RPS Fic: Spoil Of War [Adam/Tommy] 12/14

[toobusy2write]

[Part 11]
[Master Post]

Part 12

For a while after Tommy left, Adam laid in bed staring at the ceiling. He felt … hollowed out. Gutted. In spite of what he'd been telling Tommy night after night, he still loved him. He just couldn't get past his anger and the sense of betrayal he felt. None of it mattered anyway. Tommy was gone. It was over.

Through his open window, Adam heard the soft neigh of a horse and knew it was Tommy. It had to be. Sutan had put everyone else to sleep. Everyone but Adam, Neil, and Brooke and her entourage, just in case they were Tommy's contact and he decided to take them with him.

Unable to help himself, Adam rose from the bed and walked over to the window, staring out. There, in the moonlight, Adam caught sight of a shadowy figure leading a lone white horse from the royal stables. Tommy and Wild.

As Tommy swung up onto Wild's back, Adam backed away from the window, not able to stomach watching him ride off into the night. As Adam climbed back in bed and closed his eyes, he wondered when to expect the attack.



Sometime later, Adam woke with a start. Realizing he must have fallen asleep, he opened his eyes to find Tommy standing on his side of the bed, setting something on Adam's nightstand. Looking over at it, Adam saw the dagger and the key lying there. He frowned, looking back at Tommy questioningly.

Holding his gaze, Tommy moved around to the foot of the bed and opened the chest. Slowly, he stripped off the clothing Adam had told him to put on and put it back. Next, he walked around to the side of the bed with the pallet still on the floor and bent down, picking up the cuff. As Adam watched, heart hammering in his chest, Tommy locked it back in place and dropped to his knees next to the bed.

Adam stared hard at him. "I told you to leave."

"I know," Tommy said, holding Adam's gaze in the firelight. "I had Wild saddled and was astride him before I made the decision to defy you." Tommy's gaze turned to steel. "I told you once before that I wouldn't let you break our agreement so easily and I meant it, so here I am."

Pushing aside the memory of the night Tommy had said that to him and what he'd shared with Tommy that night, Adam snapped, "You were the one who broke it. You lied to me every time you didn't tell me what was going on."

Tommy held Adam's gaze. "I didn't lie to you about the important things between us, and as for the rest, if you could just let go of some of your anger, I know you would see that I had no choice. You would have done the same thing in my place."

Deep down, Adam knew Tommy was right, but he was still too angry to admit it to him. Instead, he said harshly, "This changes nothing."

Tommy nodded, expression resigned. "I know."

Trying another tactic, Adam said, "Tomorrow night is the night of the feast. You're truly willing to let me use your mouth in front of everyone?"

Tommy looked away, jaw clenched. Eventually, he looked back and said, "I don't want it, but I won't fight it. I'll do what needs to be done to prove to your uncle what you seem to need to prove to him."

Adam tensed. "It's not what I need to prove to him. It's what he needs to see to believe I'm worthy of the crown."

Tommy nodded. "Yes. Until the next time, and the time after that, and the time after that. There's always going to be another test, another obstacle. If you think me sucking your dick in front of a room full of people will be the end of it, you're deluding yourself. Worse, you're giving him power he doesn't deserve. It's not up to him whether you take the crown or not. It's up to the sovereign. Your uncle can try his best to discredit you, but in the end he's going to fail because you are more than capable of ruling the kingdom and you haven't done anything to prove otherwise."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "Lie down and go to sleep. I don't need a lecture from you on my situation."

Tommy dropped his eyes and said, "Yes, My Lord," before lying down on the floor, out of sight.

It was a long time before Adam sank back into sleep, Tommy's words and actions tumbling over and over in his head.



The next afternoon, Adam stood on the balcony above the great hall, staring out at the woods, wondering when Monte would tire of waiting for word from Tommy and attack.

"You've been unusually quiet this past week," Neil said, coming to stand beside him. "Something going on I should know about?"

Adam glanced back behind them at the doorway, then said to Neil in a low voice, "Not here."

Neil cocked an eyebrow. "My chambers or yours?"

"Yours," Adam said.

Neil nodded. "I'll meet you there."

Five minutes later, Adam was pacing Neil's room while Neil sat in a nearby chair, watching him with a bemused look on his face. Finally, Adam stopped and looked at Neil.

"In your opinion, do I seem to need to prove something to our uncle?"

Neil's eyes widened. "Where is this coming from?"

"Just answer the question," Adam said impatiently.

Neil pressed his lips together in obvious annoyance, but the expression gave way soon enough, a thoughtful one taking it's place. "I never thought of it like that before, but yes, I suppose so, in a way. I don't believe you're trying to gain his approval as you would have our father's, but you are trying to prove you're worthy of the throne so he won't have a case to take to the sovereign."

Adam sighed, turning away to stare out the window. "Last night, Tommy said I'm deluding myself if I think making him submit in front of everyone tonight will be the end of it. He said I'm giving our uncle power over me he doesn't deserve."

