A Prince's Pride

*Milo*

The two weeks that have passed since we returned to Midoor have gone by with very little interesting happening. In fact, the only thing that seems to be happening is Aaron unraveling at the seams. Trying to rule over Midoor while operating a newly formed empire that just annexed another country has left him ragged and it's causing mistakes. 

In Sandalia, for instance, a rebel group has sprouted up, led by one of Rija's older siblings who are contesting his right to rule. Aaron was supposed to send soldiers there to assist Rija, but sent them to the Lower Reach by accident. Luckily, our forces reached Sandalia in time to prevent Rija's assassination, but it was a close call. 

Today, I've requested that Elaine run court while Aaron and I attend a Small Council meeting, the first we've had since before Zelda died. 

When we enter the Small Council chambers, we find the Small Council already seated, Thomas Rein now taking the place of Zelda. Aaron takes his seat at the head of the table, a stack of papers in front of him. I glance over the top one and see supply requests from King Richard Dellard to be sent to the Lower Reach. At least he's now on to things concerning a kingdom that isn't Midoor. 

"Welcome back, Your Majesty," says Dellrie. "There are a few things we need to inform you that happened during your honeymoon to Sandalia."

"Go ahead," says Aaron, "I can listen and sign documents at the same time." And indeed, he does start signing documents and moving them to a separate pile. As soon as he moves the supply requests, I see reports from Midoorian soldiers. 

"The first thing is that, while you were gone, Queen Elaine ordered the execution of all Red Hand terrorists in the dungeons."

"Wait, they're all dead now?" I ask, appalled. 

"Yes, very good," says Aaron in a distracted voice, his eyes scanning down the document before him.

"Aaron, did you hear what he said?"

"What?" Aaron asks vaguely, looking up at me. "Yes, of course. The Red Hands are all dead. It's about time. I've been meaning to get around to that. Don't look so shocked," he adds, seeing my expression, "we can't hold prisoners indefinitely. We don't have the space or resources for that." He turns back to his notes. 

"He's right, Emperor Milo," says Cara. I don't respond. 

"Next is the progress we're making in the Magical Corps Division of the military you requested. Without Piper Dylan here, it has been hard to get off the ground. However, Sultan Rija has agreed to send some of his mages to train our witches in the ways of magic."

"Why haven't we agreed yet?" asks Aaron, looking up at Cara.

"You haven't signed the approval, Your Majesty."

Aaron sighs and starts rifling through his papers to find the request form. 

While Aaron is distracted with his papers, Cara gives me a meaningful look and Yora nods her head at Aaron.

"If I might make a suggestion, Aaron?" I say. 

He turns his head slightly to show me he's listening but doesn't look up from his papers. The Small Council members nod at me encouragingly. They’re the ones who put me up to this.

"What if you placed a ruler in Midoor, someone to handle the day-to-day while you focused on the rest of the empire?"

Aaron looks up at me finally with a look of incredulity on his face. 

"Who would I place?" he asks. "My mother doesn't want to rule long term."

"I was thinking it should be Emperor Milo, Your Majesty." If I hadn't seen Dellrie's mouth moving, I wouldn't have believed the words were his. They hadn’t mentioned this part to me when they suggested I talk to Aaron. "What?" he adds defensively. 

"I just always got this feeling that you didn't like me much," I answer. 

"Well, I won't pretend I don't think everything would have been smoother if you two were a more…traditional couple. But I harbor no ill will toward you."

"I don't think I'm the right person for the job," I insist, "but we can find someone who is."

"I don't know that I can just hand Midoor over to someone else," says Aaron. "I spent my whole life training to rule the kingdom. I've barely been its king."

"You're not a king anymore, Aaron," I remind him. "You're an emperor now. You can't hold on to Midoor so hard. You have other citizens you need to worry about."

"I don't know…"

"I just want to say that I agree with Emperor Milo," says Yora and Cara nods along with her before she turns to Aaron. "Your focus is too split, Your Majesty. You were reading reports on food distribution in the Lower Reach while holding court the other day."

