Maeve's lip twitched. She kept her half form she changed in, and quietly tracked down Jak. She made it seem as if he were chalenging her. She allways stayed a handspan behind, even though he thought he was far away. Finaly she tagged him by sweeping him off his feet. When she put him down again, she ruffled his hair and said, "Tag! Your it!"

She playfully bounced away. She stayed a handspan away, just out of reach. She wasn't ready to let him tag her yet.

"Who are you?" the Princess asked the little boy.

"My name is Jakob. What's yours?" he asked her the same question.

"Mine is Davia, I am Princess of this kingdom. I do not believe I have seen you before.." she commented.

"I'm playing hide and seek with the cows and Maeve," the boy answered.

"So I see.." Davia responded, looking around. "Where did you come from?" she asked, curiously, looking back at him.

"I was.. I was hiding behind that cow," he pointed. "But then Maeve found me. She's good at hide and seek, are you?"

"You did not answer my question, Jakob," Davia said. "Where do you live?"

"I.. I live with my Mommy and Daddy," he answered nervously. "Have you seen Maeve? Where did she go?" he whispered to her.

"You did not answer my question, Jakob," Davia said. "Where do you live?"

Maeve spotted them before they spotted her. She silently went into a position where they could see her, and purposely went cow to cow in a tip toe manner. She paused a moment when she briefly picked up Astor and Adam's scents near by, but shrugged and continued on with her game.

Out of the corner of Jak's eye, he spotted Maeve, trying to hide and sneek behind another cow. "I see you!" he called to her and ran after her.

Davia sighed as the child ran off into the field.

As Jak ran after Maeve, he saw a short cut he could use through the bushes. Smiling, as he pictured her surprised face, he crawled on all fours and crept into the bushes.

Adam blinked at the child they were suddenly confronted with. "Where'd you come from?"

Jakob looked at them in surprise. "From out there.." he kinda gestured behind him. "Who are you hiding from?"

Maeve poked her head frome between some bushes. It was the only part of her that could be seen. "They're hiding from everyone." she said, openly amused.

"Ah, Maeve m'lady love," Adam said, arching a brow at her. "When did you get a child?"

Maeve blinked. Jeez... did Davia blab to everyong in the freakin' kindom. "I'm not as good at improvising as I thought...." she grinned sheepishly.

Jakob blinked at the use of a big word. "Huh?" he said to Maeve. He turned back to the men. "Why are you hiding?"

Maeve grinned wider and raised an eyebrow at them that pretty much said... 'yeah... why ~is~ that?'.

"It's quieter out here than it is in the palace," Adam explained. "And what about our dear Princess? Haven't seen her since last night."

Maeve shruged. "I dunno. I figured she was busy with her wedding to plan." Maeve felt a tiny smidgeon of guilt. Shouldn't she be helping with something, or be supportive, or something?

Jakob blinked again. "The Princess? I was just talkin' to her..."

"Ah yes, the wedding," Adam said, hiding a smirk against Astor's hair.

Jak looked at them. "Are you guys playing a game?" he asked.

"You could say that," Adam said, not hiding his smile this time as he hugged Astor tightly. The Moon Elf smiled at him.

"How do you play?" he asked curiously.

Maeve started to laugh.

"It's an adult game," Adam said. "Maybe you'll meet some guy to  teach it to you when you're older."

Maeve was laughing so hard she fell over.

Astor giggled. "My dear Adam, are you insinuating..?"

"Never, m'love. Just wishing him luck." Adam winked at the boy.

Maeve giggled. "Big girls aren't allowed to play?"

"Only very lucky ones," Adam said with a leer at her.

Jakob looked confused. "Huh?" he blinked again. "I'm bored..." he said, crawling over to tag Maeve to continue their game. "Tag!" he called.

Maeve was laughing on her back again when she felt the tag, but was laughing to hard to do anything about it.

Jak crawled over and hide near the men. "Can't get me now, Maeve!" he called. "This is a good hiding place..." he told them.

Adam wrapped an arm around the boy. "So, Maeve... come and get it?" He grinned wickedly at her.

Maeve calmed down and wiped her eyes. Without hesitating she wiggled over Adam and Astor and tagged Jak. "Your it now!" she crowed.

Adam grabbed her, pulling her down and kissing her deeply.

Maeve was startled... at first. Then got caught in the moment. Goddess, could he kiss! He made her feel all distracted, hot, and achy at the same time.

Jak looked at the two and covered his mouth trying to hide his giggles.

After a long moment Adam released her. He grinned rakishly and snuggled back against Astor.

Maeve chuckled. "I guess that answers the question about big girls."

Jakob looked at the man who kissed Maeve. He giggled again. "You kissed a ~GIRL~!!"

"I kiss boys too," Adam assured, still grinning.

Jak giggled again and then remembered that he was tagged. "Hey!" he called to Maeve. He crawled back over to her and tagged her back, then quickly scrambled back to the previous position.

Maeve crawled over them again and tagged Jak, yet again. "Got'ya. Your it!"

Jak tried to hide his face behind Adam, but it didn't work, Maeve still saw him and tagged him.

Adam laughed. "Want some help running her down?" he asked, winking at Maeve.

Maeve rolled away easily and did a few backwards cartwheels on top of that. "But that would be cheating." Maeve said, amused.

Jakob looked at Adam curiously. "What's your name?"

"Adam," the wood elf answered. "And you are?"

"My name's Jakob..." he answered. "Wanna know a secret? But you can't tell anyone!"

"Of course," Adam responded solemnly.

Jakob leaned over to whisper in Adam's ear. "One day.. Daddy said I'm going to rule ~all~ those cows out there!" he grinned.

"Really?" Adam said in an impressed tone. "Where's your daddy now?"

Maeve winced and grimaced. Ah, hell. Was the kid going to tell everyone he met?

