Ben approached his king, his heart palpitating... sweat beading his brow as it never had done before. He didn't fear the king as others did. He'd never had any reason to do so. All his adult life he'd been a loyal subject of King Salah. He respected and obeyed him without prejudice. Ben knew he'd do the same in this instance, regardless of how much the outcome broke his heart.

The king smiled at him sadly and knowingly as he watched his most loyal guard approach. "Ahhh, Benjamin. I can feel the heaviness of your heart from the distance."

Kneeling before the king, only rising when he felt the familiar tap on his shoulder, Ben sighed deeply. "I apologize for disturbing you, Majesty. I came to ask for a great favor... two of them actually."

"Go on," the king urged. "I assume this pertains to Michael's imminent audience before me."

Nodding as he stood to his full height, Ben answered, "Yes, Sire. I realize as your head of security, I am duty-bound to be at your side..."

"You don't want to be here as Michael receives my judgment, and subsequent punishment..." the king announced, studying him thoughtfully.

"I'd rather not if it's all the same, Your Highness..." Ben mumbled, his eyes and head downcast.

King Salah cleared his throat raggedly, his heart aching at the pain within his most trusted subject. Ben was much more than his most loyal guard... he was a friend as well. Normally, he would do anything for him... however, in this case, his options were limited. Michael had crossed a line that could not be recovered. He had interfered in the desires of his own master - the prince, and his beloved grandson. Brahim would accept any judgment he issued... yet, he knew his grandson well - he would expect not only a fair punishment, but a fitting one as well. "Of course, Ben. You can send in your replacement for the hearing. It's not as if I expect a violent reprisal from Michael."

Unable to resist, Ben chuckled lightly. "No, you're correct in that. Michael will accept his punishment without any incident."

"Very well. That's settled, then." The king looked at Ben shrewdly for a long moment. His old and wise eyes absorbing the tension residing in him. "You spoke of two favors. What is the other?"

Ben looked directly into the king's stern gaze. "One that I have no right to ask... yet, I am humbling myself to do so. I beg that you spare Michael's life. No matter what the cost. I beg that of you, Majesty."

"I figured as much," he answered morosely. "As grievous as Michael's crime against Brahim may have been... I don't believe his death is necessitated. I can't answer completely until I have spoken to the victim. But I don't see that being Michael's punishment."

Eyes widening in surprise, Ben asked, "Victim? You will be speaking with Justin before the hearing?"

"Indeed. I arranged it with my grandson earlier this morning. Not how I had anticipated meeting this man that has so bewitched Brahim, yet one that I feel to be necessary," the king answered.

"I hope that goes well, My King. I only met the young man briefly, but he doesn't seem to be overly respectful or feel honored by being Prince Brahim's chosen one..." Ben returned, remembered the rumblings he had heard regarding Justin's outrageous behavior.

The king laughed heartily. "I have no doubt Brahim is working that out. My grandson has too much pride to take a man that didn't feel the same for him. My only concern is that he publicly respects him. When they arrive, I will speak with Justin in private. I will do all I can to ensure the young man can meet with me without any unpleasant incidents."

"I hope you get the answers you seek, Your Highness. I will leave you in peace. I don't want to be present when Michael arrives," Ben whispered almost brokenly.

A soft and pained look entered the king's eyes. "I understand, Ben. Take the day away for yourself. I will advise you of my decision as soon as it's been made."

Ben bowed his head. "Thank you, My King. No matter your decision, I serve you always."

"I know this, Ben." The king patted Ben lightly on the shoulder before watching him make his exit. He sat on his chair, his hand rubbing at his already aching temple. More than anything, he hoped this could have a favorable solution... for all of them. Brahim had been outraged by Michael's actions, and rightly so... however, he knew his grandson very well. Shunning Michael hadn't been easy. They had been friends as children. Never equals as Brahim was royalty... but he knew Brahim had a fondness for Michael. That all seemed to be in the past now. He had a suspicion as to why Michael had acted as he did. He hoped that Justin would provide the missing pieces to confirm that.

Justin walked a few steps behind Brian as he'd been instructed while being led into the king's home, his irritation more than present in both his body language and his eyes, which shot daggers around at everything and everyone. Under his breath, he hissed, "Precisely why am I here, Your Highness?"

Brian's back tensed at the snide tone emitted in the normally respectful address. Not slowing his steps, Brian answered in a low and chilling voice. "I told you that already, Justin. My grandfather, the king, wants to know of your interactions with Michael from your mouth. Not to mention, he wants to meet you as well."

"Seems a bit overboard to me," Justin grumbled.

He bit back a smile. "My grandfather is thorough in all his decision processes."

