Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: Don’t own DC or DP

Chapter 1

He tipped his head back, closing his eyes as the wind blew around him. He drew his cape in closer but remained on the wall. It was going to be a cold, early winter this year and that was never good. He opened his eyes and saw one of the guard waiting nearby. “Yes?”

“The King has sent for you, Highness. He is in the study.”

Tim nodded and turned to make his way inside, ignoring the throb in his leg. He had grown used to it over the years, had become good at ignoring the never-ending pain. He’d gotten used to the stares and whispers too since the High Mage had called him back from the brink of Darkness. John had done his best, but the magics of the Infinite Kingdom were so different, much wilder, and Tim knew he was lucky to have been left with as few handicaps as he had been. He was alive, everyone else who had been caught up in that battle was dead.

The one and only battle he had been involved in and he wasn’t even meant to have been there. No one had seen an attack coming so far within Gotham’s borders. He had been on a light patrol, learning the ropes, and the next moment everything had been burning. His leg had never stopped burning. And he knew many disagreed with what Bruce had done, thought that Tim should have been allowed to fall into the Darkness with the others.

But Tim understood, Bruce hadn’t been able to lose another son. And the thought of facing Tim’s enslaved soul on the battlefield…would he have been able to recognise his family? Would he have been aware of anything as he was made to fight them? The pain he lived with was nothing compared to the brief surge of terror he’d felt on that battlefield as the blow had landed, right through his armour. He’d known what it meant. If Bruce and Dick hadn’t rushed to the site and risked so much…

The next months were nothing but blankness in his memory until one day he woke in his own bed, Bruce sitting beside him, holding his hand in his, praying. The utter relief in his father’s eyes when he’d realised Tim was awake and recognised him…it had really driven home to Tim that his adoption had been from love and not duty. His recovery had been long and painful and he would never take to the battlefield again, even riding a horse was painful, but he had adapted.

And seeing him had been what had helped restore Jason’s sanity. Bruce’s two cursed children. Jason had been missing, presumed dead for three years. He had snuck into the castle…right into Tim’s room. Tim still wondered if it had been the magic that drew Jason to his room. He had woken to Jason standing over him, eyes glowing toxic green, and a blade in hand. And now, Jason was his brother, the one person always in his corner…when he was in the city. But the madness was unpredictable, dangerous, and so Jason had exiled himself to one of the border forts, better his madness be turned on the enemy than his own family. But at least they knew he was alive and could visit.

Tim made it to Bruce’s office and knocked before entering, immediately taking in the tense atmosphere. Dick was actually sitting normally in a chair and Damian was beside him, rigid with tension. Barbara sat in her wheelchair in the corner, going through a rather large tome. Steph was pacing by the window but turned to him when he walked in, pushing his chair into place for him. She really was his best friend, they’d both thought there was more once but it had faded. Third son or not, a marriage between them would not have been looked upon fondly by the Kingdom, though Bruce had told Tim privately that he would allow it if Tim truly loved her that way.

He removed his cape and sat in the chair, stretching out his leg before the fire. “What has happened?” he asked, looking between them.

“High Chief Phantom has sent a missive,” Bruce answered, and Tim’s eyes widened in shock, and a little fear.

There had been rumours of a new High Chief…whispers, but there had been no attacks in two years. The new Chief consolidating his power first? This could be very bad for them, at least they knew what to expect from Pariah, but someone new?

He accepted the offered parchment, skimming the words first before settling to read it fully, his heart sinking. This…this was basically a demand for total surrender. This Phantom must be feeling very secure now. The threats were well veiled but they were there, come to the table or else.

To King Bruce of Gotham,

It is my most fervent wish that this message finds you and your family well. Peace has been hard won in the Infinite Kingdom. I hope that Gotham and the kingdoms of Justria have flourished in this time of ceasefire.

I am writing to inform you of the fall of Pariah Dark. The previous High Chief has done many things that our people did not agree with and has met the ultimate punishment for his actions. His decisions have costs us both so much that can never be made right again. For the last two years, our peoples have existed in a form of stalemate, neither at war nor peace. It is my heartfelt wish to heal the wounds that Pariah Dark has left. And I can assure you that I, as the new High Chief, do not intend to repeat the mistakes my predecessor has made.

As High Chief, it is my goal to forge a future without violence, to lay our swords down and create a new era of prosperity and unity. However, this cannot be done alone. I have heard that you are a wise king. Don't you agree, then, that peace would be much better than to continue this useless feud? As our closest neighbour, I believe that peaceful relations should begin with the Kingdom of Gotham. For that reason, I shall be at the border where your northern most fort is located in four days. I hope that we can meet in good faith to discuss the terms for a true peace.

I look forward to meeting you.

With sincerest regards,

Phantom

High Chief of the Infinite Kingdom, Chosen of the Ancients, Child blessed by the Cursed Lands

Tim set the parchment down, trying to marshal his thoughts. “Who will you take?” he asked.

“Tim?”

“Well, you have to go. True peace or not, if you do not go then they can use your absence to restart the war.”

“Tim’s right,” Babara backed him up.

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Bruce didn’t want to listen, but he knew his son and Oracle were right. No matter the true purpose of this meeting, if he didn’t go then the fighting would begin again. Their people had lost so much since Pariah Dark had unleashed his armies and eternal flames, could they survive any more war? The two years had allowed them to begin rebuilding, to shore up their stores and borders…but it wouldn’t be enough.

He would never forget the day Jason had been taken by that traitor, the months of frantic searching only to find his bloodied sword near the border. The years of losing hope only for Jason to be found standing over Tim in his room, eyes filled with madness. Or the sound of Tim’s screams as he writhed on the ground, cursed flames burning away his flesh. If not for Dick’s quick actions that day, they would have lost Tim. He had used the cloak he had been given by Zatanna to smother the flames, slowing them until Bruce could call for John. The Mage had extinguished the flames and dragged Tim back from the brink, saving his body, soul, and mind. It had taken months for Tim to wake and know them, to reach for Bruce, scared and confused. The war had scarred all of his family in some way, but Jason and Tim had borne the brunt of it.

Their northern most fort…Arkham. Did Phantom know the history of that fort? Or was it simply the most convenient? He would need to leave in the morning to ensure he arrived in time and could ensure everything was ready for the High Chief’s arrival. It wouldn’t do to insult him before they could even begin talks.

“One of us should go with you,” Dick commented, and Bruce stiffened.

No, there was no way he would let any of his children be in the same room as those from the Infinite Kingdom, not with the history between them.

“Richard is right Father. You must take one of your heirs with you for appearances sake,” Damian spoke up, gaze seeming haughty to those who didn’t know the boy.

But he knew his son, his youngest. Damian was scared for him to go without one of them at his back should things go wrong. He wished he had known of Damian when he was born, that he could have raised his son rather than his madman of a grandfather. The man had left his mark on Damian and he had struggled so much to find his place among his siblings. He had almost killed Tim until the magic John had worked on him had reflected Damian’s attack. Unlike the majority of his children, the boy had his own magic but it wasn’t always reliable due to the trials he had been put through by Ra’s. Even with tutelage, his magic remained a double-edged sword. It had made it hard for Damian to accept Duke whose magic came to him as easily as breathing.

“It should be me,” Tim stated quietly, and the room exploded with noise, everyone disagreeing with his most studious child.

He didn’t understand how Jack and Janet Drake could have been so blind to his worth. Yes, he took more after Janet in looks and build, but his mind was incredible, an asset. Far more of one than beauty that would fade with time and yet that had been what they had focused on. They had planned to marry him off in a political match to raise their own standing. If Bruce hadn’t intervened who knew where Tim would be now.

“Tim,” he called softly, and his son met his eyes.

“I make the most sense Bruce. As the third son I am far enough down the line of succession should things go wrong that the Kingdom will remain secure. And I am not worth much as a hostage. Should they try to kidnap me, I would only slow them down. It can’t be Dick, as heir he has to remain here, the same with Damian as the sole blood heir not to mention his age. Jason is automatically ruled out as he won’t make it there in time and he isn’t the most diplomatic. Cass is also too far away. Steph isn’t officially adopted and Duke is still too new, plus we don’t know their opinion on his kind of magic.”

He hated that Tim was right.

“Timmy…the journey,” Dick tried.

“I know,” he smiled tightly at his brother. “That’s what I have the potions from the High Mage for.” In other words, he would be drugging himself into near unconsciousness to handle the journey. There would be time for him to recover once they arrived.

“There has to be someone else.”

“If the other Kingdoms were invited, then it could be a meeting of rulers only but without them, one of your heirs must attend,” Babs admitted.

“I’ll be fine,” Tim swore. “I can do this.”

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He couldn’t do it. His bags were packed, his new travelling clothes laid out for the morning. Alfred had not liked being forced to buy clothing already made but there was no time for him to make them, so he had altered the new clothing to ensure it would fit comfortably and suited Tim’s station.

Despite the brave face he’d put on in Bruce’s office…he was terrified. There were so many ways it could go wrong. And if it came to a fight, he was a liability. He’d been training in archery and knife throwing to compensate for his leg but if speed was needed, he would only slow them down.

But if there was any chance for peace, for his family and people to be safe, how could he not chance it? And…if it was real then maybe, just maybe…there was no cure for his condition in any kingdom of Justria but the Infinite Kingdom? Surely the source of his affliction would also hold the cure. But Tim would not bring it up, no, he would not give them more ammunition against his home.

He went to the small chest on his dresser and opened it, checking the bottles within. They were secure and well-padded in readiness for travel. He picked up the first one and drank it before slipping into bed to try and sleep. He hadn’t left Bristol since he was fifteen and normally, he’d be excited at the chance but all he could feel was dread.

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Dick carefully helped Tim down the stairs, his little brother deeply under the effects of the potions. The family had already said their goodbyes in private so Dick led Tim to his horse, well technically she was Dick’s. But Haley was fast and steady, the best choice in the stables for Tim. Yes, he had ridden over the years since his recovery but never for so long or far. The longest ride had been two hours and he’d been in agony afterwards.

“Don’t do anything crazy Timmy. Come home safe,” he pleaded, pressing a kiss to his forehead as Tim hummed softly in answer, his gaze distant.

Dick carefully helped him into the saddle, seeing Tim’s hands grip the reigns once he placed them in his hands. Good, he was aware enough to ride. John had said he would be when he’d provided the potions years ago, but it was good to check. Still, young Bernard would remain at Tim’s side the whole time for his safety. He was a good kid, well trained and loyal. No harm would come to Tim while he breathed.

Bruce pulled him into a brief embrace, Dick clinging on tight. “Look after your siblings.”

“Don’t you dare die, I am too young to be King,” Dick shot back at him. he didn’t want the crown at all.

Tim was really the best choice, he was smart, diplomatic, and great at all the paperwork. But he would never be allowed on the Throne with his wounds, not so long as another heir lived. Hopefully, when the time came, Damian would be ready to rule. He was the next best option and he would have Tim as an advisor, to help smooth over any remaining rough edges.

“Good luck,” Dick murmured, watching Bruce mount his own horse and the party road out from the castle and through the city.

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Bruce gently settled Tim onto the cot, tucking the bedding around him. He hated the effect the potions had on his son, dulling his mind and his awareness of his body. “There we go,” he murmured, brushing his hand through Tim’s hair, smiling at the mess. His son was going to be very upset when he saw it once the potions were out of his system. There would be time to bathe once they had arrived and Tim could deal with it then.

He then settled onto his own camp cot to sleep, the guards standing watch on rotation. Even within their own borders, he had ordered a watch. Wild animals were still a threat and while there was talk of peace, he would not trust it, not yet.

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Tim blinked up at an unfamiliar ceiling, feeling confused for a moment. He pushed himself upright and saw his luggage, right, they were at Fort Arkham for the peace talks. He looked down at his hands, clenching his fists. The potions had worn off. He had vague memories of the journey, Bernard at his side and Bruce looking after him in camp.

Very carefully he moved to stand, swaying a bit but then he moved to the dresser and stared in horror at his reflection. Ugh! He moved to the attached bathing chamber and began to fill the deep tub there. He was glad that the fort had been upgraded with indoor piping, not only did it help heat the fort but it made bathing so much easier. He stripped and then slipped into the hot water to soak away the lingering aches that not even the potion could stop after days on a horse. He took a breath and ducked under to wet his hair thoroughly. He scrubbed it through three times before washing himself as well.

By the time he was dressed for the day it had to be close to midday but that was fine, he had no duties today. If the High Chief’s party was on time, they would arrive the day after tomorrow. Hopefully, they would have everything ready by then.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 2

Danny drew his horse up, looking at the river. Once they crossed it, there would be no going back.

“Scared of a little water?” a teasing voice asked, and he shot a look at his brother.

“Not at all,” He answered. “Just…maybe what it represents.”

“It’s not too late to turn back,” Dan offered, staring towards where the fort was guarding the pass into the Kingdom of Gotham.

Danny had chosen this place in hopes of giving the King a feeling of security since the place was well fortified. It had never fallen during the war after all. He reached up to run a hand through his hair but Dan stopped him.

“I am not redoing your braids again,” he warned, and Danny sighed.

He hated the formality of everything, he missed when he could just be Danny, not High Chief Phantom. He really hoped that King Bruce was the man that rumour said he was. They needed this peace, badly, more importantly they needed the trade routes that it could open.

“You going to go through with it?”

“Of course, why else would we be here?” Danny glanced at his brother who rolled his eyes.

“Not the peace dimwit, the betrothal.”

Oh, that. “When making a treaty you have to add clauses that you’re willing to toss out for the other side. This is my toss out term.”

“I reserve the right to say I told you so when this blows up in your face.” Dan was smirking now, and Danny decided to be the mature one for once, urging his horse forward and into the cold water.

He’d kept their party as small as possible, not wanting to appear threatening, he was asking for peace after all. But he also didn’t want to appear weak or like he was begging. It was a hard balance to reach. He knew Dan had wanted more soldiers with them. But it wasn’t like they couldn’t protect themselves. Pariah Dark’s supporters had been pushed to the far south, they couldn’t reach the border without being spotted by at least five outposts on their way and they would be stopped.

“Halt! Who goes there!” Somone shouted from the fort.

“High Chief Phantom has arrived for the peace talks!” Dan called back grumpily.

Danny whistled softly, chiding his brother. He didn’t blame them for asking after all, they could have been anyone.

The gates opened and he took a deep breath before urging his horse forward again. This was it.

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Tim stood at the window, watching the gates slowly open and then the group rode through. Tim swallowed as he took them all in. He didn’t really remember the attackers from that day, his memory of it was pretty foggy except for the literally soul deep burning pain. They were…alien, all of them so pale and wrapped in mostly white. Their horses were the most normal seeming thing, from a distance at least.

Tim had wanted to be there to greet them but Bruce had denied him. If something was to go wrong, it was better for him to be safely inside. He hated it, but he was also in position to defend Bruce from the widow, a bow and quiver sitting beside him, ready for use. If this was a trick to get inside the fort, they would do their best to make them regret it.

The horses and luggage were taken away and Bruce eventually turned to lead them inside. No trap, not yet anyway. He’d love to get a look in their bags, but that was too risky sadly.

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Danny stared at the man waiting for them at the foot of the stares, King Bruce Wayne of Gotham. He was tall and very solidly built, all muscle from what he could tell. That was a King who could still lead an army from the front. His black hair was threaded with grey, faced lined, but the dark blue eyes were clear and focused.

Danny checked that everyone had dismounted, stable hands nervously coming forward to take the horses. He began to walk towards the King, his people falling into position around him. he took a deep breath, stealing his nerves and then inclined his head to the man clothed entirely in black, other than his golden crown. He was a much more imposing figure than Danny was.

“Greetings, King Bruce. Thank you for agreeing to these talks.”

“Welcome to Fort Arkham, High Chief Phantom. We have arranged rooms for your party and set aside one of the training yards for your use while here.”

“Thank you, your Majesty,” Danny answered. That was better than he’d expected honestly.

They followed the King inside and then servants lead them further into the fort and into their own wing, that was nice.

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Bruce checked on Tim, relieved his son had followed orders and remained inside.

“What do you think?” his son asked as he moved the mirror into position, ready for Barbara.

“The High Chief is not what I expected,” he admitted. “Remain on your guard and do not wander the halls alone.”

“I know.” Tim smiled at him, and Bruce drew him into a hug.

He desperately wanted to send his son home, but it was too late now.

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Bernard checked that Tim was safely locked in his chamber before walking the halls, checking in with others. His rank was an odd one given his friendship with the Prince. He acted more as a bodyguard most of the time, rather than as the low-level guard he was technically by rank. But it let him hear things that most wouldn’t so it came in handy.

No one was happy to have the Infinite Kingdom party in the fort but no one would act on that, not because of the King’s displeasure but because no one wanted to be the one responsible for the war picking up again. Still, the atmosphere was heavy, tense, and he didn’t like it.

What would they demand of their people for any semblance of ‘peace’?

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Tim reached up to adjust the golden circlet he hated wearing but was necessary for such a diplomatic setting. At least he could get away with a pretty simple one, Duke did too. Dick and Damian on the other hand… the look on Dami’s face the first time had been hilarious. He tugged at his tunic and cape, making sure they were sitting properly before beginning the walk to the main hall where a table had been set up for negotiations.

Bernard kept close to his side; he had been assigned to guard the door so he’d be close at hand should Tim need anything. Outside of family, he was the closest friend Tim had. He was glad that Bruce didn’t enforce the rigid class divisions that Duke and Duchess Drake had. Bruce never blinked at them being friends with anyone or going into the city, so long as they were careful.

“How is your pain?” Bernard asked softly as he pulled Tim’s chair out for him.

“It’s fine. You worry too much,” Tim answered, flashing him a smile.

“I have an extra pain tonic on me if you need it, just signal.” Bernard shot him a look as Tim settled into the padded chair and Tim sighed but nodded.

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The rooms they had been given were comfortable, especially considering the fort was a military outpost on the border. And having a training yard to themselves was very useful, it meant they could burn off excess energy and magic without appearing to threaten the locals. Despite the comfortable bed, Danny had spent a lot of the night tossing and turning, too nervous to truly relax.

He'd had to get up early to dress in his formal wear which he hated.

“Can’t I just wear”

“No,” Dan cut in, glaring at him. “You’re meeting and negotiating with a King, Danny. You have to look the part or else they won’t take you seriously.”

Danny sighed but he knew his brother was right. His age didn’t help with that, he knew he was young for a Chief let alone High Chief. But no one else had been willing or able to stop Pariah. Danny had given the other a chance but had been rebuffed, he’d had no choice if he wanted to keep his clan safe.

“Fine,” he grumbled, and Dan smirked.

Danny and his group followed their guide into a large room with a good-sized table set with food for the morning meal. They remained quiet, lost in their own thoughts on the upcoming talks. Danny was worried about a lot of things, thankful that he had managed to leave Vlad behind since he knew the man would do what he could to sabotage them. He wanted the war to continue.

When the meal was done, they were met by the King and led to another room, what appeared to be the main audience chamber of the fort.

Several people were already present, including a young man wearing a golden circlet. One of Wayne’s sons? As they moved closer Danny gasped, the feeling of the foul magics hitting him. He heard his brother growl, the sound of the bells in Desiree’s veil chiming as she shifted.

It took him a second to identify who it was coming from…the Prince. How…how was he alive?!

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Bruce was glad that he was well practiced in keeping his face blank when he was faced with the High Chief’s party. In their own way, they seemed a diverse group but they were all exceedingly pale. At least they had removed most of the armour for the talks this morning. He led them into the hall, seeing Tim already seated at the table as he moved to stand at his own chair. He turned just in time to see the High Chief gasp and one of the women stumble back…all looking at his son. He tensed, hand moving to his sword, would they try to finish what had been done? He had no powerful magic users with him, no one who might stabilise Tim if he was attacked with the same curse.

“Animo fajro,” one of the party murmured, and the High Chief made a hand gesture, silencing them.

Tim was sitting rigid, gripping the table, and Bruce saw that at the door, Bernard was ready to move and defend his Prince. And then the High Chief shocked them all by bowing to Tim.

“To have survived the animo fajro you must be very strong, Prince.”

So, they were shocked to have found someone had survived that cursed attack.

“Thank you, your Majesty.” Tim managed a smile.

“This is my third son, Prince Timothy Drake-Wayne.” Bruce went on to introduce the others with them.

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Dan bowed with his brother, needing no prompting. He recognised the boy, no…young man at the table though he was older now. He could never forget that day or what he had been forced to participate in. If not for Danny…

Dan had ordered the withdrawal when new enemy forces arrived but he had not thought the boy would survive. He had been screaming, writhing in agony as his body burned, the only survivor by then, just a child… he knew the Prince wouldn’t recognise him from that day, he likely remembered little of it beyond the pain. He had worn very different armour in Pariah’s service and his name had only ever been whispered.

To have survived, to be able to sit at the negotiating table and speak eloquently…it should have been impossible. He should have been a mindless husk…or a bodyless soul left to wander and unable to pass on…and yet he acted as if he was completely normal.

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Danny could almost feel the guilt pouring off his brother, he knew Dan had committed atrocities in Pariah’s service but he also knew his brother had had no other choice. And it actually was good that Dan recognised Prince Timothy since usually only the one who cast the cursed flame could stop it. They could offer the cure as part of the negotiations, not that Danny would withhold it either way.

And now they actually had to negotiate. He fought the urge to fidget on the chair which was actually pretty comfortable.

“Despite a lack of fighting, it has come to my attention that technically, we are still at war not just with you, but all of the kingdoms of Justria. While it might have been quicker to do this with all of the Kingdoms at once, it was decided to start with Gotham as we share the largest border. And a lot of what would be in a treaty with you can be copied into treaties with the other Kingdoms. I believe that our people can have peace between them, even if it will not be easy.”

Okay, that wasn’t too bad, was it?

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Dick was relieved when the morning’s audience was over, going into the private wings to see his siblings. Jason’s anger once he heard about what was happening was worrying. If tensions weren’t so high, he would send Dami to him, but he wouldn’t risk his brother on the roads at the moment.

Talking with Bruce and seeing that Tim was in good health last night had helped, but they all knew that they would be locked in negotiations this morning. How safe would they be with the High Chief and his people? He wished he was there to protect his family.

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Tim held himself stiffly as they all stared at him. He hadn’t realised they would know of the curse so easily or he wouldn’t have been so sure about being the heir to attend the meeting. Maybe Duke would have been a better choice after all. He was shocked when the High Chief and the man beside him who bore a very strong resemblance (a family member?) bowed to him in…respect for surviving? And now he had a name for what had happened to him and the soldiers with him - animo fajro. That had to be their language and he wondered what it meant, it didn’t sound evil. Some words in magic, you could just tell they meant nothing good but in this case that didn’t fit.

Seeing the High Chief up close, he looked…young. Far younger than Tim had expected, he would have thought they would be Bruce’s age at least. But no, they appeared to be around the same age as Tim, mid-twenties was pushing it. Though…all of them appeared to have youthful features, perhaps that was a trait of their people? Their clothing looked less strange close up, or perhaps it was the armour that had made them look so different? The material appeared to be mostly types of leather and silk but just different enough to those he knew that he couldn’t be positive in his identification. The High Chief wore a crown braided into his white hair and a heavy looking ring on his right hand. His clothing was mostly white though with touches of green in it. Was the colour to match his eyes? They were green and glowing. All of their eyes seemed to glow to some degree, magic?

Introductions were made and Tim had been right, the man was his brother and the General in command of the army. To have someone like that bow to him was a surprise. Sure, their generals would, but those of a foreign Kingdom? They would usually just salute. So that made the High Chief, his brother/general, and three lower ranked Chiefs. Maybe they should have brought Commander Gordon as well? Minister Elliot was good at his job but his position did not carry a lot of visible weight to it.

“Despite a lack of fighting, it has come to my attention that technically, we are still at war not just with you, but all of the kingdoms of Justria,” the High Chief began, and Tim could hear the subtle threat there. The fighting could easily be restarted should they not go along with what he wanted. Despite his youth, he spoke well, so not an untried ruler?

It was a very valid threat given the depleted status of every Kingdom’s army. If the war began anew, how long could they stand against the magics of the Infinite Kingdom?

“While it might have been quicker to do this with all of the Kingdoms at once, it was decided to start with Gotham as we share the largest border. And a lot of what would be in a treaty with you can be copied into treaties with the other Kingdoms. I believe that our people can have peace between them, even if it will not be easy.”

So, subjugate them first and it would make it easier to take on the rest. Wonderful. Would the others fight if Gotham had already fallen? Sure, it would be all in the name of ‘peace’ but what it came down to was them surrendering to the Infinite Kingdom. Hopefully, the terms wouldn’t be too bad.

“And your terms for peace?” Bruce asked warily.

“Shouldn’t we begin with yours since we are in your Kingdom?” was the reply.

Tim hid a frown, trying to see the trap there. Did they want to see just how much they were willing to give up before pressing for more? Did they want justification for restarting the war? Did he want them to beg?