"He's over on the top of the hill.." Jak answered.

Adam poked his head out of the bush and looked around. The nearest hills, he noticed, were on the other side of the border. "Maybe you should go find him, then. He's probably worried," he said as he settled back down."

"But I wanna play more.." he whined. "Do I hafta?"

Maeve sat down quietly and observed.

"Probably for the best, Jaky-boy," Adam confirmed, ruffling the boy's hair.

Jakob frowned. "Ok.." he answered. "Maybe I can come back later and we can play tag with Maeve again!"

Maeve smiled and nodded. "I'll walk with you to make sure nothing happens. Let's go."

She held out her hand.

Jakob crawled out of the bushes after Maeve. He stuck his head back in the bushes quickly. "Bye Adam!"

"Bye Adam's friend!"

The men waved lazily and snuggled. "Well that was interesting," Adam said, mouth against Astor's neck.

The Moon Elf smiled, putting a hand to Adam's cheek. They kissed.

"Halt!" one of the border guards commanded, lowering his weapon on the approaching pair.

The second one thwacked him on the head. "We're guarding from people coming in, not people going out."

Jakob stopped short, and nervously stepped back.

Maeve put a soothing arm around him and scowled at the gards. "Your scaring my brother!"

"It's dangerous out there," the first guard said. "This is the border of the kingdom, and we're at war with the next one over."

"We're not," the second contradicted. "But there was just a coup over there so we might be soon. No telling what would happen to a nice lass and a little boy on the other side there."

"We're visiting our sickly grandfather... as if it's any of your concern." she huffed. "Good day to you, sirs." She walked on with Jak to the other side and continued on walking.

"But.." was all Jak could say as he was herded along by Maeve.

The second guard shrugged while the first attempted to call them back.

Jak looked up at Maeve, concerned. "Who are they at war with?" he asked her.

Maeve sighed. "They're not. Technicaly. That kingdom and yours and some problems between them and sometimes they... fight." she shrugged. "Sometimes that happens between neigboring Kingdoms for different reasons."

Jak was quietly thinking as he walked across the stream and up the hill to meet his father.

"There you are, Jak," the man said, rising from the rock her was sitting on. He picked his son up and swung him around. "So how are the cows?"

"They have a lot!" he answered.

Maeves shifted uncomfortably. She figured it was a good time as any to leave. She made sure the young prince made it home safey, so she had no reason to stay. She decided to walk further down before crossing the stream and border so she wouldn't be seen. Maybe she would shift into animal form to make it easier.

Jak noticed Maeve leaving and waved to her, from his fathers arms. "Bye Maeve!" he called to her.

Maeve turned back when her name was called. She grinned at him and waved.

"Who is that woman, Jak?" his father asked.

"Maeve," he answered. "We played 'hide and seek' with the cows..  There are a lot of them.."
 

Alex twisted around, looking at the man riding behind him on his griffen [horses can't keep up with griffens when they're going fast].  "You know you didn't have to come," he said gently.
 
Isaac looked at Alex a moment before speaking. "I wanted to come. It's partially my fault you didn't get things done and I want to help you, as a way of an appology... I guess..."
 
 Removing one hand from the reins to grip Isaac's hand tightly, Alex brought it to his lips.  "You have nothing to apologize for."
 
"Don't I?" he questioned, looking into his eyes.
 
Alex brought the griffen to a halt, turning to look at Isaac.  "Never," he said softly, rtacing the other man's cheek.
 
Isaac placed his hand over Alex's and smiled.
 
"And this trip wasn't your doing."  Alex sighed.  "However, I still need to see to my own court, and before the wedding takes place...."
 
Isaac nodded. "I understand.. and I'll help with whatever I can.."
 
"I know you will," Alex said with a smile.  "And nothing comforts me more than having you with me."
 
Isaac smiled. "And I love being here to comfort you.."
 
After giving Isaac a gentle kiss, Alex turned and urged his mount into a gallop again.
 
Isaac closed his eyes and hugged Alex from behind, resting his head against his back.
 
They reached the court quickly and Isaac was helped down off the griffen by Alex. "So, what is it you have to do here?" he asked him.
 
"I have diplomats to meet with, and I have to talk to the Prime Minister."  His expression darkened briefly.  "They all want to get my measure, since they never expected to deal with me in this capacity."
 
Isaac took hold of Alex's hand and held it tightly as they made their way into the palace.
 
"Your Majesty!" one of the door gaurds exclaimed.  "We weren't expecting you!"
 
Alex nodded.  "Is judicial hearing in session?  I wish to observe the Prime Minister before speaking to him."
 
The guard nodded, and led them to the throne room.  After watching for a while, Alex nodded to himself and went to see one of the foreign diplomats.

The man looked up from his discussions upon seeing the King. He abruptly stood up and bowed. "Your Majesty," he said. "It's good to have you back. I didn't expect you back so soon, sire.."

"The realm needs to be prepared for my upcoming wedding," Alex said, taking the seat the man had vacated.

"Tell me, my lord," he said after scrutinizing the man a moment, "What do you think of the change in leadership?"

"I-" the man stuttered a moment.  "I never thought about it before, your Majesty. It certainly is a change.. but I am sure that you will do fine to lead our countries," he answered, bowing his head slightly in respect.

"That tells me very little, my lord," Alex said. "What kind of change?  What brings you this assurance?"

"Not to be disrespectful, your Majesty, but.. we never really expected you to become King.." he answered nervously. "But like I said, I am sure you'll do fine," he quickly added. "You are your father's son, after all.."

Alex's eyes narrowed in anger. "That is right. I AM my father's son, aren't I, Isaac?" he said, rising and brushing past the diplomat.