"Apparently that trait wasn't hereditary," Justin bit out.

"Silence!" Brian hissed. "Remember what I told you about acceptable behavior. You are in a completely different world here."

Justin snorted derisively. "Don't I know it."

Brian rolled his eyes as he moved briskly ahead, thankful that he'd dismissed the king's guards that would normally escort them inside. He trusted when Justin came before the king, he would be more respectful. Today of all days, such disrespect would not be tolerated. "Just follow my lead. Do so and we will be out of here quickly."

Biting his tongue not to retort it would be one prison in exchange for another, Justin decided that returning to Brian's home was far more preferable than this estate full of staff running around and guards everywhere the eyes could see. "As you wish..."

Turning on his heel to stare at Justin sharply, fire and determination blazing in his hazel eyes, Brian prodded, "As I wish?"

Justin glared heatedly for a long, silent moment. "Fine," he snapped. "As you wish, Your Highness."

"Very good," Brian purred. Uncaring of the bodies moving to and fro around him, he slanted his lips across Justin's briefly, his tongue poking at the tightly closed lips. Laughing huskily, Brian told him, "You can close yourself off, for now, little boy, but don't forget that tonight you're all mine."

"Perhaps, and the countdown of remaining nights begins..." Justin taunted him, smiling when he viewed the flash of anger in Brian's eyes.

Turning around, more in his intent to mask his displeasure at the reminder, Brian snapped, "We'll see. Now, let's go. The king is waiting."

King Salah's eyes narrowed on the group of men approaching. His stern expression remained as it flickered over the four guards that flanked his grandson and the man he assumed was now his grandson's lover. As they moved closer, the king realized the young man that Brahim held in such high esteem was indeed striking. He wasn't a gay man like his grandson, but that didn't detract from him recognizing the obvious allure of this petite blond-headed man. His eyes settled longest on Brahim. The tension was much more relaxed in him. He wasn't certain if that signified their relationship had progressed to the next level, or if they had simply made progress. In either event, he was sure that his grandson had things well under control.

Immediately, he began to dismiss the guards. He hated when Brahim bowed or knelt before him. He considered him to be his equal in every way. Brahim possessed a strength of character and power that few men ever possessed. He was a natural-born leader. If only Brahim would accept that. He knew the great love Brahim held for their country... Yet, he resisted his natural rule. When he had mentioned the idea of an heir, it had been his hopes for Brahim to accept his true destiny. Undoubtedly, he wanted to see both events carried out. However, for the immediate future, he wanted to live to see his grandson as the king of Brakania. Now that he had returned home, his hopes were slightly restored.

"Leave us," the king commanded, even before Brian and Justin had halfway approached him. The guards didn't question his dictates, they knew by now his privacy was always desired with his grandson. As they departed, he watched with mild amusement the byplay going on between Brahim and Justin. They weren't close enough yet to fully discern the conversation, but he had the feeling it was regarding proper behavior. Young Justin didn't realize how much he'd saved him by clearing the room. As he looked into his grandson's eyes, he knew that Brahim was more than aware.

Standing and moving forward the rest of the way, he reached out and pulled his grandson into a tight embrace, decorum be damned in this instance. Tears misted his eyes as he squeezed him tight. "Brahim, it's wonderful to see you."

"I feel the same, My King. I've missed you," Brian whispered, even though Justin was behind him watching, and even though he'd just visited with his grandfather on his arrival, he knew he had never spoken words any truer. He loved this meddling and powerful old man incessantly. Until he had stepped foot on these lands again, he hadn't realized how much. Saying goodbye to his homeland and his grandfather again was going to be even more difficult than it had been the first time.

Fuck, Justin thought to himself. Brian did have a heart. He knew he cared about his grandfather, the king... yet seeing it displayed was more intimate than he could have imagined. It was so open and deep. There were so many layers to Brian, aka Prince Brahim, that wasn't readily visible to the world. He wondered if he'd get to see more of these shocking revelations. He watched as they pulled free, both of them turning to him in unison. Justin bowed his head in respect, knowing this was the least he was expected to do. It was something he hadn't planned on doing so easily, yet somehow it had been exactly just that. There was something about King Salah that demanded respect and generated it as deserving as well. Justin decided he wouldn't mind getting to know this powerful man. Perhaps in doing so, he would understand his ruthless grandson even more.

"Grandfather, this is Justin..." Brian began hesitantly, uncertain of which Justin would emerge.

"Yes." The king looked at Justin analytically for a moment. "The young man that has so entranced the man that shuns all involvement."

Brian snorted. "Entranced? Hardly..."