He glanced at Bruce, seeing the slight frown, but his father simply leant back in his chair as if relaxed.

“I would like for the border to remain where it is. The river and mountain make natural boundaries that seem sensible.” That was a good starting point.

“I see,” The High Chief…Phantom nodded. “And?”

So, he was going to listen to all of their terms before countering with his own rather than go down term by term? Was that good or bad? How were they supposed to know when they had crossed the line? They were powerless here, despite it being their fort. The contingent posted there, even bolstered by the men they had brought, would be little challenge for the soldiers who had come with the High Chief. Next to him, Tim could see his Father balling his fists beneath the table, coming to the same conclusion.

“An exchange of prisoners of war and an ongoing exchange for prisoners caught. If our subjects are arrested in your lands, we want them sent back, and vice versa. We are both better equipped to deal with our own people,” Bruce pointed out the reason why, or at least, the one that would appear acceptable. Surely Phantom would not wish to risk his people to their prisons where their needs may not be met because they were not known.

“I see…” Phantom had tilted his head slightly, watching them. “And what of fugitives who flee across borders?”

“They would be included,” Bruce agreed. “We would wish for the protection of envoys within each other’s lands.”

A nod then, the High Chief silent. Intimidation or simply considering things?

“For future talks, we would like all parties to be unarmed as a show of good faith.”

That got a reaction. General Wraith hissed at Bruce while Chief Ember slammed her fist on the table. Before anything could be said, Phantom held a hand up, silencing them.

“That, we cannot do.”

Tim tensed; Bruce had said future meetings. In this one, they were armed, and Tim’s fingers wrapped around a throwing knife hidden in his belt.

“It is not in threat,” Phantom continued. “To ask us to disarm completely is one of the gravest insults possible. Asking us to come unarmed would be like asking you to come without a limb.”

Tim swallowed, fighting his fear at the very obvious threat. He was handicapped enough, to actually lose a limb. He felt Bruce’s hand rest on his thigh under the table, squeezing gently in an effort to give comfort. They hadn’t known! Would they retaliate for the insult?

Tim could see the way Bernard and the guard with him had tensed, hands drifting towards their weapons. He hesitated but then signalled his friend who approached and bowed to him before kneeling beside his seat. Bernard drew the small bottle from the pouch on his belt and Tim took it with a grateful smile, downing the contents swiftly, handing the empty bottle back. And if it placed Bernard close enough with sword and shield to defend him or Bruce…

“Are you well Highness?” Phantom asked.

“A mild pain tonic,” Bruce explained for him, letting Tim quickly drink some of his water to wash the taste away.

“Ah,” Phantom looked at him and nodded.

And then danger of retaliation seemed to have passed with the reminder of how weak they were compared to Phantom’s people. Good. It had been a risk to call Bernard for the tonic, but a calculated one and it had worked.

“No armour and light weapons,” Phantom declared, and Bruce nodded, that was better than nothing, and a compromise that surprised them both. It surprised his own people too from the noise the General made but he made no other argument. How did Phantom have such strong control of his people?

Could they ask for anything else? Did they dare to try? They had spent all the time since their arrival discussing it, grateful for Barbara’s Oracular powers allowing them to talk to each other even over the distance.

“You do not seek compensation?” Chief Desiree asked, her veils shifting slightly.

“No,” Bruce denied. It had come up but they had all agreed it was far too risky to ask for that.

“Nothing else?” Phantom pressed.

“That is all,” Bruce agreed. “May we hear your terms?”

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not min

Chapter 3

“That is all,” King Bruce agreed. “May we hear your terms?”

Right, their terms. Danny took a calming breath, he could do this, he could. Not like Dan could, he didn’t really get diplomacy, he struggled so much with emotions and it wasn’t his fault.

So far, everything had gone surprisingly smoothly. Which meant with his luck, something was going to go catastrophically wrong soon enough. All of their demands had been perfectly reasonable, sometimes even been pretty much the same as he'd intended to ask for. And they hadn’t even demanded any monetary compensation! It was their right to do so, so why had they waved it? It had come as a huge surprise, though not an unwelcome one. Their coffers were not empty but they were hardly full either. He did wonder which of the terms was the one they were willing to sacrifice and why.

He couldn’t help his gaze shifting to the young Prince. He had a polite smile on his face and Danny wondered how much pain that smile hid. Should he offer healing in their side of the terms? Would that seem too forward? Like they expected something in return?

“First of all, our borders with Gotham will remain as is, I agree with that. Our border with Metropolis will be discussed with King Kal-El when the time comes due to the situation with Amity’s location.” And now he could warn the other King that that issue would be discussed in the future. Hopefully, the man would see the wisdom in their request, the border was not obvious enough and too many on both sides found themselves crossing it without meaning to.

“We would like to have joint border patrols in the future, this would help with the issue of fugitives who try to cross as well,” he continued since it was connected to the border issue.

Not to mention they lacked their own fortifications on their side and didn’t have the manpower to spare to make or staff them. And fighting side by side would help their soldiers learn about each other and hopefully become friendly at least. It'd be wonderful if they could strengthen relations with at least Gotham but even better if the other Kingdoms agreed as well. At least enough that Danny could be sure that the treaties wouldn't collapse the moment he was gone. This had to last if the Infinite Kingdom was to have a chance at recovering - and for that there would need to be trust, and mutual care. A feeling of connection. And by sharing patrols, their soldiers could begin that connection.

It'd been Fright's idea and a smart one at that. Only one of the Chief’s had been against it and they’d all expected Vlad’s disagreement. He wanted the war to continue since he had gained power during it, taking control of Amity.  If more than Vlad had argued then it would have made the idea difficult given the border cut through several different territories within the Kingdom.

“We would also want embassies to be set up in both of our Kingdoms. You would get to choose the Chief’s territory in which yours is placed, as would the other kingdoms of Justria. In exchange, we would have an embassy in each kingdom that signs a peace treaty with us.”

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Bernard remained at Tim’s side, no one had tried to send him away. He knew what Tim was doing in calling for him, diffusing tension by appearing weaker than he was. He hated that it had worked, Tim wasn’t weak! But being closer meant he could hear the discussion, despite not holding a title or anything.

He could tell that Tim and King Bruce were scared; they all were. The talks were barely concealed threats and basically Gotham surrendering in order to have any kind of freedoms for their people.

Their reaction to Tim’s condition was odd, confusing. But he supposed that they regarded strength and that Tim surviving had been a show of strength of will. The High Chief’s looks at Tim though had him wanting to stand between the two. Bernard had known Tim ever since King Bruce had taken the ducal heir into his home, terminating the Drake’s parentage rights over him. Prince Jason had been missing back then and there had been no one in the family close in age to Tim so Bernard had become his companion, moving to the guard once old enough.

He hadn’t been with Tim on the patrol that had gone so wrong…but he’d been there as King Bruce and Prince Dick had returned to Bristol, Tim screaming and writhing in the King’s arms wrapped in Prince Dick’s cloak. He would never forget those screams or the mad rush to call for the High Mage. He had thought his best friend was going to die and it had been months before he’d been allowed to see Tim again, propped up in bed, pale and weak, scarred and scared. But Bernard hadn’t let the sight of the scars affect him, he had sat beside Tim and held his hand, talking about what was going on in the town. Once back in his own room, then he'd broken down crying for his friend. But Tim never saw it, for him, Bernard had remained strong.

He'd even been the one to hand Tim a bow the first time since his arms hadn’t been very affected by the curse, laughing and teasing as Tim slowly learnt how to use it. It had been Damian when he had come to Bristol who had taught Tim throwing knives, Tim’s survival had impressed the then small child once he had been floored by his own reflected magic.

And now the people who had nearly killed Tim, who had wiped out those with him, were talking peace. Bernard wanted to believe it, but could they afford to? There had to be a trap in it.

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Bruce wished that the High Chief would just dispense with the farce of peace talks and tell them exactly what they expected to happen. Embassies, spies in other words, fine. It wasn’t a total loss of freedom though he had no doubt that the ambassadors would be making it clear what they should be doing.

So far, none of the terms were unexpected and were actually complementary to what he had given. He understood them wanting to shift the border by Amity, but thankfully that wasn’t his mess to deal with. He would be warning Kal though.

The idea of sending any of his people to the Infinite Kingdom was not one he liked. Who knew what they would be put through. No one had been there for centuries but there were stories of wild magic, curses, the dead walking among them…it was a godforsaken land, literally. Who among his people would want to go and would be accepted as an Ambassador. Would they have to supply their own staff? That was the normal method but finding so many people willing to risk everything would not be easy.

He forced himself to nod in acceptance of the term for an embassy. What else could he do? Phantom nodded and continued.

“Now, our titles don't quite translate to yours seamlessly, but you could say that warriors have the same station as a knight, wanderers are about the same as an baronet, the chiefs translate to the duke title and their second-in-command’s to viscount. Wraith would be about as high up as an archduke and my sisters about the same as princesses. That is a very loose translation but it was the closest we could work out. I want you to treat them with the same courtesy as you would with other nobles of foreign nations holding the according title. And we will do the same with the embassy staff and any who visit us.”

That…he hadn’t expected that. The translation of who they were dealing with the rest of the party was nice. Though it was interesting, he claimed the General as his brother, ranked above his sisters but he was not the crown prince? Was he the heir or was there someone he had not mentioned? Then again, if it was not common knowledge, he would not be advertising to them who his heir was, that was the best way to keep them safe. There was something they were missing there, but what? Their people had such strange names - Phantom, Wraith, Ember… what made a society chose such names?

“I know you mentioned those crossing the borders before but I'd like to bring up one more thing - refugees. If there are refugees crossing the border for any reason, be it civil wars, famine, curses, whatever, then either side must accept them and treat them as citizens of their country."

Bruce saw Tim’s smile slip for a moment and didn’t blame him. Refugees, they might as well call it what it would be, occupation, spies… They would basically be agreeing to permanent surveillance, agreeing to have prominent citizens of their kingdom within their borders at all times, sending away some of their own nobles as hostages in all but name, and establishing an official channel for the Infinite Kingdom to send spies into their midst whenever they pleased which would likely be often.

“And finally, in order to ensure that no one disrespects the treaty, we would like to propose a marriage of convenience. One party of the marriage would me myself, the other one of your heirs."

Bruce’s mind went blank in horror.

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Dan kept silent as Danny outlined their terms. Most of them seemed strange to him but apparently everyone pretty much agreed they would be the standard things to offer for peace. The Royals had very good masks, not showing what they were thinking. The others at the table were having a harder time hiding their emotions, which would be great…if he was any good at reading them.

The terms were reasonable on their side, all but the last. So, they would say no, right?

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He was going to be sick. A marriage of convenience another hostage…and this one a Royal. Married to High Chief Phantom, dragged off to the Infinite Kingdom and who knew what their fate would be once there. It could very well be worse than death, likely would be.

But Cass was already betrothed and she was the only female in the Wayne family. Stephanie wasn’t officially part of the family and right now that was lucky. There was…Cassie, but she was heiress of Themyscira and surely not even they would risk the god’s wrath by trying to insist on that marriage. Who were the other options? Kara might count? She wasn’t in the direct line of succession as she was only a distant cousin but it might be enough.

“I apologise, High Chief, but there is rather a lack of female royals in not just my family but also the other kingdoms,” Bruce spoke up.

“Gender is not an issue,” Chief Ember spoke up, smirking slightly.

“Ember,” Phantom’s tone held a mild warning but no anger.

How could that be true? Did Phantom already have an heir he did not wish to have disinherited? But that opened up those who fit the requirements by a lot. Dick and Damian were safe, Damian was too young anyway. Jason, Tim, and Duke remained eligible. Kon was safe as King Kal’s eldest heir and like Damian, Jon was too young. Likewise, Kaldur'ahm and Wally were safe. But Bart was old enough, so were Roy and Garth. Raven wasn’t eligible, no one would dare ask any of those from the Tower to participate.

But he knew who the best option was, the one who made the most sense, if the High Chief would accept.

“If you don’t want an arranged marriage, that is a shame but we can of course stop discussing it.”

A war declaration? Over one term? That wasn’t good. Tim’s voice was caught in his throat, hands trembling with fear. And Bruce looked at least a shade paler.

“Well?” Phantom asked, and Tim forced himself to breathe deeply.

There was no other way. He pushed to his feet, hiding his fear, sensing Bruce tense. “No,” the word was almost a whisper.

“Highness?” The High Chief looked at him.

Tim forced his lips to form a smile as he looked at the man who might about to become his betrothed. “There is no need, High Chief. We would be honoured if you choose your betrothed from Gotham. I humbly offer myself for the arrangement.” He bowed to Phantom.

The High Chief looked utterly bewildered by his words, as if it hadn't even crossed his mind that Tim would offer himself up. Something he had in common with Bruce, Tim was sure, though he did not dare look at his father to check. If he saw the look on his face, he might try to take the words back.  Bruce was going to kill him and then lock him a tower for life for safety.

Next to the High Chief, his brother started to cough, though it sounded a lot like when Jason would ‘cough’ to hide something. Another one of their signs, maybe? That theory proved itself when Phantom gave his brother a glare and the man straightened again.

"Not saying so, Sir,” he mumbled under his breath, completely stone-faced. But the dead silence of the room meant his words carried.

Tim clasped his hands behind his back to hide their trembling. He could do this. He could get through this, he had to. He was the best choice. He had been raised for this kind of marriage after all. He was already cursed by their magics, abandoned by the gods. Surely, he would be in the least danger to whatever awaited.

But would they accept someone like him? Yes, they seemed to admire his strength in surviving, but he had been left scarred, a liability.

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Danny stared at Prince Timothy, his mind spinning. He…what? But…they were meant to turn him down!!! Why would he agree and offer himself?! It just didn’t make sense.

He heard Dan smothering laughter with a cough and shot him a look, it really wasn’t the right time.

"Not saying so, Sir,” he mumbled under his breath, completely stone-faced. Given that the room had gone utterly silent with the Prince’s words though, everyone heard him. Wonderful.

The third Prince of Gotham remained standing, hands clasped behind his back, the same smile on his face.

“You…want to marry me?” he asked, unable to understand.

“If you’ll have me,” was the calm answer, though his gaze had dropped a little. Was that…shame? “I am aware of my shortcomings physically in such a match. But I have my full mental faculties.”

Oh, he was ashamed because of the damage done to his body. Had he been turned down by others because of that? How could anyone look at him and see only that and not the strength needed to survive? And honestly, Danny thought he was very attractive still.

Danny glanced at the others, seeing the blank face of the guard who was hovering at the Prince’s side. And the King… “I don’t believe your father agrees with such an arrangement,” he pointed out, grateful to have an argument against it.

“Please your Majesty, he is not against my offer, just surprised by it. I have only ever had one relationship and that was a long time ago. He likely thought I was not interested in marriage.”

Oh, well, that made sense. And hey, at least he’d had a relationship before, Danny hadn’t. He had no clue. He could however feel the amusement wafting off the others at the way he was fumbling through this. Wonderful, always good to entertain his people.

“You’re sure?” he asked, feeling lost.

He knew arranged marriages were a thing, he’d been young and they were only very, very minorly related to royalty, but he had listened to the stories as a kid about marriages to enhance the family or end wars. He’d never expected to have that kind of marriage himself. Clockwork was laughing at him, the bastard, he just knew it. Ancients…

“I am sure. I would be honoured to marry you as a way to seal the treaty between Gotham and the Infinite Kingdom.”

Damn it, Danny really had no viable reason to say no with the Prince sure of his choice. He was already touched by their magics, even if they were of the foulest kind. But it would likely make it easier to adapt to life in their lands. And Ember had already denied an issue with his gender. Thankfully she hadn’t explained more about why, that was not something they needed to know.

“How marvellous!” Desiree spoke up, her veils hiding her smirk from the locals. “I am sure King Bruce and High Chief Phantom will have many details to discuss on that. Perhaps we should part for the day and come at everything fresh tomorrow. We can begin discussing the other necessities while you focus on the marriage.”

“Agreed,” King Bruce did not sound entirely happy but he likely wished to speak to his son.

“Then we shall see you tomorrow,” Danny smiled and stood to leave. He had to find somewhere private enough to scream. Dan had been right and his brother was going to enjoy rubbing it in.

He forced himself to walk back to the wing they had been given, not run. He entered his bedroom, collapsed on the bed with his face mashed into a pillow, and screamed.

Dan, the bastard, began to laugh at him.

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Bernard took Tim’s elbow when he stumbled, not sure what to say or if he could say anything. He could tell the King wanted to speak with his son but Tim was in no condition for any conversation. He was pale, sweat beading at his temples, trembling slightly. He looked to the King, eyes pleading, and the man softened.

“Go Tim, rest and eat something. We’ll talk in the morning.”

Tim nodded slowly and Bernard ushered him from the room. “Going to yell at me?” he mumbled.

“No,” Bernard answered softly. “I get the feeling you’ll be hearing enough of that from everyone else. And you’re in no condition for it anyway.”

“M’tired.”

“I know.” Bernard got him into his room and gently got him out of his formal wear, tucking him into bed. “Get some sleep, I’ll send for a meal when you wake.”

Tim hummed softly, curling around a pillow.

Bernard wished he had known what he was going to say when he’d stood, that he could have stopped him or taken his place. But he was not eligible in any way. If Tim had to go through with it, he would beg to go with him. Surely, they would allow him one guard? Tim would need someone with him, an ally, a friend. None of his siblings could but who would miss Bernard if things went wrong?

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 4

Dick clutched Barbara’s hand as the mirrors went dark. Tim…Tim had…what was he thinking?! He took a shuddering breath and she gently rubbed his back.

“We’ll figure this out, find a way out for Tim,” she murmured.

“How? Tim won’t let us if it risks war, you know that. I can’t lose him Babs,” he choked out.

“We won’t lose him, if he’s to be a proper political marriage hostage then we have to be allowed ongoing communication. Maybe monitored, but he’s smart, he’ll find ways of sending code.”

Dick nodded slowly. “We need to tell Jason…that’s going to go really well.”

“Maybe leave it till after Bruce’s call tomorrow night when we’ll have more information,” she offered and he nodded. “Come on, you need a good nights’ sleep.” She urged him to stand and then rolled herself along beside him. Dick would sleep better if he wasn’t alone, he always had, it came from growing up communally until Bruce took him in.

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Tim woke up, body aching worse than normal, almost burning. He forced himself to take deep, slow breaths and then a hand was under his head. His lips parted when the vial was pressed to them, recognising the scent of the stronger pain potion.

“Tim?” Bernard whispered.

“M’okay,” he mumbled, letting his friend help him sit up.

“You should sit out today,” Bernard told him, helping him drink a goblet of water.

“I can’t, I have to be there for the betrothal talks.” The potion was kicking in nicely, the pain slowly ebbing away.

Bernard was frowning at him and Tim clumsily grabbed at his hand, the stronger potions always messed with his balance and coordination for the first while after drinking. Bernard grabbed the flailing limb, holding on tight. “Tim…”

“I had to,” he whispered. “He was going to walk away from the table Ber, if he did that… we can’t survive if the war starts up again.”

“But it didn’t have to be you,” Bernard denied, shaking his head. “There had to be another option.”

“You saw it, the way the High Chief and his brother bowed, their shock I was alive…”

“You hoped that would ensure he accepted,” Bernard finished softly. “You self-sacrificing idiot.”

“I’ll be okay, Ber. We can negotiate some things; they can’t kill me once we’re married either.”

“But before then? And there are worse things than death, especially there.”

“I can do this Bernard, I’m the best choice and we both know it. Bruce will accept it eventually too because I’m right.”

“Then I’m going with you.”

“What?! No, Ber.”

“Why, is it too dangerous?” Bernard was glaring at him. “Negotiating at least one guard to go with you shouldn’t be too hard. Sell it as I’m an extra hostage if you have.”

Tim stared at him but then slowly nodded, he knew his friend and loyal guard. Bernard would find a way to stowaway with his luggage if he didn’t at least try to get his presence approved, and that would be a mess once he was found.

This was what Tim was raised to do, to be married off for the good of the family and be the prefect spouse. He knew he could survive whatever was coming, even if it destroyed who he had become since the adoption. He’d been little more than an ornament or doll to the Drakes, every moment of his life structured to their whims. It had only been with the Wayne’s that he finally got to explore his own wants and interests. But with High Chief Phantom? What would he expect of a husband? Would he expect… Tim swallowed, pushing those thoughts away. Whatever came, he would do what he had to in order to keep his family and people safe.

“I need to get dressed.”

Bernard sighed but went the wardrobe. “How formal?”

“Formal but less than yesterday,” he answered, slowly pushing himself fully upright. He pushed the quilts back and turned, letting his legs hang over the edge.

Bernard moved back to his side, wrapping an arm around his waist to help him to his feet. It was an old, familiar routine. Tim had long ago ceased to feel embarrassed when he needed help. Some of the physicians had pushed a chair like Barbara’s at him, but he refused. He was not an invalid, not that anyone would ever call Babs that either. She was an Oracle after all, blessed with sight by the gods. But Tim knew that if he had given in, given up, he would have ended up stuck in that chair for good.

With Bernard’s help he got washed up and dressed, his friend helping him to the dining room where Bruce was waiting.

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He saw how stiffly Tim was moving, the way Bernard was supporting him, and he moved in, wrapping his son in a hug. He held on tightly, desperately. He felt Tim cling back as tightly as he could. He’d thought the pain tonic yesterday to be a calculated move but he now realised that it had also been needed. “Tim, why…” he whispered.

“Better me that anyone else. And you saw how willing he was to walk away if denied this. I’m the best choice Bruce; I was raised for this. I was never going to inherit the throne or lead the army; my leaving won’t affect the government of Gotham.”

He was right, and Bruce knew it. If the High Chief had walked away, the war would have begun again. His brilliant son had stepped up before Bruce himself could think of a way to salvage the talks. He’d thought the worst outcome would be war…not losing his beloved son who happily offered himself up like a sacrifice.

“It didn’t have to be you,” he tried to argue.

Tim’s answering laugh was so empty, it reminded him of the time before he adopted Tim. The empty smile and laugh as he did whatever his parents desired. “Were we meant to offer up Bart? Roy? It was obvious that they wanted the betrothal to be in the first treaty.”

Pulling back to look his son in the eyes, once again struck by how much like his own they were. The Drakes supposedly had no familiar link to the Wayne’s and he knew he hadn’t slept with Janet and yet Tim looked so much like him. They even thought in similar ways and Dick had once joked that the gods had gifted Bruce with a child who could actually understand him at his most paranoid. He just gave thanks to them for all of his children.

“I would rather see the world burn than give you away to such people,” he whispered.

Tim’s eyes were full of tears he was obviously fighting. “And if that happened then you would lose all of us. Besides, it’s not like I’m being sent to my death.

Weren’t they? Everything they knew about the Infinite Kingdom and its people seemed to indicate that it was not an easy or safe place to live for someone not born there. Even if Phantom wasn’t going to kill Tim, he would be in danger for the rest of his life. How long until they received notice of his death? And were so many things they could do to Tim that would be worse than death and if he did die…would there be any freedom in death?

He was selling the freedom of one son to save the rest of his family. He didn’t want to do it. But if the war began again, he knew it wouldn’t stop until there was nothing left of the kingdoms of Justria, so it wasn’t just his family that Tim’s hand was saving.

“I’ll beg on my knees if that’s what it takes to save you,” he swore. Phantom could have anything he wanted if he would free Tim from this.

Tim took a stumbling step back, Bernard reaching out to catch him. Bernard would never interrupt or speak of what they said, he was completely loyal to Tim so Bruce never censored himself around the young man. If things were different, they could have been a wonderful match.

“No, you can’t. What if he demands Damian instead for the insult? He’s just a child, no matter how old he acts. Or Dick? He’d never survive this kind of marriage. I can do this Bruce, I know I can. And you need to help me make the others see it.”

“You want me to tell your siblings that this is a good idea?” they would kill him and then attempt to invade to get Tim back.

“I need you to help me convince them not to try and take my place.”

Oh…yes, Dick was likely already scheming to do so after their talk last night. So long as the contract wasn’t sealed, it could be done…but Tim was right, Phantom would likely as for something they couldn’t give.

He had sworn when he took Tim in that he’d give him a better life, that he wouldn’t use him the way the Drakes’ were…and yet now he was. He had failed him utterly; would he fail all of his children one day?

“Promise me Tim, promise that you will survive. No matter what it takes. We will find a way to bring you home.”

Tim moved back into his arms, nodding against his chest, even though they both knew the odds.

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Danny sat still as Dan worked on his hair. He would be happy to get home and not have to worry about the more elaborate braids or crown. He only had to wear the crown for court and like normally. But he was going to be negotiating his upcoming marriage to Prince Timothy. He was getting married! He felt sick, terrified. Why had the Prince agreed?