Isaac looked sympathetically in the Kings eyes, catching his eye contact for a brief moment as he brushed past the diplomat.  He fought the urge to hug his love.

The diplomat (whom I'm naming Zack), looked somewhat worried by the King's response.  "I--I am sorry, your Majesty.." Zack stuttered, bowing respectfully. "Did I say something wrong?"

Alex turned, drawing himself up and looking at Zack down his nose.  "Do I look like my father?"

Zack looked at the King. "No.. I simply meant--" Then King interupted him before he could finish.

"I am sure you meant well, my lord," Alex said, breezing over the man.  "My father, however, had quite different methods than I."

"I am sorry if I said something wrong, your Majesty.." Zack answered, bowing once more. "Was there something else you wanted to discuss?"

"Perhaps later.  There will be a council meeting this evening after supper."

"Very well, sire. I shall inform the others of this.." He bowed and quickly left the room.

Now that he was alone with Alex, Isaac walked over to him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

Alex fists clentched.  "I am not my father," he muttered in fury.

Isaac raised Alex's chin, forcing him to look at him. "No, you're not your father. You're Alexander Kalani," the man replied, seriously. "And I, Isaac Cortlandt love you for who you are. Never forget that.."

Alex's expression eased.  He wrapped his arms around Isaac, drawing him close for a deep kiss.  "And I you," he said when he pulled back.  "You fill my thoughts, and bring me joy as nothing ever has."

Isaac: I'm glad I bring you happiness. *kiss*
Alex: I wish I could give you my name because I don't see you as a servant.
Isaac: I wish we could be together in front of everyone.
Alex: It doesn't matter.  We'll be toether forever.
Isaac: Is there anything else?
Alex: I have to talk to other people.  Come with me.
*they go*
 
 
 

The old advisor's nose wrinked in distaste as Alex entered the room.

"Lord Chancellor," Alex acknowledged warily.  "You will have gotten wind of the upcoming wedding by now?"

The man gave a snort. "I pity the girl."

"Beware, my lord," Alex said tightly.  "You are speaking to your king."

The man shifted to sit up slightly, looking at Alex as if he were a disuprive child. "I am being adressed by the misbegotten welp of my king, who throught a hidous disrupution of fate will be disgracing us all by pretending to be ruler."

Fury filling him, Alex reached out and pulled the man to his feet, hands curled in the front of his shirt.  "I am the rightful heir of this kingdom and you will address me as such, whatever your place in my father's court," he said, words forced out between his teeth.  "You are the replaceable one, my lord."

The man's expression barely changed. "I would rather rather eat my youngest son's intrails then be dirtied by being in your service."

"That I can arrange for you," Alex said, eyes blazing.

"Forgive me, sir, for speaking out of turn if I am," Isaac began, addressing the Lord Chancellor. "But I believe that his Majesty's past has nothing to do with what kind of ruler he'll become..."

The man raised an eyebrow. "Brought your little pet along? How pathetic," he scoffed. "It will do you well to keep your nose out of maters that you cannot comprehend, servent..."

"You will not speak to him in such a manner," Alex said, "He is worth twenty of you, old man."

"Oh, so you found another who'll put up with you in bed?" the man replied. "Disgusting...."

Alex pushed him away and drew his sword, leveling it at the man.  "Disrespect me or him again, and it will be your head."

"You have not the courage nor the skill," the man retorted, hand resting over his own sword.

Isaac looked from his lover to the Chancellor. He stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Alex's hand, the one with the sword. "My King, please.. you don't want to do this. He's not worth it.."

The man gave a snort. "Seems your little pet has more brains then you do, boy...."

Alex quivered a moment before his expression set in cold rage.  "I wouldn't dirty my sword," he said with a sneer of disdain.

"I doubt you even know how to use it properly."

"I will remind you who lived through the war," Alex said, returning his sword to its sheath.

The man scoffed. "I do not know how. More ill luck for this country. Perhaps we should make sacrfices to the Gods once more and pray they look upon us more favorbaly..."

Alex didn't respond, sneering at the man before turning and leaving the room.

Alex stalked down the hall, Isaac almost having to run to keep up.  "Infuriating man," he snarled.  He turned in a hallway and almost bumped into someone.

"Parden me..." he trailed to actually see who he was bumping into.  He squinted at the individual, almost nose to nose with the person before he realized who it was.  "Ah!  Your majesty!  So good to see you!"  The wizened old man, had plain but richly tailored clothes.  "And this must be your 'friend'."  Baron Folias beamed at them.  "Sorry I didn't come sooner.  I've had some problems with raiders me and my son's had to deal with.  I'm sorry about the loss of your father.  The problem along the border has been momentarily dealt with, so here I am."

Alex's eyes narrowed at the way the Baron said 'friend.'  "My lord," he said, inclining his head.  "I've been meaning to talk to you about that."

Baron Folias ignored his King's subdle anger.  "Hmph.  About time, that.  I've addressed this issue with your father many a time and he's brushed me off.  We also will need to keep our eye out on the Kingdom across the river.  Our security has been lacking there.  We had problems with that Kingdom when they were in civil war, I can only imagine the problems now."

"That is not what I was referring to, my lord," Alex said.  "I was referring to the change in power."

Baron Folias gave him a blank look.  "What about it?"

"I... am interested in your thoughts on it."

Baron Folias blinked in surprise.  "I have faith you'll do well for the Kingdom.  Your father had his doubts... but I told him that you would do what was best for the Kingdom."  He waved that aside.  "I support you fully, my Lord.  I might be insultingly blunt at times, but at my age, I don't have the patience for silly little frivolties of court games and such. I say what's on my mind."

Alex thought about it a moment and nodded.  "Good.  I don't intend to surround myself with nervous sycophants like my father did."

"Hmph... couldn't get rid of me.  Family ties bind..." He smiled with slight amusement.