"Hush!" the king exploded in mock reprimand. "I was speaking to Justin. You may look at me and speak as well, young one."

"Thank you, Your Highness..." Justin responded respectfully. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, Justin. I have wondered greatly about you." He frowned thoughtfully. "I only wish it had been under more pleasing circumstances."

Justin nodded, agreeing completely. "I will answer your questions, King Salah. I'm just not certain how much I can assist you."

Brian's eyes narrowed on Justin, suspicious regarding his sudden acquiescence, determined to remain strong and in control with his rebellious and audacious blond. "You'll simply answer his questions. He will decide the benefit of your answers and go from there."

The king rolled his eyes, realizing he needed to move his grandson elsewhere before the boy froze up again. "Brahim, I'd like to spend some time alone with Justin. I'm sure you can amuse yourself elsewhere."

"Of course, Grandfather. I'll be out walking your beautiful grounds." He looked at Justin intensely for a long moment, visibly relieved that Justin seemed calm and not looking to cause discord. In a voice that was more warning than anything else, Brian told Justin, "I'll be back soon."

King Salah laughed as Brian reluctantly left his most prized possession in his care. One thing he knew, Brian wouldn't entrust this one to another easily. "He can be a bit overwhelming at times. Please, come sit with me."

Justin obediently followed, mumbling under his breath, "He can be that and more..." When the king looked at him in reproach, Justin amended, "I apologize, Your Highness. I know that is out of place here."

"It is. However, I do realize our ways are not your own. It takes time for that adjustment. That being said, I am not condoning any disrespect to either my grandson or myself. I'm sure Brahim has told you about the ramifications of doing so publicly..."

"Yes, he has. I'm trying to remember that. I don't wish for my stay here to be any more difficult than it needs to be." Justin watched as the king took a seat, doing the same once the king was comfortable.

Looking at the young man shrewdly, he asked, "Is it really such a hardship?"

Justin flushed before he answered, "Not really. Your grandson can be extremely fascinating, beguiling, and entirely too beautiful, but he can be equally as aggravating."

"Yes, I know. Much of the blame of how he is, falls to me, Justin." He took in a deep breath, before answering, "Brahim spent most of his time with me as a child. There were dark times then... many things I did for the good of my people would be considered barbaric to those of your nation. I'm afraid my ruthless behavior transferred to him. Don't lose faith, Justin. There is a capacity for great emotion within him. I know him better than anyone. I think he cares a great deal for you."

"With all due respect, Sir... I think you're seeing things that don't exist. As it is, he agreed to let me leave in two weeks."

The king audibly gasped at that bit of news. He hadn't expected that... nor did he wish to hear such news. Justin leaving could equate to Brahim leaving again. He couldn't bear to think of that so soon. "This is a surprise, Justin. I'm sure there is a story to tell, but now I'm a bit pressed for time. Michael will be arriving soon."

"Yes, of course. What would you like to know?" Justin asked, frowning at the pain he just read appearing in the king's eyes, uncertain of the reason for it... only knowing for some reason it disturbed him as well.

"Just basic information, really. How did Michael treat you? Was he courteous to you? Did he ever express any interest in harming you?" the king asked, his eyes watching Justin's facial expressions closely. Michael's punishment would hinge heavily on these answers.

Justin thought about that for a moment. "Yes, he was courteous to me. Although, I think grudgingly so. I don't think he likes Americans. Undoubtedly, I didn't feel he liked me at all."

"I have a feeling you are a very astute young man. Tell me, Justin. Why do you think Michael drugged you? He states it was to serve his prince... to make the prize Brahim most desired to possess more accessible to him. Do you agree... or do you think it was more?" King Salah asked, knowing his suspicions were about to be confirmed.

"In truth, I think Michael acted amid confusion. I believe he thought he was helping the prince... yet, I think he has unrequited feelings for him as well. I could be mistaken in this, of course. Still, it's my impression."

The king nodded his agreement. "I think for one knowing Michael for such a short amount of time, you read him very well. One more question, Justin. What would you like to see happen regarding his punishment?"

"I don't wish anything dire to befall him. Perhaps I should, but I don't. Your grandson is larger than life. I'm sure many admire him in such a way. Being separated from him and having him return most likely befuddled Michael." Justin looked at the king directly, his respect growing for the elder version of Brian as he watched how the king listened to his every word, as if he valued his opinion. "I'm not sure Michael's even truly in love with the prince. I think it's more of loving the idea he represents."

"I'm impressed, Justin. You do see a lot." King Salah sighed as he heard a harsh knock at his door. "That's probably Brahim returning to claim you."

"He isn't the most patient of men..." Justin mused, hoping he hadn't said too much.