Ans he could feel the smug amusement radiating from his brother. Why had he brought Dan rather than Jazz or Ellie? Right, in case a fight broke out. Ellie was a wanderer but she could handle herself. But Jazz? She would have been too vulnerable and raised too many questions.

And there were still a lot of people back home would have preferred to see Dan dead than so close to him. None of it had been Dan’s fault. He was Deathborne but he hadn’t asked for that. If Danny had known…but he hadn’t, he’d been so lost and confused himself. Once he had realised who Pariah’s general was, he had done everything he could to free Dante of his control. It had taken time and the help of Frostbite and Pandora, but in the end, he was free and pledging himself to Danny. But Danny hadn’t wanted the pledge, he just wanted his brother.

It was for his family that he had come to Gotham. “We need this Dan,” he whispered.

“It’s not right that you have to sacrifice your happiness,” his brother shot back. Dante didn’t understand romance, it wasn’t his fault, he had slowly come to understand love in general and maybe one day he would get romance too. But that didn’t stop Dan from knowing others wanted it.

“The Prince seems nice enough, even if there’s no love, with time we could be friends.”

“You want me to pull the curse from him,” Dan murmured, and Danny sighed, leaning back against him. So, few people would touch Dan that his brother soaked up the contact.

“I don’t want you to be hurt. Even if his healing would make us better in their eyes. And he seems to function well enough.”

Dan nodded, finishing with his braids. “Let’s get this over with. Sure we’re doing the right thing leaving Ember and Desiree in charge of the trade talks.”

“They’re both good at it.”

“I feel sorry for the Gothamite,” Dan smirked.

Danny stood and they left the rooms, heading out to meet up with the King and Prince.

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Bernard bowed as the High Chief and General approached, opening the door for them. He followed them inside and positioned himself where he could help Tim in an instant, feeling one of them watching him but he refused to be cowed. He would stand by Tim, no matter what.

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Tim was relieved to have his father beside him and Bernard at his shoulder, looking out for him. He could do this, he could. It was necessary and none of his siblings could take his place. Even if he wished he was in on the other talks. Border patrols, embassies, trade…all of it would be better than this.

Soon, everyone was seated at the table which was silent. Were they wanting them to speak first? His gaze moved from Wraith to Phantom…his future brother-in-law and husband. He kept his pleasant political smile on his face, he couldn’t falter now. He was the price they had to pay for peace. It was an act of political sacrifice. He could do this. He had to do this.  

Tim took a deep breath and made sure he was still smiling. “Should we begin with the specifics of the betrothal contract or the wedding?”

Phantom stared at him, a slight frown appearing and Tim’s heart began to race, should he have remained silent? “Are you well Prince Timothy?”

“Of course, your Majesty,” he answered, technically he was well enough to sit at the table and discuss thing, and that was thanks to the pain potion.

“Very well, let us begin.”

Tim bit back a sigh of relief.

“Our peoples have very different wedding ceremonies, so I believe we should hold two, one for each set of beliefs. After all, you need to return to the capital to collect your belongings so holding a wedding there makes sense.”

He would get to go home?

“Agreed,” Bruce said before Phantom could take it back.

“They’re that different?” Tim couldn’t help asking like an idiot, surprised when a smile tugged at pale lips. Did he think it was amusing that they knew so little of the Infinite Kingdom’s customs?

“There’s a reason our lands are called godless,” the General answered.

“He’s right. Our weddings take place before the Ancients, usually the one affiliated with your clan which is a little…complicated.”

The General actually snorted at that. “In other words, he’s got Ancients fighting over who is his guardian.”

Phantom made a strange noise and Wraith subsided, still smirking though. “I have three sort-guardian Ancients – Frostbite, Clockwork, and Pandora. So, either we need to arrange the second wedding to a religious festival where the three are present or work out which one is better to be married before.”

“I vote Frostbite if the Prince can take the cold,” Wraith offered. “He is the most chill of the three.”

“Clockwork’s fine,” Phantom argued.

“Sure, if you never want a straight answer, which I’m sure the Prince does.”

“True… summer solstice is coming up in a few months.”

The way they spoke of and just tossed the names of their Ancients around…Tim knew they believed the Ancients were the children of the gods. Something had happened centuries ago, a fight or something, and it had sort of cut the Infinite kingdom off from the rest of the continent. It was why travelling there was so dangerous…a trip he would have to make once married. Frostbite…likely said to be the son of Tlaloc, Pandora the daughter of Menhit, and Clockwork the son of Lelwani or Nabu? Could ancient dragons really be the children of the gods?

Tim wasn’t exactly devout or anything, but he would still invoke the names of the gods, attended all of the normal religious festivals. So, it being a land that was abandoned by them didn’t overly worry him. No, he just had to worry about a bunch of dragons arguing over his future husband…if he didn’t end up dead, he’d be grey by the time he was thirty at this rate. Did they have books that he could study or was he going to be thrown in the deep end of a new culture and expected to sink or swim?

As if sensing he needed something of a break, Bruce laid out several historical betrothment agreements to go over and see what would need to be included and what needed to be changed.

“One of the main issues with these contracts is that they all call for the production of a legitimate heir, which given your genders isn’t possible,” Bruce explained.

Phantom glanced at his brother, the two communicating silently, and Tim felt the tension rising. Was he right, did Phantom already have an heir? One of his siblings? A child out of wedlock? Phantom grimaced and then looked at him, and Tim couldn’t help tensing slightly.

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He’d really hoped they wouldn’t think to mention kids, that he could discuss it with the Prince in a few months or more after he had an idea of what life was like back home. It wasn’t illegal or taboo to discuss with outsiders, and they were about to become family but it was also awkward. Starting a treaty marriage with a lie or omission though could come back to bite him. And Dan was no help, not understanding why it would seem strange to them. Ugh, he really did wish he could have brought Jazz as well.

“Actually, it is possible,” he finally said, watching as Prince Timothy’s eyes went wide in shock. “It involves magic and neither of us would actually carry the child like a woman would, but they would be both of ours.” He was not explaining how! Nope, no way. He’d let a healer or priest do that thank you very much. Technically, one of them could carry the kid but that was a lot more magic heavy and he doubted the Prince would agree to what was needed for that method.

Even the guard was now staring at him, wonderful

“You can do that?” The Prince asked, seeming to be in shock, and Danny nodded. “Right...I guess the heir clauses should remain then?

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They could have a baby? He could be a father still one day? Not that he’d ever really thought of it beyond his duty to continue his family line, and then he’d been adopted and honestly didn’t care if he was the last Drake. After that…he knew what that attack had cost him and one of the things lost was his ability to father children. But with magic involved, he could give Bruce a grandchild. Unless it still required the normal contribution.

“Would it still work for me? I was told I can’t father children.” He hated to say it, not looking them in the eye as he said it.

“You survived the animo fajro so it would be assumed you can’t,” Wraith answered flatly.

“What?” Bruce asked.

“That fire is designed to destroy, to kill and enslave the tortured soul remnants that are left. One of the first things it does is kill off the ability to procreate, for the body to heal itself…anything to do with life growing and continuing. I’m guessing you aren’t much taller than you were back then?”

Tim nodded numbly. He’d grown all of two inches since then, he was very short for his age. His bow was still that of a teenager due to his lack of height. It was another reason he assumed no one would ever want to marry him; he’d matured but not grown. And now he was being given marriage and the chance for a future family…a nice carrot to hang over his head. And with the threat to his family and kingdom as the stick.

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Dan hadn’t realised how little they knew of an attack that Pariah had favoured. Why just kill an enemy when you could also add to your army? The poor Prince seemed rather shocked by the information though. Were there other survivors out there who lived without understanding what had happened to them? The exchange of information was something that would need to be looked into.

This was his future brother-in-law, the father of his future nieces and nephews…how could he leave him to suffer? But not here, not where it could put them in danger. Once they were all safely home, then he would make the offer to the Prince.

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Bruce could tell Tim was overwhelmed so he worked with Phantom to iron out the details, Tim answering questions when asked. He hated that they were being forced into a speedy ceremony but for them to be married on the solstice in the Infinite Kingdom there was no other choice. He had hoped they could delay by months, give them a chance to find a way out or at least give Tim time with the family.

“How will you ensure his safety in your Kingdom?” he asked.

“He will have a personal guard and be head of an order of Knights as my technical second in command.”

Well, that sounded good on paper but it also meant that Tim would always have people around him, eyes for his soon to be husband.

Phantom met Tim’s eyes. “If you’d like to bring some Knights with you, that is fine. The order would be loyal to you first of all after all. You’ll have until your coronation to decide and that can’t happen until after the wedding.”

“Oh,” Tim whispered. “I’ll need to think about that.”

From the way Bernard shifted slightly, he would be going. Not that Bruce would try and stop him.

And then they moved on to the talk of dowery, something he was nervous about. Their coffers had been drained by decades of war after all.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 5

Dowery. Right. Since he hadn’t expected them to agree to the marriage, he hadn’t considered that part. Tim was marrying into his clan so…that meant they paid him the dowery. Which, honestly, he couldn’t turn down. He might feel bad about taking their money, but they desperately needed it. It made him feel…kind iof dirty? Like he was buying Prince Timothy, not marrying him. But it was the custom in all of the Justria kingdoms unless something had changed since he was a child.

“What did you have in mind for the dowery?” He asked, let the King set the amount.

He didn’t have a clue what to ask for and didn’t want to insult them by asking for either too much or too little. If he asked for too little then they would think he didn’t respect the prince or contract, too much and they would be offended that he thought he could take so much from them.

“Five hundred thousand Sovereigns,” the King offered, and Danny’s mind screeched to a halt.

How much?!!! “What,” he forced the word out in shock. He had never even imagined such an amount.

“I said I'd give you a dowery of five hundred thousand Sovereigns. I can also offer a selection of silk and satin.”

He kept going! Danny was panicking, how did he make him stop? Could they tell he was panicking?

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Surely that was enough? Did he want the whole of their treasury? “And a selection of Gotham’s famous spices, a barrel of honey,” he added.

“And the Drake estate, of course. I am the only member of the Drake family left and so it all came to me,” Tim stepped in, looking a bit more centred now.

Phantom was impossible to read. He had to ensure enough was offered to not offend the man; he couldn’t risk him taking his displeasure out on Tim. What else would he want? The Drake estate was nothing to scoff at, not after Tim’s careful management of it over the last few years. Bruce had insisted his son keep his inheritance separate to the royal family for situations like doweries. The more dowery a person had, the better they were expected to be treated in this kind of marriage. This was his one chance to buy Tim a better life, at least until they could rescue him, but also a risk of dooming him if they failed to offer what Phantom was looking for. And Bruce was willing to give everything he had just to make sure Tim wouldn't have to suffer or at least as little as possible.

What could Phantom possible want? If only the man would deign to say it, Bruce would agree without question. Couldn't he see that? He had to know Bruce would do anything to protect his son. Or…was this his way of getting compensation without asking for it in the treaty?

Was this a game to Phantom? He had to see the pain this was causing; did that cause the other man joy? Toying with Bruce was bad enough, but toying with Tim, his son? Unforgivable. Bruce desperately hoped that he was wrong because there was nothing he could do, he was powerless to stop Phantom.

How much more a failure as a parent could he be?

“Ivory, rare books,” he went to continue but Phantom raised a hand, glowing eyes locked on him.

“Enough, let’s move on.”

Well…it could have been worse. He hadn’t had to give the whole treasury away, but it would take time to recover from what had been given.

Oddly, Phantom seemed to be waiting for his agreement, so Bruce nodded. What more would there be?

“Prince Timothy will undergo what you would term a coronation, taking on the title of High Chief, he will be second only to myself in rank. In return, I’d like for him to keep his title as Prince of Gotham. Holding both titles will better enable him to act as a bridge between our people.”

That would make Phantom a prince consort of Gotham, too. It would add him and his children…gods, Bruce would become a grandfather…to Gotham’s royalty. But it would keep Tim in his family, would hopefully give Bruce some negotiating power over things in the future, so he agreed immediately. Was it bad to seem so eager? Probably, but he didn’t care. His son would get to keep his ties to home, and he could see the flicker of relief in Tim’s eyes.

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Okay, so they hadn’t had to give the whole treasury away. And…he would remain a Prince of Gotham; he wouldn’t be completely cut off from his family and home. Good, that was good. And Tim really, really hoped that it meant he would be allowed to come home to visit. He knew it wouldn’t be politically wise for at least a year, to ensure his new people got used to him, but after that? Though it did mean that Phantom and their eventual children would be within Gotham’s line of succession, opening the way for the Infinite Kingdom to one day simply take the throne in a legitimate manner. After all, none of his siblings had spouses, let alone children, yet. Would they be above ensuring Tim’s line was the only one to thrive?

“And in that spirit, in the case of my death, Prince Timothy would take any of my siblings and children who outlive me to wherever he chooses to live. Be that Gotham or any other kingdom”

Phantom’s words weren’t just a shock to them, the way Wraith’s head snapped around, he hadn’t known about this either.

“All of my siblings are exempt from the line of succession for different reasons, so you would retain the title until one of our children was of age. You could rule from Gotham if that is your choice, Wraith would keep you and the children safe.”

In other words, Tim would be the puppet on the throne, Phantom’s siblings, likely Wraith, would hold the real power. Would they use the children to keep Tim in line? Would Tim even be a part of their lives in any real way? Was this a warning to Bruce, to not try and assassinate Phantom since it would not free Tim? Or just insurance to make sure his own line remained safe? Did that indicate unrest within the Infinite Kingdom, did Phantom fear treachery from within? If so…what was Tim walking into, blind. He hated not knowing.

Wraith made some wrather angry sounding noises, and Tim felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Phantom hissed in return, Wraith glaring but slowly, he backed down. “Hypocrite,” he snapped.

“I know,” Phantom answered, voice softer than Tim had heard yet.

Tim swallowed. What did Wraith mean by calling his brother that? He was desperate for information but he didn’t dare ask. He shifted slightly in his chair, feeling a small flare of pain, but it was fine. He was fine, he wasn’t getting close to panicking over what he had agreed to, he wasn’t….

“I want to go home,” he whispered, and Phantom’s attention snapped to him, eyes narrowing but…he didn’t seem angry? He took a deep breath. “When…when I die, I would like it if you sent,” he took a breath, “my body home to my family.”

“You want to be buried in Gotham?” Phantom clarified, and Tim nodded. “Alright, if that is what you want.”

“Thank you,” he bowed his head.

Bruce wouldn’t have an empty grave to grieve again if the worst happened. They would know that Tim was dead, they wouldn’t be left to wonder. Sending his body home would give them the closure of surety that he was truly dead.

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Bernard listened closely to everything. That dowery… hopefully not enough to bankrupt the kingdom. He wasn’t sure what to think about the idea of Tim ruling in Phantom’s stead if he died, though it was a relief he could do so from wherever he wished.  That Tim needed to clarify where he wanted to be buried…it made him feel sick but also even more determined to go with him.

He listened as the final terms were worked out and then the contract was written out in Evermore ink, Bernard forcing himself to not move as Tim’s full name and title were written in. The magical ink would ensure there was no way to break it. Once that was done, the four signed it…and Tim’s fate.

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Dan walked to the stables to check on their horses. The King’s party was leaving in the morning to return to Bristol and they would follow in two days. The peace treaty would be signed at the wedding so those two days gave the King time to go everything that had been hammered out while they were working on the betrothal.

Of all the crazy plans…even he hadn’t really thought they’d agree to it and yet the prince had seemed almost eager. Was he looked down on because of his lingering injuries and scars? Enough that even a prince had no marriage prospects? Being in the middle, he likely wasn’t expected to ever take the throne, would probably be some kind of advisor. Did he see this marriage as a chance for more? That would need watching. He would protect his brother from all threats, including an overly ambitious spouse.

And he didn’t want to think about what else Danny had added to the contract, not at the moment. He wanted to relax for a few minutes. He could go back to being angry at Danny later.

“General Wraith, may I have a moment?”

He turned, surprised to see the young guard who hovered at the prince’s side and no sign of the prince.

“Guard?”

“Bernard Down, sir.”

“You are the prince’s bodyguard?” he asked, moving to brush his horse. He’d probably appear less intimidating if he was working on her rather than fully focused on the poor boy.

“Not officially but I wish to accompany him.” he shifted, nervous?

“Should you not discuss that with him? Or your family?”

“He is my family.”

Dan glanced at him, they looked nothing alike, then again Danny and Jazz now bore little resemblance to each other.

“Not by blood,” Dowd clarified.

“I see no issues, as discussed, he will have a personal guard and Knight Order. Do you know of others who may come as well?”

“Maybe,” Dowd answered.

Dan studied him. “With no chance of illegitimate heirs…Phantom would not deny the two of you.”

Dowd blinked at him and then his eyes widened, face flushing. “No sir, General. It’s not…we’re…he’s my best friend, my brother,” he babbled out.

Ah, oops? He shrugged slightly. “Apologies, Guardsman Dowd. No offence was meant. I’ve been told that I’m not very good at telling the difference between romantic and platonic love.”

Dowd bowed awkwardly. “Thank you for your time General.” And then he basically bolted back inside.

“Well…I messed that up,” he told his horse who nibbled at his shirt.

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Tim read over the scroll that had been delivered, a more detailed account of their wedding ceremonies. It really was very different to the more religious ceremony…this was almost more of a ritual. An exchange of their very essence…binding them together…this was far deeper a rite. But…it should also offer Tim some extra protection, if the scroll was accurate. Once the exchange was made, Tim would not be able to physically harm Phantom and vice versa. Not that such a thing would stop others acting in Phantom’s place, though it seemed that he wouldn’t be able to order Tim’s death or even hint at the idea. Still, everything had a loophole, he would not take his safety for granted.

There was a familiar knock on his door and he looked up.

“Enter.”

Bernard slipped inside, face flushed, and Tim sat up more.

“Ber?”

“I talked to the General.”

Tim let the scroll fall to the bed, pushing himself upright. “Are you alright?” he demanded, looking him over.

“He, uh…he thought we were…” Bernard shifted, and Tim’s eyes widened.

That wasn’t good, sure, some would accept a discreet affair… but before they were even married?

“I told him we’re not like that,” Bernard quickly assured him. “But it was fine, he said Phantom would allow it, if we were discreet. So, that might mean he’ll allow you a lover in time. That’s good, right?”

“Alright,” he murmured, relief rushing through him. “So why did you speak with him?”

“I wanted to speak to him about accompanying you. He said I could be part of your guard or Knight Order.”

“Bernard…”

“I’m going with you Tim, don’t ask me not to. You’re my brother in every way that matters. And you need someone who is totally loyal to you, who will watch your back.”

“I can’t convince you to stay home, can I?” he asked softly.

Bernard moved to sit on the bed with him and Tim leant into his side. “No,” Bernard answered, lifting a hand to gently rub the back of Tim’s neck, working to loosen the muscles there. “I will always stand with you, no matter where that leads us.”

Tim nodded, accepting it, heart warmed by his love and loyalty.

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Damian scowled as the courier birds took flight. He did not like contacting the High Mage or Zatanna but to save Timothy… they had saved him once before, years before Damian had come to Gotham. Would they help again? Could they? Father said that the betrothal was signed in Evermore ink, a magical ink said to be unbreakable, but surely there was a way.

And yet, if they did find a way… would the High Chief be angry enough to attack? Saving one brother could doom the rest and he knew, Timothy would not allow that. He would go happily as a sacrifice to save them all.

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“Come now Daniel, your parents would have wanted me to be at your wedding,” Vlad’s voice came from the wispy bird and Danny glared at both the use of his full name and the mention of his parents.

He should have known it was too good to believe, that Vlad wouldn’t try to involve himself.

“My parents,” he growled at the bird, “fought for Metropolis in the war while you fought for the Infinite Kingdom, for Pariah. My parents died still convinced that both of us had been taken over by evil magics. They would not have wanted me to marry at all,” he paused for a breath.

“Their deaths are on you, Vlad. You’re the one that brought the war to Amity with your stupid obsession with power. My family, my friends…all those deaths are on you! My parents wouldn't have wanted any of this and I've already given enough respect to your friendship when I decided not to kill you. That bond has no more value for you to trade with. And you have no right to that name, to you, I am Phantom. Now, get lost.” He pushed at the bird which dispelled.

“Vlad?” Dan called from the doorway.

“Vlad,” he snarled, running a hand through his damp, loose hair. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Write to Ellie and ask her to keep an eye on him for me?" Normally he’d say Jazz but she was in the Keep, Ellie travelled and so would be better to watch and make sure he returned to Amity. And she held no love for Vlad, if he stepped out of line, she would happily put him in his place.

Dan glared at him.  "Mhm…"

“Still mad then?” he asked, watching his brother. “I know I should have talked to you first, but if I had, you would have said no.”

“Of course I would have!” Dan snarled. “If you die…he’ll take Ellie, Jazz, any kids you’ve got and run. And I…I’ll have no choice but to go too! I’m not arguing about protecting him and any kiddies but Danny…”

Danny turned to look out the window at the courtyard below, watching as soldiers moved about their duties, this was an active Fort after all, even if the war as good as over now. “Dan, we both know the threats. While I’ve got a lot of supports, I have just as many enemies and not all of them supported Pariah which makes them harder to find. I don’t plan to die, I don’t want to, but if the worst happens…” he turned back to his brother, “I have to know you’ll all be safe.”

“And your promises to the Chiefs who risked everything to back you in the rebellion?”

“Prince Timothy will rule in my place, it doesn’t matter from where. And then one of our children will step up. They’ll all have the three of you to guide and protect them. That doesn’t break my promises to them. And the prince might choose to remain in the Keep, depending on how long he’s lived there. Dying isn’t choosing to abandon anyone, Dan.”

“And yet you’ll get us out of there at the first chance,” Dan whispered.

“To keep you safe? To ensure our children get the chance to grow up and make their mark on the world? Yes,” he finished in a whisper. “Dan…the odds are that if I die…most of our supporters will be dead too, maybe even you. The prince won’t be able to stand up to that kind of thing, neither will our sisters.”

Dan swallowed as it sank in. For Danny to be dead, the floor would be littered with bodies – enemies and allies, loved ones, they both knew it. "You said that you trust me, that I’m more than what I was born to be, how I was born. You said you trust me to protect all of you. You said I could absolutely do it. Have I lost that trust? What did I do?”

“Never and nothing,” Danny swore. He crossed the room, grabbing his brother’s shoulders, staring up into his eyes. So unfair that he’d somehow gotten taller than Danny. “I know that the only way for someone to get to us…is because you’re dead. But not even you can always be at my side and no one can anticipate every threat.”

He trusted Dan, trusted all of his siblings. But he didn’t trust the kingdom, centuries of deception and horrors beyond belief had marked everyone deeply. How could he enact enough change to ensure their safety, especially if he died to an assassins blade?

"Danny. There is an entire kingdom who have put their trust in you, they believe in what you’re doing. You asked them to do that and they risked everything to follow you. Despite everything we have to deal with, they believe you when you say things will get better. All of them would die on your command, without even questioning it, no matter how crazy it seems. And they do that because they think you're with them. They call you their saviour - even Frostbite himself acknowledged you as the 'Great One' and he’s an Ancient! And you can't even trust them enough, have enough faith in them, to at least let us choose whether we want to stay?"

Danny sighed, turning back to the window. “Dan… It will be hard enough for Prince Timothy to survive in the Infinite Kingdom with my presence and support. Without me, it'll be even worse, he likely would be dead within weeks. And how could I allow our children to grow up without either of their parents around? I don't think he would abandon them, but… I had to make sure, you know? And he’ll need help with them, people he can trust. Do you think even his own people will be accepting of our children?”

He had seen the look on the prince’s face when told he could have children through magic, the shock and growing awe, the hope. So, he wanted to believe that he would love them and keep them with him. But those children would be half Danny…children of the Cursed Lands. They would likely take more after Danny than the prince, and Danny wanted to believe that Prince Timothy would accept that, would love them. But he had also believed his parents would always love him.

Dan sighed, joining him at the window "And in the end, Ellie isn't just your sister, huh?" he murmured, leaning his head against the cold stones.

Danny shook his head. "I call her my sister, and we interact like we are, love each other as such. But despite that, she's still my…" he didn’t dare say it, not here, even though they were alone in the chambers he had been given.

Dan hummed softly. Finally, he shifted to bump against Danny’s side gently. "I guess it was smart to ensure that Vlad couldn't get to her if you’re gone. But what about me?"

Danny gave him a look and Dan deflated, sighing in defeat. "Still, huh?" he looked away.

"It's their loss,” Danny growled, gripping his wrist. “But without my backing or your binding to me…” he couldn’t finish but they both knew.

"Say it how it is, brat. They hate me." Dan sounded so defeated as he said the words and Danny hated that. His brother was strong and proud, he should never look or sound like that.

"They don't hate you; they admire you. I didn’t lift a finger on your behalf during the tournaments, they nominated you on their own, and you won without any help. So that was all your own merit." Danny let go of his wrist to gently grasp his shoulders. That got him a weak smile in response, but it didn’t look convincing or reach his eyes.