"Maybe you're right," Aaron admits. "Very well. We'll start looking for someone to sit the Midoorian throne and will coronate them as soon as—"

A knock at the door cuts off his words and Cara calls out, "Enter!"

When the door opens, Oswald steps inside. 

"Your Majesty," he says, "a messenger just came to me with a message for you. A delegation from the Southern Tribes is approaching the palace."

*Aaron*

Ten minutes after Oswald delivered his message, Milo, Riley, Piper, Gavin, Oswald and I are in the throne room, waiting for the party from the Southern Tribes to arrive. 

When the throne room doors open, I'm surprised to find Prince Krayden Shenri of the Southern Tribes walking through the doors. 

"Prince Krayden?" I say. "What are you doing here?" Krayden walks up to me with a smile and embraces me for a moment, then holds me at arm's length and smiles. 

"Aaron, it's been too long. I wish we had time to catch up now, but I am here on urgent business." Krayden takes a step back and bows to me in an uncharacteristic show of respect for my position. When he stands, he says, "I have been sent here by my mother, the Queen. I am afraid terrible things are happening in the Southern Tribes and we request your assistance."

"Really?" I ask. "You guys have never asked for help from the other kingdoms. What's changed?"

"We are being targeted by a witch called Phoebe Dylan." Out the corner of my eye, I see Milo and Piper exchange a look. "It's our understanding that you have fought her before and have prevailed. Every attempt we have made to stop her has failed."

"It's like she's making her rounds throughout the five kingdoms," says Milo. 

"Except for the Lower Reach," says Piper. 

"No, she was there," says Milo. "Maybe not in person, as far as I know, but Phoebe was guiding the Red Hand and they used King Zannir to attack Midoor. I think every challenge we've faced has been linked to Phoebe in one way or another."

“Queen Allandra requests both you and Emperor Milo come to the capital city of Kr’fait and speak with her at your earliest convenience.”

“I’m sorry, Krayden, but I can’t leave Midoor at the moment. I have far too much to attend to here.”

“Why don’t I watch over Midoor while you handle things in the Southern Tribes?” asks Riley. 

We all turn to stare at her. It’s well-known that Riley hates politics.

“Are you sure, Riley?” I ask. “You hate ruling.”

“True, but father always said, ‘Those who do not want to rule are those most right to rule,’ and I think it’s high time I take more interest in the family business. I am the Princess of Midoor, after all.”

“It is settled, then,” says Krayden happily. “How soon can we leave for the Southern Tribes?”

“I suppose we can leave in the morning. In the meantime, I’ll catch Riley up on—”

“—the giant mountain of paperwork you’ve barely touched?” Riley finishes for me. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll discuss it with the Small Council. Taking Phoebe down is much more important.”

I nod to her.

“Then let’s take today to rest and get our gear ready for travel,” I say.

*Piper*

The smell of the foul potion brewing in the pot on Piper's table causes her nose to wrinkle as it bubbles and gurgles like simmering mud. She adds the final ingredient, a sheen toadstool, and takes a step back. The potion churns and great dollops of the dark, brown-gray sludge jumps from the pot, though not a drop spills. 

Gray smoke begins to billow from the pot. With an incantation, Piper throws the windows open and sends a gust of air through the room, sending the smoke cloud out into the night. 

Once the smoke is gone, Piper returns to the pot and fills a large glass bottle, stoppering it with a cork. She raises it up, examining the potion inside. She's never made this potion before, but she followed her sister’s instructions to the letter.

A knock at her door causes her to spin on her heels. 

"Who is it?" she calls out. 

"It's me," Milo says through the door. 

Piper incants and the contents of the pot vanish. With another incantation, she holds the potion bottle to the underside of the table, magically adhering it to the wood. 

"Come in."

Milo enters and looks around for a moment 

"You haven't started packing?" he asks. "We leave in the morning. You are coming, aren't you?"

"If you want me to," she says. 

"Of course. You're our best chance to ward off Phoebe, especially since I can't use my powers." He holds up his wrist, the binding cuff still attached. 

"I think I have an idea of how to remove it, but it's not ready yet. I'll be packed and ready to leave in the morning. Was there something else you needed?"

