but it just didn't work out that way. Instead, I decided to have Lady Kamaria stew about it a bit before having an explosive reaction to the announcement.
• The plan in the beginning was to have Rook injured before he and Malleus had their heart-to-heart. However, Maleficia thanking Rook for his help created the perfect chance for that instead.
• The Somneel lilies are completely made up. I picked something that sounded, to me at least, like somnia. Somnia is latin for “dream” or “sleep” and where the word insomnia comes from. Since this make-believe poison causes a deep sleep, I felt the name fit. 
• I wasn’t going to name any of the fae nurses but some of them ended up playing a bigger role than I had originally intended. So, they get names.
• The wither root is also something I made up. I feel like the name of that one is pretty obvious.
• Selya’s signature spell evolved so many times. It was originally going to extend an immunity to those she treated. So that once she had cured someone of something, anyone else she treated would become immune. I felt that was a bit much. She changed several times as a character as well. The first version of Selya was someone who had worked for the royal family for ages, as had her family before her. I ended up splitting her into Selya and Maren and I like the way that played out much better. 
• At first, I fiddled with the idea of Rook and Malleus having some kind of necklaces that were linked, so he’d know if something happened. Having Rook temporarily out of his body and Malleus seeing his spirit (and thinking he was dead) was also something I thought about doing. Or having Silver have to go into his dream to get Rook to wake up. Unfortunately, none of those really fit in like I wanted, so those ideas were scrapped.
• It has been indicated in canon that Cater’s relationship with his family isn’t that great. That’s why I went with him having Lilia be his power of attorney. Plus, it helped to further the story.
• The details and descriptions of the stalking were deliberately kept vague. Partially to avoid potential triggers, but also because I didn’t want to traumatize Vil as well. He has enough going on.
• I am aware that the police procedure is probably not accurate. I don’t care. It’s a fantasy world. It can be whatever I want it to be.
• When I first drafted this story in my head, Vil and Cater weren’t yet dating. The curse was caused by Cater’s family instead of a crazed fan. Vil would have seen them bringing an unconscious Cater into the castle while he was visiting Rook. Lilia was going to tell Vil that Cater was essentially his soulmate and that only he could wake him. Then he would be forced to come to terms with how he felt about Cater.
• I debated about having something like what happened in the artwork by just-themys-fanarts happen in the story as well and decided they had been through enough.
• Chapter breaks are rook chess pieces, obviously for Rook, and crowns for Malleus.
• As always, the title image artwork was made with the Dream app. (Note: Dream is no longer functional.)