"They will never see me as anything but a Deathborne, as evil." It sounded like something Dan had long since accepted. And Danny hated it, Dante was so much more than that.

"Prejudice against the Deathborne is strong," Danny admitted softly. He couldn’t even blame them given their history. Most Deathborne never met the one they were born from given how it happened. Pariah had been very happy to use them in his army given their abilities.

"But it’s been getting better with you around. It will just take time, compared to the centuries of prejudice, five years isn’t very long. You’ve come so far, Dan. They'll come around; I know it. Most of the army see it already, they follow you from choice. I'm just not so sure either of us will live long enough see it happen, it could take decades, centuries even. And I don't want you to be left alone to deal with that, if the worst happens to me."

Dan sighed again, slumping against the window frame, looking exhausted "It was selfish of you to just go and decide that for us. To go behind the backs of everyone in the kingdom who trusts you and prepare for the people you love to flee if anything happens to you. Doing this is hypocritical and you know it. I would never go against you in public, I know we’re safer that way, even if I question you sometimes…if not for all that, I would have outright refused back there."

Danny grimaced, Dan wasn’t saying anything he didn’t know. His while family knew it. Because Dan was right, he was selfish in his core. He had done it all for his family, to protect those he loved.

"But," Dan continued, surprising him, "I understand why you did it. Was it the right thing to do? No. But I understand why you did it, even if I disagree.”

Hopefully, Danny looked at his brother. "So, we're okay?"

Dan chuckled, pushing off the window frame and walked towards the door. "Maybe not right now, but we will be. Just talk to us next time. We can’t back you up properly when you pull stuff like this.”

“Alright,” Danny agreed.

Dan turned once he reached the door. “How are you going to explain all of this to the Court?”

“I’m just sending everyone else back with all the paperwork. Let Jazz get the yelling out of her system before we get home.”

Dan blinked and then laughed, shaking his head. “She’s going to kill you.”

“Maybe, but I figure asking her to send some things for the prince will help.”

“Planning to spoil him?” Dan teased, and Danny shrugged.

“He’ll need things to survive the trip, especially given his condition. I doubt he can ride for long.”

That sobered Dan who nodded. “I’m going to offer once we’re home, it’s too risky to do it here.”

Danny’s eyes widened. “Really?”

He nodded. “He’s going to be family.”

“Thank you,” Danny smiled at him.

“Oh, by the way, that guard came to talk to me. He’s signing up to come with the Prince. I…might have said something I shouldn’t have?”

Danny braced. “What?”

“I suggested that if they were lovers, that you wouldn’t stop them.”

Danny nodded slowly, he wouldn’t. While he would like for them to become that one day…well, having separate lovers was also accepted so long as everyone knew and consented.

“He denied it, was rather embarrassed. He said that they’re best friends, like brothers, but not lovers. So, I suggest you start impressing and wooing your future husband.”

Danny grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it at his big brother, making him laugh as he slipped out the door.

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Bruce guided his drugged son to Haley, helping him mount, placing the reigns in lax hands. Bernard guided his own horse closer, staying by Tim’s side as always. He knew that Bernard planned to go with Tim to the Infinite Kingdom and Bruce would miss the honest, loyal young man, but he was also glad that Tim would have his support.

Feeling eyes, he looked around and there was the High Chief, watching from a window. He fought down a shiver, they had a two-day head start which meant they would be arriving in Bristol when the High Chief was setting out from the fort. It gave them time to go over everything with the family and full council of advisors, but so long as the peace treaty was accepted…Tim’s fate was set.

Bruce turned away for his own horse, ready to go home.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 6

He was vaguely aware of familiar arms lifting him, wrapping around him.

“Welcome home Timmy.” The voice was familiar but too far away and he couldn’t focus enough.

Movement, walking? Talking, soft voices, and then something under him.

“Sleep well little brother.”

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Jason saw the party returning, moving through the courtyard to where Bernard had stopped his own horse and Tim’s. His brother was staring vacantly into space, unaware of his surroundings. Tim shouldn’t look like that; he was always so conscious of everything around him normally.

Bernard dismounted and moved to steady Haley, leaving Jason to gently help Tim from the saddle.

He hugged his little brother’s pliant form. “Welcome home Timmy,” he murmured, unsure if Tim could hear him. He stepped back and led Tim into their home and towards his suite in the family wing.

Jason carefully helped Tim out of his riding clothes and into something suitable for sleep before settling him under the covers. It was daytime but it was best to let him sleep off the remaining potion. He gently brushed Tim’s hair back from his face, seeing a flicker of awareness in his eyes.

“Sleep well little brother.” He drew the curtains, plunging the bedroom into darkness.

He then went looking for their father. He had come home as soon as he received the message from Dick about the new High Chief demanding ‘peace’ talks. Finding out that Tim had gone with Bruce… he’d been terrified and for once, the green hadn’t fed off that.

He found Bruce in the entrance hall, speaking with Alfred.

“What happened?” he demanded, and his father turned to him, looking relieved to see him. Jason was shocked to be pulled into a strong hug, the king almost clinging to him. Jason was frozen for a moment before he returned the hug. “Dad?” he murmured into Bruce’s riding coat, taking in the strong scent of horses.

“Is Tim asleep?”

“Yeah, but he seemed almost aware before he fell asleep,” Jason let him change the subject for the moment.

“He needed a new dose only a few hours ago so we gave him less. Hopefully, that means he’ll come out of it sooner.”

Jason nodded, that was good. “So, what happened? B…the war?” the thought of it starting up again terrified him. Not so much for himself, but his siblings. Tim couldn’t really fight due to his lingering injuries and Jason…well, he knew he was as much a liability as his brother given the green rage. He was as likely to harm allies as enemies when it surged.

“Wait till we have everyone together,” Bruce answered. “I need to clean up too. Tell your siblings and Barbara to meet in the west study in three hours.”

“Fine,” Jason agreed reluctantly, watching Bruce walk away. Something definitely went wrong, but what?

He could try and find Bernard, ask him, but the kid was fiercely loyal to Tim so there was no guarantee that he’d talk. He envied Tim having such a close friend, the closest he had was Roy and they rarely saw each other anymore. Maybe if the peace talks were real there’d be more opportunities?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 Bernard helped Tim dress, he was still groggy, reactions lagging, but he was conscious. By now, the High Chief would be on the road, heading for Bristol. They could not delay the family meeting if they were to have time to prepare for his arrival. Though, from the activity that he’d seen, Alfred was already at work preparing the necessary quarters for their ‘visitors’.

He stayed by Tim’s side to act as support or guide, heading for the west study to find the others already spread about the room. He helped Tim to the sofa, Tim not letting go of his arm, forcing him to either sit with him or stand very awkwardly. He glanced at Prince Richard who chuckled but waved him down. It was only the family after all. So he sat and Tim slumped into his side, eyelids drooping.

“You awake Timmy?” Richard called, and Tim hummed quietly in answer.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick was pleasantly surprised when Tim responded, he was coming around from the potions quickly then. He hadn’t told the others everything he and Babs knew, they’d kept quiet to ensure there were no rumours until after Bruce and Tim returned.

Bruce walked in, washed up and changed from the journey. His eyes immediately ran over all of them, checking that they were safe and well. He walked over to Tim, checking on him more closely, reaching out to gently ruffle his hair. “With us Tim?” he asked gently, and Tim pressed into his touch.

“M’re,” he mumbled.

“Father, what happened? Is there to be war?” Damian demanded.

“We have a preliminary peace treaty with High Chief Phantom. He left Fort Arkham this morning for Bristol for the official signing…and wedding.”

“Wedding?” Jason demanded, sitting up straight, looking from Bruce to Tim and then Dick and Barbara. “Did you two know?”

“Yes,” she answered, “but to ensure no rumours spread, we kept quiet.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“To formalise the treaty, High Chief Phantom and Prince Timothy are to be wed,” Bruce stated, fighting to keep the tremble from his voice.

“No! No way,” Jason snarled, eyes glowing slightly. "What the fuck, old man?! Your own son?! How dare you-"

“Vo’ted,” Tim slurred out, blinking, shaking his head.

“What?” Jason stared at Tim, thankfully calmer as he focused on his brother.

“Tim volunteered, High Chief Phantom seemed set to walk away when I said no. Tim stood and offered himself before I could do anything else. It’s done Jason, signed and sealed. So long as the peace treaty is ratified, then they must marry.”

“There has to be some way out of that.” Duke looked between them. He was Bruce’s newest son, though not the youngest. It had been a difficult adjustment for him, especially before he began getting control of his magic.

“The betrothal was signed in Evermore Ink, it’s unbreakable. But it doesn’t come into effect until the peace treaty is also signed.”

Damian shifted slightly. “I sent a couriers bird to both the High Mage and Zatanna,” he admitted. “I overheard Richard and Barbara, so I wrote to them for a way to break the betrothal. If anyone will know, surely it is them.”

“No,” Tim’s voice was stronger, his eyes more focused.

“Timmy?” Jason called gently.

Tim licked his lips. The potion was wearing off but it was still in his system, usually he slept it off fully but not today. “Can’t…risk peace,” he got the words out slowly, obviously focusing hard to do so. “Me or all.”

“The High Chief is allowing Tim a personal guard and he will have an Order of Knights; he can even take some of ours to make up part of each,” Bruce explained. “In the case of Phantom’s death, Tim will take the crown in his name until any children are of age but he can rule from anywhere. Phantom seemed to prefer that actually.”

“Well, if he dies, then it’d likely be an assassin, so it would be safer for any survivors to leav…wait, kids? Isn’t Tim, uh…” Jason glanced at Tim and grimaced.

“They call it animo fajro, the attack that Tim survived. They said it is meant to kill and then enslave the soul left behind. Obviously, we stopped it getting that far, but the first thing it does is kill off the ability to father or carry children, the ability to heal… it’s why Tim’s so short. From what they said, Tim is very, very lucky that he can heal at all from new injuries or illnesses. Perhaps the magic in Zatanna’s cloak stopped it. But they were also very clear that for children, gender and the ability to procreate naturally, are no issues. Tim can be a father one day,” Bruce explained after Tim had managed a small nod.

“I’m going as part of his guard,” Bernard stated firmly, confirming what Bruce had assumed.

“Tim, why you?” Steph whispered, staring at him in grief.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim shifted on the couch; he felt kind of…disconnected. He could hear and feel but speaking was difficult, his tongue heavy. “Had…be me,” he forced his mouth to move properly.

“As much as I hate it, Tim’s reasoning was sound. His surviving that cursed fire seems to have gained him their respect which should improve his treatment when with them. He’s not expected to take the throne like Dick or Damian either but brings with him as part of his dowery the Drake estate. He’ll keep his title as Prince of Gotham and take Phantom’s as well.”

“And the rest of the dowery?” Dick asked, they hadn’t told them that yet.

Bruce listed it off, the others listening.

“They’re really taking everything they can,” Jason grumbled, arms crossed.

“He could have emptied the treasury,” Bruce pointed out and then placed the treaty and betrothal on the table.

Only the betrothal was in Evermore Ink, the treaty was still considered a draft for the moment. He watched his siblings read both documents in silence, seeing their expressions darken. The knowledge slowly sank in, they would basically be an occupied country, under the High Chief’s control.

Tim’s best hope was that he would be able to gain enough influence to ensure his people’s safety, though he wasn’t sure yet how he would do that. The easiest way would be to work at gaining Phantom’s genuine affection, but he wasn’t sure he could do that. He had learnt manipulation at his mother’s knee but some aspects of it repulsed him. The thought of using his body to get what he wanted made him sick and he was terrified that Phantom would expect him to fulfil that aspect of their marriage. Could he do it? To save his people, his family? Could he lay there and let Phantom do as he wished, pretend to enjoy it?

Tim looked at Bernard and squeezed his hand, Ber looking at him in confusion before realising what he wanted.

“Phantom is giving Tim some choices. I approached the General about accompanying Tim when they leave. He assumed that we’re a couple and he said that Phantom would allow that to continue.”

“Be careful he doesn’t use letting you do something like that to get something more out of you,” Jason warned, and Tim nodded. “Of course, I take the bastards head off, then no wedding.”

“Don’t be an imbecile Jason,” Damian sneered.

“What? You want to send Tim off to marry some High Chief who’s threatening us with war?”

“Of course not,” Damian denied, which was nice to hear. When Damian had first come to Bristol, be would have been happy to get rid of Tim like this. “Timothy has bought us time with his sacrifice. Killing Phantom when his is in our own castle would be suicide, they would burn the city to the ground and you know it. Damian then looked at Bruce. “I assume you have a plan, Father?”

And there was silence.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Riding through Gotham brought back old, faded memories of his life before. Thanks to what had happened, his memory of life in Amity and Metropolis was spotty. Dante shared those memories but they lacked the strength of emotion. If Gotham was in the mountains, it would be worse.

He hoped the King and Prince had returned home safely. He had seen the way Prince Timothy had to be guided around, helped onto his horse, he had seen the vacant look on his face. He had obviously been drugged for the ride in some manner. He would never make the ride back to the Keep. A carriage would likely be the best option, it would be warmer for him too.

He'd been reading over the information they had given him on the wedding ceremony. It appeared simply enough. Much simpler than the ceremony they would undergo back home. He thought he remembered seeing something similar as a child, maybe?

Danny wasn’t pushing the group, give them time to prepare for their arrival. Best the King be able to spread word after all, wouldn’t want anyone to be scared of accidentally attack. And he was kind of stalling too…marriage. It wasn’t something he’d really thought of, too busy fighting Pariah and then trying to get the kingdom back on its feet.

And now, in a few days, maybe a week, he’d be a husband by Gotham’s laws and he assumed the gods. The Ancients would likely be a big adjustment for the Prince, did he realise they meant he would actually face one and not an image or priest? He’d have to clarify that later.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Alfred worked to ensure the guest quarters would be ready in time. It had been some years since they had had such an important visit. The whole hall needed airing, new bedding and linens; the pipes checked to ensure their ‘guests’ would have water for bathing. Nothing could go wrong for all of their sakes but especially dear Timothy’s. He would not allow an offence that would cause the High Chief to lash out at his new husband.

And the wedding suit! Such outfits normally took months, they had a week or two at most. The wedding feast would need organising as well.

There was so much to do and so little time.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"I don't see what the problem is," Jason huffed, pacing angrily, "He gets here, I take his head off. He's dead and no one marries Tim. Easy!"

"The problem, Jason, is that we're talking about the High Chief here," Steph hissed out, clearly just as pissed as Jason but actually being reasonable, for once. Though, how long that would last was anyone’s guess.

"Even the High Chief'll die if his head is no longer connected," Jason defended, throwing up his arms in either frustration or anger, likely a combination of both. Not that anyone could blame him.

"You're right, that is an easy way," Duke chimed in with a sigh, staring at Jason in disbelief. "An easy way to set the entire continent ablaze and kill everyone, including Tim. That’s not saving him.”

Thankfully, Tim and Bernard had left the room already. Tim hadn’t exactly eaten much since leaving the fort so now that the potions were wearing off, he was hungry.

"You don't know that," Jason defended weakly, but it was obvious that he knew his brother was right.

"But you do," Dick cut in sharply, standing abruptly. "We both lived through it, you…you nearly didn’t. Tim nearly didn’t. How much luck is left for our siblings if the war starts again?"

"We're stronger now! And there's more of us, the treaties between kingdoms stronger than ever. Besides, we managed last time. Who's to say we won't this time, huh?"

"We did not manage, Jaylad," Bruce sighed, resigned. "We were barely scrapping by until they suddenly pulled back. And now we know why, because Phantom rallied the clans against Pariah Dark to fight a civil war. We almost lost everything, both of you and Tim lost so much. And you were both…"

He didn't finish the sentence, but he didn't have to. Everyone knew what he was talking about.

Jason glared at their father furiously. "Cursed? Yeah, believe it or not, I fuckin' noticed,” he spat.

"It's a miracle neither of you died," Dick reminded him softly, minding the green glow in his younger brother's eyes. He clasped his shoulder gently, meeting those glowing eyes, refusing to be afraid of him. "Another miracle when Timmy survived mentally as well. It'd be foolish to hope for another."

Jason scoffed, looking away. His shoulders didn't relax even a little, though. "Yeah? What're you saying we should do, then? Sit idle and do nothing? That won’t fly, Dickhead."

Helplessly, the oldest prince shrugged. "We could try to talk to them? Maybe if we find something else that he wants…"

"That's just stupid,” Steph scoffed, "He wouldn't have told us to hand over Timmy if he was going to give us choices!"

Bruce sighed, “she’s right. It was very obvious that without the marriage, he was going to walk away from the table. If I’d been faster then maybe… but Tim went into this like he does everything. He considered everyone else who would be eligible and decided that he was the best option based on relationship status, age, and the odds of being needed to rule. He was very insistent that he be the one to do this. And…he’s right, as sick as it makes me. He was trained for this kind of marriage; he can survive it. He promised he will, until we find a way to bring him home again.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim sat in the window seat, his favourite spot in the smaller library. He was back to normal today, a little achy thanks to the ride. And that worried him, how would he survive the journey to the Infinite Kingdom? Even if Phantom allowed him the use of his potions…to be under them for that long, totally reliant on strangers…

Alfred had the household well in hand, preparing for their arrival. Part of Tim hoped they ran into trouble on the road, that their ‘reunion’ could be delayed. He’d already played pincushion that morning for the head seamstress. He felt sorry for them; they didn’t have very long to put the wedding suit together after all. The kitchens were being fully opened up as they were only for state events and banquets. Food, decorations…a royal wedding on such short notice was all but impossible. But it had to be done.

He knew the family were trying to find a way to get him out of it…but he wouldn’t let them. He had to do this; he was the only one who could. The peace had to be made or they would die, it was as simple as that. None of the kingdoms would last much longer without many more years to recover first.

He let his fingers trace over ornate woodwork and cold stone, what would the High Chief’s home look like? Would there be anything familiar or would it be completely alien? Would he be expected to share chambers with his husband?

Tim didn’t move as Damian joined him, the younger boy sitting on the seat, leaning into him. Tim curled an arm around him, the two of them just sitting in companionable silence.

“We will save you,” Damian eventually whispered.

Tim smiled softly, sadly. He had no doubt that they would try.

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Jason stood in the doorway, watching Tim move around his quarters. With limited time, Tim had to begin going over his belongings to see what he would take and what he might need to have made or purchased before leaving.

“I had to do this, Jay,” Tim said, his back to him.

Jason scoffed, moving into the room to begin packing Tim’s books.

“Who else could have? Dick and Damian are out for obvious reasons. I’m the only one in the family who was a viable option for peace. Lets’ face it, you’d be challenging them all or going on a rampage within days, if not hours. Duke’s only just really getting his magic under control, he’s not well known as part of the family. And if he went to one of the other kingdoms? Most are either direct heirs or already engaged, if they’re old enough.”

He hated it, but Tim was right. That didn’t make anything better though. He grabbed his brother as he went to pass him, pulling him in close to hug tightly. “Love you, little brother,” he whispered.

Tim had been stiff but then he went limp against him, curling into him, trembling slightly. Jason knew, Tim was terrified. How could he not be? They knew so little of their soon to be overseers. Tim thrived off of knowledge and plans, this had to be driving him mad. “I’m scared,” he whispered, and Jason tightened his grip.

“Me too,” he admitted.

He had almost ignored Babs call that day, busy and the green close to the surface. If he had, then Tim could have been gone by the time he made it home. If his control was better, he’d be volunteering to accompany Tim as part of his guard or a knight, either one. But he didn’t have full control and if he lost it…he could get them both killed, the treaty annulled.

“I’ll write,” Tim promised. “And…he indicated I can come home to visit at some point.”

Jason nodded, not sure he could believe that, but he hoped.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny stared at the large stone walls surrounding Bristol, they had nothing like this back home. Their defences were the landscape itself and magic. The only way to approach was by a bridge over a very deep chasm, it made him a little nervous, despite his powers, but he still urged his horse forward.

This was it, when he left Bristol, it would be with a signed peace treaty and a husband at his side.

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 7

Jazz was relieved when she received word that the diplomatic party had been sighted in the distance. She made her way through the Keep to meet them. She missed her brothers a lot, even Dante. When they had first met, she’d been terrified of him. He was like a dark mirror image of Danny in a lot of ways. And the Deathborne were feared by all, especially General Wraith. But Dante was quiet, hesitant, even if brusque at times. It wasn’t his fault that he didn’t understand a lot of emotions, he’d grown a lot since being freed from Pariah.

She’d thought Danny was dead for years, grieving her baby brother. She had thought he died that day in Amity Park and when she had seen Wraith later it just confirmed it because it was obvious what he was. And then, while fending off an attack, Danny had saved her, he almost got himself killed doing it because he froze in shock at seeing her. It had taken some time for her to believe he was really her beloved little brother but he had known things no one else could have, had still carried some childhood scars. From that moment, she had sworn to remain at his side forever, and she had learnt how to fight to stand with him against Pariah Dark. So, when Danny had shown up to one of their planning sessions with General Wraith she had been wary but she trusted Danny. But Dante had more than proved worthy of Danny’s trust in him.

And when Ellie showed up…she could understand why Danny didn’t kill Vlad but also…she really wanted to rip the bastard to pieces.

And then the party rode up…with two very prominent members missing. “What did the idiot twins do this time?” she demanded, making Ember laugh.

“Our beloved High Chief managed to get himself engaged to the third Prince of Gotham Timothy Drake-Wayne. Who also happens to have survived the animo fajro.”

Jazz felt her jaw drop. He what?!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick paced his sitting room, already dressed to meet his soon to be brother-in-law. He hated this! Timmy didn’t even seem to be trying to find a way out, he was just…letting it happen. And it reminded him so much of the tiny Tim that Bruce had led into the family sitting room that day years ago, the boy with dull eyes who could never chose anything for himself.

It had taken what felt like an eternity for Tim to come out of his shell, to learn they loved him for who he was and not what he could do for them.

“I’m going to try to take Tim’s place,” he murmured, knowing she’d hear him.

“Like hell you are!” She snapped back at him, and he turned to face her as she settled properly into her chair. “Dick, you wouldn’t last a month! Tim at least can and we’ll help him recover once we get him back. As much as we all hate it, he’s well trained for this position. You can’t handle random people not liking you, a spouse?” Barbara shook her head.

“If it wasn’t for his age and bloodline, even Damian would be a better choice than you, and he’d probably stab Phantom!”

His bloodline…it was the best kept secret in the kingdom, but Gotham had to have a blood Wayne on the throne. Before Damian appeared, he knew Bruce had been talking with Queen Diana, yes, she had an heir in Princess Cassie, but she was a cousin and not a direct heir. Any girl children would have remained in Themyscira while any boys would have been sent to Gotham. But Bruce had not wanted to do it, he’d been forced to by the need for an heir. But then Damian had appeared, a Wayne and al Ghul. It meant that Damian could not marry out of the family, whoever he married would have to be able to come to Gotham.

“Timmy might be able to hide it, but he won’t be any better off than I would,” he argued.

“But he can hide it, and that could be what saves his life.”

Dick shook his head, slumping in on himself. "I don't… I know it's stupid, okay? But I just don't want Tim to… to…" All he wanted was to protect his family, his siblings.

"We don't want Tim to suffer either. But Dick? But we don’t want you to go through that either," Barbara stated firmly, and he forced himself to listen. "Your plan, it would just change whom we'd lose. It wouldn't make anything better. And do you really think Tim could live with that, if it worked out? Do you think anyone would be happier with that? Knowing you were in his place would kill him.”

“Alright,” he whispered.

This was part of why he loved her so much, she always told it to him straight. He wished they could marry but she was the Oracle and so it could never happen.

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A soft chime sounded and Babs looked over at her mirror before nodded, it was time.

Tim took a deep breath and straightened his tunic before making his way out and down the stairs to the courtyard, Bernard at his elbow just in case, and Jason looming behind them. The High Chief’s party was at the entrance to Bristol and would arrive at the castle soon, that was why her mirror had chimed. Which meant they needed to be there to welcome them. He fought to keep his social mask in place, he could not let anyone see how scared he was. And he was terrified. Of the upcoming marriage yes, but also of what his siblings might do to try and stop the wedding. His life for that of their kingdom, how could they not see this was for the best?

He focused on his breathing to remain calm as he stood beside Bruce. His father gripped his shoulder briefly and Tim leant into his side. It wasn’t like Phantom was going to ride up, grab him, and ride away to the Infinite Kingdom today. And he wasn’t sure that Jason being there was smart with how angry he was over the betrothment.

And then there was the sound of approaching hooves and Tim opened his eyes, watching as they rode in, the High Chief in the lead dressed in white leathers, a cloak flowing from his shoulders. Tim found his breath catching at the sight, he was… he swallowed. No, no way was he going to consider Phantom attractive, even if very different to anyone else he had ever found attractive.