"There are methods, my lord."

"Yes.  I suppose.  But he was smart enough not to try them.  I am your eyes and ears for two borders.  I am hoping neither of these Kingdoms find the wisdom of combing their strengths against us."

"Faran is not without defenses," Alex said darkly, one hand raising to trace the scar around his eye.  "And with the addistion of Maris, we will outrival our neighbors."

Baron Folias sighed.  "I hope so.  Is there another scheduled council meeting?"

"This evening.  While rumors must have passed, I would like to address my father's advisers on the marriage, and deal with the appointment of my own."

Baron Folias nodded.  "Well I'm here at your disposal, my Lord.  You know were to find me.  I have a few matters to discuss with you when you have the time."

Alex nodded.

"A good day to you my Lord."  He gave a respectfull bow to Alex and to the man beside him, and left.

Isaac looked at Alex a moment once the other man left. "Who was that?" he asked.

"that was Baron Folias," Alex answered.  "He is a distant cousin and one of my father's defense ministers."
 

The Prime Minister entered the room. A few had already assembled. He sighed, taking
a seat next to the Chancellor. "This is just great.. " he grumbled.

The Chancellor looked at him with a brow raised. "That the whelp is trying to play king?"

"Yeah, tell me about it.." he muttered. "I should be King. He doesn't deserve it.."

The Chancellor gave a snort. "Like you'd do any better then that child. You only know theory. You'd be hiding in the library with your nose in a history book whenever you'd have to make a desision."

"Are you insinuating that ~you~ would make a better King then ~I~?" the Minister said, turning to look at the Chancellor.

The Chancellor gave a snort. "Hardly," he said with an airy near condecending tone. "Mearly that you are not what this country needs as King..."

"And you know what this country needs, do you?" the man commented, pushing his
glasses up the rim of his nose.

"I have worked for this country longer then you have been alive. I have helped guide her through numerous wars and tribulations. I know what she needs."

Baron Folias entered the council room. He wasn't even attempting to be quiet. They still didn't notice his presence. He listened shamelessly to the comversation. "I know I'm growing older, but unless the King died in the last past few hour, I find this discusion a waste of time and treasonous."he said cooly. "He's our King. We don't have to like him."

The Chancellor chuckled slightly. "Slow to get the news? The King died over a month ago..."

Baron Folias' eyes narrowed. "Don't be stupid. I don't have the patience to play your games. So you don't like the heir. Get over it. He probably doesn't like you either, so that makes you even."

"And who asked you for your opinion, anyway?" the Minister sneered towards Baron

"No one. I give it just the same."

Other councilers were slowly filtering into the room, looking curiuously at the conversation.

"Then you should keep your comments to yourself," the Minister replied angrily.

Baron Folias said evenly, "Make me." More loudly he said. "Is there anyone else who wants to argue over who would make a better King? I would think with all your years here and knowlage you claim you have you would seek to help and guid our future King instead of criticize him. Are you trying to rip our Kingdom apart in a power struggle. We have to potential enemies on two borders who would use this in a heartbeat."

"And here I thought that MY realm was full of noisy idiots. Really, Alex, I pity you."

Most of the room turned at the strong unfamiliar voice and more then a few eyebrows rose as Erik entered the room, wings out and black, Nikita at his side and Alex slightly behind him with Isaac at his side.

"And who is this?!" the Minister rose his voice over others.

Baron Folias gave Erik an interested look but remained silent

Alex wore the crown [and NOTHING ELSE! >< Baka Juchan....] and rich purple robes of state. Calmly, he took the seat at the head of the council table, nodding tat Erik and Isaac should sit at either side.

"This is Kar Erik Devraj, of the High Demon realm."

Isaac silently took his seat next to Alex.

There were murmurs to the effect of "What the fuck?!" among the croud.

Baron Folias took his seat near the head of the table. He approved. It didn't hurt to have another ali. He bowed politely. "A pleasure to meet your aquatance."

"Can't do the job yourself, so you've resorted to letting a DEMON help you?!" the Minister sneered towards the King.

Baron Folias gave the man a disgusted look. The room was filled with morons.

Alex looked at the Prime Minister. "Quite right. I should need no help doing my duty. You are all fired." He rose.

The Minister stood up, outraged. "What?! You can't be serious?!!!"

They quabled over the little things and ignored the bigger picture. Baron Folias blinked in surprise. Did he just fire all of them?

Alex turned. "And why not?"

"You have no right to serve this country! ~I~ should be King!" he raved.

Erik smiled. "Shortest, most effective meeting I've ever been in," he chuckled.

Isaac smiled upon hearing Erik's comment.

"How do you expect to run the country without any advisors?" The Chancellor asked dryly. "And do you mean to endanger the intire realm by bringing in a demon?"

Erik rolled his eyes at the coment.

Baron Folias was quiet for a moment thinking. This internal power struggle was a pain at best. The border situations were a potential disaster waiting to happen, but to have a demon in the rhelm on top of that...

"My Lord, are you sure this is wise? Are we gauranteed our peoples safety housing the Lord of Demons?"

Alex walked over the the Prime Minister and leaned over him. "Are you speaking treason, my lord?" he asked in a quiet, dangerous voice.

The Prime Minister kept eye contact with Alex a moment before speaking. He glared.
"You cannot do this.." he replied in the same tone.

"Why can I not, my lord?" Alex said with a smile. "I recall my father firing twenty ministers because they disagreed with his wish to wage war on our neighbors and you made no protest then."

"That was because he wished for me to take over.. He never intended for ~you~ to be
King.." the Minister glared.

Baron Folias was getting a headache from this blathering idiod.

"I'm sure he did. However, as I had the bad taste to live, ~I~ am the king."

"You should've died with the others..." the Minister said in an annoyed tone towards the King.

