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Christopher stretched his shoulder muscles out, practise this morning had been brutal leaving him achy and tender all over. The constant barrage of strikes from his commander had left nothing of his bosses strength hidden.... typical that he once again found himself the target of such demonstrations. Though in many ways he did understand, as one of the largest knights in the order he had power and strength to take and block such blows as well as return them. He was one of the few chosen as the Kings guard, the Draconi, an honour Christopher didn't take lightly. He wore the red of his armour with pride, and the dragon emblazoned across his chest embodied everything he had wanted as a child. Freedom, respect, honour. No longer was he simply some 'street rat', no longer did he need to beg and service those around him in order to simple feed, clothe and house himself. No, those dark days were far behind him now.

"Yo Chris! Not bad this morning, I thought you actually had old Tiblo this morning when you dodged that last shot." Christopher turned to see his dear friend Edward laughing at the match this morning. He smiled slightly, braiding and tying his long hair back into a leather thong.

"As if, do you think Tiblo will ever let anyone else win? He can't have anyone see him as weak.... but damn! My shoulder is going to be killing me for a week!" He grinned, batting his friends arm as he declared himself ready. A glance in the mirror showed a well groomed man, with coffee brown smiling eyes. The smile would go on duty but for now merriment was in order. "You going to the fire tonight?" It was Friday after all, and every Friday the knights guard would host a fire. Food, drink, whores and friends a plenty... most taking some sort of pleasure from the flesh before yet another week wore them down. After all, being a knight didn't exactly give you much time to get laid and play the field, a few of the knights found comfort in each others arms but Christopher had always preferred his bedmates to be a little softer and less muscled than his fellow knights, not that he hadn't indulged upon occasion.... he was only a man after all.

"You better believe it! I've got my eyes on that hot little twink that was dancing by the fire last time. Rumour has it that he turned every one who approached him down last week, so I want to try my luck!" Christopher laughed at that, he knew exactly who this twink was, and why the guy was turning everyone down... but he would let them all have their fun. Simon was an old friend of Christopher's, and after some persuasive talking had been hired as a runner boy; mostly keeping the swords and armour clean and fit for use. A busy job considering how many knights there were in total. A glance at the sun revealed his duty was about to begin and so without wasting more time he waved his friend farewell, offering luck for the evenings festivities. If everything went to plan this would be the last fire Christopher would see in three weeks, after all he would be relegated to night duty for the king... his least favourite of all the rotations. It was boring watching over a sleeping man, and while several assassination attempts had been attempted in the past it generally past rather uneventfully.

With a nod he dismissed the knight on night duty, a man by the name of Gerrad, before knocking on the heavy oak doors. Everything in the castle was extravagant, especially from the point of view of a man used to abject poverty growing up. The golden swirled patterns, the rich coloured paint, the high level of gloss... it all screamed 'Royal'. The now familiar Come in rang forth and he hurried inside to see his majesty finishing dressing with his groomsmans help. What would it be like to have someone dress him everyday? He dismissed the thought as he dragged himself to attention. "Good morning your majesty. I trust you slept well?" The pair of them had slipped easy enough into a fairly comfortable morning routine of swapped pleasantries before getting down to business, it almost seemed pointless but Christopher was not one to question his kings wishes.

"Well enough Christopher. One of my sons will be joining us today, I trust that will not be an issue?" Christopher wasn't a fan of unknown variables, but there was no way he would say no!

With a smile he replied; "Of course not your highness, the young prince is more than welcome." Already Christopher wondered which of the kings six sons it would be, especially since at least two of them seemed to openly hate him. Wonderful, and this day had started out with such promise. Only 9 hours and 56 minutes to go until shifts end!

"Good good. I have that appointment with Lord Nash at eleven do I not?"

"Yes your highness. I believe everything has been prepared and Commander Tablo has already assigned guards to cover all areas." He wasn't going to mention that this couldn't be done by the Draconi alone, after all the kings guard were not large in number. Thankfully both groups worked relatively peacefully together.... most of the time at least, rivalry did spark from time to time, but Christopher didn't see that as necessarily a bad thing.

"Good good. Good man Tablo, always has my back. We shall go to breakfast, you know the drill Christopher. We shall meet my son there."

Christopher bowed slightly again as he replied, "Yes your highness."