They were all similar, so pale, mostly white haired, and those eyes… either green or red and glowing somehow, he assumed with their magic. He was going to stand out a lot which would make him an easy target. Phantom and Wraith dismounted, their soldiers following, and Bruce stepped forward to welcome them. Tim didn’t pay attention to his words, unable to look away from his betrothed and his brother. And then Phantom was in front of him, lips quirking in a slight smile, shocking Tim by taking his hand to kiss the back. He wasn’t wearing gloves so the chill of his lips sank into his skin. He swallowed and managed a passable smile in return.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny fought the urge to look around and gawk, that was not proper behaviour but…. Bristol was so different! Amity had been tiny compared to the capitol city of Gotham. He hoped they had the time and permission to explore a little. Oh! Maybe a tour of the city would be a good way to get to know his betrothed better? There would be others around so they would technically be chaperoned but they could speak more openly outside of a courtlier meeting, hopefully.

Then again, with the linger effects of the animo fajro perhaps a long walk was not the smartest idea. He hadn’t seen the Prince walking around much at the fort but he did seem to limp even on flat ground. He wanted to get to know Prince Timothy before they were married, would…would he expect them to consummate it? He hadn’t thought to ask but he knew some kingdoms insisted that for a marriage to be legal, it had to be consummated within a few days of the ceremony. Why hadn’t he asked? He’d never… he’d been a teenager thrust into war; he’d been too busy staying alive for that kind of thing. And could the Prince’s body stand that kind of activity? He didn’t want to cause him pain.

Ugh, don’t think about it, focus on the approaching castle. It was beautiful. He could practically feel the age and history of the black stones. The Wayne family coat of arms flew over the battlements in the light breeze. This was it, don’t mess it up.

He pulled his horse to a stop at a respectful distance from King Bruce and his family, dismounting, Dante in sync with him, the rest following a second later.

“Welcome to Bristol, High Chief Phantom, General Wraith. I hope you will enjoy your stay with us. We’ve arranged quarters for you, please let us know if there is anything else you need.”

“Thank you, King Bruce. I think for now, our quarters would be welcome to clean up and relax after the journey,” Danny explained.

“Of course.”

He was introduced to the King’s children who were currently at home. Prince’s Richard, Jason, Damian, and Duke. And the Oracle, Barbara. He hadn’t known the family had their own Oracle. And Prince Jason…there was something familiar about him. Had they met before? But how? He’d need to think about that.

And then Prince Timothy was in front of him. he offered his betrothed a small smile, lifting his bare hand to kiss the back of it, seeing bright blue eyes widen slightly. He was not easy to read at all, even for someone with some level of empathy but…Danny was pretty sure that was attraction. That was good right? Being attracted to him was a good place to start, they could build on that. He’d honestly thought that if anything, the prince would be repulsed by his pale coldness. But it seemed it might be the opposite.

“It is good to see you again, your highness,” he greeted the prince, hearing the slightly faster beating of his heart.

“You as well, High Chief Phantom,” the prince answered, with a smile.

“I am looking forward to spending time with you and your family to get to know you. Marrying a stranger must be intimidating, the better we know each other, the more at ease we will be on the day.” There, that should help him understand that Danny wanted to actually get to know him, right?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce watched Phantom focus on Tim, the way he kissed his hand and then didn’t let go. Showing that Tim was his now? But he wasn’t…technically. The peace treaty hadn’t been signed yet which meant the betrothment was still breakable…if they were willing to forgo peace. And as much as he hated himself for it, he couldn’t do it. Tim was right, saving him and damning everyone else was not something that Bruce could do.

He wanted to drag his son close and away from Phantom but…this was what Janet had taught Tim to do, to manipulate a spouse. He had to trust that Tim could soften the man and protect himself. If Tim could get the man to genuinely care for him, then his life would be a lot better. And Phantom was right, the better they knew each other, the more likely they could build something.

“Bristol is lovely, I’d love to see more of it,” Phantom commented, finally releasing Tim.

That was an order if he’d ever heard one and he saw the knowledge of that in Tim’s well practiced smile.

“I could give you a tour, if you’d like?” his son offered.

"Really?! That'd be wonderful! Only if you're sure you don't mind, though?" Phantom's smile could've looked kind, if it had been on anyone else's face. On the High Chief, it almost looked like a threat. Was it a threat? The man’s gaze moved to Tim’s leg, both were affected but one was worse than the other, meaning he limped even on good days.

“I don’t mind at all,” Tim assured him.

“Wonderful.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard eased Tim down onto the chair before kneeling, carefully massaging the worst leg. “Why did you agree?” he asked, and Tim just stared at him.

“What was I meant to do Ber, turn him down? It wasn’t actually a question; we both know that.” He leant back against the wall, staring at the ceiling, and Bernard grimaced.

He hated Phantom for pushing them into this. If he really wanted ‘peace’ then why not just do it, why go through this farce of a wedding? Looking around Tim’s rooms showed signs that he had already begun to pack, packages littered about from town, new supplies for the colder climate. Bernard had started packing too, struggling with what to take. He’d never had to move like this before, to pack up his life and move so far away. Even Tim had only come from the Drake Duchy, a day and a half’s ride from the capital. The Drake’s had liked being so close to the crown and the Wayne’s had used their skills many times, at least they had before Janet and jack Drake.

“I’ll be fine,” Tim murmured. “I don’t have to see them till tomorrow.”

Thankfully. The formal dinner wasn’t till tomorrow night which left the day for the city ‘tour’. And Bernard planned to invite himself along, two royals in the city without a guard? Yeah, no way.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“What is it?” Dan asked, watching Danny unpack his things.

“Did Prince Jason look familiar to you?”

Dan considered it before shaking his head. “No, other than he looks like the other Waynes with hair colour.”

“I could swear I’ve seen him before,” Danny mumbled as he pulled a package out, staring at it.

“Is that?” Dante stared at it, Danny nodding, gently running his fingers over the velvet wrapping. “Does Jazz know?”

“Considering she was there when the betrothment option was brought up she should. Don’t think this is what she had planned when she gave it to me though. And Gotham shares the tradition with Metropolis so it should be a good start, to show I’m willing to follow their traditions too.”

Dan nodded slowly. He had Danny’s memories of what was in the box, of seeing it as a child. He’d seen it when Jazz gave it to Danny too, shortly after he’d defeated Pariah. “You’re going to treat this as a real marriage then?”

“Of course,” Danny glanced at him, puzzled. “He is going to be my husband, Dan. And…I want us to at least be friends, even if there’s never anything more. But…”

“You want it all?” he finished, and Danny nodded.

“You know my memories are a mess but one thing I do remember is how much my parents loved each other, how…in sync they were. Is it wrong to want that too?”

“No? Not really the best person to ask,” he pointed out, and Danny smiled at him.

“You’ll get it one day,” he promised.

Maybe he would but at the moment, he didn’t really care. As long as his siblings were safe and happy, he was content. And he would kill anyone who threatened either of those things.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim stood near the side entrance, waiting for High Chief Phantom. He fought the urge to pace or drum his fingers against his thigh. He was nervous, this would be their first time alone, well, mostly alone. Bernard had promised to hang back while staying close enough to intervene if necessary.

And then Phantom was walking down the hall, a servant nervously leading him. Tim immediately dismissed the poor boy who practically bolted away.

“Good morning, Prince Timothy,” Phantom greeted, and once again, his hand was kissed.

“Good morning, High Chief Phantom,” he returned, voice steady despite his racing heart. At least he wasn’t blushing, was he? “Are you ready to head out?”

“As long as you are.”

They couldn’t really go incognito given Phantom’s unique appearance, but they could blend in a little more by dressing more casually and Phantom even had a hooded jacket to help hide his very distinctive hair. Phantom offered his arm like a gentleman and Tim slowly took it. He’d grown up being told their enemies were godless barbarians but Phantom at least appeared to have manners. Sure, he was forcing them into everything, but he could have just taken what he wanted, continued the war even. And even when angered, he hadn’t lashed out, yet at least. It all gave him some hope that his life would not be utterly horrible in the Infinite Kingdom.

And Phantom was matching his stride to Tim’s, letting him set the pace. Few people outside of his family ever considered that. Thankfully, he’d recovered from the journey home and both of his legs were relatively pain free. He guided them out of the castle grounds and into the city, Bernard following unobtrusively behind them.

“I’ve never seen such a big city before,” Phantom admitted softly.

“Really?” he found that surprising. “Your capital is not this large? I thought the Infinite Kingdom covers the rest of the continent that the kingdoms of Justria doesn’t?”

“It does, but out population tends to be more scattered and many of them do not live in permanent settlements, preferring life on the road. You will be living in the Keep which is in Axion. I’d say the permanent population of Axion is around a thousand? Traders have begun coming to the town again with the end of the civil war and the Wanderers pass through as well. The Keep is built into the side of the mountain which helps protect it and Axion. Made it very hard to take from Pariah’s forces.”

Tim listened, fascinated, as Phantom gave him a small view into the place he would soon be living. He didn’t think a smaller population was bad, less people to gawk at him. That was if he was allowed to leave the Keep.

“What is your favourite place here?” Phantom asked, and Tim considered it before leading the man towards it.

He watched glowing green eyes go wide as they left a side street, and…was that a full smile? Oh…he had fangs. That was… Tim took a calming breath.

“It’s beautiful,” Phantom breathed in awe.

The park was small, well hidden, but it had many plants not normally found in Gotham. “Not a lot of people come here so it makes a good place for a few moments peace when in the city,” Tim explained.

“I can see why you like it.” Phantom knelt down in front of some flowers, looking closer.

Tim took the chance to move to the small bench and sat, stretching out his legs. Watching Phantom explore the garden made it even harder to see him as a barbarian or enemy. Phantom glanced up, finding him watching, and Tim froze. Phantom walked towards him and Tim watched, frozen. And then Phantom knelt in front of him, taking his hands.

“I know this marriage is for the peace but I wish to honour your traditions as well.”

Tim’s heart was pounding as Phantom pulled out a velvet wrapped object. Was this? The betrothal was signed and sealed and all he’d felt then was a distant fear and sense of duty, so why did this have his heart racing? He carefully accepted the gift and sure enough, inside the velvet was a simple wooden box and inside the box sat a simple ring of white metal, he wasn’t sure what kind at a glance. Set into the band was a small sapphire. He knew sapphires when he saw them, his mother had loved them. The ring did not look new or overly expensive, no, it was well loved…like something that would be handed down through a family. But nothing he’d read in the scroll he’d been given mentioned rings in their traditions.

“I know it’s not fancy, but…it was my mother’s,” Phantom murmured.

Why would he give Tim his mother’s ring? He stared into green eyes, confused. Was he…nervous? He seemed so different to when they’d been at the fort. Which was the real Phantom? He couldn’t let himself hope, he couldn’t.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny knew the ring wasn’t very impressive given his title but it had meant everything to his parents. Amity had been part of Metropolis but his mother’s family had originally been from Starr and she had been a distant cousin to King Oliver. Admitting it had been his mothers’ could raise questions but likely it would be assumed his parents married across battle lines.

And then the Prince held his hand out to him, fingers spread. Danny took a breath and removed the ring from the box, sliding it onto his ring finger. He’d been worried it would need resizing but the prince’s lack of growth helped there, his fingers slender. If anything, it might be a little loose, but there was no point re-sizing it until after the prince underwent the cure since it may cause him to undergo a sudden growth spurt. Though, Danny had to admit he kind of liked being taller than him since he was the shortest of his siblings.

“Danny,” he murmured, keeping the young guard’s’ presence in mind.

“High Chief?” the prince looked at him in confusion.

“Phantom is…my public name? My chosen name that is given to all. But if we are to marry then you should know the name I was given at birth. It’s Daniel but I use Danny.”

The prince’s eyes were wide with shock, his hand still in Danny’s. “Danny,” he whispered. “I’m Tim.”

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 8

Tim couldn’t help glancing down at his hand as they walked through the city. Somehow, the ring made it feel realer than signing the contract had. He was betrothed and would soon be married. Phantom… Danny was so confusing. It was interesting that they had a public name or title and then their birth name but it did make sense, their names had all seemed so strange.

Walking arm in arm with Phantom, he found the coolness was actually nice. Since he often felt like he was burning, it was actually a welcome sensation.

“There is something I forgot to clarify during the negotiation,” Phantom murmured as they turned back towards the castle.

“Oh?” Tim asked warily.

“Gotham’s consummation laws for political marriages.”

Huh…oh! Tim fought back a blush. But yes, that was rather important. He couldn’t say that he hadn’t thought about it. It scared him. With the damage caused by the fire… could he even enjoy such an act or would it just cause him pain? And he’d always imagined it being with someone he loved; he didn’t know the High Chief let alone love him. How could he when the man had threatened his people?

But there seemed to be something beyond that, something…softer. A difference between the High Chief and Danny? Bruce was different with them than he was when he had to act as King, so it wouldn’t be unusual for Danny to act differently depending on the situation. The High Chief had to act in his peoples best interests but Danny the individual could feel differently. As Chief, he threatened them to get what he needed, forced a marriage to seal the treaty but maybe…as Danny, he might want to actually get to know him? Tim was so confused.

“It wasn’t in the contract?” he asked, he hadn’t read it, just signed it. He’d been pretty checked out towards the end and had trusted Bruce to negotiate for him.

“There was a mention that the marriage has to be consummated but it did not specify a timeline. Is there a customary time?”

Yes, there was and that terrified him because usually, a marriage was consummated that night after the feast. They hadn’t even set a definite date yet! They likely would tonight at the formal dinner.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny felt sick, holding Tim’s arm made it impossible to miss what he was feeling…terror. But was it fear of him or of the act? He had to focus, had to help his betrothed deal with his fear. He’d just wanted to clarifying things, to be sure he knew what was going on, not this. He moved them out of the street and turned to face the prince, seeing the way he was controlling his breathing, sensing the guard shifting closer.

“Tim,” he murmured.

It felt good, knowing his betrothed’s preferred name. It wasn’t the same as at home, with everyone having two names but nicknames were generally only used by those close to you, like how his family had called him Danny. He took Tim’s hands in his, looking down to meet Tim’s eyes. They were such a pretty blue, and he needed to focus. He thumbs rubbed over the back of Tim’s hands, enjoying the warmth of his skin. He felt Tim shiver slightly, but he couldn’t sense any disgust. He’d heard from others that even if the flames were extinguished, that victims experienced the sensation of burning if not cured, was that why his touch seemed to feel nice to Tim?

“You are my betrothed, I don’t want to harm you,” he promised softly. “If we must consummate it while here, I am worried it will hurt you. Back home, there are things that can be done to help your recovery.”

“I was told nothing more could be done,” Tim admitted, sounding a little shaky.

“Our magic is different to that practiced here. The cursed flame comes from our lands so we have had a long time to learn how to deal with it,” Danny explained. “I can’t promise full healing, every case is different,” he warned, and Tim nodded slowly.

“I’ve never…no one ever wanted the cripple prince,” Tim admitted, and Danny felt a flare of anger at how cruel people could be. “So I don’t know if I can without pain or overstressing my body.”

Danny nodded. “We can talk to your father about if there is a time limit. And if it has to happen then we will do everything possible to ensure you are comfortable.” He let go of one of his hands, lifting his own to gently touch Tim’s cheek. He knew he was being very forward by their own standards, yes, they were betrothed but they were also strangers.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim was shocked as he listened to Pha…to Danny as he promised that he didn’t want to hurt him. He wanted desperately to believe him, to trust his soon to be husband. But how could he with such mixed signals? A cool hand cupped his cheek and Tim fought not to melt into it, it felt so good. To know that he might be able to be healed even further…he’d forced himself to stop dreaming of that years ago. And now here was the enemy giving him hope.

“Why?” the question slipped out before he realised it.

“Why what?” Danny asked, glowing green eyes focused on him, seeming…soft.

Tim swallowed, but he’d asked now. “Why ask for a betrothal?”

Danny blinked, seeming surprised. He then glanced around. “We should go back; we can talk in the castle. Your legs are surely aching.”

Tim watched him carefully but he didn’t seem to be trying to get out of explaining. They were practically on the street and while Ber would warn them of anyone getting close, it wasn’t very private. So he nodded in agreement. Danny took his arm again and they began walking back to the castle.

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Bernard watched them closely, not sure what to think of the High Chief touching Tim so much. It seemed almost possessive, like he was laying a claim on Tim. But the way he’d given Tim the ring… he wanted the Chief to have a heart, to come to care for Tim because it would make their life in the Infinite Kingdom easier. And he knew better than to think of them as heartless just because they were different.

He was also going to talk to Jason while he was back as well as Sir Gordon about how to keep Tim safe when they would stand out so obviously among the people of their new home. It would make Tim a very visible and easy target. Security was going to be a nightmare. And he needed to see if anyone else would be volunteering for either Tim’s guard or Knight Order.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny led Tim to the couch in the sitting room that was for their use, ensuring he was settled comfortably, ignoring the guard who followed them but stayed by the door. He was sure it was the one who had spoken with Dan about coming with Tim.

“Do you need anything?” he asked, and Tim shook his head, so Danny sat beside him, turned to face him better.

He didn’t want to do this, to admit that he hadn’t planned to become betrothed, that it had been there so they could throw out a term. What if Tim hated him for that? But lying would be even worse.

“You wanted to know why I asked for the betrothal?”

Tim nodded, so he was stuck answering.

“I honestly did not expect it to be accepted,” he admitted, watching as Tim frowned.

“I don’t understand?”

He could hear Tim’s heart beginning to race.

“Maybe you don’t negotiate the same way we do? But when coming up with terms, we always include one or two that we are willing to negotiate or even discard completely. The betrothal was the one I was willing to discard.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Barbara let the mirror go dark, leaning back in her chair. There hadn’t been anything reflective close enough for her to hear, but she had seen Phantom kneeling in front of Tim who held his hand out. It seemed he had given him a ring. Was it good that he had looked that much into their traditions? She hoped so. The walk around the city seemed to go well at least, Phantom had appeared very attentive to Tim, listening closely to him and speaking softly.

Thankfully, nothing had gone wrong during the walk. The people were not entirely happy that they were negotiating with their generations long enemy after all.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim froze. He what? His heart was racing, head spinning, and then he felt cool hands on him.

“Breath Tim,” Bernard, that was Ber.

He blinked slowly to realise his head had been pushed between his knees, Bernard kneeling in front of him, Danny supporting him. Tim gasped in a breath and then another, sagging against his betrothed who easily took his weight.

“Tim?” Bernard murmured.

“Hmmm,” Tim managed.

He felt Danny gently move him, laying him against the arm rest.

“Got his legs?”

“Yeah,” Bernard answered, and Tim realised he was now lying on the couch, his legs elevated. “What happened?” His best friend sounded tense, almost angry.

“I believe he received a shock from my answer,” Danny answered.

Tim sighed as a gentle, cool hand rested against his forehead. He was hot.

“Is this normal?” Danny asked.

“No,” Bernard answered.

“M’kay,” he slurred.

“Find my brother,” Danny ordered, voice tight.

Tim vaguely heard the door.

“You’re burning up,” Danny told him, and then a cool hand was at the back of his neck, making him hiss before slowly relaxing.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny was fighting the urge to panic himself as he did his best to cool Tim down. For once, his lower body temperature was useful as he kept a hand against Tim’s neck, moving the other over his face and then his wrists. Pulse points meant the blood was closer to the surface and easier to cool.

“Tim? Stay with me,” he pleaded. He couldn’t be the reason Tim was injured.

The door slammed over and his lip curled back in a snarl before he realised it was Dante.

“Pha…oh,” Dan moved closer carefully, crooning softly, comforting.

Danny took a breath and nodded, Dan moving closer now that he had permission. How had he become so protective of Tim so quickly? Dan took off a glove and placed his hand on Tim’s forehead, swearing softly after a second.

“Dan?” he whispered, glancing at the guar…Bernard, Tim had called him that.

“The animo fajro, it had been lying dormant within him. We should have felt that,” Dan growled. “There’s no choice, we cannot wait.”

“What’s going on?” Bernard demanded, hand resting near his blade.

“Summon the king, he should be here,” Danny answered. “Prince Timothy will need his support if we are to save him.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard blanched, save him? “What are you talking about?” He demanded, not caring who they were or their rank.

Wraith looked at him. “The animo fajro is still within him and it has woken. Summon his father, now.”

Bernard scrambled for the door, hitting it at a run. It couldn’t…not again. The memory of Tim’s screams, of seeing him lying too still in bed…of the high mage working feverishly as Tim’s flesh began to disintegrate…no, it wouldn’t happen again.

“King Bruce!” he screamed as he approached where they should be, screw decorum and protocol.

The door ahead of him slammed open, revealing Jason. “Bernard?”

“It’s Tim! He’s…” he paused, panting. “High Chief and General said bring the King. The animo fajro is still in him, it’s activating…he’s already feverish.”

Jason went pale. “Bruce!”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce ran through the halls, not caring who saw him, his son needed him. he pushed away the memories of that day, of coming across the patrol, the flames burning and then hearing Tim’s agonised screams…of the months when his son hovered between life and death. Not again. He could not lose his son.

He reached the sitting room and rushed inside, seeing Phantom pressing his hands to Tim’s skin, Wraith over near the window with a bowl.

“Tim,” Bruce breathed, moving closer, hovering. “What’s happening?”

“The animo fajro has lain dormant all these years within his body and soul,” Wraith answered, approaching, was the water in the bowl glowing? “Something has caused it to reactivate.” The stoic man actually grimaced slightly. “Likely due to our presence, our magic is very different to yours. If it is not stopped, then it will finish what it began all those years ago.”

Wraith dipped a cloth in the water and dabbed at Tim’s lips with it, Tim whimpering, thrashing, but Phantom held him still.

“I can send for the High Mage,” Bruce offered, but Phantom shook his head.

“If he subdued it once, it won’t work again.” He looked at his brother who nodded. “There is a way to remove the curse, we had planned to do so once safely home as there are risks. You will need to support him; you are his father. You must help call him from the Darkness.”

Bruce nodded. He would do what he had to in order to save Tim. He didn’t doubt their explanation of what was happening. He could see it, the nearly invisible flames beginning to lick at Tim’s form.

The two men lifted Tim to lie on the floor, stone would take longer to succumb to the cursed flames than a couch, Tim’s head pillowed on Bruce’s lap.

“I’m here son, you’re going to be alright. Just hold on,” he murmured.

Tim’s eyes flickered open briefly even as he whimpered. He seemed aware enough to be trying not to scream.

“Support his head, he needs to drink this,” Wraith stated, holding the bowl to Tim’s lips.

Getting the liquid into Tim was difficult as he struggled against the pain.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dan grimaced, wrist throbbing in pain but he made sure the wound was hidden, it would heal soon enough. But it was likely for the best that the king did not know that his blood was mixed with the water that they were feeding to the prince.

He didn’t like doing this here, it was too dangerous. He would be left weakened for days at least, and yes, they had other guards, but he didn’t trust them with Danny. He would never fully trust anyone else to protect his brother.

What had caused the curse to become active again? Something had to have set it off, but what? How had he not really that it still lingered inside the Prince? He had thought the young man was only still afflicted with the wounds from it, not the curse itself. Pulling the wounds would have been easier than removing an active curse.

After the last swallow, the prince began to scream, the flames becoming more visible. Dan took a deep breath, feeling the link forming between them. He wanted to pull the pain from the poor boy, but he couldn’t, he needed to be able to focus on what he was doing.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny held Tim down, hearing the king speaking gently to his son, giving him something to hold onto. He could feel Tim’s terror and pain and while Dante couldn’t do anything about it, he could. They were betrothed, the contract signed with magic, Tim wore his mother’s ring, that had to be enough. He reached out for Tim, beyond the normal surface empathy.

This was their fault; the curse had reacted to their presence. He had spent the day with Tim, had touched him, had that accelerated what was happening? And then Tim had obviously been shocked by his explanation, the sudden emotional torment had likely added to the issue. He grit his teeth as he felt the sheer agony Tim was suffering, pulling at it, drawing it into himself even as he focused on the cold, dropping his body temperature to try and counteract the flames that were growing.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason stood in the doorway with Bernard, one hand on the kid’s shoulder. He hadn’t seen Tim, hadn’t seen anyone, under the cursed flames before. He felt sick as Tim began screaming in agony, thrashing against their hold. He didn’t know what the General was doing, he just prayed that it would work, that they could save Tim. Bernard was shaking and of course, he’d been there last time, so he wrapped his arm fully around his shoulders, drawing him into his side. He used his body to block the view inside as he heard Dick running towards them, knowing Damian would be with him at least. The kid definitely did not need to see Tim like that.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

All Tim was aware of was the fire burning through him, he couldn’t feel his dad supporting his head, couldn’t hear him. And then a wave of cool washed over him and for a second he was vaguely aware of a familiar voice calling to him before the fire was back. But then the cold was back, stronger, wrapping around him and he clung on desperately. It felt…protective.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny felt Tim reach for him, desperate, scared, and in pain. He carefully wrapped Tim in his own magic, it was risky, but the last thing they wanted was for Tim to go mad from fear and pain. Yes, living in the Cursed Lands would eventually affect Tim, but it was meant to be a gradual thing. With Danny’s tight magical hold on him, the process may begin before Tim ever step foot in the kingdom.