Neil was silent for a moment before saying, "Tommy's right, even though I have to wonder if it's a little self-serving. I can't imagine given his former kingdom's attitude toward public sex that he's all that eager to get on his knees for you in front of everyone."

Adam sank down into a chair facing Neil. "About that. There's something you should know."

Neil's eyes widened significantly as Adam laid out everything Tommy had admitted to him, ending with what had happened the night before, how Adam had let Tommy go, but Tommy had refused to leave.

"It was a good plan," Neil said once Adam finished. "Lucky for us his feelings for you messed it up."

Adam tensed. "His feelings for me didn't stop him from lying to me."

Neil snorted. "Can you honestly say you wouldn't have done the same thing in his shoes?"

Adam clenched his jaw. "That's what he said, too."

"You didn't answer the question," Neil pressed.

Adam stood and crossed to the window, staring out at the woods. "No, I can't. I would have. Only, I probably would have worked my way into someone's bed from the start, both to avoid slave labor, and to make it easier to take them out in their sleep."

"Sounds to me like you're letting your pride get in the way of forgiving him, then."

"It's not pride," Adam huffed. "It's just…"

"Just what?"

"It's just … I believed that I could trust him and I was a fool for it. How do I trust him now?"

"I'd say the fact that you gave him a dagger and the means to kill all of us in our sleep-thank you for that, by the way-not to mention the means to attack the kingdom while the majority of our army was drugged, speaks to the fact that you do indeed trust him. The fact that instead of doing any of that, he stayed in spite of how angry you are with him and how I imagine you've been treating him since his confession, speaks to the fact that your trust was well placed."

Adam exhaled, his shoulders slumping. "I know. I know you're right. I just can't seem to get past this anger."

"And we're back to pride," Neil said dryly.

Adam glared at him. "You know, you can be a real pain in the ass sometimes, brother."

Neil smiled. "That's the nicest thing you've said to me all day."

Adam just snorted and rolled his eyes.



Tommy sat staring at his lunch, unable to stomach it. It was ironic, really. It was the first time in days he'd been allowed any food he liked, Adam having made sure the kitchens served him only things Adam knew he didn't care for, and still, he had no appetite. Adam had been gone by the time Tommy woke, and given the fact that his diamond collar, slave bracelets, and see-through garments had been laid out on top of Adam's chest for the feast that evening, along with Adam's harsh words the night before, Tommy didn't hold out much hope that Adam had changed his mind about that evening. Tommy would be made to suck him off in front of the entire kingdom of Vox and some of his own men, too.

The chamber door opened and Tommy looked up, surprised to see Sutan enter. Sutan looked just as surprised to see him. Tommy blinked, glancing past Sutan at the guard stationed outside.

Once the door closed, Tommy asked, "He didn't restrict visitors before he left for the day?"

Sutan shook his head. "Apparently not. They didn't so much as glance my way as I approached." Sutan paused, then stated needlessly, "You came back."

Tommy nodded. "I couldn't do it. I started to, but I just couldn't do it. I couldn't leave Adam."

Sutan walked over and sat down across from Tommy at the table. "I'm glad. I was not looking forward to trying to calm his temper at your leaving, no matter that he was the one who facilitated it."

Tommy sighed and pushed his plate away. "Maybe it would have been better if I could. Staying changed nothing."

Sutan cocked his head. "I'm not so sure about that. He didn't restrict your visitors like he has been. That must mean something."

Tommy thought about it and added, "Yes, and for the first time in days he allowed me food I like instead of food that makes my stomach turn."

"And yet you haven't touched it," Sutan commented.

Tommy bit his bottom lip before admitting, "My impending humiliation this evening is doing little for my appetite."

"You mean the performance the king is demanding?" Sutan asked.

Tommy nodded.

Sutan smiled. "It doesn't have to be humiliating, you know. It's all in how you look at it."

Tommy studied him curiously. "What do you mean?"

Sutan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "I've seen the two of you together. Let yourself go like you did that night. Let everyone-the king especially-see how much you enjoy being Adam's. Give Adam the best blow job of his life while the king and everyone looks on. They'll all be envious afterwards, and the king will seethe. It's the best revenge, really."

Tommy took a deep breath. "I don't know if I could pull that off."

Sutan stood and walked around the table. Cupping the back of Tommy's head in his hand, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to Tommy's forehead, murmuring against his skin, "You can. I know you have it in you." Backing up, he cupped Tommy's cheek and smirked. "If it helps, pretend only I am there and that you're putting on the show for me."

Tommy smiled back. "I'll try."

Sutan let go of him and started for the door.

"Thank you," Tommy said.

Sutan turned back and nodded his head, then looked pointedly at the plate Tommy had pushed away. "You can thank me by eating your food. You're too thin to be skipping meals. You'll waste away."

Tommy rolled his eyes but grinned, reaching for his plate to pull it back over. "Okay."

Sutan returned the smile and left.