"Are you sure it's wise to not take a bath for so long?" Erik asked the Baron in return, voice amused. "Alex, if these idoits are annoying you, I'd improve the gene poll by removing them from it."

Baron Folias sighed annoyed. "My only objection is you. I only care for the safety of this Kingdom."

"Perhaps," ALex answered the PM, "But I wouldn't give you the satisfaction."

He turned to Erik. "No, Kar Erik. I will deal with them myself. And My lord Baron, I trust him further than I trust most people in this room."

Isaac smiled, knowing he was one of those few people.

"I'ld rather be in a border skirmish, then here right now." Baron Folias muttered under his breath.

He gave the Demon Lord a wary look. He didn't fear dying, but he didn't want to go if the Kingdom was in potential threat.

"So, tell me, ~King~ Alexander.. just how do you intend to lead this country? By getting drunk and laid with your ~servent~ every chance you get?!" the Minister snarled, glaring hard at Alex.

Isaac suddenly looked up, slightly worried that the Minister knew something.

Was this man trying to get himself executed Baron Folias thought sourly.

"I could have you killed for that," Alex said, looking down at the PM.

"You wouldn't dare disgrace your father like that.." the Minister replied. "You know he
thought of me as the better of the two of us.."

The Chancellor rose from his seat. "Well, I've seen enough. It obvous you can;t even properly rule over your advisors. I fear for this country's future. Good day." he gave a slight nod at Alex and left the room.

With a smirk at the PM, Alex went to the door and had a whispered conference with the guard outside.

He returned to his place at the head of the table. "Now, my lords, shall we have a meeting or more petty bickering?"

"My Lord, is it safe for a Demon in the Kingdom." Baron Folias said evenly.

Alex glanced at Erik. "I trust his judegement more than I trust the Prime Minister's," he said with a bow to the man. "Kar Erik is being appointed to the position of Lord Chancellor."

The Prime Minister glared and resumed his seat, arms crossed. He glared at Alex.

Erik gave a slight chuckle. "If I may, I have a sugestion to make..." He leaned over and said something softly that only Alex could hear.

Isaac looked at Erik, curiously.

"What? Is the ~Demon~ afraid he'll get ridiculed for his suggestion?!" The Minister
snorted.

After a moment's thought and a glance at the PM, Alex nodded.

Baron Folias was slightly alarmed. [gay] He remained silent and listened.

The Minister glared at the pair at the head of the table. "So, care to ~share~ your suggestion? Enlighten me! I am most interested to hear it.. really.." he said, sacastically.

Erik spoke quietly to Nikita a moment. The boy moved to the PM's side, kneeling next to his seat.

"What-- What are you doing, ~boy~?" the Prime Minister looked at Nikita strangely. "Get up!"

Nikita smiled at the man, rising on his knees so that he was closer to him. Making eye contact he licked his lips sensuously.

The Prime Minister stood. "What is the meaning of this, ~boy~!" he quickly turned to
Erik. "You! Demon! Get your servent slave boy away from me!"

Nikita rose, tracing a hand lightly over the man's chest as he moved closer.

Erik smiled in amusement.

Isaac chuckled under his breath. "Serves him right," he replied softly to Alex.

Alex smiled at Isaac and returned to watching what Nikita was doing with interest.

"What are you doing!" the Minister raved. "Get your hands off me!" he slapped Nikita's
hands away from him.

Leaning closer, Nikita rested his hands on the man's chest and pressed against him, expression promising.

FranTheNut: [as part of me goes "Just go with the 'Pretty! I wanna fuck it!' already!"
and flails a lot]

JenSama4: (c'mon! Kiss him already!)

The Minister growled and pushed Nikita away forcefully. "Get away from me you rodent!" he called out.

Nikita caressed the man's lips in silent disapproval, then leaned closer and kissed him, slender arms wrapping loosely around his shoulders.

FranTheNut: [Chibi Nikita: most people don't protest that much....]

The Minister pulled away quickly, looking at boy. He tried to say something, but words
failed him. He just glared at him and turned to walk away.

As he brushed pasted Nikita, he caught his eye contact and thrustfully grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him hard.

FranTheNut: [Chibi Nikita: Score!]

FranTheNut: [Chibi Nikita: I'm good!]

Nikita pressed close, kissing him back, slowly moving his lips over the man's jaw and down his throat in a sensuous game.

Isaac laughed lightly at the scene.

Alex smiled, watching the scene speculatively.

The Minister pulled away again, mainly for breath. He looked into Nikita's eyes. "Do you have a name?" he asked, softly.

"Nikita," the boy said softly, running his fingers through the man's hair and meeting his eyes wantonly.

FranTheNut: [damn, now I'm curious how this would play out if it weren't a total set
up....]

"Nikita..." the Minister repeated the name, sighting. "It suits you.." he kissed him again, forgetting about everyone else in the room.

Again, the boy moved his lips over the man's skin, to his collarbone and up again to his throat. He nuzzled under his jawline a moment. Then, with a sigh that was almost post orgasmic, he sank sharp fangs into the man's throat, drinking his blood.

The Minister attempted a screaming noise and tried to push him away.

After a moment, Nikita pulled away. Smiling up at the PM, blood still on his lips, he kissed the man again.

The Minister, feeling a bit drousy, wanted to kiss him and push him away at the same
time. He relunctently let himself be kissed.

FranTheNut: [you realize that, along with being in Nikita's conscious control, he'll now
be WANTING him....]
JenSama4: (Oh yeah! Of course!)
JenSama4: (Nikita's conscious control??)
JenSama4: (he can control him now???)
FranTheNut: [only to that extent. he basically has a hypnosis power over him... can give him suggestions]
JenSama4: (oh damn! THat ruins my bitchy character!)
FranTheNut: [won't make him hate Alex any less, he just can't actively hurt him]
FranTheNut: [he ca still encourage people to rebel]
JenSama4: (can he still throw verbal insults?)
FranTheNut: [he'll feel bad about them {while enjoying them}, but yes.]
JenSama4: (hhmm.. interesting...)
JenSama4: The Minister reached over to kiss Nikita
again.

