"Arabian Nights"
Part 39
by Mel
"Where did Elijah go?"
The sudden movement surprised Dominic a little as Orlando stood. They had been left to their own devices for a while, the Prince obviously trusting them enough to keep out of trouble. The punches and burn still stung. The little Hell Cat was turning out to be more trouble then Dominic had bargained for. He had turned over everything he had said in his mind, and other then the insulting of the Prince that the other boy seemed to be infatuated with, Dominic could think of nothing he had said that could have made Orlando cry. The Prince *was* a creep, collecting boys like they were toys, but from what Dominic could gather, none of the boys had had any real choice in the matter.
Dominic watched as Orlando stuck his head in the Princes room, what looked to be a practice yard, and then the bathing room with obviously no luck in finding the little Hell Cat.
"Who cares?" Dominic muttered, missing the look Orlando threw him. "Probably out hunting for the Prince."
"I hope not," Orlando said slowly, looking to the door. "That could get him in a lot of trouble."
"Trouble he probably deserves." Dominic snorted. "I don’t know why you’d bother about a silly little boy like that, I-"
"That’s enough Dom." The quiet edge to Orlando’s words went unnoticed to the assassin.
"I mean, he’s not much is he? Punches like a girl too. Just a little painted doll for the prince to play with. He must be a good fuck-"
Orlando lifted Dominic so suddenly and violently that the other boy had no time to react. He was so surprised at the look of fury on his friends’ face that he couldn’t do anything but let himself be thrown into the nearest wall. Orlando’s taller body pressed against his, his face right in his. Lips pulled back, showing teeth. And Dominic had thought the little boy had been a Hell Cat, Orlando’s hackles were raised.
"Elijah stood up for you," Orlando growled, "He tried to help you and now you insult him. You insult the Prince and I. Do you really think I’d let myself become some doll, Dominic?"
Dominic shook his head mutely.
"This ends now. You would be dead if it weren’t for Elijah. Never forget you owe him your life." Orlando let him go, stepping back. The fury in his face was quickly replaced with worry. "I have to go and find him, who knows what trouble he’s getting himself into. You stay here, there a lot of people who are fond of the Prince and are looking for a good excuse to hurt you for the attempt on his life."
Orlando paused at the entrance, looking to Dominic, his face serious. "I am one of them." And then he was gone, leaving Dominic to his thoughts alone.
*****
Orlando was frantic. He couldn’t find Elijah. It didn’t help that every time he rounded a corner there was someone in it and he had to miss some corridors completely. He already had an excuse planned if someone found him, but he didn’t want to risk having to be away from the Prince again. Learning with Ian had been an eye opener. There were things he learnt from the old slave trainer that he had never even thought of. The dancing had been the best part. But he had missed the Prince very much.
To think, he had been looking forward to showing him all the things he had learnt, and now this had to happen.
Seeing Dom again, and alive, had been wonderful. Except for the fact that he continued to insult the three of them at every turn without even realising it. None of them deserved that kind of abuse, especially when Prince Viggo had saved each of their lives. What would Dom be like when he met Sean? Orlando couldn’t even begin to comprehend the complexity of that particular relationship, nor did he want to.
He’d try to keep Dom out of trouble, one wrong step and the Caliph would have him killed.
Now *that*man was an enigma. Orlando had barely got much more then a glance at him, but that strong voice, piercing eyes. Orlando shuddered involuntary. He would try to study the man that ruled this realm as much as his position allowed.
But first thing came first; finding Elijah.
Luck must have been on Orlando’s side, when he looked around the next corner there was Elijah. He almost called out, until he saw the look on his friends face. Elijah hadn’t seen him yet, his eyes were vacant, his normally lively face fallen. Orlando had never seen someone looked so lost. He looked like he’d just lost his best friend. Perhaps Orlando wasn’t too far from the truth in his thoughts.
"Elijah?" The soft whisper of his name drew the other boy’s attention to him. Orlando winced as he noticed the tear tracks down Elijah’s face. He wasn’t stupid, he knew he was responsible for them.
Elijah’s eyes cleared and he managed a small smile. "Did you get bored of Dominic?"
"No, I was worried about you." Orlando answered, "missing you."
"Really?" Elijah sounded sceptical, but there was some hope in his voice.
"I wouldn’t lie to you about something like that," Orlando opened his arms, "I’m sorry if I gave you reason to doubt me."
Elijah snuggled into Orlando’s embrace, hands clinging to the other boy’s form. Though Orlando could feel tremors through Elijah’s form, but was happy that he wasn’t crying.
"I thought you didn’t need me anymore." Elijah said against his skin. "You’ve got Dominic now."
"Dominic is my friend," Orlando almost smiled as he felt Elijah tense in his arms, "but so are you. No one can take your place in my heart, Elijah." Elijah looked up at him, blue eyes bright. Orlando smiled, kissing his forehead gently before taking the young prince’s lips within his own. Elijah melted, whimpering slightly as they kissed, clutching at him.
They kissed for a while, Orlando finally pulling back, regretting having to leave those sweet lips.
"Well, partner, we’d better get back," Orlando grinned, "I’m sure Ian doesn’t want to see us again so soon." Orlando took Elijah’s hand as they parted, threading their fingers together. "I had to leave Dominic there on his own, only Allah knows what kind of mischief he’s gotten himself into. He’s never been one to follow the rules."
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go to PART 40