"Arabian Nights"
Part 47
by Mel
Viggo woke with the early morning light creeping across the floor. He was nestled between three warm bodies, that had starved away the evening chill but were now heating up the room, and the bed.
Blinking his eyes, Viggo managed to focus on the first body, which was currently trying to bury itself beneath his skin. Though Viggo was certain he had fallen asleep next to Dominic, it was Orlando who had wrapped his body around his. The young street rat was curled around him and lost beneath the mop of hair on his head. He looked, all in all, adorably innocent. Viggo treasured the sight, knowing when the boy awoke, the layers would appear again, and Viggo would be left guess what mischief or noble deed he happened to be getting himself into.
Dominic was pressed against Orlando's back, his arm wrapped around the other boy's middle, and therefore just above Viggo's groin. Viggo forced himself not too shift away, sure it would awaken the young man. Though Viggo was sure some progress had been made yesterday, due to whatever had happened with Karl and Orlando's little stunt last night, Dominic would surely be mortified with his behaviour, and be back to being his difficult self when he awoke. Having been through it themselves, he hoped Elijah and Orlando would help him understand the position they were all in.
Which meant Elijah was tucked against his back, Viggo could feel his fine hair brushing against his skin. Of all the boys, Viggo was most confident with Elijah. Without meaning too, the young man had lost his inhibitions and was opening up, to all of them. One day, Viggo hoped Elijah would allow him to love him, but for now, this was more then enough.
"Ahem."
The noise drew Viggo's eyes from the boys. He felt Dominic stiffen as he awoke and the other two kittens stirred. Ian was standing in the doorway, that small smile tugging at his lips. Viggo lifted himself up carefully, delighted as the two still sleeping boys rolled towards each other. It looked like it was going to become a ritual. Dominic too stood, retrieving a robe for the half naked prince. Viggo nodded his thanks as the young man pulled it on for him, slipping out from the beaded curtain and into the courtyard.
"You all seem to be getting on well," Ian couldn't help the smile that answered Viggo's. "I had worried a little about the new boy, but he appears to be knowledgeable enough in these matters to not need the training the other two did."
Viggo could not hide the surprise. "Dominic is just another street urchin, like Orlando."
Ian shrugged, "perhaps he has looked after nobility in his youth, the way he helped you into the robe was very fluid, and it's not uncommon for a noble to sell off slaves, or even die, leaving them in poverty. But that is not why I am here." Ian waited for Viggo to take a seat, insisting he ate the small meal laid out while Ian spoke. "It has come to my attention that both Orlando and Elijah have been very well behaved, and that Elijah even saved your life," Ian paused, receiving a confirming nod from Viggo. The older man poured their tea. "I believe a little reward for their hard work would not go astray."
Viggo drank, nodding slowly. The boy's had done an awful lot for him lately, and he still felt guilty for having had to leave them with Ian. He wanted to show them that he truly appreciated everything they had done for him. And how much he loved them. But How?
"What should I do?"
Ian's eyes twinkled, urging the prince to eat a little more before he said anything. "Perhaps you could take them out shopping."
"Shopping?" Viggo didn't look very convinced, imagining the mischief the two boys would more then likely find themselves in.
"Elijah has not had the chance to see our fair city." Ian urged gently, "the trip would raise all your spirits."
"I suppose," Viggo admitted, "Dominic needs some new clothing and Elijah is close to his size."
"It'll also stop the cabin fever they're suffering from. You can not keep them in these four walls forever." Ian told him gently. "Plus, there's their teaching to finish."
Viggo blinked, suddenly suspicious of the seemingly innocent looking man drinking his tea. "Teaching? I thought that was finished?"
Ian smiled again and Viggo had to resist the urge to squirm. "I'm afraid there are some things I am far to old to teach, my Prince. I barely brushed upon the boy's sexual education."
Viggo could not stop the blush that crept through his skin. "Sexual?"
Ian nodded, only slightly succeeding to hide his smile behind his cup. "I believe the boy's will benefit greatly from choosing their own concubine to teach them. As will you, I'm sure."
"Can we really go, my Prince?"
Viggo looked at the doorway, where the three boys were standing. Both Elijah and Orlando looked so hopeful that Viggo knew he wouldn’t be able to say no. He shot Ian a glare, who was calmly sipping his tea.
“You are a very evil man,” Viggo hissed.
“One tries.” Viggo couldn’t be angry at the cheeky smile Ian flashed.
Still, turning to face the boy’s hopeful eyes, Viggo sighed. “If you all promise to stay by my side, then I don’t think it will be a problem.”
“Dominic will be staying here.” Ian said quite firmly.
Viggo shared the opinion. “I do not treasure the thought of the person who hired you killing you as a liability. You will have to stay here this time, Dominic.”
The young man’s excitement faded, his face smoothing over calmly. “As my Lord wishes.”
Viggo opened his mouth to apologise, but found his arms full of two very excited boys.
“We can go out side?”
“Fresh air and clear skies?”
“And we can buy things?”
“Really? Our own Concubine?”
Elijah and Viggo both blushed at Orlando’s words and Ian laughed. “On that note, you had best be off. The markets will get busy very quickly, and that may cause you problems.”
Viggo was dragged to his feet, pulled out the door by two boys who could not stop talking.
Dominic took the Prince’s seat, pouring a little more tea into the older man’s cup. “What would you like to talk about, sir?”
“The Prince’s explanation has pleased anyone that lives beyond these castle walls, but the rest would be happy to see your head on a platter.” Ian took a sip, his face cold. “I am here as a warning. Do not step beyond these rooms without the Prince, you may find yourself in small dark corners with household staff practicing their fighting skills on you.”
Dominic’s face was blank as he nodded.
“I’m glad you understand. Sean will be here shortly to keep you company, the Captain has work that the other man could not be involved in. Enjoy your day, young Dominic.”
Ian left, thinking about the young viper the prince had in his bed.
If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Mel
go to PART 48