As Tommy dug into his meal, he considered Sutan's words.



That evening at the feast, Adam was still undecided. He turned everything Tommy and Neil had said to him over and over in his head, trying to see past the anger and hurt to the logic of their words. In his head he knew they were right. His emotions, though, wouldn't let go of him.

Adam glanced down at the back of Tommy's shaved head, then further, picking out the line of Tommy's spine, which was visible through the sheer fabric covering his torso. The man was beautiful and Adam wanted nothing more than to spread him out face down on some cushions and fuck him right there. Just as soon as he thought it, he knew he couldn't. Tommy wouldn't want it, and no matter how angry Adam was with him, the thought of forcing Tommy to spread his legs the way Gregory had forced Adam years ago made Adam's stomach turn.

A tap to his shoulder pulled Adam from his musings and he glanced over at Gregory, who was seated next to him on the throne.

"It is time," Gregory said.

Out of the corner of his eye, Adam saw Tommy tense.

Without waiting for Adam to give the order, his uncle looked over at Tommy and said, "Slave, service your master with your mouth. Now."

Adam looked at Tommy, his mouth dry, heart pounding as Tommy turned and shifted closer on his knees until he was between Adam's. Adam held his breath as Tommy's hands lifted to his knees and slid up his legs, pushing under his tunic to the belt of his undergarment.

Everything in Adam screamed at him to put a stop to what was happening, but the words caught in his throat. And then Tommy had his undergarment unbelted and pulled down over his cock-his soft cock-and was leaning in, mouth open, to take him inside.

Just then, Tommy's gaze flicked up to Adam's and Adam was taken aback by the willingness in them, and the desire. It hadn't been what he'd expected to see at all. He'd expected to see hurt and resignation, and while he was sure that would have been more than enough to break him free from whatever was keeping him frozen and speechless, it was the fact that Tommy was giving himself over in spite of the humiliation he was about to endure that finally snapped Adam free of his anger and the fear of his uncle that still lurked in some deep, dark corner of his mind.

Adam straightened in his chair and gently pushed at Tommy's shoulders. When Tommy sat back, a questioning look in his eyes, Adam let go of him and reached under his tunic to tuck himself away and tie his belt back around his undergarment.

Jaw set, Adam turned to look at his uncle and said firmly, "No."

Gregory's eyebrow lifted. "No? You dare to tell your king no?"

Heartbeat pounding in his ears as he outright defied his uncle for the first time ever, Adam said, "He is my sex slave. I'll use him however and whenever I choose, and I do not choose to do so now."

"Watch yourself, nephew, or I'll be forced to take your insolence and inability to control your slave to the sovereign."

Adam leaned over the arm of his chair and said in a low voice that only him, his uncle, and Tommy would be able to hear. "Do it, Uncle, and we shall see what the sovereign has to say. First of all, my slave complied. It was I who stopped it. He's under control. Second, I do not believe the fact that I choose not to have sex in public with my pleasure slave is any kind of reason to keep me from the throne, and I'm sure you know that also. As to my insolence, one of the key laws of the realm is that sex should never be forced. That in mind, I think it would be in your best interest to not mention my defiance on this issue. Otherwise, I may be forced to bring up other … matters I'm sure you would rather not be brought to light. Understand?"

The flash of fear in Gregory's eyes filled Adam with a sick sort of satisfaction. He had no intention of telling the sovereign what Gregory had forced on him after his father's death, but it was clear Gregory was falling for the bluff, and that was all that mattered.

Schooling his features, Gregory sat back in his seat. "Fine. Do what you like. I care nothing of your interactions with a worthless slave anyway. In fact, remove him from my sight. I have no wish to look upon his face any longer this evening."

Adam grinned. "Good choice, Uncle. I'll see you in the morning at breakfast."

Gregory ignored him as Adam rose to his feet and looked down at Tommy. "Come."

When they reached the mouth of the corridor that led to the royal wing, Adam paused and said, "Go on ahead. I'll be there momentarily. I need to speak with Neil for a moment."

"Yes, My Lord," Tommy said dutifully.



Tommy entered the corridor and had just turned a corner that lead to the royal wing when Brooke and Isaac stepped out of the shadows of a side corridor and right into his path.

"Are you alone?" Brooke asked, getting right to the point.

Tommy nodded. "Adam is speaking with his brother. Has something happened?"

Brooke's eyes widened. "Has something happened? Yes something has happened. Adam has cut you off from everyone. Isaac and I have both tried on several occasions for nearly a week now to come see you in chambers once it became obvious Adam wasn't going to let you out of his sight outside them. We were both told Adam had you under lock and key and you weren't allowed visitors. It seems to me the Adam we met that day in the exercise yard was a ruse and the real Adam is no better than his uncle."

"Don't," Tommy said firmly. "Don't ever compare him to his uncle. Gregory is vile. Adam is nothing like him."

Brooke and Isaac both looked taken aback by Tommy's vehemence.

"What is going on, then?" Isaac asked.