"No," he says with a shake of his head. "Except…" Milo pauses, looking at Piper as if searching for something in her face, "are we okay, Piper? Things between you and I haven't felt right since we got back."

"Of course they are," she says with a smile. "I've just been really busy. Giving you training without you being able to use magic is difficult, not to mention researching what Phoebe might be up to, trying to figure out how to get that cuff off, and I started training with the new Magical Corps today. Most of them don't know a thing about magic."

Milo nods, looking reassured. "I want you to know how much Aaron and I appreciate everything you're doing for us. And everything you've already done. I know you started with us as an advisor, but you're so much more than that now, Piper. You're a true friend."

"I feel the same way," she assures him. He nods again and closes the door behind him. 

"What a sap," Piper hears behind her. She turns to see an image of Phoebe in her full-length mirror. It’s enchanted, linked to a mirror wherever Phoebe is, allowing them to communicate.

“He will die, along with Aaron,” says Piper. “I can’t wait until this is over. Every last one of them.”

“Except for Elaine,” says Phoebe. “When we’ve killed the rest, she will prove useful in our quest to conquer the world.”

“Conquer the world?” echoes Piper. This was news to her. She had no idea Phoebe’s plans extended past the continent of Pensia. 

“Oh, yes,” says Phoebe. “I told you, sister, my plans are far greater than they once were.”

“But how are we going to conquer the entire world?” asks Piper. 

“Patience, sister,” says Phoebe. “All will be revealed in due time. For now, are you ready to take care of the task I’ve given you?”

Piper walks over to the table and removes the potion from the bottom. She holds the bottle up for Phoebe to examine and says, “I made the potion, exactly as you described.”

“Very good, sister. Now take it down to the stables and pour it into the horses’ water supply. I need more time down here before the emperors arrive in the Southern Tribes.”

“What are you doing down there? And why are you okay with Aaron and Milo following you?”

“Patience, sister,” Phoebe repeats, shaking her head. “Patience. For now, do as you’re told.”

“Alright,” says Piper. “I’ll see you in a few days, I suppose.”

“I’ll be counting on it.” Phoebe gives her sister a smile as the image starts to fade, then Piper is alone. 

She looks down at the potion in the bottle in her hand. It’s now or never. Piper incants, holding her hand up high. Her closet door and dresser drawers open. Clothes fly into the air as her bags float up from under her bed and begin packing themselves, zipping closed before landing by the door. Another bag floats up, holding open as potion ingredients, books, and phials fly from shelves and land in its depths. This bag, too, zips shut and lands by the others. 

Then, Piper pulls a cloak onto her shoulders before pulling the hood up over her head and leaving her room. She makes her way down to the stables by the entrance gate to the palace. Though a few guards notice her, they do not try to impede her way when they realize who she is. 

Inside the stables, she walks up to the water troughs which a few horses are already drinking from. She pulls the cork from the bottle and holds it up over the water, hesitating for only a moment before dumping the entire potion into its depths. 

*Milo*

Laying in bed of the Hotel Raj, I look over to Prince Rija. He smiles at me, the heat of him radiating off his naked body. 

"You are so handsome," he says, leaning in. Our lips meet. I feel his warmth wash over me. 

"Don't hog him all to yourself," says Aaron. Rija and I break apart and I turn my head to see Aaron straddling my waist. He leans in and kisses me, causing my heart to flutter. I feel the bed move as Rija moves himself into a crouching position. I turn to see his rock hard, nine inch cock half a foot from my face.

“Go ahead,” says Aaron, watching me with hungry eyes. I open my mouth and Rija moves his body into me, his cock sliding into my mouth. Suddenly, Aaron grabs my head and holds it still as Rija shoves his entire cock down my throat. 

One of them—I’m not sure which— grabs a fistful of my hair and holds my head still as Rija thrusts in and out of my throat.

“Oh, fuck,” says Aaron, “that’s so hot. Fuck my husbands throat, Rija. Fuck it good.” 

And he does. Rija angles himself so he can slide in and out of my throat, his balls making wet slapping sounds as they slap against the drool running down my chin.

Aaron is kissing my neck as Rija works my throat, sending spasm after spasm of pleasure radiating down my body.

