The price I should Hate

It was a cold day in the kingdom of Athea; people were hurrying around in their long dresses and jackets, trying to keep the cold from getting to their skin.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, the topic of conversation was the wedding of Prince Artanis to the Count's daughter, Aretha. And because of all that, no one cared that a young man was standing outside the tavern, drinking his fourth bottle of wine.

Luke closed his eyes, a little dizzy from the drink. His white shirt and black pants were wrinkled and dirty from contact with the ground and the wine he had downed. No one would have thought that someone so disheveled would be the Prince's future brother-in-law.

He staggered to his feet, deciding whether to return home or wander around a bit more. He chose the second option. Hardly anyone would care.

Luke thought it would be just another day like any other, coming home drunk and ignored by everyone as if he didn't even exist. Except for his older sister, who would wake him up with her smile and kind eyes.

"What will become of me without her?" He thought about what he would do when Aretha was gone and married. He would probably be forgotten.

The cold wind cut him again, and he rubbed his arms to warm himself. Maybe it would be better to go home. But something unexpected caught his eye. Or rather someone.

A hood hid the blond, almost white hair of the passing stranger. But there was an unmistakable scent of wood about him. Luke had gotten used to the scent whenever his sister's fiancé visited her at home.

What was the prince doing there in the middle of the night? Was he betraying Aretha's honor on the eve of her wedding? If it really was him, where would his guards be?

Well, it wasn't so strange that Artanis was alone, after all, the prince was known for being an excellent fighter and swordsman. And, of course, his greatest title: High Mage of Athea. He could certainly defend himself.

The young man knew better than to mess with the prince, as he was too powerful compared to someone like him. But the desire to protect his sister, who had always done so much for him, won out.

Although he was clumsy, Lucas was very light and thin, so he could walk almost unnoticed. Despite being drunk, he did his best not to let his dizziness get the better of him.

The future prince had almost disappeared into the crowd. Luke hurried so as not to lose sight of him. He followed him through the streets, hiding in the rafters so as not to be seen.

The Count's legs were tired from walking. They had already left the center and were heading for the dark forest. It was no place for ordinary civilians, especially weak ones like Luke. Even so, he didn't give up. For his sister.

He followed the mysterious man until he finally stopped. The place he arrived at was an abandoned shop. A woman with red hair, gray eyes and a blue dress was waiting for him.

Luke smiled, happy to be right, as he hid among the trees. So it really was a lover.

The stranger lowered his hood, revealing platinum blond hair. And the soft, husky voice that the young man had heard so often praising his sister came forward:

"Have you prepared what I asked for, Talise?"

The red-haired woman, who couldn't have been more than 30 years old, nodded in confirmation. Then she turned to retrieve something from the counter.

"Here it is, Your Highness. As requested."

The prince turned to examine the object, and Luke could see his cold blue eyes on his honey-colored skin, watching the small greenish phial.

The man smiled, showing the white teeth on his thin lips.

"Perfect for mixing with peppermint tea, the Countess's favorite. Thank you, Talise. Once again, you've been as helpful as ever."

Talise bowed slightly and agreed:

"I have only done my part to be of service to Your Highness."

Luke covered his mouth and tried not to make a sound. His heart was pounding, and his hands were shaking. But what hurt his body the most was the desire to attack that bastard for trying to kill his sister.

Aretha was perfect, a beautiful and gentle lady. She possessed a million qualities, certainly worthy of being a prince's wife, so how could this man want to kill her? What could his sweet sister have done to deserve such a fate and such a desire?

Anger gripped him, and he had to do his best not to move. But his efforts seemed futile. Artanis' voice came again:

"Quiet. We seem to have a lost pup between us, Talise. Take care of it for me for a moment." She handed the bottle to the woman, and in a few seconds, without Luke noticing, the icy eyes were staring at him with amusement.

"What are you doing here, puppy? Are you lost? Still, I admire that you're such an exemplary dog, able to see through my barrier."

Luke's heart raced even faster, anger mixed with fear, and he clenched his fingers, not knowing what to do. Should he try to fight the wizard or run away? Finally, he cried out:

"What are you going to do to my sister? She doesn't deserve this. She's good and kind, why do you want to kill her? "

Artanis smiled darkly, his mouth moving closer to the young man's ear. Luke could feel his breath very close.

"A puppy, loyal to his sister, blindly followed her as if she were a saint. But he doesn't know that she is a wolf, just like me. A wolf who pretends to be domesticated, so people won't notice her wild side. Are you sure you really know her? "

Luke turned away in fear. He stood a few steps away from the prince. Still, something held him there. He couldn't move.

"What nonsense are you talking about? How can you sully her name with such words? My sister isn't like that. She's a real lady. And even if she were, why kill her? "

Artanis' smile made your body tremble. He really did look like a wolf looking at a fragile, frightened little lamb. Luke blamed himself for finding that expression warm.

