[AN: Okay, first warning is: Gore. It's not detailed, but it is still rather gross. Second, sexy fun times~ If you don't want to read it, then just read until you get to that point before skipping to the '------' at the end. Enjoy~]
~Chapter Thirty-Three: A Day to Remember~
"Atasah-aum."
I turn away from the backpack I am packing on the floor in front of the dresser to frown at Felix, who is standing in the doorway of my bedroom. While I was pretty focused on remembering what I need to pack, I still should have heard the main door opening and closing. I also suspect he did not knock, as I definitely would have heard that. Nero left to finish some paperwork in his office about a half hour ago, though, so it is not like he would have walked in on anything that a brother should not witness.
When I realize that I am just staring at him, I mentally shake my head. "Need something?" I ask, returning to packing little plastic bags full of clothing items that will keep everything from getting wet on the swim. Vepkoadur told Nero and me that the mission in Wyoming would likely last longer than last time, especially since it involves travel time, so he advised that we pack some clothes before we leave tomorrow morning.
"Yes, actually. I would like to make a request," Felix says, taking my question as an invitation into the room and sitting down on the bed behind me. I expect him to just continue on with his 'request', but it seems he is waiting for me to acknowledge it or something.
Before answering, I pack the last two plastic bags before zipping up the backpack and tossing it onto a chair. Standing up and brushing non-existent dirt off my hands, I turn to face the prince. "I hope you aren't expecting me to guess," I reply, crossing my arms and leaning back against the dresser.
Felix rolls his eyes, but it must have worked, since he starts to explain. "I'm not, but I have to ask you something first. My father has told me that I will be ascending to the throne sometime in the next couple of years and, after what happened with Aiken, he suggests I find people loyal to me, not just the throne," he informs me, looking determined.
That's pretty good advice.
He continues, "Now, normally, any brothers of the future king would go on to become lords of their own cities in the kingdom while the sisters would start to search for their soul mates, but those are old traditions and I'd honestly be at a loss if any of you left. However, that doesn't mean I'm going to force you to stay. When the war ends, do you think you will want to live somewhere else? And I'm not asking what you think Nero wants, just what you want. Pretend my brother has no say in the matter."
His way of phrasing the question makes me snort, as Nero always has a say in things, but I consider it anyway. I only have to think about his question for a few seconds before shaking my head. "I wouldn't mind exploring Earth more or showing Nero Yabrogath, but I can't imagine that I would like living in a castle that belonged only to Nero and me. I imagine it'd get pretty boring with him working more than he already does to keep the city running," I answer, uncrossing my arms and sticking my hands into my back pockets. "It is also unlikely I will be called back to Yabrogath to continue with the Hellions, as my captain would probably fight our general on the matter."
"Good," Felix says, clearly relieved by my answer. However, the relief only last for a couple of seconds before he looks determined again. "Here's my request: When I ascend to the throne, I can appoint new advisors and promote officers. This has never been done before, but I want to transfer your rank from the Hellions and promote you to a Mer captain. Would you be willing to accept?"
Surprised, I just stare at him for a moment, replaying what he said in my head a few times. While the idea is exciting, I try not to get my hopes up. After all, I am not so sure the demon who cannot swim very fast being a part of the Mer military, which fights in the water, is a very good idea. "I'd be a pretty useless captain if I can't even fight in the water," I point out, and then more importantly add, "I doubt Nero would want me to put myself in danger, either."
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How to Catch a Fish (ManxMan)
Romance- There is a saying: "If you can't change it, don't worry about it." - However, when you are a prisoner of war, there is not a whole lot you can do except worry. At first, you worry about your fellow soldiers. How many died? Who survived? Then yo...