It didn't take long to leave the kings chamber and head to the great hall for the kings breakfast. Christopher has already eaten a hearty breakfast of fish and toast with beans, so knew his stomach wouldn't embarrass him. Edward slipped into position beside him and together they flanked the king as he walked, head held high and regal, towards the call of breakfast. Edward and Christopher exchanged a brief look before Edward moved to check the area and stand by the door while Christopher stayed by the kings side and stood watch not far from the kings chair. He could see everything from here, and was pleased to note that the dinning hall seemed rather deserted this morning.

Christopher fainted laziness as he went about his duty, apparently completely at ease... except if you knew what to look for you would notice the slight tensing of ready muscles, like a cat he could move and strike at the drop of a hat. The at ease appearance helped to relax his chargers though, something that had taken him a while to perfect. His eyes scanned over the form of the Prince, answering his earlier thoughts as to which would be joining them today.... Sebastian. Bane of the guards existence. To disobey him, unless a direct order from the king overruled him, was to risk death for insubordination, or at the very least a terrible beating and bound to your room for three weeks. Something no one wanted.... especially when it was one of your brothers, your fellow knights, who would be forced to extract the punishment. Christopher had seen it once before.... it was unpleasant. The problem? Sebastian believed he knew best, dismissed his guards as if he had no sense of self-preservation. Part of Christopher wanted to tan the guys arse till it shone like a rose for being so nonchalant with his own safety.

Of course it may go deeper than that, not that Christopher would ever voice his inner thoughts to anyone, not even to Edward.... but Sebastian was a very good looking kid. But what else could be expected from a noble's son... a royal son at that. The guy was so far out of Christopher's league that he may as well be in outer space... and spending a whole day with the guy? Torture... his libido would be in full spring come the fire, at least there he would be able to find a companion to help him slake the need.

Christopher listened without listening, another talent. He heard so much trivial stuff throughout the course of his day that he would dismiss most of it as trivial. This conversation however made him take note of two things. One, the king wanted Sebastian to stay with his guard rather than dismiss them. Two, He was going to be practising archery today. Christopher would pass both messages onto to Edward so that the commander could be informed -if he wasn't in the know already that was, the guy had an uncanny knack at predicting others. It was eerie really.

"Sebastian my boy, you are ever dismissive of your duties." The king all but tutted and Christopher took the time to examine Prince Sebastian. He was dressed in a similar fashion to most days, his hair styled with what Christopher assumed was some kind of wax.... bee perhaps? Everything about him screamed regal and well groomed.... to the point that Christopher looked away feeling suddenly.... unworthy.

He needed to get his head out of the gutter, there would not and could not ever be something between them. Even if Christopher hadn't been born as a street rat there would be no way to breech the gap... no, he needed to focus on something else! Like his job!

"You will listen in on the meeting, as I have requested, but afterwards I want you to train with Christopher. Jakob will just have to wait, I will send a guard to assist him if need be.... but your sworsmanship skills leave a lot to be desired and I have arranged for the Prince and Princess of Albonia to visit us with the possibility of a joining between you and the fair Princess. I will not take no for an answer Sebastian, and you will not embarrass you when you are expected to duel with their Prince to show your worthiness and readiness to protect their Princess. The only daughter of their realm I might add, so as you imagine I can not stress the importance of this. An alliance between our realms would strength the ones already provided by your older brothers. Plus their country is rich and fertile and we can take profit from the plump dowry of land the Princess comes with."

Christopher stilled at that. Had he really just heard right? Sure he knew of arrangements like this, but to hear of one so nonchalantly, as if those involved with mere chess piece in a rather extravagant game was... surprising. Not that he showed any of the unpleasant feelings bubbling inside of him, that was not his job. Far greater men than he dealt with these issues, he just kept them safe.... still he felt a pang of sorrow for Prince Sebastian.... and the fact he was going to have to stay in close proximity to the guy and train him... what a nightmare this day was turning out to be!

The King turned to look at him and Christopher inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. What else could he do? An order from his King had to be obeyed, and Christopher would do anything for his sovereign lord. "Good good. It is decided then."

Christopher actually winced internally at Sebastian's words, even if they echoed his earlier thoughts somewhat. He suspected that the kind wouldn't just sit back and allow anyone, even his own beloved son, to show him such indiscretion.... but damn! Anyone would find themselves utterly lost and frustrated at having such a proposition thrust upon them so suddenly. He doubted he would react much better himself... not that anyone had actually ever gave much of a damn about him before he joined the knights.