Nikita indulged him, encouraging him to sit again and staying close by his side.

The Minister followed and took his seat, willingly.

Erik gave a chuckle. "Come, Nikita, purge that foul taste from your mouth..." he smiled, extending his wrist.

Nikita licked his lips to clean them as he approached the head of the council table.  He dropped to his knees next to Erik's seat and took light hold of the demon's arm.  He nuzzled the wrist a moment before biting gently into the vein.  After a few swallows he released Erik, nuzzling against his wrist again and looking up at him with a worshipful wanton gaze.  He licked his lips to clean them, the action unconsciously sensual.

Erik's eyelids fluttered slightly and he smiled warmly, placing his arm around the boy.

Nikita leaned against Erik's legs, smiling happily.

The rest of the council watched the spectacle with wide eyes.  Half of them stared openly at the PM, the rest followed Nikita's movements with varying amounts of lust and fear in their eyes.

Baron Folias stared, and snapped his mouth shut, shocked.  It wasn't the fact that it was two men kissing so much as the fact of who those men were.  He didn't know what to make of this.  He didn't know if he should be amused of worried.  Something was obviously done to the man.  Was he the only one tampered with?  Is this what the Kingdom was coming to.  He sighed wearily.
"You know, this does not do a thing for my comfort level concerning the safety of the kingdom." he said dryly, a bit weary.

Isaac made himself a mental note to ask Alex and Erik what kind of power control Nikita did over Taylor..

"You may think so, my Lord," Alex said.  "I, however, find great comfort in having a level of control over possible traiters."

"I have trouble trusting demons, with powers I have no knowledge or understanding of.  I am weary and alarmed, your highness.  I'm a guardian over two unstable borders.  The safety of the Kingdom is my top priority."  he gave his king and even look.

"Yes, I expect you would be.  Kar Erik, please explain what Nikita can do."

Erik looked up.  "My Nikita is half vampire, giving him power over the blood of inferior beings."

The Minister, Taylor, still weary from Nikita's bite, looked over at the boy, with a bit of jealousy in his eye.  He noticed the way Nikita looked at the Demon.

Isaac nodded, understanding now.

Baron Folias gave Erik a cool look.  He couldn't really say anything to argue that fact either.  "Your demon lord.  Pardon any disrespect, but I need to be reasured your not going to be a threat to this Kingdom I spent most of my life protecting."

Erik gave a chuckle. "I only destroy that which annoys me..." he said, looking pointedly at the Baron.

I want' a guarentee that this kingdom is safe from you." he said evenly.  "I have two borders that need my full attention.  I don't want to think I'm waste my time if it's going to be destroyed from within."

"Are you stupid or just hard of hearing?" Erik inquired.

A small weary grin tugged Baron Folias lips.  "My wife would say both.  Will you spell it out.  Then we can move on to important matters."

"If I wished this realm destroyed, it would be so already and I would not be bothering to waste my time here." Erik replied in a near bored tone.

That would have to do he supposed.  He nodded once, slowly.  "Thank you."  He paused, collecting his thoughts.  After a moment he continued, "Now since I've been fired from the council, I'ld like to know if I'm still the borders guardian.?"

Alex laughed. "I was making a point, my lord. I have only fired one man so far this evening, and that was the lord Chancellor."
 

"Queen Rene, do you know where Xander has gone off to? I cannot seem to find him anywhere.." Davia asked her, in a respectable tone.

"He returned to Faran," the Queen mother said.  "He said he had to deal with some business."

"Thank you," Davia replied and turned to leave the room after giving a short bow.
She went outside to the stables and brought her unicorn out.  She quickly rode to Faran Kingdom.

As she entered the Kingdom, she approached a man (the Chancellor-not knowing who he was though) and stopped to speak to him.

"Sir, I am looking for King Xander. Do you know where I can find him?"

The man gave a snort. "Giving the Kingdom to a demon...."

Davia looked confused. "Excuse me?" she shook her head. "Do you know where I can find him? I need to speak to him."

"Last seen, he was fireing all his advisors. Follow the sound of crumbling..."

"Fireing advisors?" The Princess questioned. "That does not sound like something he would do.."

"Then you obviously don't know him well. Good day...." The man spurred his horse and rode off.

"Hph.. well, that was rude," Davia sighed, as she hopped off of Crystal and walked her into the gate of the nearby stables.  She entered the palace.

After getting directions from some servant or another, Davia entered the room where the meeting was taking place.

Alex looked up.  "Princess," he said in surprise.  "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you, Xander.." she said, approaching the front of the table.

"Perhaps later, Princess," Alex said, rising to escort her bacck to the door.  "I'm in the middle of important business that won't keep now."

"No," she stopped walking and grabbed his arm. "This cannot wait."

"Princess," Alex said patiently, taking her hand.  "I'm sure that after you've rested from your journey and eaten I'll be done here."

"Please, Xander," Davia pleaded. "I need to talk to you. I do not mean to interupt your meeting, but it is important and will not take up much of your time.."

"Princess...." Alex said, looking at the room.

Davia sighed.  "Alright, I will be back then," she paused. "But, we can talk later then, right?"

With relief, Alex said, "You've my word."

Davia sighed and lowered her head, respectfully. "Thank you, and I appologize for interupting like I did.. I shall knock next time."

"Don't worry, Princess," Alex said, taking her to the door.  He spoke with one of the guards, leaving instructions to get her a room and have a bath and food prepared for her,

And Davia left, saying that she will be back afterwards.
 