Tommy bit his bottom lip, glancing back over his shoulder. He didn't have much time, and while Adam hadn't forced him to perform publicly, that didn't mean by a long shot that Adam had forgiven him, or that Adam could be trusted in his anger with confirmation that Brooke and Isaac were in on the ambush.

Looking back at them, Tommy said, "I don't have time to explain. Adam will be along any moment."

Brooke stepped closer and said whispered, "I sent a messenger off to the sovereign this morning, regarding Gregory's unlawful seizure of your kingdom and your forced sexual enslavement, among other things."

Tommy's eyes widened. "Then send another, posthaste, and call the messenger back."

"Give me one good reason why I should," Brooke said, arms crossed over her chest, pushing her breasts up tight against the scooped neckline of her dress.

"Because you're wrong."

"I am? So Adam didn't get angry with you for some reason and cut you off from everyone? Would you have me believe instead that you just didn't feel like talking to us?"

"We had an argument and he's angry, yes, but we'll work it out," Tommy said, realizing as he said it that he truly believed they would. "He's already starting to let some of his anger go, actually. If you had stopped by today, you would have gotten in to see me. The ban on visitors was lifted." At Brooke and Isaac's continued skeptical looks, Tommy added, "Just … give me a few days. I'll fix this, I swear. In fact, stay on if you'd like to see for yourself. You can tell the king you're suffering an illness and would rather not travel. I'll talk to Sutan. I'm sure he'll confirm it if the king requires it."

Brooke stared at him for a moment, then glanced past him and tensed.

"Tommy?" Adam said from behind him.

Cursing silently at the interruption before he could secure Brooke's cooperation, Tommy turned and met Adam's gaze.

"Yes, My Lord?"

"My Lord?" Brooke said boldly from Tommy's other side. "What happened to allowing him to speak informally to you?"

Tommy looked back at her. "Please, Brooke. Leave it alone."

Adam walked up and put a hand on Tommy's upper arm. "If you wouldn't mind, Tommy and I have some things to work out privately. I will make sure he speaks with you both tomorrow."

Brooke stared hard at Adam before finally nodding her head and stepping aside. "I will hold you to that."

Adam nodded and walked past her, taking Tommy with him.



Moments later, they reached Adam's chambers and Adam shut the door behind them. Tommy opened his mouth to say something, but Adam didn't give him the chance. Instead, he grabbed Tommy by the shoulders and pressed him against the wall next to the door, then leaned in and fused their mouths together.

Tommy moaned in the back of his throat and opened to Adam, returning the kiss enthusiastically. Forearms tight against the sides of Tommy's shoulders, Adam leaned against the wall on them and cupped Tommy's face in his hands.

Pulling out of the kiss, Adam stared into Tommy's eyes for a long moment before saying, "I'm sorry."

Tommy's eyes widened in surprise. "My Lord?"

Adam shook his head. "Adam. If anyone should be using proper address, it's me, considering you outrank me, Your Highness."

Tommy's grin was slow, but filled with pure joy. His expressive brown eyes turned glassy with emotion. "I'd prefer you treat me as an equal, not your better," Tommy said. His gaze dropped for a second before lifting to meet Adam's again. His smile turned almost shy as he said, "In fact, behind closed doors, I'd prefer you continue to treat me as you did before my confession."

Adam returned Tommy's grin, pleased. He knew he'd been right. Tommy liked submitting sexually. It was in his nature. Adam was fairly sure that if Tommy hadn't been royalty, someone would have introduced him to that side of himself long ago.

"Very well," Adam said. "Behind closed doors, you remain mine to do with as I please."

The way Tommy's breath caught and his eyes fluttered shut as a shiver made his body vibrate against Adam's got Adam instantly hard. Leaning in, Adam bit lightly at Tommy's bottom lip until Tommy's eyes flicked open and met his again.

Pulling back, Adam repeated, "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Tommy asked, sounding a little breathless.

"For the way I've been treating you since you admitted what you've been doing."

Tommy shook his head. "There's no need. I deserved it."

"No," Adam said fiercely, hands tightening on Tommy's face slightly. "No you didn't. You were right. I would have done the same thing in your place. I can hardly take you to task for putting your kingdom first. You're their king. It's your duty."

Tommy looked down, guilt flashing over his face as he bit his bottom lip.

Moving his hand from Tommy's cheek to his chin, Adam tilted his head back up until Tommy met Adam's eyes. "What is it?"

Tommy hesitated, then said, "But in the end, I didn't put them first. I put you first. I'm not worthy of being their king."

Adam shook his head. "The way I see it, that's not what you did at all. You realized the folly of your plan. Killing a royal family who are nothing but cruel and oppressive is one thing, but killing people who do not even agree with the king's edicts and try to right things whenever possible is entirely another. No one should fault you for that."

"But-"

"But nothing," Adam interrupted. "Tell me. Brooke and Isaac are your contacts and it's their kingdom you've aligned yourself with, is it not?"