His interest was peeked at one lined in particular however, "You also know I have no interest in marrying the princess!" Oh...! What did that mean? Didn't all Princes grow up wanting to marry a Princess? Was there someone else the Prince had his eye on? Or was there another reason? A reason that might actually put the guy on the same team as Christopher? He hadn't heard anything but that didn't mean anything.... and, Christopher reminded himself, the Prince was utterly out of Christopher's league. Always would be. A death sentence to even consider... so consider he would not. Damn it! He was pretty sure his fantasies would have another story to tell.

It wasn't until he heard his name being rolled from the Prince's finely plumped lips that he was drawn back to attention with the flow of the conversation. Wait? Go there now? Wasn't he meant to be escorting the king during the meeting first? The King stood, glancing towards him before stalking several steps after Sebastian.... doing his duty he followed after him, Edward falling into step beside him before they both stopped, the glance he received from the guy said it all; This was going to be a mess! That about summed it up. The King turned towards him and he nodded politely, it was never wise to question the King, but when you did need to ask something, manners and suggestion always worked best in his experience. "Of course your highness, since you still have that meeting to attention should I send Henry, or perhaps Alexander to replace me? Or would you like me to stay until that point before addressing your son's swordsmanship?"

"Yes yes," The king stated rather dismissively with a wave of his hand, it was clear the guy was distracted and rather uncaring about anything. It really was a pet hate of Christopher's when someone took their own safety into their own hands... it led to foolishness. "Send them both. Perhaps your company will sooth my son's anger enough for him to see reason." He could almost see the calculation behind the kings eyes but didn't question it as he bowed and stepped back into position, Edwards going to fetch both men that Christopher suggested, and before the king had even finished his breakfast all three men took their stations around the room.

As they were leaving the King nodded towards him and he took that as his signal to leave. He made his way through the castle to Sebastian's room easy enough, not that he particularly spent that much time in this part of the castle

With a firm and strong hand he double knocked on the door and called out, "Prince Sebastian." For a moment he took a breath, should he leave it at that or say more? When he had been on the streets he hadn't had to watch his tongue, and now that it was important that he did he often needed an additional moment to consider his options before talking. He had long ago decided that silence was often less offensive and deadly than speaking out of turn. "The King sent me to start your swordsmanship lessons." That sounded OK right? Plus mentioning the King would surely help in keeping the Prince from simply dismissing him like he did so many of his other guards... which reminded him... he glanced down the hallway and realized that there wasn't a single guard. Was the Prince out? Or had he sent them away? A word would have to be had with the Captain. The Prince shouldn't be left unguarded unless... was there a guard in there with him perhaps? He thought nothing of that idea since he had been in the King's chamber practically every morning he was on duty for a long as he could remember.

A whisper caught his attention and he turned to look to his left just in time to see two chamber maids giggling and pointing before scurrying off... what in the world was that all about? He mused, just as he prepared to knock on the door for a second time if the Prince didn't answer his first calling.

Twenty... nineteen... eighteen.... He counted down in his head, allowing the Prince plenty of time to answer his summons, even as he hated the wait.

Christopher was sure he heard... something... on the other side of the door, even as he continued counting in his head. Ten... nine... wait? Had the Prince just said This has been fun? Who the hell was in there? Was this the reason the Prince was so against the marriage? Did the king know?

When Thomas walked out, a blush clear on his face as he scurried away from Christopher as fast as he could Christopher found himself actually wanting to strangle both him AND the Prince! How could the pair be so foolish? Not that any of this showed on his expression... how could it, when he knew it could very well have him killed. No, his face was cold and stoic even as he turned and gazed upon the Prince. He saw the guy in suddenly new eyes. Was he forcing Thomas? Or where they simply fooling around due to mutual interest? He didn't know Thomas well enough to know, and knew that asking Edward would either perk his friend's interest and have him asking questions or have him mistaking Christopher's intent and attempting to match-make the pair up... not something he needed to get involved in right now, not at all.

"My apologies your highness, I did not mean to interrupt..." whatever the hell that was "...but the king thought it imperative that your skills were sharpened." Despite your obvious and loud rejection of his proposal. He stepped into the room, not asking questions or intruding the Prince's privacy, for that was none of his concern, instead he simply observed and stood watch by the door.