The king laughed heartily. "That he's not. I do hope we meet again, Justin. Unpleasant circumstances or not, I have enjoyed this visit." He called out to admit entrance. "Enter!"

"I have too, Your Highness. Very much so," Justin answered, smiling at the wise and kind king, finding himself wondering how much of this man truly lived in Brian. For the first time, he wanted to know.

As expected, Brian entered the room, looking back and forth between them anxiously. "Well, I see you haven't beheaded him yet. That's a good sign."

King Salah scowled. "We don't use that punishment any longer, Brahim. And I'd never use it on this delightful young man."

Brian rolled his lips under, biting back the smile that threatened to erupt. So, the little fucker scored the big one today. He knew his grandfather so well. Not only did he approve of Justin, but he also liked him as well. "I'm relieved to hear that, Grandfather."

The king smiled warmly at his all too transparent grandson. He didn't fool him for one minute, but he wouldn't call him on it right now, especially in front of Justin. Brahim was falling for this charming young man, and he couldn't be more pleased. Two weeks, indeed. Brahim was up to something. There was no way he planned on allowing Justin to leave after two weeks, nor did he wish it, either. Justin could be the key to keeping Brahim here where he belonged - one step closer to accepting his heritage, his true destiny. He would definitely be keeping a close eye on how things continued to develop. "We're finished, Brahim. I'm sure you want to be gone from here before Michael arrives."

Nodding, Brian answered, "I see no reason to subject Justin to him further."

"I agree." King Salah turned to face Justin. "Thank you for your candor, Justin. It leads me to make the only decision I feel is right to make."

"Your welcome, Your Highness." Justin bowed towards him. "I hope we meet again."

"I have a feeling we will, Justin..." the king answered, smiling knowingly at his grandson. In passing he told him, "Have Ben sent to me. I wish to inform him of my decision."

Brian's eyebrows rose, wondering exactly what that meant. "Which is what, Grandfather?"

"I have decided to make it so Michael can never serve you, nor anyone in my kingdom again. Complete separation from you. That should punish him more thoroughly than anything else. I will give Ben the choice whether to stay or not," he answered, both of them knowing exactly what he was saying.

"I understand. It's a fair and humane judgment." Brian looked towards Justin. "It's time to go, Justin."

Justin responded by saying his goodbye to the king, a warm smile on his lips... his amazement overwhelming him at how much he'd enjoyed his meeting with Brian's grandfather, and how he genuinely hoped to see him again. "I liked him," Justin whispered, as he followed him out.

"He's an incredible man."

As he trailed behind him, Justin asked, "What is Michael's punishment?"

His steps slowed but he didn't stop moving. "He will be exiled. Thrown out of Brakania, and never allowed to return."

As they slid into the back of the jeep that would transport them back to Brian's home, he asked, "Who's Ben?"

"He's my grandfather's head of security... and a man that loves Michael unconditionally." He watched as the driver started the jeep, and then glanced towards the guard that slipped in next to him. "It's my assumption he is going to offer Ben his release to go with him."

"Will he go?"

Brian's eyes fell to the armed vehicle that was entering the grounds as they were leaving, knowing Michael was seated inside. A sense of sadness overtook him as he realized he would never again see the man that was once one of his closest childhood friends, despite the difference in their social status. "Ben has never left Brakania, but he will for Michael."

Justin smiled. "It must be bliss to love that deeply. I hope someday..."

"Careful there, Justin. Your lesbian tendencies are showing again."

He glared at the arrogant prince briefly, before he realized what he was doing. Today he had glimpsed genuine feelings he possessed for his grandfather. Brian didn't like that. He wanted to be this uncaring, ruthless predator... perhaps he was those things, but he was more. For the first time, he really wanted to know more. He leaned over to whisper in Brian's ear, "I'm onto you, Your Highness. There is a heart that beats in there."

Brian's eyes fell into the luminous ones that so obsessed him. Those ripe lips that so enticed him were so close. He resisted them. Barely, was he able to do so. He licked his lips in hungry anticipation. He lowered his lips to rasp into Justin's ear, "Tell me that tonight in bed, Justin. As I'm finally ramming my cock in and out of your hot little ass, tell me precisely what throbs most inside of me."

Justin felt his cock harden instantly at the evocative images Brian's words evoked. "Fine," he gulped. "I'll do that." As they drove silently the rest of the way home, Justin realized at some point he needed to make certain Brian knew it would be his first time. He knew enough about the process to know that Brian needed to know that.

It didn't even occur to him that he'd thought of Brian's estate as home. If he had, he would have been aghast at the implications of such a realization. One he wouldn't be ready to accept for a long time to come.

TBC