Tommy searched Adam's eyes for a long moment before admitting, "Yes."

Adam nodded. "I thought as much."

"Isaac isn't from Solvo, though," Tommy added. "He's actually a close childhood friend of mine and one of my highest ranking knights. He's only posing as Brooke's servant."

Adam blinked. He hadn't expected that, as slight of build at Isaac was.

Thinking back to the battlefield outside Reus and how overwhelmingly short most of Tousma's knights had been, Adam asked, "Tell me, is there anyone taller than an adolescent child in your kingdom?"

A surprised bubble of laughter burst from Tommy's throat. "It's true, most in Tousma tend to be on the short side, but there are a few. Another friend of mine, David, is one. He's about your height, although he's more Sutan's build than yours."

Adam shook his head. "I'd wonder how you haven't been taken over before, but I've seen you fight and I know your kingdom's reputation. It was why Gregory decided we needed the advantage of an ambush on your way back to Lootus. He wasn't confident we'd be able to defeat you at full strength. I wasn't, either."

Tommy seemed to stand a little taller at that, his smile filled with pride. "It's true. What we lack in height and build, we make up for with sword skill and cunning. Those skills are passed down from generation to generation."

Adam nodded. "Back to the matter at hand. Did Brooke think you should continue with the plan as is after she met Neil and I?"

Tommy frowned and shook his head. "She brought up the fact that we needed to adjust the plan before I even could, actually."

Adam nodded. "And Monte. When they reported to him, what did he say?"

"He reluctantly agreed we needed a new plan, too."

Adam nodded again. "In my estimation, that proves you're worthy of the throne. You're willing to see reason and make adjustments. You're not so bullheaded and arrogant that you would keep to a plan even after you realized how unjust it would be to execute. That is the sign of a good leader, not a poor one."

Tommy looked pleased with that assessment, then curious. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

"As my brother pointed out to me earlier today, I was letting my pride get the better of me. How can I fault you for actions I would have taken myself if in your position? And then tonight, the look in your eyes as you glanced up at me from your knees… I realized you were doing it for me, to make up for your lies, not to further your plan. How could that last bit of anger and pride I was harboring hold up under that?"

"I would have done anything to make it up to you," Tommy admitted. "I hate that I hurt you so much."

Adam leaned in and pressed his lips to Tommy's, kissing him deeply. When he pulled back, he stared into Tommy's eyes and said, "You are not the one that needs to make up for his actions. I am."

"What-" Tommy started, only to break off as Adam sank to his knees.

Adam stared up at Tommy as he reached under his tunic and untied the knot at his waist. "Remove your tunic," Adam said as he worked Tommy's belt open, letting it drop to the floor along with Tommy's undergarment.

Tommy complied, heat in his eyes. Even so, he said, "You do not need to do this."

"I know," Adam said. "I want to. Let me?"

Tommy's throat bobbed as he swallowed. Voice husky, he said, "You do not need my permission, My Lord. I am yours."

Adam groaned, eyes slipping shut for a moment. He didn't think he'd ever tire of hearing Tommy say that.

"In that case…" Adam said, trailing off as he leaned forward and took Tommy's half hard dick in his mouth.

Above him, Adam heard Tommy's head hit the wall behind him as he cursed, hips bucking into Adam's mouth. Normally, Adam would have pressed Tommy back against the wall and made him take the blow job at Adam's pace, but not tonight. Tonight he wanted to feel Tommy fucking his mouth. To that end, he grabbed Tommy's hands and placed them on his head. Looking up at Tommy, Adam opened wider and stilled, waiting for Tommy to catch on.

Tommy's eyes widened briefly before darkening with lust. His fingers threaded through Adam's long hair and grabbed hold, and then he was canting his hips, fucking into Adam's mouth with shallow little thrusts at first that grew in depth and strength as the minutes passed and he got closer to the edge.

Adam moaned around him at one point when Tommy tugged a little on his hair and thrust deeper yet. In turn, Tommy gasped and tightened his hold, fucking faster and deeper with every thrust of his hips.

Adam reached for himself, so hard in his undergarment he was leaking through it, but Tommy shook his head and said breathlessly, "D-don't. Want you to come inside me a-after."

Adam shuddered and groaned. He shifted his hands from Tommy's thighs to his ass, groaning again as he felt Tommy's backside flex under his touch every time Tommy thrust into his mouth. With some difficulty, Adam pried Tommy's cheeks apart and pressed a dry finger to Tommy's asshole, rubbing in circles as Tommy moaned brokenly.

"So close. Been too long," Tommy gasped. "May I come?"

Adam answered by sucking harder and forcing himself down around Tommy completely on Tommy's next thrust, taking Tommy to the back of his throat. Tommy cried out, hips stuttering out of rhythm as come shot down Adam's throat. He swallowed around Tommy's dick, taking it all, until Tommy sank back against the wall, spent and gasping for air.