"Your sister has something that I want very much. Something I've been searching for years. And I'm going to have it anyway. But since I'm a gentleman and follow the rules above all else " The prince moved closer again." I'll have to get married to get what I want. If you're a good puppy, I can tell you. But I think it's too late. Besides, there's not much a drunken outcast like you can do.

Artanis finished the sentence, running his fingers along Luke's lips until he covered them with his own.

Luke was startled; he had never been kissed in his life. But he knew there was something very bad in the middle of that taste of whiskey and mint. A kiss shouldn't cause his vision to darken and his mind to shut down.

When the young man fainted, the prince took him in his arms.

"Here you are, Your Highness." Talise showed him the vial, which disappeared within seconds. The wizard had sent it to a safe place.

"Thank you again for your service, Talise. Now I must take this abandoned puppy home. "

Chapter 2 - the promise with the devil

Luke thought he heard footsteps while his eyes were closed. But he soon put such an idea aside, after all, no one entered his room but his sister. And she would always wake him up with a hug and shrill cries. If it was Aretha, he'd already be crushed.

However, though his thought was discarded. Luke returned to his mind seconds later. After all, the sunlight touched his face. Right after the curtains were opened.

So after his green eyes opened, Luke could see a stranger in front of him. A young maid, who had never seen before, with pink blonde hair, bright blue eyes, fair skin and flushed cheeks. Her navy and white uniform fit her perfectly, making her very cute. Especially with something the young man had never received from an employee, a smile.

"Good morning, sir. Miss Aretha asked me to come and wake you. Pleasure, I am the new employee; Lily Sous. I am here to serve you. Call me whatever you need."

Luke was really confused. The events of the previous night came back to his mind. The first question was, why the hell wasn't he dead? Second question: how did he get home? And third question: why was the poor novice maid assigned to him? She would be despised.

Lily still watched him with a smile, waiting for directions.

Luke was really sorry for the young woman, just the fact that she was there with him, could already have problems. So he wanted to end the situation soon.

"Well, good morning first, Lily. I appreciate the help. But you don't need that, okay? Since you're young, they probably didn't tell you... I'm someone who doesn't deserve the attention of the servants, you know? If you take care of me, they'll isolate you. You seem like a gentle girl and you don't deserve that. Please get out of here."

Lily seemed surprised. No lord would care about the reputation of a servant like that.

"Let her help you, asshole. Lily is young and said she wanted to make friends, so I asked her to work for you."

The owner of the new voice, was soon attached to he. And pressed it as if it would never release again.

"Aretha, let me go... you're suffocating me." - Luke muttered.

His older sister's laughter filled the room. She let him go, still laughing. Today she wore a green cotton dress that contrasted with her eyes of the same color and wavy brown hair. He'd sure miss her.

"Bath time, sleepyhead. Lily, prepare the bath."

The maid agreed and went to work while Aretha continued to chatter.

"Yesterday the prince came to bring you home after meeting you drunk. Very kind of him, don't you think? "

The mention of the prince reminded Luke of the night before and about his kiss. He blushed at the memory, but was distracted again.

"Focus, Luke. You have to tell her." - Thought hastily.

"Sister, do you really want to marry the prince?"

Aretha now had a lost look. She stopped teasing him and sat on the bed. He thought for a few minutes, bit his lips and lightly pressed the sheets, as if he was choosing well the words he should say.

"Well, no." - Answered directly. " I wanted to travel, ride around with someone I really loved and be able to stay with that person until the end of my days, having tea and talking about the new release of Author Jane Hullers. " - after a long pause, she continued. " But we can't have what we want, right? "

After hearing that, Luke was sure that he could not leave his sister in the hands of that madman.

"So don't marry him, Aretha. Please. He's not a good guy. He..."

Luke Exitou, would you believe him? Even his sister who was there for him forever. That was too absurd for anyone to believe. Even so, he decided to risk it.

"I heard something yesterday, he wants to kill you after the wedding, Aretha."

Aretha watched him, now would be.

"I know you're worried about me, little brother. But everything will be fine. I know you're jealous, but you didn't have to. " - she smiled squeezing his cheeks.

Luke sighed, knew that would be his answer.

"Now, time for the bath."

Quickly, she took the covers off him, making him run to the bathroom in shame.

"Don't do it, you freak. You can see what you don't want."

On the other side of the door, Aretha laughed.

"I gave you a bath when you were little, there's nothing there that I haven't seen." - She went further behind the door. " I'll wait for you for breakfast, don't be late."

Luke sighed relieved, hearing the footsteps receding.

Fortunately, he was still covered in a white shirt, which was soon on the floor.

On his back could be seen small scars marks that were healing. However, what caught the most attention was how thin and slender Luke was, his bones almost jumped out of the body.

He entered the bathtub and began to rub, it hurt, as it seemed that the skin did not protect the bones of his body. Another reason not to let your sister see you, other than shame.

She would have many questions and Luke was not interested in answering.

After bathing, he put on black pants and a shirt of the same color. Almost disappearing from view.

-------------

When Luke arrived at the dinner table, his parents soon frowned, as if his presence brought a plague.