King Bruce had been forced back by the increasing heat but was staying as close as he could, still talking to his son as they worked to save him. Dante was chanting under his breath, one hand over Tim’s heart, the other on his forehead. Tim had stopped screaming at least, body limp on the stone floor.

He knew others were in the doorway but he couldn’t spare the concentration to work out who.

Dante let out a cry of pain and then flames suddenly vanished, extinguished, Dan collapsing back, gasping for air. Tim lay limp on the floor, the scent of burning and blood lingering around him and Danny looked down to find blood on his clothing.

“Wraith?” he barely remembered to use his brother’s common name.

“Ouch,” he mumbled, half lifting a hand to wave at him.

“Timmy?” someone from the doorway whispered.

“He’s alive,” Danny offered. He moved, carefully gathering the prince in his arms, standing to set him gently on the couch.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce moved to the couch, the High Chief moving aside. He watched his son’s chest rise and fall with every breath, reaching out to take his hand. His skin was clammy but seemed to be a mostly normal temperature.

“Father?” Damian called, voice shaking.

Bruce looked up to see his other children gathered in the doorway with Bernard. “He’s alive,” he promised them.

Dick slumped against the wall, trembling, Jason shifting to help hold him up, an arm still around Bernard who was very pale. Damian was pressed against his brothers and he could just see Babs chair at the back. Duke was meant to be with a training patrol along with Steph so at least one child and Tim’s sort of ex had been spared the horror of Tim’s condition.

He looked to the High Chief, seeing the pinched skin around his eyes. He seemed to be in pain…and Tim had stopped screaming. Just what could their magic do? “How long will it take him to wake? It was months last time,” he explained. Once the peace treaty was signed, they would have no more than two weeks to marry, they may have to postpone everything.

Phantom frowned. “He should wake within a few minutes, though there may be some lingering pain. Removing the active curse is different to dealing with the effects of the original attack, that will need to be done later and may not be entirely effective but will give him at least some improvement.”

Bruce clutched Tim’s hand, feeling faint from relief. They wouldn’t have to suffer those months of waiting again. And sure enough, he felt Tim’s fingers twitch in his, heard a low moan.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dan lay on the floor, he felt like he’d had his ass kicked by Pariah Dark and Danny at the same time. His magic was completely drained, which wasn’t good for a being created partially from magic. He felt weak and sick but he could hear Prince Timothy beginning to stir, he had saved him. It was worth it, right?

But…if he had died then Danny wouldn’t have to marry for the peace. No, no one deserved what the curse did to its victims.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 9

He was warm, too warm, trying to kick off whatever blankets were on him. He just wanted sleep.

“Tim? Sweetheart, can you hear me?”

B?

“Please, open your eyes Tim.” He sounded…scared.

He didn’t want to, he wanted to sleep, but he didn’t want Dad to be scared. It felt like weights were attached to his eyelids but ever so slowly they parted. Everything was hazy and he blinked, Bruce slowly coming into focus.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Tim,” Bruce sobbed in relief, clutching his son’s hand in his. He stared into glassy blue, Tim had responded, opened his eyes, though he obviously was still fairly out of it.

Phantom moved in, pressing a hand to Tim’s forehead and his son sighed in relief. “His temperature should be back to normal within no more than a day,” the man stated. “Let him sleep as much as he wants, he needs to restore the energy he expended fighting the flames. It should be where he feels the safest and family should remain around him. It will help strengthen him.” He removed his hand and stepped back, moving to where his brother was still on the floor. What had it cost the General to extinguish the fire?

Bruce gently brushed sweaty hair back from Tim’s face, Tim’s eyes trying to track the movement. His lips parted but Bruce hushed him gently. He looked over at the two men. “Thank you,” he whispered, seeing Wraith’s eyes widen slightly. “Thank you for saving for my son.”

Wraith nodded, slumping against his brother who held him firmly…but gently. Perhaps they were not so different after all.

Bruce gently slid his arms under his son, drawing him close before standing. “I believe the dinner will have to wait until both Tim and your brother have recovered. Anything you need will be provided.”

As soon as he left the room, he was swarmed, his children reaching to touch Tim, to assure themselves that he was alive. He walked slowly so that Babs could keep up but he did not turn towards Tim’s chambers. He went straight to his own, Dick rushing ahead to open the doors and then went into the bedroom to turn down the bed. Bernard appeared with Tim’s nightclothes and a damp cloth. Bruce gently wiped Tim over with it, removing the sweat that still clung to him before carefully dressing Tim for sleep. His eyes were shut, his breathing steady, he was only asleep, not comatose. He settled Tim in the middle of the bed, covering him with only the sheet since his body was too warm but not dangerously so.

Damian was the first to crawl in beside his brother, Jason and Dick following. Bernard hovered and Bruce smiled at the boy.

“Go on,” he murmured.

“Thank you,” the young guard whispered, removing boots and weapons before joining the pile.

“I’ll deal with everything,” Barbara stated. “Father will help me. Your children need you, Bruce.”

He hesitated before giving in and joining them.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“How do you feel?” Danny asked softly, replacing the cool cloth on his brother’s forehead. He was very worried for his brother, he needed to go home, where he could heal properly but that wasn’t really possible at the moment.

“M’kay,” he mumbled, red eyes dimmer than usual.

Danny lay down on the bed, curling around his taller brother, reaching for him, feeding him his own magic. Dante had been formed from him so his magic was compatible even if Dan wasn’t ice aligned like he was. He hoped Ellie couldn’t sense that something was wrong, that was the last thing they needed. The little gremlin could undo all their hard work out of fear for Dan’s health. He would have to send a message and let them know that Dan had just overextended his magic, that everything was alright.

“Should…see him,” Dante murmured.

“I doubt I’d be let in the door right now; they seemed very protective. He has his father and siblings to see to him, and you have me.”

“Hmmm…”

Danny smiled as his brother fell asleep again. Sleep was good, it would allow him to rebuild his magical stores without stressing his body. The lack of ambient magic made it harder which was why Danny was allowing his brother to pull from him. Even before he’d been blessed by the Lands and Ancients, he’d been good at storing magic, not that he’d known it back then. Now his stores were massive compared to anyone except the Ancients. Jazz theorised that he would become one if given enough time, he ignored her when she talked about that. He had changed enough to become their Chosen, he didn’t want to change even further to become one of them.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason watched as Dick gently spoon-fed Tim some thin gruel, the kid propped up on pillows, his gaze distant. It was scary to see their brilliant, observant brother reduced to this.

“He’ll be alright,” Dick murmured. “It’s easy to forget you weren’t here last time, that you didn’t see… he spent months teetering on the edge of death even after John pulled him back to us. It was months before he opened his eyes for the first time and even then, there was no recognition, nothing. He’s responding to us, knows we’re here, Jay. He’s just too tired to do anything, even focus. He’ll be back on his feet before you know it.” Dick’s smile was bright but the lingering fear was obvious.

“Nggghhh,” Tim mumbled, his fingers twitching on the sheets.

Jason swallowed but took his hand, squeezing gently, feeling Tim’s fingers jerk in reply. But then, ever so slowly, they moved more purposely, curling with his. “Hey little brother,” he murmured, Tim’s gaze shifting towards him.

“See?” Dick’s eyes were shiny with unshed tears.

“Yeah.” He looked back to Tim, seeing the flicker of confused concern. “It’s okay Timmy, eat your dinner and get some more sleep,” he murmured, running the fingers of his other hand through lank hair. He really needed a proper bath and to wash it.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim blinked up at the ceiling, confused, that wasn’t his? And then he became aware of the bodies around him, the comforting warmth, and how heavy his body felt.

“Timothy?” a familiar voice whispered.

“Dami?” his mouth felt like it was fool of wool.

The bed shifted slightly and then metal was pressed to his lips. “Here,” Damian murmured, a hand behind his head helping him lift it to drink. “How do you feel?”

“T’red, sore.” He ached all over. Had he been sick?

“It has been two days, if you’re tired then sleep more.”

“W’t happ’d?” he struggled to get the words out.

“Don’t worry about it now brother, just rest.”

“Hmmm…stay?”

“We’re all here Timothy,” Damian promised, his voice fading away.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce looked up at the knock, seeing Damian in the doorway, becoming alarmed. “Son?” he went to stand but then Damian smiled, it was small and you had to know him to see it, but he was smiling.

“Timothy woke, had some water, and spoke with me. He was coherent and aware of who I was but did not seem to remember what happened. His speech was impaired but I believe that was due to his exhaustion. He did say he was sore though. He fell back to sleep very quickly,” Damian reported.

Bruce slumped back into his chair in relief. He hadn’t wanted to disturb Phantom, not when he was tending to his own brother, but he’d been growing worried at how long Tim was sleeping. Tim had woken and he hadn’t been at his side because the kingdom needed him.

He was fielding letters from the others who had learnt of the High Chief’s visit, especially Kal given where his borders lay. He understood their concern and so was busy writing back to explain what was going on. And he was having to rewrite them now, hesitating over his first assumptions. The way Phantom and Wraith had leapt immediately to Tim’s aid…the toll it had taken on them…it suggested that perhaps he had misread the situation. He would need to speak with Tim when his son was recovered, he had spent the day with Phantom after all, he could perhaps confirm that things weren’t as bad as he had first thought. He prayed this new idea was correct, because if it was, then much of his fear for Tim could be set aside.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim groaned as he woke, he felt…squished. He lifted an arm to push, hearing a huff. “Titus… off,” he grumbled, but the dog obeyed even as Tim heard a relieved sounding chuckle.

“Welcome back,” Bruce murmured.

Tim opened his eyes, blinking in the low light, frowning in confusion. This was not his bedroom, it was… “Why’m I in your bed?” he coughed, throat and mouth dry.

Then Bruce was helping him sit up against the pillows, holding a goblet of water for him. He leant into the hand that ran through his hair.

“B?”

“What do you remember?” he asked, sitting beside him.

Tim frowned, confused. Had…had he been sick? He felt a bit foggy, he ached, all of it suggested he’d been sick but…that didn’t feel right. He remembered being at Arkham…the high Chief…the treaty…betrothal…coming home… he looked at his finger where the delicate ring sat.

“Gave me his moth’s ring.” Talking was a real effort.

Bruce took his hand, examining the band. “It’s pretty. Do you remember what happened after that?”

Tim struggled but eventually shook his head.

“It was the animo fajro, it…John hadn’t actually broken it, the curse was lying dormant within you.”

Tim tensed in fear. “How…how long?” how much time had he lost this time?

“Four days,” B answered, shocking him.

“John?” he asked, voice rasping, and the goblet was back.

“Phantom and Wraith. They realised what was happening, sent Bernard for me. I don’t know what they did or how, but…you were burning Tim, screaming. And then it all just…stopped. Whatever they did, Wraith was left very weak and Phantom appeared pained. I think he somehow took your pain, at least enough of it that you stopped screaming.”

That’d explain his sore throat. And then he remembered… “Said, there’s treatment there for it. Offered it once we got there.”

“Phantom checked on you this morning. He confirmed that the curse is gone, you might be tired and sore for a while but there shouldn’t be any more side effects. And yes, they can treat the old damage in the Infinite Kingdom.”

Bruce was gently stroking his hair and Tim leant into his hand. His hair had to be gross but B didn’t care, he’d stayed at Tim’s side the whole time he could last time, had helped bathe him and take care of all of his needs. So, touching greasy hair wasn’t bad at all.

“Think you can stay awake long enough to eat something?”

Tim considered it and nodded. “Hungry…feel gross.”

Bruce chuckled. “Let’s get some food in you and then we’ll see.”

Tim nodded.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce was relieved to have Tim awake and communicating with him. His speech wasn’t normal but that was likely the lingering exhaustion. He met Bernard at the door, taking the tray, smiling at the teen who perked up.

“Tim?”

“Come in,” he told him.

Bernard walked in and then rushed to the bedside when he saw Tim awake and reclining against the pillows. “Tim.” Bernard clutched Tim’s hand in his, tears falling. “I…I thought…”

“I’m okay,” Tim promised tiredly.

Bruce set the tray down and picked up the bowl of gruel, Tim grimacing at the sight. He shakily lifted an arm to take the spoon but the effort was too much, his arm dropping back to the mattress. So, Bruce gently fed him, Tim’s face red with embarrassment.

“It’s alright,” he murmured.

“You’ll be back to normal real soon,” Bernard agreed.

It was obvious that what had happened had terrified Bernard, not that he’d been any better. They had both had very clear memories of the last time, even though Bernard hadn’t seen Tim till they had rushed him home in desperation to save him. To have Tim awake within days was an utter relief.

He got through the food and didn’t immediately fall asleep again which was good. “Bath?” he pleaded.

“I’ll run it,” Bernard moved to Bruce’s bathing chamber and a few seconds later the sound of water reached them.

Bruce put his arms around his son who grimaced but didn’t argue, letting Bruce lift him up and carry him through to the other room.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick was hopeful after having been asked to grab fresh clothing for Timmy and when he walked into Bruce’s chambers, the bedroom was empty. But there was noise in the bathing chamber.

“Let me try, please,” the familiar voice pleaded. Tim…Tim was awake and talking!

He knocked on the door. “Clothing delivery!” he called cheerfully.

The door opened and Bernard grinned at him.

“He okay?” Dick asked softly.

“Tired and sore, but he managed to eat with help.”

“Dick?” Tim called and Bernard stepped aside to let him in.

Tim was lying in Bruce’s very large tub, covered by bubbles, Bruce pouring fresh water over his hair to wash out the soap.

“Hey baby bird,” he murmured, moving closer. “Good to see you up.”

Tim smiled at him, he was obviously flagging but doing his best to stay awake.

“Couldn’t wait for a bath, huh?”

“Felt gross.”

“Not surprising,” he teased, and Tim pouted at him. Sleepy Tim was always amusing. Sure enough, the kid stuck his tongue out at him, making Bruce chuckle.

Bernard held out a towel and Bruce lifted Tim from the tub. Dick took the towel to dry Tim off and then they got him dressed and back into the freshly made bed. Tim was basically asleep in Bruce’s arms by then.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dante loved his brother, he did. But if he didn’t stop hovering… he was getting stronger thanks to Danny sharing his magic. He knew the prince was doing better as well, the young guard had let them know that he was awake more often now. He hadn’t expected removing the curse to hit either of them this hard. It had to be the lack of magic in Gotham. If they were at home, they would have both been back on their feet days ago.

“I’m getting up,” he growled, glaring at his brother who frowned but backed up.

Dan took a breath and swung his feet over to the floor, taking his time. He knew better than to rush and end up back down from dizziness. He held onto the poster of the bed for balance but he didn’t fall. After a moment he took a step, walking carefully to the bathing chamber so he could get cleaned up. See, he was fine!

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Alfred hovered at his grandsons’ elbow, unable to help it. Twice now, they had almost lost him and both times, he had been saved while Alfred could do nothing. Tim was walking slowly but he was up and on his own feet. His strength was returning rapidly now that he was awake enough to eat.

Tonight was the dinner that had been postponed and he had higher hopes now that it would go well. He had seen the relief on the High Chief’s face when he heard that Timothy was recovering. It gave him hope that the man had a heart that his grandson could win. He wanted the best for all of the dear boys young Bruce had taken in. He loved them all so dearly. The thought of Tim in a loveless marriage, trapped in a foreign land, made him feel sick.

“I’ll be okay, Alfred,” Tim murmured.

“Of course, dear boy.” But he stayed by his side until he took his seat. Alfred ensured he was comfortable before leaving to ensure all was well in the kitchens.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny entered the dining room, taking in the massive, intricately carved wooden table. At the head was King Bruce, Prince Richard to his right and Tim to his left. The rest of the family was split between sides of the table. His eyes immediately locked on Tim; he hadn’t actually seen him since King Bruce had carried him away.

He was sitting up, alert, golden circlet on his brow, dressed in dark red that really suited him. The prince met his eyes and a soft smile spread across his lips. Danny couldn’t help smiling back at him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason saw the way Tim smiled at the High Chief and to his shock, the man smiled back at his little brother. Had their baby bird seriously melted the man’s heart so quickly? That could only be good, right? The thought of Tim living so far from them, ignored or worse made him angry and that wasn’t safe for anyone, especially with their ‘guests’.

Talk over the meal remained light, questions careful to not get too deep. Wraith remained quiet and looked even paler than when they had arrived but, like Tim, he was upright and eating unaided.

He hated formal dinners; they were so fake. He wanted to snap at the way Phantom kept looking at Tim except…it seemed he was actually checking that Tim was okay. He really wanted to believe that, for Tim’s sake. Bernard was posted behind Tim; in case he needed help or to leave early. Given everything, they hoped Phantom would let it be if Tim couldn’t last through the meal. Then again, it might be Wraith who had to be excused first given the way he seemed to be slumping in his chair.

Phantom seemed to notice too, putting a hand on his brother’s shoulder, leaning in to whisper something. Wraith shook his head slightly, closing his eyes, seeming to slump for a few moments. But then he straightened, eyes brighter, before he shrugged off Phantom’s hand. What had happened? The guy had barely been able to keep his eyes open a moment ago but now he seemed a lot better. Had…had Phantom done magic or something?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce forced himself to remain open minded throughout the meal, watching Phantom and Wraith closely. He took in the many glances at his son, the way a pale brow furrowed when Tim’s grip slipped on his glass of cider. No wine for Tim given he was recovering, not that Tim was a fan of alcohol but it was the expected drink at this kind of dinner. And then there was Wraith, he suspected something happened between them for the man to go from looking like he was about to fall face first into his salad to sitting up and alert.

It was so easy to take the man’s words as threats but…maybe he was just direct? Their political system seemed different to their own, perhaps it lacked the use of subterfuge and doublespeak? Was it possible that they had misunderstood everything from that first letter? Was he not sending his son to a dangerous life with an uncaring husband? He did seem genuinely concerned for Tim’s health, was that just for the treaty, or could he just be actually concerned for Tim’s sake?

He was glad when the meal ended and he could retire to continue considering things.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim knew what he was doing was crazy, it was highly improper, but he didn’t want an audience. He slipped past the guards easily enough, dodging Ber had been harder. And who knew what corner Alfred would suddenly appear around. But he finally made it to the correct door and knocked softly, if he was asleep then he didn’t want to wake him.

But the door opened and Tim swallowed as he took in his betrothed wearing a lot less clothes than he’d ever seen.

“Tim?” Ph…Danny asked, voice soft with concern. “Are you alright?” Green eyes scanned over him, looking for anything wrong.

“I…” he hesitated. “I wanted to say thank you, to you and your brother. I don’t remember what happened, just…pain. But whatever you did has obviously affected him greatly.”

“It shouldn’t have happened; we should have sensed the curse within you. Removing it when it was dormant would have been a lot easier. You shouldn’t have had to go through that.” He lifted his hand as if reaching for Tim but then he stopped. “It’s our fault,” he whispered. “Between the emotional turmoil you’ve been through and exposure to our magic just by walking close to me…”

“You didn’t know,” Tim whispered. “It’s not your fault. And you saved me, if it had woken at any other time…I’d be dead now, wouldn’t I?”

Danny nodded slowly, expression pained and Tim knew it was real. It was strange but it was almost like he could feel it. He smiled at the taller man and stepped closer, kissing his cheek very lightly.

“Thank you.” And then he darted away as quickly as he could, feeling the heat in his face. Had he really done that?! That was so forward! Alfred would give him that frown if he found out but…it had felt right.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 10

Tim collapsed on his bed, covering his mouth with his hands. Had he…had he really done that? Yes, they were betrothed but how could he have been so forward?! Danny had started such behaviour with how much he touched him, but still… he’d thought the touches were possessive, to show that Tim belonged to him, but he didn’t really think that anymore. Not after what he and his brother had done to save him or even the way he’d given Tim his mother’s ring.

He…he was attracted to Danny. That was good, right? They were going to be married soon after all. But it was becoming more than just a physical attraction. Could he…be developing feelings for his betrothed? Was there any chance of Danny ever feeling something for him?

A knock startled him from his thoughts and he sat up, straightening his clothes. He left his bedroom and took a breath. “Enter,” he called.

“Master Timothy,” Alfred greeted, looking him over, and Tim smiled at him.

“I’m not missing something am I?” he asked, worried, but Alfred shook his head.

“We need to do a fitting for your wedding suit if you feel up to it.”

“I can manage; not like I have to do anything but stand there.”

“Very well then.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Alfred watched them work, murmuring to each other as various pieces of clothing were given to Timothy to put on. He had dreamed of watching the young royals prepare for their eventual weddings, but he had wanted love matches for the children he saw as his own grandchildren. This was as far from that as possible and yet you wouldn’t know it by looking at the young Prince. He was handling it all so well and it pained Alfred to imagine their lives without him in them.

Black was the colour of the Wayne family but red was for the Drakes and the combination suited Timothy, especially with the hints of gold in the buttons and other flourishes. He would look stunning on his wedding day. The clothing hid most of his scars as well, minus the ones on his face. They all knew that was why he’d grown his hair out more, so he could hide behind it, keep the scars from being as obvious. The damage could have been far more severe and it thankfully hadn’t damaged his mouth, nose, or eye on that side. Unlike the burns on his leg, these were more scattered, the flames had only just reached his face before they were smothered by the cloak.

“How do I look Alfie?” He asked shyly once fully robed, and Alfred smiled.

“Like a Prince, dear boy.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Danny fought the urge to fidget as his clothing was adjusted. Yes, he had offered a betrothal but since he had expected it to be denied, he hadn’t brought wedding clothes. So they were having to make do with their combined wardrobes to put something together. Stitcher was not impressed with the supplies that gave her but hey, at least she’d accompanied them rather than returning home from the Fort with the others. And he was pretty sure his guards were fighting the urge to laugh at him as he got pricked by a pin.

With both Tim and Dan recovered, they were going forward with the signing and wedding. They had two weeks! He was nervous, how could he not be? Their brief conversation before the flames reignited proved there were misunderstandings between them. Why had Tim agreed to marry him?

“You’re next you know, since you’re standing with me brother dearest,” Danny pointed out, and Dan sobered from where he’d been smothering laughter.

“You sure about this?” Dan asked, the signing was in the morning and once that was done, Danny would be trapped into the betrothal.

“We need this peace. And…I like him. I don’t know if it’ll ever be more, but at least I’ll have a spouse I can see as a friend. And you can feel it, can’t you? He’s already too touched by the Kingdom’s magic now.”

Dan grimaced but nodded. “So that flair of pleased embarrassment was from him and you.”

Danny fought to keep from blushing. “It was nothing.”

“Come on Phantom, spill.” He used his public name given they weren’t alone or with those close to them.

Danny sighed, running a hand through his hair before being chided for moving. “He kissed my cheek as he left,” he admitted softly.

“That’s a good sign, right?” Dan asked and then looked at Stitcher. “You’re married right? A kiss is a good sign between betrothed?”

She looked up but when Danny encouraged her, she answered. “Yes, sire. If it was in private then it likely was genuine.”

Danny nodded, encouraged. With the signing, the wedding preparations would pick up speed so they likely wouldn’t get much time together, and always chaperoned. He didn’t mind the young guard who followed Tim around - he was quiet, kept in the distance and was obviously completely loyal to Tim. Tim would need that when they went home, it would take time for their people to accept him.

He wanted their marriage to work, not just for the peace, but so they didn’t spend the next few centuries in a difficult relationship. And…when was the best time to tell Tim about how the magic would change him over time?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce read the message from Kal, he and Kon would be attending the wedding. That was good, Tim didn’t get to see his friends much anymore and now… They were the closest so their message arrived first. Barry was probably already on the road to ensure he made it, the same with Oliver. He wasn’t sure Diana or Cassie would make it given the distance to Themyscira. Their support was welcome and maybe…one of them would recognise the ring Phantom had given Danny. If it was his mother’s then that meant one of his parents had been from one of their Kingdoms, but which? The ring wasn’t of a style found in Gotham, but the others might recognise it, even if it might be an older style passed down.

Had Phantom been born the way he said their children would be? Or could their people have children together despite the differences between them? They were still human, right? He prayed they were because it would mean there was more of a chance of true understanding between Tim and Phantom. All he wanted was for his son to be safe and have a chance of happiness. He’d seen the way Tim was looking at the High Chief now and it scared him because it would be so easy for Tim to have his heart broken.