Adam pulled off with one last suck to get the last drops of Tommy's come, then stood, smirking at the dazed look in Tommy's eyes. "That good?"

Tommy nodded. "Even if it hadn't been nearly a week since you let me come last, I'd say that was the best blow job I've ever gotten."

Guilt flickered through Adam as he remembered the past several nights of using Tommy's body to get off but not allowing Tommy release of his own. "I'm-"

Tommy reached up, pressing a finger to Adam's lips as he shook his head. "Don't. Whatever you say, I deserved it. In fact, I more or less asked for it by forcing the issue that first night." He paused and looked up at Adam from under his eyelashes. His cheeks colored slightly as he admitted, "If not for the anger rolling off you each time, I would have enjoyed it, actually."

Adam's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "You like being denied your own pleasure?"

Tommy shrugged. "Once in a while as part of a game, I would."

Adam thought it through and realized the idea turned him on, too. "I think we will be playing that game very soon then."

Tommy grinned. "So you're going to keep me?"

Adam chuckled at the happiness written all over Tommy's face. Leaning in, he nipped at Tommy's lower lip and said, "As if I could ever let you go. Hells," he continued, "as if you'd ever leave. You've refused twice so far."

"I guess that means you're stuck with me," Tommy teased.

"I suppose it does," Adam said, leaning in for another kiss.

It quickly turned heated and Adam pressed his erection against Tommy's stomach with a groan.

Pulling out of the kiss, Tommy said against Adam's lips, "Take me to bed and fuck me, My Lord."

Adam groaned and reached for Tommy's ass, lifting him up off the floor. Tommy wrapped his legs and arms around him and Adam turned, walking them over to the bed. He dumped Tommy on it on his back, and stared down at his body while removing his own clothing. Once he was as naked as Tommy, he joined Tommy on the bed, setting between Tommy's legs as he licked and nipped his way down the side of Tommy's neck.

Tommy arched against him and begged, "Fuck me. Gods. Need to feel you inside me."

"You're not hard yet. I can wait," Adam mumbled against Tommy's throat.

He felt Tommy shake his head. "Don't care. Want you in me. Please, Adam."

Adam groaned, finding that the idea of fucking Tommy while he was soft turned him on.

Pushing up until he was kneeling between Tommy's legs, Adam reached for the bottle of oil on his night stand. He poured a generous amount over his fingers and dick. With one hand, he worked the oil over himself, while with his other hand, he reached between Tommy's legs to stretch him. Tommy aided him by bending his knees and holding on to them with his hands.

Once Adam had them both ready, he hooked Tommy's legs over his shoulders and lined himself up. Staring down at Tommy, he entered him, pushing steadily until he was flush with Tommy's ass.

Tommy stared back at him, gaze intent, a wealth of emotions in his expression. Adam's breath caught in his throat at the look and he realized something deeper than just sex was happening between them. He'd felt hints of it before, but never this strongly.

Bracing himself on his forearms, Adam pushed Tommy's fringe of blond hair off his face and rubbed his thumb over Tommy's cheek near his mouth, saying softly, "I lied when I said I didn't love you anymore. I do. I have all along."

Tommy turned his face and kissed the palm of Adam's hand, then looked back up at him, brown eyes bright with emotion. "I lied, too. I never stopped loving you either."

Adam leaned down, thankful Tommy was so bendable as he essentially folded him in half in order to kiss him. Tommy opened to the kiss willingly, groaning into Adam's mouth as Adam started to thrust into him slowly, taking his time, enjoying the feeling of being inside Tommy without the anger or hurt.

He fucked Tommy slowly, until Tommy hardened between them again and he began panting and moaning, begging for Adam to speed up.

Finally, when Adam couldn't take the torture any longer himself, he gasped out between breaths for air, "Hands over your head and hold on."

Tommy hurried to comply, hands pressing flat against the headboard as Adam let down his legs and knelt up, pulling Tommy half onto his lap. Tommy wrapped his legs around him and Adam grabbed his hips. He slamming into Tommy fast and hard, watching as Tommy writhed on his dick, crying out and panting for air with every thrust. Before long, broken words were spilling from Tommy's lips like a litany and Adam pieced together that he was begging to come again.

"Yes," Adam said. "Touch yourself. Come with me."

One of Tommy's hands flew to his dick. He fisted it while his other hand remained flat against the headboard, the muscles in his arm flexed as he strained to keep his head from hitting the wood with the force of Adam's thrusts.

And then suddenly Tommy's body locked up and he arched on a silent scream, face contorted in pleasure. Come shot from his dick and he clamped down around Adam. Adam gasped and with only a couple more thrusts, came deep inside Tommy with a groan.

After a moment, Adam collapsed down on top of Tommy and kissed the side of his neck as Tommy's arms came up around him. Tommy kissed Adam's cheek and whispered against his skin, "Please never tell me to leave again."