The young count sat down and took some milk and bread. That would be enough for today.

Aretha put a few more pieces on his plate and asked her to eat. But soon the mood worsened with your father's hoarse, loud voice and the smell of milk in Luke's hair.

The patriarchs looked at him with intense hatred and disregard.

"How dare you give trouble to Prince Artanis, your nobody. You're lucky your sister is engaged to him and the prince is kind." - His father screamed, looking at him with brown eyes possessed of anger, while his mother held the empty milk jar and his green and deadly gaze seemed to want to spoil him. A look colder and emptier than the prince himself.

Luke didn't answer. They didn't deserve to be talked to.

The servants around seemed not to care. Luke could hear the whispers later, of how abused he was. Only Lily watched everything in shock and with a true look of pity.

Fearing to weep so much humiliation. He got up and left.

"Luke, Luke... come back here."

Aretha's voice could be heard from afar, but was successfully ignored.

At the end of the day, his door was broken open again by Aretha who squeezed his cheeks for leaving him talking to himself after the morning incident.

"I have a surprise. Get ready for the ball at the royal palace. Today will be the celebration of the queen's royal birthday and we will perform at the piano. What an honor, don't you think?"

It really was a high-value honor, but had she said "we"?

--------

The night came and Luke was super nervous. I didn't know how Aretha had managed to convince him parents to allow him to play a duet on the piano with her.

But it didn't matter, they couldn't say anything against him at that time, in front of everyone.

Aretha shook his hand, to support him. And he decided he wouldn't be afraid. Playing the keys was one of the few things that comforted him. The music was something so clear and perfect that made him feel that he could be more than what he heard in his daily life.

And without fear, his hands slipped by the keys as soon as his sister started. The harmony was perfect, it's like it was just him and the music. Nothing else existed there. Just that feeling of familiarity and comfort.

When the score came to an end, he could hear the applause. He and Aretha stood up and held hands bowed in gratitude. Luke sighed relieved and by his sister's smile, he hadn't ruined everything.

Queen Persephone herself came to thank and praise them. Right behind her was her son, who had the same hair.

The bastard was wearing a typical royal outfit, the dark blue shirt, the vest and white cape with golden details. He gave a gentle smile to the brothers, making Luke bite his lips. Anyone who saw thought he was holy.

Luke would have to pretend. He bowed properly before Artanis and thanked him:

"I would like to thank Your Highness. For helping me the night before. My family is very grateful for your generosity."

"No need to thank, Willians. What kind of prince would I be if I didn't help someone in need?"

And they both smiled, but of course in their looks, Luke wanted to kill him, because it was he who made him faint. And Artanis threatened him not to speak. The silent war continued for a few seconds, until the queen and prince said goodbye.

After they left, Luke was distracted by the guests. Content with listening to the conversations and watching the shows. Until something caught his eye, the wretched prince with his sister heading towards the gardens.

And like a good brother, someone who knew the true face of the prince and of course, a super curious person; he followed them.

Silently, he stayed hidden against the high scriptures of bushes in the palace garden. He couldn't hear anything, which made him very frustrated.

It seemed just a casual conversation between the bride and groom, they didn't even meet. But the prince's gaze was kind.

"Liar." - Luke thought.

Until finally, his sister walks away and leaves the prince alone.

And of course, it was followed. There was still a chance to save your sister.

As they went deeper into the garden, amidst a maze of roses, the prince turned with a cheeky smile.

"You really like following me, Luke Willians. Did you miss last night's kiss?"

Luke got angry and said:

"Yours... That wasn't a kiss, it was an evil magic to erase me. And you still lied, like you were my savior or something."

The prince laughed and the malicious look appeared. There he was, the real Prince Artanis of Athea.

"What matters is that I talked to your sister. That's why you're here, right? She told me she didn't really want to get married, but she would do it for the good and the reputation of the family."

Luke was surprised at Aretha's sincerity. But, as far as he knew, the prince wouldn't let it go cheap. After all, I needed God knows what this marriage was about.

"And with that, I thought of a solution. That can save your dear older sister."

Luke was excited about the opportunity.

"And what is it?" - Asked hopeful.

Artanis approached him, causing Luke to lean his back against a bush.

"Marry me, Luke Willians. Do that and your sister will be free and alive to live her life as a cartographer and palace researcher. To travel wherever you want."

"How do you...?"

Luke was in total shock. The prince wanted to marry him instead of Aretha? But he had nothing special. He should thank you for seeing his sister free and alive... but he was still confused by it.

"Your sister will be free and you will marry me. So she won't have to die and neither will you."

"But... if you had to kill her first. Why is it different with me?"

The prince smiled amusingly.

"Because you are different, puppy. So, do you accept my proposal or not? "

Luke's heart was racing, he was more and more confused. However, there was the certainty of what was most important at the time.

"I agree to marry you, Prince Artanis of Athea."

"So now we're engaged, Luke Willians"

And again, the prince's lips clashed with his, and this time, Luke felt the blood flow through them. As if a pact had been made.