It was then he noticed the love bite upon the Prince's neck... and he actually found himself flashed back to his youth. Many of the men, and woman for that matter, who had bought his time had liked to mark him. Liked to make it seem as if they possessed him, owned him. It was for that reason that he never marked a lover, was always careful and passionate when he took them to his bed.... respectful he would hope.... the fact that he was seeing such a mark upon the Prince's flesh seemed so wrong, especially since it was Thomas to put it there. How could the young guard dare mark a Prince? Did he not realise what would happen if they were caught?

The question was though... should Christopher tell someone? It would likely mean Thomas's death, and he knew he couldn't live with that, but he suspected that telling Thomas to stop wouldn't be enough either.

So, he went with silence, ever his go-to-plan. Inclining his head slightly he exited the room and led the way to the training area reserved for the royalty. It wasn't as big an area as the group area for the guards but considering it was design for one-on-one it was nothing short of humongous. Reaching into his pocket he took out a spare thong and added it to his hair mid way just to ensure it stayed in place as he bent and opened on of the wood chests holding the practice blades. "How much experience do you have your highness?" Finding two he liked he stood up and faced the Prince, offering the blade handle side out, to the Prince. "And for the record Prince Sebastian... while we are in this ring, I will not go easy on you simply because of your rank. If you have an issue with that, you must say so now. It will do neither of us a favour if later my failure to teach you properly leads to an injure or your failure to protect your self effectively should you ever need to." It was more that than the ceremonial stuff that interested Christopher, for someone as frivolous as he was starting to see the prince it was clear that an ability to perform self-defense wouldn't go amiss.

"How much experience do you think I have? I'm a prince, I may not be up to the standards of a knight, but I do a fare job with a sword." The guys arrogance actually gave Christopher pause, mostly because he couldn't believe the guy was being serious. Sure, Prince's were given training but as Sebastian had pointed out he wasn't the first in line for the throne, and Christopher noticed that that generally meant that the guy was given a lot of leeway over his older siblings. For some strange reason, and it was probably the whole incident with Thomas but Christopher was having a hard time seeing the guy as anything but a spoiled child. He was given everything, every luxury imaginable... food on the table, luxurious clothing, fancy items, trinkets and treasures that Christopher could only have dreamed of at the same age.

"I'd certainly hope you don't go easy on me, but you'd do good not to hurt me or mark me up with bruises, my father wouldn't like that now would he?" Those choice of words gave Christopher pause, and he tilted his head as he tried to figure the Prince out. Trying to select his words as carefully as possible he replied; "Indeed. You should be careful of letting anyone mark you, you never know when you have to make a good impression. This applies to anyone." Suddenly he felt like he was just coming off as an overbearing arsehole, and despite everything he actually felt a little guilty for it.

Perhaps it was for all those reasons that he gave the guy a vigorous workout, he would't leave any marks, and would stand down before he caused the prince any serious injury, but still he could push the guy, force him to use his footwork, to move his blade unexpectedly, to block and parry with him on a different level to what he was used to.

"I'm sorry Christopher, I need a break." With a slight bow he backed off instantly, taking several deep breaths to steady his own breathing as he moved with a fluid grace that only battle and service could produce. He put his blade down and gathered a jug and glasses from the table before offering one to Sebastian. He never commented, at least not yet, instead he simply gave the guy a moment to compose himself once more.

After a moment he put the jug down on a ledge and took a swig of water himself before saying. "You're not too bad, but a little cocky at times... as if you expect not to be able to lose, not always a bad thing but overconfidence often leads to mistakes." That was all he said as he moved away and took a seat near the window as he waited for Sebastian to wish to start again or leave. Whatever he decided was ok with Christopher but it was up to the Prince. The view outside of the window was lovely, he loved how the sun warmed the landscape. It always felt so freeing to be able to gaze upon it, even for a moment, and often he wondered what it would be like to soar above the world as a bird and enjoy it to the fullest. Idle dreams...

Still, he needed some relief, his mind remembered the way the Sebastian's body had moved during practice, and despite knowing he was sexually active with Thomas he couldn't help but admire the sleek yet lean lines of the guys body. No wonder Thomas took the chance... a chance that Christopher wouldn't be taking, he didn't do sloppy seconds... plus, he knew getting involved with the Prince would be the equivalent of writing his own death sentence