Adam lifted his head and saw the hurt in Tommy's eyes at the memory. Wanting to make that hurt go away, Adam leaned on his elbows and cupped Tommy's face in his hands. "Never. You're mine. You gave yourself to me. I'm sorry I didn't honor that before. From this moment on, though, I promise to."

Tommy swallowed and nodded, eyes shining in the light from the fireplace. He pulled Adam down on top of him again and Adam felt Tommy's arms and legs tighten around him. Adam pressed his face into Tommy's neck, hugging him back.

Eventually, Adam's softened dick slipped from Tommy's ass and Adam rolled onto his side, taking Tommy with him. Tommy straightened one leg and one arm for comfort, but kept the other wrapped around Adam.

"You don't need to hold on so tight," Adam said, a smile curling his lips. "I promise I'm not going anywhere."

Tommy's expression was sheepish as he pulled his face back from Adam's neck to look at him. "I know. I'm just enjoying being allowed to do this again. I missed it this last week."

Adam reached out and pushed Tommy's sweaty hair out of his face, tucking it behind his ear. "I did, too." He hesitated, then said, "I have a confession to make."

Tommy looked at him curiously. "What is it?"

"You may have already guessed this by the fact that I don't personally keep slaves-with the exception of you-but I don't believe people should own slaves any more than you do."

Tommy smiled softly. "I had guessed, yes."

Adam nodded. "What you don't know is that when I turned eighteen, I thought to free all the slaves one by one. There was nothing my uncle could do about it since I was of age and the crown prince … or so I thought. I started with Richard because I'd grown up with him. He's like a second father to me in a lot of ways."

Tommy tensed. "What did your uncle do?"

Adam felt cold hate steel through him at the memory. "He put Lane-a household slave I was fond of-to death and told me for every slave I freed, he'd take the life of another."

Tommy gasped. "I'm sorry. I can't imagine having to sit by and watch someone like him wield the kind of power he does over the kingdom I love for as long as you have. Especially not after what he did to you personally."

Adam swallowed and nodded. "It hasn't been easy. My brother and I agreed, though, that our first actions once I take over as king will be to go about freeing all the slaves of the kingdom and overseeing the transition, like you and your father did with your kingdom."

Tommy nodded. "It was a rough at first, but it was worth it."

Adam rubbed his thumb over Tommy's bottom lip and searched his eyes. "Before your confession, when I thought you were truly my slave and your kingdom was lost to you, I was going to free you first, then ask you to be my husband and rule at my side."

Tommy's breath caught in his throat. He was silent for a moment, then said, "I would have said yes."

Heart pounding in Adam's chest, he asked, "Will you still? Be my husband and rule beside me once I am king, I mean."

Tommy's face lit up and he leaned in, pressing his lips to Adam's before pulling back to meet his gaze. "Nothing would make me happier."

Adam exhaled in relief and grinned from ear to ear, pulling Tommy into a tight hug. "You have no idea how happy you've made me. I did not expect this that day we met on the battlefield, but I'm not complaining." He pulled back and cupped the side of Tommy's face, adding, "The only thing I would change is your father's death."

Tommy's eyes flashed with pain. "Me too." He smiled softly and added, "And yes, the last thing I expected the day I knelt before you on that field was to end up in your bed, agreeing to your marriage proposal." The smile dropped from Tommy's face again and he asked, "What are we going to do about our two kingdoms? We can't ask Monte and the rest to sit in exile for over a year until you take the throne. We need to find a solution."

Adam leaned in and brushed a kiss over Tommy's lips before saying, "We will."



Adam had nearly drifted off to sleep with Tommy in his arms, his blond head on Adam's chest, when Taylor burst into Adam's chambers, eyes round with fear.

Immediately Adam sat up, dislodging Tommy.

"What is it?" Adam asked.

Taylor swallowed. "I overheard Lord Randal telling one of the guards to pull Jeffery from the slave quarters and bring him to the stables. I believe he means to force himself on Jeffery. He said it was time Jeffery learn to be a man."

Adam's stomach turned. Those had been the exact words Gregory had used with him the first time, and no doubt used with Randal his first time. It seemed Randal had chosen to follow in the king's footsteps with his perversions.

For a moment, Adam sat frozen, sick with nightmarish memories, until Tommy leapt from the bed and started for Adam's clothing chest at the end of it, barking at a bemused Taylor to find him a sword.

Forcing himself back to the present, Adam climbed from the bed and crossed to Tommy, stopping him from opening the chest. "No."

Tommy's gaze shot to Adam's and there was fear and desperation there. "Don't, Adam. Don't order me to stay behind again. If Randal-"

"He won't," Adam said, already opening the chest himself and grabbing clothing out. "I'll make sure of it, I promise."

Adam pulled his leggings on, even as Tommy said, "But-"

"No," Adam repeated, tying his leggings off. Reaching up, he cupped Tommy's face in his hands and said, "Be smart about this. It will ruin everything you've worked for if you expose yourself now. Trust me and let me do this. Every moment we waste arguing is a moment Jeffery doesn't have."