I feel Aaron slide down my torso, his tongue trailing along my body. When he slides out of my mouth and jerks my head back, I realize it’s Rija holding a fistful of my hair. His lips meet mine at the same time Aaron’s wrap around my hard cock. I gasp into Rija’s mouth as the head of my cock slides down Aaron’s throat.

Rija breaks away from me, biting my lip and pulling it back, letting it slide through his teeth until it snaps back into place. Then, he kisses his way down my body, stopping next to Aaron, who pulls away from my cock and looks at Rija, lust in his eyes. Aaron strokes my cock as Rija presses his lips to Aaron’s. Their kissing turns passionate and heavy, flashes of their dancing tongues appear as their lips part briefly.

“Hey,” I whine softly. “What about me?”

“Pardon me, Your Majesty,” says Rija. He swings his leg up over me and presses his ass into my face, his hand spreading his cheeks apart. I dive in as he leans forward. Though I can’t see what they’re doing, I can tell by the sounds that Rija is sucking Aaron’s cock. 

Warmth pours from Rija’s skin as my tongue dances across his puckered hole. He gyrates his hips, pushing his hole into my mouth. My tongue slips in and Rija lets out a muffled moan around Aaron’s cock.

Time loses meaning in this moment. We could have been like that for minutes, or hours, or years. When Rija moves away from me, my tongue stays stuck out as though it had it’s home ripped away, but my cock is begging for attention and I can tell Rija is eager to give it some. 

He moves himself down to between my legs and takes my cock in his hand. The warmth from him washes over me as he strokes me gently, bending over in front of Aaron, who spreads his cheeks and spits onto his hole.

I watch, enraptured, as my husband positions himself behind Rija, his cock in hand, and lines it up with Rija’s hole. When Aaron pushes himself into Rija, he doesn’t go slow. He slams his entire cock into Rija, who lets out a groan around my dick in his mouth.

Aaron fucks him, hard and fast, slamming his pelvis into him over and over. Every thrust forces Rija farther and farther down my cock as his entire body is rocked forward with each thrust. Rija moves his hand up under me, cupping my balls. A sigh that sharpens into a gasp leaves me as Rija gives my balls a squeeze.

When Aaron pulls himself out, Rija turns back to him and asks, “Done already?”

“Not even close,” says Aaron with a grin. “I just wanted to share with Milo.”

Rija looks at me, his eyebrows raised with expectation.

“On your back,” I order. Rija lays down as I stand. I grab his legs and pull him so his ass is almost off the bed. I decide to copy Aaron, sliding into Rija without hesitation. As I fuck Rija, his eyes roll back into his head and Aaron takes a step closer to me. I wrap my lips around his cock and can taste Rija on him as it slides into my throat, my tongue pressed against the underside of it. 

The sounds of Aaron’s groans mix with Rija’s moans as I pound into his prostate. 

“Ride my cock, Aaron,” Rija groans. Aaron pulls himself from my mouth and steps over Rija. He lowers himself so he straddles Rija and slides back. Rija’s cock slides into Aaron’s hole easily. I fuck harder and faster as Aaron bounces on Rija’s cock. 

We’re a mass of lust-filled frenzy as we pleasure each other. Aaron turns back to look at me and our lips meet, our tongues dancing in each other’s mouth.

He breaks away from me and looks in my eyes. I see that look I know so well. Eyes half shut, mouth hanging open, panting.

“Milo,” he says.

“What?”

“Milo,” he says, more forcefully.

“What is it?” I ask.

“You have to wake up.”

My eyes snap open and I realize I’ve been dreaming. Aaron is leaning over me, but we’re in Crown City, not the City of Wan, and Rija is nowhere to be found.

“What?” I ask stupidly.

“We have to get ready to leave for the Southern Tribes,” says Aaron. “Let’s get going.”

“Give me a minute to wake up?” I ask. 

He nods and kisses me before standing and walking toward the bathroom. The sheets around my groin are wet. I’m confused for a moment until I realize I came in my sleep.

I get up out of bed and wipe myself using a shirt from our dirty hamper before walking toward the bathroom to join Aaron in the shower.