Kal’s words were kind, but they had received word from John…there was no way to break the betrothal if they signed the peace treaty and his council was all for it. They would happily sacrifice his son for a chance at peace and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Tim wouldn’t let him if he tried. The kid would probably elope with Phantom to ensure the marriage went through and wouldn’t that cause a diplomatic mess?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason stood behind Tim as the room filled with everyone necessary for the coming event as well as some from the city who were curious. The more people who were there, the quicker word would spread. The grand hall was almost full to standing room only now, curious people watching them. Tim and Bruce were seated at the table, the rest of them standing at their backs. Since they were the main ones involved, they sat at the table. Two of the older council members sat at the table with them as well, leaving two empty chairs for Phantom and Wraith.

He fought the urge to fidget, this was it, once they signed that treaty…Tim’s fate was sealed. He hated it, he wanted to stop it, but then he would doom them all. And…they had saved Tim’s life, removed the curse from him, said they could further his healing once back in their Kingdom. Could he deny Tim that chance? He had seen how crippling the pain could be, the days Tim could barely get out bed or was out of his head on pain potions. But if Tim left with the High Chief…would they ever see him again?

And then the doors opened, two white clad guards entering and then there were the High Chief and his brother, the General. Whispers broke out in the room, people watching them with wide, fearful, eyes. He ignored the speeches since he didn’t need to say anything, keeping an eye out for any trouble. He spotted Bernard among the guard in the room, hovering close enough to get to Tim if needed but staying out of sight of most. He was good at that, good enough that Jason sometimes wondered if he had magic.

And then Bruce was standing, moving to the cleared section of the table where the treaty waited. The room fell into total silence as he picked up the enchanted quill and dipped it in the Evermore ink, signing his name. Tim followed and then the High Chief and his brother. It was done; Tim’s fate was sealed in exchange for peace.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“King Bruce, may I speak with you?”

Bruce turned to see Phantom standing in the corridor so he motioned for him to join him in his study. “What can I do for you High Chief?”

“It’s about Prince Timothy.”

Bruce stiffened. “Is something wrong?” he kept his voice steady.

“Oh, no. We’ve both been busy so we’ve barely seen each other since the signing. It’s actually about the journey home.”

“I’m not sure I see where you’re going,” he admitted warily.

“I saw his condition when he left the Fort, I assume potions so that he isn’t in pain when riding?”

Ah, that was what this was about. “Yes, he can ride but not for very long.” And yeah, he could see the issue now. They had arrived on horseback, so Tim would need to be dosed.

“The journey home is neither quick nor safe. Having him so unaware is very dangerous.”

Bruce nodded in understanding. “That is why Guardsman Dowd is always at his side.”

“And he has spoken to my brother about accompanying the Prince. But with the kinds of attacks that can happen in the wastes…” Phantom shook his head. “How does he handle a carriage?”

Bruce considered it. “We don’t usually use them; they present a very obvious target on the road for any attacker. I would assume that since he’d be able to sit more normally that it would be less painful. We have a ceremonial carriage; we could try taking him out in that. Something less ostentatious would be needed for the actual journey.”

Phantom nodded. “We can work on magical protections for it as well to keep him safe.”

Well then, they had a plan.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim looked up from his book and then smiled in greeting to the General. He hadn’t been told his real name, hadn’t really had the chance to speak with him since that mess. “Hello General, were you looking for me?”

“No, your Highness,” his voice was gruffer than Danny’s but Tim wasn’t intimidated, not after seeing the toll that healing him had taken on the man. “I was looking for the library.”

“Well, you found it,” Tim dared to tease a little, getting a surprised blink from the red-eyed man but then he smirked.

“Indeed, I did,” he agreed. “Are you fully recovered?” he asked more seriously, and Tim closed his book, setting it aside.

“I am. Thank you General, for what you did. My family told me how badly it drained you.” He saw a slight flinch at his words which was confusing.

Wraith moved to the nearby window, staring outside. “You shouldn’t thank me,” he whispered, and Tim frowned.

“Why not?” he asked in confusion.

Wraith took a deep breath and turned to face him, conflict clear in his expression. “Because it was me.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I didn’t see you until you started screaming,” he whispered. “You were a child…I’d never seen…”

Tim’s eyes went wide as the pieces slotted together. “You…it was you?” he asked shakily. Wraith had been the one to cast the cursed flame that day? Tim didn’t remember anything of the enemy, of the fight, none of it. So, he couldn’t confirm or deny what he was hearing.

Wraith nodded. “Danny didn’t know I existed back then,” he admitted. “All I knew was Pariah, I didn’t understand… and you’ve suffered for years because of that.”

Tim swallowed, staring at the man…this… this was Pariah Dark’s general…Danny’s brother… had possibly nearly killed himself to save Tim when the flames came back. Tim stood, ignoring the dull ache in his leg from sitting too long. He slowly approached Wraith, staring into red eyes. And then he held out his hand, seeing his confusion.

“Tim,” he offered his name, watching Wraith’s eyes widen in shock, but then a cool hand cautiously took his, a little awkward too. Did they shake hands?

“Dante,” was the hesitant response.

Tim smiled slightly and Wr, Dante huffed slightly.

“You’re weird, but Danny likes that.” And then he slipped away.

Tim picked up his book and left the library, he needed to move around for a while and keep his leg from locking up.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

Tim stared at the carriage, hiding a grimace of distaste. He’d ridden in it twice before – upon his adoption and then once he had recovered enough to leave his bed to show the people that he was healing. He knew he’d have to ride in it again after the wedding ceremony with Danny but now? The black was fine but did it seriously need so much gold?

“Come on Timmy, it’s not that bad,” Dick teased, ruffling his hair.

“It’s just so…much,” he admitted, and Dick laughed, picking him up to set him in the carriage, Tim huffing in annoyance. Yes, he had trouble with stairs but he was not an invalid.

“It’s not like you’re going to use this one for the journey, we’re just testing if you can travel in a carriage for longer than horseback.”

Tim nodded, he knew that. He settled on the well-padded seat and Dick sat opposite. Bernard took his place on the back, ready to defend them if needed, not that they were defenceless without him. He leant back in the seat, taking deep breaths.

“Ready?” Dick asked.

“Ready,” he agreed, so Dick signalled and the coach lurched into movement.

They moved slowly through the city, Tim not looking out the window, not wanting to see the people whispering, wondering why the Royal Coach was leaving the city. Then they crossed over the bridge out of the city and the coach picked up speed to a steady clip that wouldn’t stress the horses and would be good for horsemen to ride in front, besides, or behind.

Bruce moved to the coach and opened the door, needing to check on his sons. He blinked in surprise to see Tim slumped into Dick’s side. Dick carefully shifted Tim and Bruce reached in to pick him up. “What happened?” he asked quietly.

“He fell asleep,” Dick answered just as quietly, sliding out of the coach as well. “Took him a bit to get fully comfortable but I’d say we have a winner, as long as it’s as well padded as this one.”

Bruce nodded, relieved that his son would be able to travel to his new home without needing to be drugged. They headed back inside and Bruce carried Tim to his suite, settling him carefully on the bed before removing his coat and shoes, tucking him in, Tim barely stirring.

He glanced around, seeing the half-packed trunks, clothing and books scattered about. He smiled when he saw the stack of aged paper…drawings Tim had done as a child and brought with him when he was adopted. They weren’t the best, Tim wasn’t an artist, but they were a child’s longing for a loving family. There was a single newer image of the Wayne family all together, before Jason’s return or they learnt of Damian but they had been added in later.

The suite had been Tim’s since he had been adopted, Bruce had once feared he would pass within these rooms. But Tim had survived, had thrived despite his limitations. And now…now he would be leaving. He had always known there was a chance, Tim was the third son, he might marry out of Gotham. He’d always thought Tim would end up with Kon or Bart, maybe as Cassie’s consort since she would need an heir. But now he would be going farther than even Themyscira.

At least several of his concerns regarding Phantom had been eased. He saw the way the High Chief looked at his son, had seen him and his brother fight to save Tim, the way the man had brought his concerns over the journey to Bruce. He prayed to any god who would listen that he was coming to genuinely care for Tim, that they could have at least friendship in their marriage.

He took one last look at his sleeping son and then left the suite; he had a new carriage to commission.

Bernard looked at the very short list and sighed. He understood though, their fear was overcoming their loyalty to the Wayne’s, it wasn’t surprising. Still, he had hoped for more volunteers to accompany them to the Infinite Kingdom, to give Tim a core group who would do anything to protect him. Why had the list come to him anyway? He wasn’t the highest ranked who had volunteered, shouldn’t the list be given to Sir Zeddmore? Or one of the family? Alfred even? Ugh. He was not cut out for paperwork.

Tim sighed but stood still in front of the mirror, staring at his wedding outfit. He hadn’t worn anything so formal since Duke’s adoption. He had hoped to attend Dick and Babs wedding but the two were just being far too stubborn. And now he was the first of them to wed. He…he was scared, he didn’t exactly have good role models when it came to marriage. Yes, he liked Danny…it might even be deepening to more than that but they didn’t really know each other. And leaving Gotham for the Infinite Kingdom was a terrifying idea. He would stand out so much, would know no one beside Danny and Dante plus Bernard and whoever else volunteered. Apparently, Bernard had been given a list of those who had volunteered so far so that was good.

There was no choice now, the peace treaty had been signed, none of them could back out now. He thought that he and Danny could make a good marriage if they had a chance, he wasn’t scared of the High Chief or even Dante, despite now knowing that he was the one responsible for his injuries. He believed the man was genuine in his sorrow for what had happened.

He did wonder how Danny hadn’t known of his brother, how Dante had come to serve Pariah, what he meant by the old High Chief being all he knew…but he wouldn’t push. No matter how curious he was.

“Very nice,” a familiar voice called from the doorway.

“It’s not too much?” Tim asked, and Jason chuckled.

“Nope. You look good Timmy.” He moved in and carefully adjusted the way his cape hung. “Phantom won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” he teased and Tim found himself blushing.

“It’s not…”

“He watches you Tim, whenever you’re in the same room he always checks on you. At first, I thought…but it’s not possessive, he seems genuinely concerned about you. I just hate this; you shouldn’t have to leave for peace.”

Tim turned to his brother, seeing the slight glow to his eyes. Maybe he could convince Jason to speak with Danny or Dante, maybe they would understand what had happened to him, maybe there was a way for Jason to learn better control so he could stay in Bristol.

“They’ve said I can come back to visit and we can write, maybe you could even come and see me there. This won’t be goodbye forever,” Tim swore. “I’ll be okay, Jason.”

“You better be or I’m coming after them,” his brother promised in return.

Steph looked up from her book as Tim limped into the library, spotting her. He grabbed a book from the shelves and joined her, keeping a small distance. It hadn’t mattered before, but he was about to be married so curling together wouldn’t be appropriate now. She didn’t care but she also wouldn’t risk being the one to cause issues with the High Chief.

“Okay?” she asked, and he nodded.

“Just a bit achy, it’s the rain.”

“Between you, Jason, and Bruce we can always tell when it’s going to rain,” she teased, and he stuck his tongue out at her.

B had taken enough injuries during the war to ache with the slightest bit of damp. Jason…well they’d seen his scars. If he hadn’t died then he’d come way too close. And Tim, well, they all knew what he had suffered. It made the three of them very good weather forecasters.

“You sure about this,” she asked after a while of reading quietly together.

He snorted. “Bit late to have regrets now, there’s no way out without breaking the peace treaty.” He shifted, stretching his leg out, rubbing his thigh. “I can do this Steph and…I think it can work. He’s nothing like what we expected when that letter arrived. I know you haven’t really seen him outside the formal events but he’s…kind.”

“He better treat you well,” she grumbled.

Tim laughed, knocking elbows with her. “He’ll have the whole Wayne family after him, Jason’s already threatened.”

She nodded, good. They might not love each other the way they had once thought, but they were still family and she would do anything to protect Tim.

Danny walked through the city, Dan at his side, three of the King’s men around to ensure nothing happened. Their own guard had been left behind, they could handle themselves and didn’t want to appear unapproachable or as a threat. Bristol was so different to anything he knew. His memories of Amity weren’t what they used to be, but it had been a tiny mountain town while Bristol had centuries of history in its cobble streets and stone buildings. The city was well designed for defence too.

He spotted a bookstore and slipped inside; it would be nice to take back a gift for Jazz. He hadn’t received a message from her yet and that was scary…she was really going to let him have it when they got home. So, gifts to soften her temper were a must.

He could smell the store owners fear and it wasn’t nice but hopefully their good behaviour would help people accept that they weren’t monsters. His walk with Tim had hopefully helped things too.

Tim hadn’t brought up the discussion that they’d been having before the cursed flames had begun to burn again, Danny figured he didn’t remember. And he was nervous about bringing it up again. How would Tim truly take the fact that Danny hadn’t expected the betrothal to be accepted?

“Do you have anything on the history of Metropolis?” he asked the owner, who swallowed hard but nodded.

“This way Sire,” the man’s voice shook a little as he moved from the counter and deeper into the store. “This is the history section; we have books on every member kingdom.”

“Thank you.” Danny offered him a small smile.

He didn’t think much of their childhood, didn’t even remember large chunks of it, but he knew Jazz would appreciate a book on their old kingdom. The Infinite Kingdom didn’t exactly have a lot of information on the kingdoms that they had been fighting. He knew Jazz missed Amity, missed the simpler life they had lived there, without the constant threat of danger. But there had been danger, it was just that none of them had realised it, no one had suspected their beloved if eccentric Mayor. The man had been in their house so many times while they were growing up and their parents had remained blind to his plans.

He browsed the section, picking a general history book as well as ones that focused on Metropolis, Starr, and Gotham.

“Found anything?” he asked his brother, not surprised to see he had picked up a book on weapons and warfare.

They headed to the counter and Danny stacked the books up there.

“We’ll buy these, please.”

The man nodded shakily, checking the titles. “Fifty drachma your Majesty.”

Danny easily handed the coins over. “Thank you.”

They left the shop and headed down the street.

“Want to try some food?” he suggested, motioning to a cart selling hot food nearby.

“Why not?” Dante shrugged so they went to try the local food.

Sure, they got local cuisine in the castle, but that was rich people food, not what the average citizen ate. And Danny was curious.

Bruce checked over the guards report, seeing where the High Chief and his brother had gone in the city. There was nothing in a bookstore that was a security risk. History books on Gotham…wanting to know more about the kingdom they now basically controlled? Wanting to know about Tim’s people? Metropolis made sense too since surely Kal would be the next to be approached given his mentioning Amity and the border there. But Starr? Oliver’s kingdom was not the next closest, that would be Centralis. Maybe…could the ring be from Starr? He would need to speak with Oliver and see if he recognised the style.

There were so many contradictions in the High Chief’s words, actions, and reactions. He just didn’t know what to think anymore.

He set the reports aside and checked on the status reports for both the wedding and the new carriage. What would they do without Alfred? How he was managing to put together a State wedding so quickly… he denied it but he had to be magic. Thankfully, Phantom and his party were handling their own part of it, Bruce had made sure they had all of the information they would need for the ceremony.

The first wedding of his children should have been a joyous occasion…not something that he feared, especially when Phantom had asked him a very specific question. Honestly, it hadn’t crossed his mind which was his failing, they should have put the condition into the betrothal agreement to override the normal law but now they would have to consummate the wedding that night. He had spoken with Leslie privately and he knew she was looking into options. It was bad enough that Tim had been forced to marry but to consummate it and be in pain?

“Healer Thompkins.” Tim was surprised to see the woman. “Is something wrong?”

“I spoke with your father a few days ago and he brought up a potential issue with you marriage that we should discuss in private,” she answered.

“Alright,” he agreed, stepping back to let her into his suite. “What is it?” he asked as they sat on the chairs before the fire.

“The wedding night,” she answered, and Tim froze.

The wedding…oh. It had completely slipped his mind given what had happened after their walk through the city. And he vaguely remembered they were going to discuss Phantom…asking for a betrothal in the peace treaty, had they done that before the curse activated?

“The wedding night? There’s no waiting allowed?”

She shook her head. “I’m sorry Tim, Bruce checked. Since there was nothing in the contract, it reverts the law of the land.”

He grimaced, so the wedding night… “Can I?” he asked her softly, and she sighed.

“I examined you while you were recovering from the recurrence, you slept through it. While there are no new scars from that, somehow, the old damage is still there. The least painful option would be a strong pain potion but that will render you close to unconscious, unable to do anything.”

Tim nodded, for his comfort he knew Danny would agree to it, no matter how strange that would make everything. But he didn’t want to be unconscious. “What’s the best option for my being conscious?”

Duke crawled over the frame for the new carriage, carefully etching the runes into the wood. He’d contacted Zatanna for advice on how to ensure Tim would be safe for the journey and she had sent him a list of runes to carved directly into the framework and that would work with his magic.

He couldn’t do much for Tim, but he could do this. If he hadn’t been adopted, he would be signing on to go with Tim as a guard or knight. But those who had volunteered were good, they’d protect Tim.

His best clothing had been checked out and was ready for the day, the poor castle seamstresses didn’t have time to work on anyone other than Tim given they had to make his outfit from scratch. And Tim even had to wear a fancier circlet or something. He was so glad he wasn’t looking to get married any time soon.

Jason forced himself to step away, taking deep breaths, shoving the green down as hard as he could. Everything was fine, it was.

“Jay?” Tim’s voice reached him and then he felt his brother’s hands on his arms. “It’s okay,” he murmured, and Jason focused on him.

Somehow, Tim was able to get through the green…similar magic affecting them both? His head dropped, breathing evening out, and Tim stepped closer, Jason hugging him. No matter how deep in the madness, he’d never raised a hand against the kid so he was always the one to approach.

“Thanks,” he rasped after a few more minutes.

“Nothing to thank me for,” Tim answered softly, knowing his senses were out of whack after an episode. “Come on, hot chocolate and a nice lounge in front of the fire.” He tugged at Jason’s arm and he let himself be led back inside.

By the time they were settled with their mugs of Alfie’s hot chocolate, he was fully back. This was the longest he’d spent in Bristol since he’d first come home. There was a reason he stuck to the border forts; he hated endangering his family.

Tim was laying stretched out on the couch, his back resting against him, showing he wasn’t at all afraid of him. “Back?” Tim asked softly.

“Yeah,” he answered.

“Jay…have you considered talking to Phantom or Wraith?”

“About what?” he fought to not tense up.

“You know what. There’s a reason I can calm you down and I’m leaving. Maybe…maybe they can help you like they helped me,” he suggested.

Jason frowned, he knew it, but asking for something like that…even if they could, what would the price be?

Danny headed back to their rooms, mind spinning due to what he’d seen in the courtyard. He knocked on the door to Dan’s room, his brother opening it in seconds.

“Phantom?” he asked, stepping back and closing the door behind him.

“I know why Prince Jason looks familiar…we’ve got a problem.”

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 12

Danny checked over the frame, seeing the carefully etched rune work, whoever had done it had a steady hand. The carriage would be protected by the magic of Gotham which would be good for the journey across the kingdom but it would not help once they crossed the border.

“What do you think?” Tim asked from where he was sitting on a nearby bench.

“It’s good work,” Danny answered. “Maybe a bit more suspension, there’s some very rugged terrain. You’ll need lots of cushions and blankets, it’s cold in the Cursed Lands.”

Tim nodded. “Does it snow?”

“In some regions, not so much around the capitol except on the mountaintop. It still drops below freezing at night though. You’ll be provided warm clothing and the rooms of the Keep are heated.” He didn’t want Tim to think it a harsh place, it could be, but they had their own comforts. He dropped down from the carriage and walked over to him, sitting beside him but with some space between them since they were technically in public.

“Rooms,” Tim murmured, and Danny frowned before realising.

“It’s…expected that we share a bed,” he admitted. He took Tim’s hand in his, seeing his mother’s ring on his finger. He raised his hand and kissed the back gently, meeting wide blue eyes. “There are separate sitting and dressing rooms attached but only one bedroom. The bed is very large, easily shared without touching. I would never…anything that happens would require both of us to want it and consent,” he swore. “I know that for the contract we have to…consummate the marriage but after that if you never want to again, then it won’t happen.

The King’s chambers were large and lavish. Pariah had never had a spouse or consort so the second dressing room and sitting room had gone unused. Hopefully Jazz was having them freshened up, furnished. Tim could change things to his liking as he settled in. It would be a big change, it would be for a couple in love, but for people who barely knew each other? Hopefully, they would get to know each other even better on the journey home.

“I’d like to be your friend Tim; I want you to have a happy life with us.” He took a deep breath. “Do you remember what we were talking about before the flames returned?”

The Prince frowned but then slowly shook his head. “We talked in town, came back to talk about the betrothal but then…nothing.”

“You asked me why I asked for a betrothal in the talks.”

Tim nodded, tensing ever so slightly. Danny offered his hand and Tim carefully gave it to him, it made him feel like a kid, holding hands with the boy he was coming to like. “I don’t remember,” Tim murmured.

“I assumed that with how quickly the curse overtook you,” Danny assured him, gently rubbing his thumb over Tim’s knuckles, feeling some scars. “It turns out our people negotiate differently; we always offer at least one term that we’re willing to discard or alter. The betrothal was my term. When I offered to stop talking about it, I meant it. I would have discarded it and moved on.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Oh,” Tim whispered in shock. They’d thought he’d meant he would walk away from the treaty but he’d meant… he took a shaky breath, focusing on the thumb moving over his knuckles. It felt nice, calming, grounding.

“I’m sorry Tim. From your reaction then and now, I guess you assumed it was all or nothing.”

He nodded shakily. “We need the peace,” he whispered. “I thought…I thought you were walking away and I couldn’t let it happen. I couldn’t watch my father and brother’s ride to war again.”

“You’re so brave,” Danny whispered.

“No, I’m not,” Tim denied.

“You stood up and offered yourself to save your kingdom from what you thought would be another war. How is that not bravery?” Glowing green eyes had him pinned and Tim swallowed.

He’d just…he’d done the only thing he could think of. Was that really brave or just desperate. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Danny asked.

“Trapping you into marriage with me by agreeing to it. I know I’m not who anyone wants to marry. I’m a liability, the cripple prince.”

He was shocked when Danny cupped his face in his hands, fingers gently running over his scars. “You are not a liability or a cripple,” Danny’s tone was fierce but Tim felt no fear. “Even if we can’t heal you any further, which is a slim chance, your mind is intact. You’re brilliant from what I’ve seen and heard. I saw you practicing archery the other day and your aim is very good. You received your scars in battle; you survived something very few ever had. You are amazing Prince Timothy; anyone would be lucky to have you as their spouse and partner for life.”

Tim felt his face warm with embarrassment but also a little pride that his betrothed thought so highly of him. “Do you think, maybe…one day…”

“What?” Danny asked softly. They were close now, closer than they should be but the only person nearby was Bernard and he would never say anything.

“Could you love me?” Tim asked, his heart racing.

It was such a stupid question, it was a political match. He knew better. And yet the words had tumbled out. Danny was nothing like what he’d thought back at Fort Arkham. His appearance wasn’t scary anymore, not like when he had seemed so alien at first. No, it was quite the opposite now. Tim could admit it, if only to himself, that he was attracted to Danny. Maybe if they had met like most noble children did, they could have been friends and let it grow into more naturally.

Danny’s touch was so gentle as he caressed Tim’s face. “Yes,” he whispered. And then cool lips brushed over Tim’s cheek.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard couldn’t help glancing over at them occasionally even as he guarded them. They were sitting awfully close…and now they were holding hands. It gave him hope seeing that, hope that Tim wasn’t going to be trapped in a cold, loveless marriage, even if only the love of friends. Bernard glanced over again and then blinked, head snapping back towards them. Were they…oh! Phantom kissed Tim’s cheek! The scarred one at that.

Very few people ever touched the scarred skin outside of Tim’s family. Bernard had long become desensitised to the sight and even feel of the scars. They would curl together on the couch in winter or mock wrestle, just normal friend/brotherly kind of stuff and it didn’t bother Bernard at all when he’d accidentally touch the scars. But most could barely even look at them, some from disgust but in most cases, it seemed to be pity.

But the High Chief and his people didn’t seem to pity Tim at all, no…they saw him as strong, to be admired, for surviving the flames. It made Bernard hopeful that Tim could make a home among them.

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Dan did his best to watch Prince Jason, the man didn’t make it easy. But he could see what had Danny in a fit. What the hell had happened to him? and for Danny to find him familiar it wasn’t something recent….no, it would have been back when Danny first became one of them but after the mess with Amity and Vlad. When Danny had been wandering, lost and alone. He knew his brother had nearly crossed the border several times, desperate for his old life, scared of those in the Kingdom. Thankfully, he’d never crossed the border since he likely would have been killed as a spy.

The Prince must have crossed the border though; he was too badly touched by their magics but not those wielded by the people. No…he had been touched by the land itself, maybe even an Ancient!

King Bruce had definitely gone up in Dan’s esteem. He had two children ‘cursed’ by their people and yet he obviously still loved them, did his best to ensure they were safe and happy. If only Danny’s parents…but they hadn’t and they were gone now anyway.