Tommy looked like he wanted to say more, but he kept his mouth shut and nodded.

Adam let go of him and finished dressing, then headed for the door. Behind him, Tommy said, "Keep him safe. Please."

Adam looked back at him and said, "I swear on my life."



Tommy paced Adam's chambers as he imagined all the things Randal could be doing to Jeffery right then. Adam had to get there in time. He had to. Tommy was so very tempted to don clothing and go after them, but Adam was right. He'd have to expose himself as a king to save Jeffery. He would if he had to, of course, but with Adam already headed there to save him, it would be rather pointless. Still, it made Tommy ill to remain behind.

Minutes later, just as Tommy finally gave in to the urge to go to Jeffery himself, consequences be damned, the chamber door opened and shut again.

"My, my, my," a voice that was very much not Adam's, said. "I can see why Adam is always so anxious to return to chambers."

Tommy froze at the sound of King Gregory's voice, blood running cold. Swallowing hard, he slowly turned to face him, intensely aware of his nakedness and lack of an adequate weapon within reach.

"What are you doing here?" Tommy demanded.

The king clucked his tongue and shook his head as he started for Tommy. "Now, now. Is that any way to talk to your king? Careful, or I might take it as a sign that Adam hasn't brought you in line the way he thinks he has."

Tommy clenched his jaw, holding back the urge to tell the king he was speaking to an equal, not a slave.

Gregory's chuckled, coming to a stop inches from Tommy. "It's killing you to hold your tongue, isn't it? I'm sure there is so much you'd like to say to me."

Tommy's smile was mocking as he said. "Not so much say as do, no."

Gregory threw back his head and laughed, then met Tommy's gaze, his own turning to ice. "The hate in your eyes is going to make this so very, very good."

Tommy swallowed hard, fighting not to show the fear rolling through him in waves. "Make what good?"

Gregory's smile was sinister. "I think you know," he said. "You're older than I usually like my bed partners, but your boyish looks make up for it. You'll do." He reached out, running his knuckles over Tommy's cheek as he spoke the last.

Tommy had to fight not to flinch away. "My master would never allow it."

Gregory's eyebrows shot up. "Do you truly believe that, or do you just wish it?" When Tommy refused to answer, Gregory grabbed Tommy by the throat and pulled him in close. "Either way it does not matter. I am ruler of this kingdom. I can take whatever and whoever I like. Your master has nothing to say about it."

"Maybe one of the other slaves who you've denied an education and who therefore don't know the laws would believe you," Tommy countered, "but I know better. You have no right to do what you are threatening."

Gregory tightened his hold on Tommy's throat, cutting off a little of Tommy's air. Tommy fought to remain still and breathe evenly, knowing that to try to pull away just then would prove fruitless and would show Gregory he was getting to him.

A cruel grin curling his lips, Gregory said, "I do not make threats, slave. I am going to have you. Right now."

Trying another tactic, Tommy said, "My master will be back at any moment. He only stepped out briefly."

"Nice try," Gregory said. "But I know why he left. Jeffery is having another run-in with Randal as we speak. I made sure that sneaky servant of Adam's overheard Randal and the guard speak. You and I have plenty of time."

Tommy's stomach turned, imagining again all the things Randal could be doing to Jeffery right then, and thankful Adam was headed there to stop it. If it meant being raped by the king as a result, so be it.

"Isn't that interesting," Gregory said, head tiling a little as he studied Tommy's face. "The change in your attitude just now. You truly do care about that worthless slave. You'd willingly spread your legs for me just to save him, wouldn't you?"

Tommy's fought down revulsion at the thought of spreading anything for Gregory and said, "I'm just accepting my fate, Your Highness, nothing more."

"Oh no," Gregory said. "No. I'd much prefer you fight. In fact, I insist on it. It will be so much sweeter when I finally sink into your ass if you're fighting me tooth and nail all the way there."

"And if I don't?" Tommy asked, although truthfully, he doubted he could submit without putting up a fight.

"If you don't? Well, let's see," Gregory said, pretending to think about it. A dangerous glint sparked in his eyes as he said a moment later, "Jeffery is how old now? 14? 15? He's almost the right age for me and Randal is getting a bit old. I was going to give Jeffery another year or so to ripen, but I could make do with his boyish body now."

Tommy had to swallow back bile at the thought of Gregory forcing himself on Jeffery. Forcing the words out, Tommy asked, "How hard would you like me to fight, Your Highness?"

"That's the spirit," Gregory said gleefully.

Not waiting for Gregory to make the first move, Tommy clenched his jaw and rammed his knee into Gregory's groin. If the king wanted a fight, Tommy would give it to him.

Gregory let go of him in surprise and doubled over, gasping in pain. "You little-"

"You said you wanted a fight, did you not?" Tommy interjected, wishing again that he was clothed as he dropped into a battle stance. "Maybe you forgot that I'm an accomplished warrior, but I assure you, I have not."

Gregory grinned. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

[Part 13]