Davia slowly approached the room, having rested, bathed and eaten.  She knocked softly on the door.

"Enter," Alex called, resting his head in one hand.

Davia opened the door and poked her head in. "Is the meeting over?" she asked.

"Yes, we have finished."

Isaac stopped what he was doing and looked up. (He was probably helping Alex clean up stuff from meeting).

"Good, I need to speak with you, Xander.." the girl answered, entering the room.

"Please sit, then," the man acknowledged, gesturing to a seat with one hand.  With the other he brought Isaac closer, seating the man next to him.

Davia took a deep breath, upon noticing Isaac sitting close to Alex.

She sat in a seat near Alex as well. "I have been thinking a lot about what my father has said to me the past few days. And," she paused. ".. and I realize, that I cannot go through a loveless marriage, Xander.." she paused again, waiting for him to comment.

Alex nodded.  "If you feel the need to break the engagement I will not try and stop you," he said.  "No one should be given that fate."

"No, no.. that is not what I mean to do," she insisted. "I will abide by my father's wishes.  It is just that... " she took his hand and looked into his eyes. "Xander, say that you can love me? That you will love me?"

Isaac lowered his head a bit, feeling sorry for the Princess.

Alex looked pained and glanced at Isaac for help.

"Princess...." Alex said slowly.  "I do not withold love to hurt you.  I just... cannot love a woman the way you want to be loved."

Isaac looked at Alex a moment, then turned to Davia.  "Princess.. I-- I'm sorry. I thought we explained to you.."

"I know, you told me that.. you both told me that and explained this all to me.." Davia said, interupting Isaac. "But I do not believe it! It cannot be true!"

Alex took a breath.  "Why do you say this, Princess?"

"Because, Xander, we have known each other for as long as I can remember," she began, still holding his hand. "I have always had a crush on you.  I realize now how foolish I was as a child, but my feelings for you have not changed.  I just cannot believe that you cannot love me back..."

"Princess... I have known my whole life I would have to marry.  I am resigned to it.  I hope I can give you some pleasure and freedom, but I cannot love you."  Alex looked at her with compassion.

She slowly let go of his hand and shook her head in disbelief. "No, do not say that.  You cannot say that!" Frustrated, she got up from her seat and turned her back to Alex, folding her arms across her chest.

(*sighs* ah, denial's a bitch..)
[CAlex:  What, do I have to have sex with my boyfriend in front of you for you to believe I'm gay?]
(lol)
(she wouldn't watch though)

Alex rose and approached.  "Princess, please.  I don't say this to hurt you."

[as Fran wants her to run to Astor for comfort and find him and Adam..... not having sex, but maybe cuddling after. ;-)]
(lol, oh god! That would just destroy her even more!)

She wiped her eyes a bit before turning to face him again. "I know you do not mean to hurt me, Xander.  But, I do not know what else to do. I cannot do this.  Our mothers are over in Maris finalizing the wedding and we are to be married in 4 days.  I just-- I just cannot do this.."

"You can still put a stop to it if you wish," Alex said.  "There's no question of war over rejection between us."

"And what will I tell everyone, Xander?" Davia questioned. "What? That you are gay and that you are sleeping with your servent?!" she gestured over to Isaac. "That will just get him exiled him from both our countries and away from you.."

Isaac rose from his seat. "I'm sure there is another way."

"There must be if you want this.  If you wish the marriage I will do my duty to you.  But I will not give you false hope by saying I can love you."

Davia sighed and looked at Alex. "What are you going to do once we are married?  Everyone will probably expect us to have children and carry on the family line."

Alex looked uncomfortable.  "I am prepared for that, even though I don't relish the idea.  Many others have had children from loveless marriages.  And once the succession is secured you can find someone who loves you."

Davia slowly shook her head and looked off into the distance a moment.  "I cannot do that.. I cannot go through with that!" She started to cry again. "I have to go.  I am sorry I bothered you with this.." she pulled her cloak around her tightly and ran from the
room.

"Princess, wait!" Isaac called after her, looking momentaily at Alex, worried for her.

Alex went after her.

Isaac caught up to Davia and placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "Princess, please..."

Davia turned and pushed his hand aside. "No! Stop! Leave me alone!" She continued to run down the hall.

Isaac turned to Alex. "What are we going to do? We can't leave her alone when she's this upset.."

"I will go after her," Alex said, dashing after the girl.

Davia ran outside and back towards the stables to get her unicorn.

Isaac followed Alex.

"Princess, please.  Let us try and find a solution...."

"I do not want a solution out of this," she answered. She turned to him. "I want you to love me the way that I love you."

Alex looked as though he'd been slapped.  "I cannot."
 
 
 
 

Astor whistled happily to himself, examining the leaves of a plant to see if the herb was pickable.  He paused, feeling the air shift around him. Turning, his eyes widened.

An old Moon elf was standing behind him, Silvery white hair hung to his waist in loose waves wound with silver.  His robes brushed the ground and were black and decoarted with star charts.  On his forehead he wore a circlet of silver with a round moonstone representing the full moon in the center of his forehead.  Dangling from it was a silver circle representing the new moon.

"My son," he said in a deep voice.  "This is not the place of our kind."

Astor trembled slightly, trying to containe his panic and fear. His lips moved but he was unable to speak. Almost unconciously, he curled his hand around the crecent moon pendent he wore, trying to hide it.

"You are not in balance, my son," the elf said.  "All must redress the balance."

Astor went dead pale. "I-- I--"  He took a step back, clutching at his pendent so it was cutting into his skin.

The elder glided closer.  "What you do here is not in keeping with your past.  To balance yourself you must return to the past."

Astor's eyes widened with utter terror. "No..." he nearly wimpered, shaking his head as he took another step back.