Watching the way people acted around the Prince, not everyone was so accepting as the King and his family. No, it wasn’t a lack of acceptance, it was…fear? How did the magic affect him to cause people to fear him?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce looked at the lists that Bernard had passed on to him of those who had volunteered to accompany Tim to the Infinite Kingdom and remain in his service.

Guard members: Bernard Dowd

Sebastian Ives

Ali ben khadir

Wesley Thomas

Darla Aquista

An interesting list, only Bernard and Wesley were already serving in the guard. Aquista … that was curious but he was pretty sure Tim knew the young woman from childhood. So long as she took the oath then there should be no issues. Young Ali ben khadir was a surprise too given his family’s old ties back to Ra’s though they had left in his grandparents time. The family had been nobility there, had given it all up to come to Gotham.

Sadly, the list for Knight Order members wasn’t any longer: Sir Zeddmore Washington

Owens

Prudence Wood

Zoanne Wilkins

Danny Temple

As soon as he saw Sir Zeddmore’s name he had assumed the other two would follow. They had been thick as thieves since childhood. Zoanne and Danny had been in training with Tim before the attack.

Overall, it was an interesting but talented group. And their first loyalty would be to Tim as a Prince of Gotham. He signed off and sent orders for them to begin preparing for their journey.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim sat on the carriage frame, watching Danny work, weaving his magic in alongside that already there. He was pretty sure it was Duke’s work given the way the runes were formed. Hs magic was better for protection than Damian’s as well.

“Can I ask why you chose now to approach for peace?” he asked curiously.

Danny glanced up at him and then set aside the tools he was using to add his magic to the frame. He pulled himself up to sit opposite Tim. “Part of the reason we took Pariah on was to stop the war. It hasn’t just damaged your kingdoms. He stripped resources and population centres for the war. Entire areas turned to wastelands. There’s a reason a big part of the treaty deals with trade Tim, we needed resources, desperately. But we couldn’t come any earlier because we were dealing with Pariah loyalists who would have done anything to sabotage this.” Danny paused, staring down at his hands.

“With Vlad’s help, Pariah destroyed my home…my friends, I thought all of my family… I could never have served him and seeking refuge in Metropolis or Gotham seemed like suicide.”

Tim blinked. If Danny had sought sanctuary rather than challenge Pariah, would Bruce have listened? He wanted to think they would have but the hatred ran deep…especially after the attack that Tim had been caught in.

“I couldn’t serve him and when I found out Dan was one of his generals, I had to get him out. I didn’t even realise how bad things were till we were a year into the rebellion. We all need this peace Tim.”

Tim nodded slowly. “We thought…Bruce agreed to everything without argument because, well…”

Danny’s eyes widened. “Oh Ancients. No, Tim.” He started to reach a hand out and hesitated, so Tim reached out in return and took his hand. The feeling of cool skin against his own was beginning to feel normal.

“I believe you,” Tim promised, and he did. Danny was so…human. He was like them, no matter how different he looked. He wanted the best for his people and peace would give them that. “I agreed to the betrothment because we need the peace, because I was terrified that you’d walk away and the war would start again. But now…I don’t think you’d do that. Even without a treaty I don’t think you’d re-start the war. I’m not scared of you Danny.”

Danny tangled their fingers together and gave a small smile. “I’m glad, I don’t want you to be scared of me. I will do everything I can to make sure you’re safe.”

Hearing noise, Tim looked over to see another guard speaking with Bernard who nodded and then approached.

“Ber?” Tim asked, seeing his friend grin.

“King Kal and Prince Kon-El have been sighted,” he answered, and Tim was scrambling to get up.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kon stepped into the castle, the warmth and gloom of the place always seeming contradictory. There was a reason the Wayne’s symbol was a bat after all. And then his best friend appeared and Kon grinned, catching Tim up in a tight hug. He didn’t want to ever let go. When Kal had shown him the message from King Bruce…he felt sick. Tim didn’t deserve this. He knew Bart would be with him, maybe Cassie but it was doubtful she’d make it in time for the wedding.

The two of them had the beginnings of a plan, keeping it from Kal had not been easy given the last two messages had arrived while on the road. But it should work…hopefully. They would fake Tim’s death once on the road for the border. Bart would spirit him away and they would hide him on one of the rarely used estates. They could even smuggle Bernard to join him once everything was over so that Tim would have someone there to help him.

“Missed you,” he murmured into messy black hair.

“Missed you too,” Tim whispered almost too softly for even him to hear. The beauty of being Kryptonian, enhances senses thanks to the god who favoured their people…even if it hadn’t saved them in the end.

Kon pulled back to look down at him, taking in his face. He’d expected bags big enough to hold a horse, for Tim to be paler than normal, and yet he seemed…better? He drew Tim away from the noise of their party being welcomed.

“It’s going to be okay; we’ve got a plan. You’ll have to fake your death but it’ll keep you safe,” he whispered once sure Kal couldn’t hear him.  

“What?” Tim looked at him as if he’d grown another head or suggested they try and single handedly defeat the Infinite Kingdom. Granted with Timmy’s brain…they might be able to.

“We fake your death on the road and Bart gets you safely to either Metropolis or Centralis, probably Centralis since it’s further from the Infinite Kingdom. Both our families have plenty of places we don’t actually use where you can be hidden until we can make you a new identity. Your scars could be from a normal fire, nothing about them screams magic, and fires like that can happen.”

“Kon, no.”

“Kon, yes.” Had they done something to Tim already? They’d signed the betrothal and peace treaties, could they be influencing him so he had to go through with it? “We’ll keep you safe.”

“Kon, I volunteered for this. I want to do this.”

He shook his head. “Tim… you can’t want to go there, that’s insane. They could do anything to do you.”

“They won’t. They need this peace as much as we do. Pariah Dark turned sections of their kingdom into a wasteland, decimated the population. Phantom wanted the trade part of the treaty the most Kon. They don’t negotiate the same way we do; the betrothal was meant as a term that could be tossed aside, he didn’t expect us to accept it. It was a cultural misunderstanding.”

That was a pretty big misunderstanding! “And yet he didn’t tell you that before it was signed.”

“And lose face with his people?” Tim asked, and Kon grimaced.

Okay, yeah, admitting a mistake that big could have been risky if his position wasn’t entirely secure. Were there still those loyal to the old High Chief? If there were then any misstep could be fatal. And now…Tim would be in the firing line as well.

“Will we ever see you again?” he asked, throat tight, and Tim smiled.

“Phantom said I can write and that I can come back to visit. Not immediately, things will need time to settle.”

Kon nodded. When Tim visited, he would come to Gotham even if Kal disagreed. “I don’t want you to go, this isn’t right.”

“But I want to do this, Kon. Phantom…he’s nothing like we thought, what we were taught. Bernard’s coming with me, along with some others. Between them and Phantom, they’ll keep me safe. And there’s a chance Kon, a chance I can be healed. Not fully but better than this, if I can have less pain…”

Kon took in a shuddering breath but nodded. “If Jon was old enough, I’d…”

“I know.” Tim smiled at him. “And I’d do the same for you. This is the way it has to be.”

“This isn’t like you,” he murmured. Tim would fight against being married of to a warlord, kinder than expected or not. So why was he doing this? Just for peace or was there something… “No, no way…” He stared at him in horror. “Tell me you didn’t fall in love with the ruthless warlord ruling the Infinite Lands!”

“He’s not a ruthless warlord Kon. He’s kind and gentle when he can be. Just like B has to act a certain way as King but that’s not all of who he is. I know you have no reason to trust him but trust me.”

“Always.”

Tim smiled at him again. “Will you stand with me at the ceremony?”

“You couldn’t keep me away,” Kon promised. “I even packed my ceremonial best for the occasion.”

“Thanks.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kal watched Bruce sit down, seeing the tension in his frame. They had known each other since before Bruce formally took the throne at far too young an age. “Bruce, is there any way out of this?”

“Tim refuses to let us look,” Bruce sighed.

“Surely you have anyways.”

“John and Zatanna agree, there’s no way to break the contract, especially now that the peace treaty has been signed. And…Phantom is not Pariah. He and his brother Wraith saved Tim’s life Ka. The cursed flames, they were dormant within Tim, not removed, and they reactivated. I held my son as he began to burn again.”

Kal paled. He remembered those day, it had been after that that Kon and Tim had met. His eldest had never known Tim before he was burned but Kal had. It had changed Tim; he’d never been the most outgoing but he had really withdrawn after. Kon and then Bart had really helped draw him out again. And thankfully, they got along with Tim’s friend Bernard. That boy was more loyal to Tim than any guard he’d ever known.

“Saving Tim severely weakened Wraith and left Phantom in pain, I think he somehow took Tim’s pain into himself. He gave Tim his mother’s ring for the betrothal too. I’d like you to look at it, the Infinite Kingdom doesn’t use rings and the style isn’t from Gotham.”

“Of course. But why would it match any kingdom…unless you think his mother wasn’t from the Infinite Kingdom?”

“Phantom is…different to the others. While we’ve never heard of children being born across the battlelines, we’ve found out it is possible. Part of the betrothal deals with heirs, Phantom and Tim will have children one day using magic. So, it’s possible that his parentage could be mixed.”

Kal nodded, shocked by the information. He was one of those who knew how badly the flames had affected Tim, including his inability to father children. Kon and Bart towered over him now too, despite Tim being the eldest of the group.

“Phantom seems sincere in his desire for peace. I think…we misinterpreted a lot going into this. Tim’s been talking with him a lot and found out they desperately need the trade agreements. Pariah did a lot of damage to their lands to wage the war. Bernard is going with Tim; I have a list of people who have volunteered to serve in Tim’s personal guard and Knight Order. He will have people he can trust at his side.”

“I pray you’re right Bruce, for all of our sake but especially Tim’s.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick was relieved when Barry and Bart arrived, Bart rushing to Tim and Kon’s sides. Tim needed as much time with his friends as possible. Sadly, Wally had remained at home with Iris to support her as she stepped in as regent while Barry was absent.

He’d noticed General Wraith watching Jason and wasn’t sure what to think of that. Was he interested in his brother? Could they sense the curse? They had helped Timmy, could they help Jay?

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Getting ever closer to publishing the short story collection! Campaign funds have been sent to me so I can send to the editor in the next week or two. And I bought Vellum so I can make the interiors fancier. Ouch it cost a lot but worth it.

Chapter 13

Danny fought the urge to fidget as he waited. He was meeting King Kal-El and King Barry along with their heirs, Tim’s friends. It was fine, it would be fine. Except he was going to take their friend away from them for who knew how long. There was no way to know for sure when it would be safe for Tim to make the journey back to Gotham so they would be stuck with letters until then. And…how would their magic effect Tim? If his appearance changed, would they all still accept him?

He took a breath as Dan tapped his back to get him to focus. He could fret over that later; it was time to meet the royals. He fixed a polite if bland smile on his face, politics. Oh how he hated politics, if he’d known…no, he still would have fought Pariah but maybe someone else could have taken the lead.

And then Tim walked into the room, smiling at him and Danny’s smile became softer as he greeted his betrothed, kissing his hand. A nod passed between him and King Bruce, the man much warmer towards him now than he had been before they saved Tim’s life. He supposed that wasn’t surprising.

Barry kept Bart close at his side as they entered, glad the formal greeting wasn’t the reunion between the friends. He felt sick at having to play nice with the High Chief who had forced Bruce into such a treaty. He hadn’t had a chance to speak with the man much since they’d arrived. He saw the High Chief dressed in white silk and furs and on his arm was Tim, it made his blood boil and yet…the look on the young Prince’s face…there was no fear, but he would be trained not to show that. No, there was something softer in his eyes. Was Tim…infatuated with the High Chief? How? Why? He watched Tim lean in, speaking to the man quietly and then he looked at Bart who was bouncing slightly beside Barry.

As the name suggested, Centralis was basically the most centrally located kingdom of Justria, it had given them far more safety than the bordering kingdoms like Gotham and Metropolis. Of course, Barry still fought in the war, leading his army against the Infinite Kingdom and previous High Chief. His forces tended to be used in hit and run attacks, when speed was needed. Their horses were known to be the fastest while retaining good endurance levels. So he very rarely got to stop and study someone from the Infinite Kingdom. They truly did look so different to them.

“King Barry, Prince Bart, may I present High Chief Phantom and General Wraith,” Tim introduced them formally.

“Your Majesty,” Chief Phantom nodded his head slightly.

“High Chief, General.” And then they moved on and no one died, that was good.

He kept a hand on Bart’s elbow, not wanting him to go to Tim while he remained with his betrothed, searching for Bruce among the courtiers.

Bruce kept an eye on his people as well as Phantom’s party, to ensure that nothing happened. Those who lived within the castle were becoming used to their presence, but not all those attending lived in the castle or even Bristol itself. Nobles from around the country had begun arriving in anticipation of the wedding.

So far, it was going well. Tim was remaining at his betrothed’s side, giving introductions and talking softly with him. Tim might hate these kinds of gatherings but he also thrived in them thanks to his training from his parents. Bruce could tell that Kon and Bart weren’t happy about that, wanting to spend time with him, but Phantom treated Tim kindly so his presence would hopefully keep the Chief’s party calm, even if someone insulted them, accidentally or not.

Danny listened to the music, so different to what he was used to. It was…stiff, formal. The dances looked vaguely familiar, laughter…his parents? “Do you want to dance?” he asked Tim gently.

Tim looked up at him, hesitating, and Danny gently stroked the knuckles of the hand tucked into his. “I’m not very good,” he admitted softly, sadder. Of course, his legs.

“Well, I haven’t danced like this since I was little and my parents used to dance.” He was pretty sure it was them he was remembering. “We can dance badly together if you want.”

Tim glanced around and then nodded. Danny smiled at him and led him away from where they’d been standing and onto the floor but on the edges to avoid being bumped into. He copied the way he saw others holding their partner, relieved when Tim didn’t stiffen up. He had a hand on Tim’s hip! They’d held hands, sat beside each other, but never touched like this.

Bart tugged at Kon’s arm till his friend turned. “Look!” he hissed, and Kon looked, eyes widening slightly at the sight of Tim dancing with the High Chief, their movements very slow, almost more swaying at times. Tim hadn’t danced since the attack which made sense since he had trouble just walking at times. And the High Chief was dancing in a way that considered that.

“Maybe…maybe Tim’s right?” Bart asked.

“Maybe,” Kon answered, but he didn’t sound very sure of it.

Bart didn’t blame him but…the war had been on hold since Phantom became High Chief. Maybe that was good, meant that Phantom really did want peace? He hated thinking of Tim in that icy place; Bernard at least would be at his side. Tim would have several people from Gotham with him, including the scary trio. That was if Prudence didn’t get beat up, again. She had the worst luck but it was always amusing to watch. But those three were very, very good, there would be bodies on the ground before anyone harmed Tim.

Bernard walked with Tim back to his quarters; he was limping heavily but seemed more at peace than he usually was at parties. “You danced with Phantom,” he whispered like it was a secret.

Tim snickered and leant into him more heavily. “I think it went well.”

“Well, no one died or got challenged to a duel so it definitely could have been worse,” he offered.

“Please don’t, there’s still time,” Tim murmured.

“Tired?” he asked in concern, and Tim nodded. “You can sleep in; there’s nothing till lunch.”

Bernard helped Tim out of his gala formalwear and into bed. Tim should technically have a dedicated valet to do what Bernard did but it was understood that he was that and Tim’s guard. It made things easier for Tim and the King understood how self-conscious Tim was about needing help. “Sleep well,” he whispered before leaving for his own bed.

Kal managed to get a look at the ring on Tim’s finger as they sat together after dinner, the High Chief and his party gone for the evening. Tim was sitting with Kon and Bart, laughing at something Bart had said when his hand moved into a good position for Kal to see. The design looked familiar but it was not one used in Metropolis. Starr maybe? Was Oliver coming, he could confirm either way. Which parent might be from one of their kingdoms? His father who gave a ring to his mother in memory of his people? Or his mother and it was a family heirloom?

Tim seemed happy enough considering what was coming. He really was alright with it all. Then again, meeting Phantom hadn’t been what he’d expected. The young High Chief, and he was young, had been cool and calm but not cruel. And Kal had seen him smile at Tim, it hadn’t been possessive or anticipatory, no, it had seemed genuine. He prayed that it was true, that Tim would have a peaceful and safe marriage. Tim had volunteered for this; he had spared other royal children from ending up in his position. Kon was Kal’s heir and Jon was too young so his own family had been safe, but others hadn’t been.

But he could see the pain in his oldest friend, Bruce was dreading the approaching wedding because it meant he would lose his son. Yes, they’d been told correspondence would be allowed, but how heavily censored would it be? And was the High Chief being honest when he said that Tim could come back to Gotham to visit?

“Tim!” Jason called when he spotted his brother heading for the library.

Tim paused and waited for him to catch up. “Is everything okay?” he asked in concern.

Jason tucked the kid into his side, glad to find the library empty. He grabbed his favourite couch, well concealed while being hard to eavesdrop or sneak up on. “I think the General’s been following me,” he admitted softly as Tim settled beside him.

“Huh,” Tim murmured, frowning slightly. “I’m guessing they can sense what happened to you. If I’m touched by their lands magic, you must be soaked in it.”

Jason snorted. “Thanks kid.”

Tim grinned cheekily at him which was good to see. Tim was obviously scared about his marriage and leaving Gotham but…Jason didn’t think it was because of Phantom, not with the way Tim was around him. A lot of Tim’s original fear had faded over time, as they got to know each other. But the wedding was in three days, a week later and Tim would be gone.

“I love you little brother, you ever need me, call and I’ll come,” he promised. “Even if Wraith creeps me out.”

“He’s nice, just less socially adept than Phantom.”

Which said a lot. But most of that was probably cultural differences.

Oliver saw the ring on Tim’s finger and something about it tugged at his memory. He looked at Bruce and nodded, the style was the kind used in Starr decades ago, it had fallen out of popularity more recently. If Phantom was close to Tim in age, then that would likely be the right timeline for one of his parents. It could also be a family heirloom since the style was used for well over a century…mostly among the aristocracy. He hadn’t taken the time to study Phantom’s features; would he recognise them if he did? It had been war, many people disappeared. He’d just never thought it would be for marriage, willing or not. Did Phantom know of his likely tie to Oliver’s people?

Bruce studied the completed carriage. It was far plainer than the family one which was good. But it had all the comforts possible to ensure that Tim would be in as little pain as could be managed. And it almost radiated a strange mix of magics. Part of him hated looking at it, the very physical evidence that Tim would soon be gone.

“I’ll come back,” Tim promised softly.

He turned to find his son watching him with sad eyes. He held his hand out and Tim moved to rest against his side. “I always hoped if you married, it would be someone lower ranked so you would remain here,” he admitted.

“I’m the third son Bruce, it’s expected I marry out, not in.”

He knew it, he’d just hoped. His closeness to Kon had offered the possibility of at least only going to the kingdom next door. They could have made a good match after all and Jon could have provided the necessary line continuation if Kon did not chose to father a child.

“Phantom promised, I will come back one day. It might take a year or two, till things settle.”

Bruce nodded, hugging him tight. Tim believed his betrothed and there were few better at reading people than his son. Cass was one of those few but she would not make it home before they left.

“And maybe I can do it on horseback by then.”

“Maybe,” he agreed. Could they heal him that far? “Oliver recognised the ring, it’s from Starr.”

Tim nodded. “So, Phantom has familiar ties to Oliver’s kingdom, it doesn’t change anything.”

Didn’t it? If Phantom was from a mixed marriage, did that mean Tim’s children would look like him rather than Tim? Would Tim always be the odd one out in his husband’s family?

Dan watched Prince Jason closely, monitoring the situation. There hadn’t been an outburst like the one Danny had described at least. It wasn’t surprising that Tim had gotten through to him though given his own exposure to their magic. He just wished he could work out if it was just the magic of the land or an Ancient that had touched the Prince, and why. What had the second Prince of Gotham been doing over the border?

Wait…hadn’t he been declared dead several years ago? Ugh, that had been while he was still with Pariah, he was sure it was not in a battle he was present for. He hadn’t tangled with Gotham’s army very often, the mess with Prince Tim had been one of the few times he did. The time he regretted the most. Could he look into Prince Jason’s ‘death’ discreetly? They were running out of time.

Jazz checked the latest missive from her brothers. They would be leaving for home soon, a week after the wedding. Prince Timothy…she had gone through the records and his name never appeared. He had never faced them in battle but that made sense if he had suffered the animo fajro. Could he even walk? His mind must be intact or else he could have never signed a betrothal contract. Was he King Bruce’s biological child or another adoptee? Not that it mattered either way.

She had ensured work began on the High Chief’s chambers, making them welcoming to a Gothamite. The second dressing and sitting room needed complete renovation with how long they had been unused. But it should be done before they arrived, leaving the Prince to make the last choices so that the rooms would suit him. Fresh, thick, warm fabrics were being brought in to add to the bed and ensure the Prince would not freeze. Yes, the Keep was heated, but he would likely still find it colder than he was used to.

She didn’t know why he had been chosen or had volunteered but she really hoped that he could make a home in Axion, that he and Danny could learn to be happy together. She had never wanted a political marriage for her little brother, either of them, but once Danny had taken the title of High Chief it had become almost inevitable.

“It will be okay.”

“Will it?” Dick glanced at her, taking in the gown she was wearing. “You look beautiful.”

“And you look very handsome,” Babs smiled softly at him. “But don’t change the subject.”

“In a few hours, Tim will be married. It should be a happy day but…”

“But there is still too much unknown,” she finished for him. “We are all worried for him, but he wants this, Dick. We have to respect that. Did you know that Kon and Bart had the beginnings of a plan to fake his death to get him out of this?”

Dick blinked. They’d what? “Sounds like them.” He wished they’d finished the plan but no, she was right, they had to respect Tim’s choices.

He finished getting ready for the wedding, grimacing as he settled his circlet in place. He hated having to wear it but it beat the crown.

Bruce checked himself in the mirror. Nothing could go wrong today. Tim’s wedding was never envisioned as the first among his children but it was and it would be perfect. It was the last gift he would be able to give his son for who knew how long. He’d sent Alfred to help Tim and keep him calm; he could get ready himself.

He had to stay calm and collected, Tim would not see how torn he was over the wedding. Bruce would walk his son to his husband with happiness, even if it was faked.

Steph pinned up her hair and studied the final product, perfect. She wished Cass was there but she wasn’t. But the wedding couldn’t be delayed since Phantom was needed back home. It was surprising they had been able to linger so long honestly. She brushed out her skirts, hating having to wear a dress but she would do it for Tim. At least it was purple and black and not something like pink or yellow. Black for her ties to the Wayne’s and purple because that was her favourite colour.

She even wore a gold necklace with an amethyst pendant shaped like a small bat that Tim had gotten her when they were seeing each other. If only they had become betrothed… they would have been a terrible match but it would have meant Tim couldn’t volunteer. But not even Babs could change the past, only glimpse the now and sometimes the future.

Dan checked Danny’s hair, helping him into his jacket. “Ready for this?”

“No,” Danny admitted. “What if I hurt him? Or he hates the Keep.”

“He’s a Prince, Danny. This kind of marriage has always been a possibility for him as royalty. And you won’t hurt him; you hate hurting anyone.”

Danny took a deep breath and nodded.

“Come on, let’s go get you married.”

That got a laugh from his brother, good.

“How do I look?”

“Like a Prince,” Bernard answered softly. Tim looked incredible. “Phantom won’t know what hit him.”

“Thanks,” Tim whispered.

“Are you scared?” he asked hesitantly. They were alone now, Alfred gone to ensure everything was ready and Bruce hadn’t arrived to collect Tim yet.

Tim swallowed but nodded. “I’m not scared of Phantom, Bernard, I promise.”

It was his turn to nod now. He knew that, he’d seen the way Tim looked at the High Chief, had seen that soft kiss to Tm’s cheek that day. He really hoped the kindness latest past the wedding ceremony. He didn’t think that Phantom was acting.

“I’m scared about tonight, the upcoming journey…how his people will react to us. But I’m not scared of him or even Wraith.”

“Okay,” Bernard agreed. he hugged Tim, careful to not wrinkle his wedding suit, Alfred would kill him. “I love you Tim, you’re my best friend, my brother.”

“I love you too Ber. And we’re going to be okay.”

And then Bruce knocked on the door. It was time.

Damian moved carefully through the crowds, checking everything was perfect for his brother’s wedding. And using skills he had learnt before coming to his Father to listen and see. No one could threaten the ceremony or his family. It would begin soon but for the moment, all seemed well. There were whispers but most appeared scared for Timothy and his fate in their long-time enemies kingdom. A fear he shared no matter how many assurances his brother gave that Phantom would treat him well. It would take only one angry person who was against the peace to kill Timothy once he was away from the safety of their home.

And then the orchestra began and Damian quickly slipped into the seat beside Richard.

TBC…