"To run is to deny truth," the elder said, holding his arms out to Astor, the sleeves of his robe dripping nearly to the ground.  "Return and balance yourself."

Astor shook his head again, almost franticaly. "No... I-- I---" He winced as he backed into a tree, and unconciously put his hand to it's trunk. "Adam..." he whispered, voice desprate.

"You still run," the elder said, shaking his head.  "Your balance is in dire need, my son.  If you do not balance yourself, the Moon will cease to shine for you."

Astor's hand gripped the bark. "I balance myself in others..." he said in a shaky whisper, "and with the light of the sun as well as the moon."

"Are you the Full Moon or the New to know the ways of balance?"

"Astor?" Adam called, approaching the area.  He quickly took in the situation and moved to stand between Astor and the elder protectively.

"You hide behind a man?" the elder asked Astor.  "Where is the balance in that?"

Astor placed a hand on Adam's shoulder and gently guided the man to his side. "I hide behind noone," he replied, voice stronger as he took Adam's hand in his own. "I take strength from he who is my other. And I am neither Full nor New, for when you are either you know not the other. I am myself, in between all worlds."

Adam wrapped Astor's hand in both of his, stroking it gently.

"Your time away has weakened your thoughts.  You must be purified.  Come with me, my son."

Astor shook his head. "I will not discard the world of warm light for your world of cold. The Sun and the Moon share equality of this world, yet those of the Moon do not. Where is the Balance of that?!"

"You dare?" the elder asked, incredulous.  "You are no Moon Elf.  You are a halfbreed abomination.  If any true believers see you your imbalance will be corrected.  Leave this place."

"My blood was tested to be pure," Astor countered. "It is my soul that holds the balance of Sun and Moon," he said, hand over his heart, "and seeks to balance this world that the Moon shines upon, but who's people do not. This land is where I dwell, it is not your place to banish me from it."

"Whether impurity stems from blood or soul, you are in peril."

"There must be impure to balance the pure. Even though you are balanced within, you must go to where there are those who are imbalanced, to balance them with your balance. Even children know that..." Astor looked criticaly at the elf before him. "You are no true sage..." he said in realzation. "You dare to pretend to be the most Balanced of the Moon's children?!" he accoused, voice near outraged.

The mage in front of them laughed.  "You will be found and they will kill you," he said.  "regardless of what you think, you have nowhere to hide."  With a flash he vanished.

Astor blinked at the spot the mage had been, then turned to Adam. "My love... something is afoot...."
 
 
 

Nikita turned the page, brow furrowed over his reading as he waited for Erik to return from counceling Alex.  He looked up as the door opened, and his face brightened, seeing his master entering the room.

"Master!" he exclaimed happily, rising to run over to him.

Before he could touch the high demon, he was harshly backhanded with enough force to near fling him across the room.

Nikita stared, wide-eyed, remaining where he'd fallen.  "Master?" he asked in a small voice, raising a hand to touch his cheek.

There was a snort of a reply as the demon walked over to his desk and sat. "Worthless whore...."

Nikita crawled over, and rested his head against the man's leg.  "Nikita is sorry, Master," he said, tears in his voice.  He twisted the bracelet on his wrist miserably.  "Nikita is sorry he upset Master."

The high demon gave a side kick that again sent Nikita flying.  "Do not touch me, foul beast...." the voice was full of distain.

"Master," Nikita begged, huddling where he landed.  "Master, please, what did Nikita do?  Nikita thought... Nikita thought Master liked him...."

Before the demon could reply, the door was flung open. "Nikita!" A distressed Erik exclaimed. "I felt---" He froze, first seeing Nikita's state, then the man at the desk. His eyes went hard and his wings flew out, darking to a deep blood red, hair turing midnight black.

The shadowed figure gave a slight smirk.

Nikita looked up, hearing his name.  His eyes widened again and he turned the the demon sitting at the desk.  Looking back at the one at the door he whispered, "Master?"

"Come to my side, Nikita," Erik said, eyes still locked on his shadow, he reached out an arm towards the half elf.

The boy rose obediently and approached, hesitating slightly just out of reach before stepping close to Erik without touching him.

Erik put an arm around the boy to comfort him, energy rising around him.

"He only loves you because he was trained to," the shadowed form said.

Erik tenced. "Lies will not save you!" he shouted, sending out a large blast of energy.

The shawed form vanished, leaving the energy to smash through the wall.

Erik swore, then turned his attention to Nikita, wings and hair fading to white again, face conserned. "Nikita, are you all right? What did he do? Did he hurt you? Do you need anything? Should I call a healer, are you okay?" he asked in a near rush.

The boy didn't look up, hair hiding his face.  "Master...." he whispered, tears muffling his voice.

Erik pulled him into his arms, hugging him closely. "Nikita, my Nikita, please tell me what I can do to make you feel better... tell me what he did so I may undo it,"

"Master," Nikita whimpered.  "Nikita... Nikita tries to be good...."

"You are good, you're wonderful, perfect, more then I ever could have hoped to dream for," Erik said emphaticaly, hugging the boy.

"Nikita... Nikita...."  The boy looked up at Erik, gold eyes wide with anguish.  "I love you...."

"And I love you... more then anything else in the universe..." Erik replied, eyes meeting Nikita's with strength and warmth.  They widened slightly as he noticed the bruse. "Oh Nikita..." he said in a sorrowful and shocked voice. Gently he touched the bruse, eyes pained. "I should have come sooner, I'm so sorry..." He leaned foward and gently kissed it.  "I should have never left you alone, I was foolish to not have you at my side... can you forgive me?"

Nikita melted against Erik, sobbing.  "And... and Nikita isn't worthless?" he pleaded.

"You're worth more to me then my own life."

"Master," Nikita sobbed, clinging to him.  "Master...."