"What do you mean he's unavailable?" Justin exploded, as he glared at the member of Brian's staff that appeared to have taken on Michael's vacated role.

The man smiled at Justin with supreme patience, having understood this man's presence in the prince's home very well. He wasn't to be fully trusted, yet he was to be treated with the greatest of respect. "Sir, I apologize that this news comes as a disappointment. After your return from your meeting with the king, Prince Brahim stated he had many matters that required his attention. He most likely won't be joining you for dinner, but he will see you later."

"This certainly came on suddenly..." Justin grumbled, seeing that his hopes to talk to Brian before the actual ‘event' had been instantly dashed. Fuck. He needed to talk to him before the fact. The lust-driven prince wasn't going to expect that the object of his obsession came to him sexually inexperienced. It was in both of their best interests that this little chat took place. Justin highly doubted when they met later that Brian would be eager to approach any type of conversation. Somehow, he had to make him listen.

"That is all I know, Sir. I wish I could be of more assistance..." he was told firmly, yet graciously... more so than he probably deserved considering his sniping tone.

Justin nodded. "I'm sorry. You're just doing your job. It's not your fault he had to leave."

"If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask," he told the prince's esteemed houseguest before he departed to go about his duties.

Pacing back and forth, Justin couldn't help but wonder about these matters that called the prince away... in particular, the suddenness of his departure. Brian hadn't spoken a word of it on their way back to his home. Had he really left or was he somewhere in this massive home in studied avoidance of him? Justin really wondered about that. It would be just like Brian to be in hiding and appear later - catching him off guard in an unexpected and absolute moment. Knowing there was nothing he could do about the situation, Justin gathered up his sketch pad and chalks before going outside to take advantage of his moment of solitude - no matter how long it may last.

Leisurely strolling out to his intended destination, Justin slid down until his back was perched in a slight groove in the tree that was the central point of the vast garden that showcased the prince's grounds. This area of the estate was simplistic in beauty, yet it took his breath away as his artist's eye took in every detail. The vast and plentiful terrain was a sight that he couldn't resist as an artist. Justin had been amazed during his first visit to this exact spot. It was breathtaking... and he wanted to capture it on canvas, from every possible angle. He decided he would do exactly that for the duration of his time here.

Two weeks. It would have to be enough. For everything - it had to be enough. Sketching this beautiful land, along with exploring his undeniable desire for the arrogant and utterly gorgeous prince. He smiled as he remembered back to their first meeting - tumultuous with a vast degree of emotions, most of which had been undetermined at the time. Initially, he had thought he'd felt nothing but contempt for the predatory and all too ruthless Mr. Kinney... soon enough, he had realized it had been an attraction unlike any he had ever known - a chemical reaction even. As he sat here now, sketching the beautiful flower garden that he thought to be the complete antithesis to the hard-edged prince, Justin accepted that his surrender to both the man and the desire he evoked within him, had been inevitable from that very first meeting.

Justin didn't know how long he'd been reclining against the tree... he only knew it had been a while as he leafed through his sketch pad and noticed how many rough sketches he had drawn. The last one was his favorite. It was only an outline really, but it was in his own mind poignant... and one that he'd love to expand upon. Sometimes it astounded him what he could commit to memory, perhaps it was the artist in him; whatever it was, he was glad he possessed it in this case.

Without even being cognizant of doing so, he had drawn the outline of the man he'd met this morning - Brian's grandfather, the king; seated in a chair close to him, yet not of level height, looking up at him was the prince. Eyes identical in color looked back at each other, love clearly defined in their gaze. The king held a look of strength and love in his caring gaze; Brian looked up at his grandfather much the same - adoration and respect glowing in his eyes. As he looked at the rough etching, Justin thought he'd never viewed anything so breathtaking as when he looked at Brian's obvious unconditional love for his grandfather.

He stared at the drawing for several moments, his back slightly tensing on the realization he was no longer alone. Justin bit his lip to hide the smile, unwilling to admit how pleased he was by this interruption. "Well, aren't I the special one? I am sought out by the prince himself yet again."

Brian moved from behind the tree where he had approached, his eyes burning as they moved over Justin in his relaxed pose. His voice spoke in a whispery growl. "I'd think by now you would understand there's no place I won't go to find you, my little captive one."

Justin slightly bristled at the words. Back in Pittsburgh, he would have found them utterly offensive... in the here and now, he could see much more behind them. Brian didn't want anyone to see the softness he had gauged in him on several occasions. However, he had. Granted it had primarily been extended towards his grandfather, but it had been shown to him as well too. He remembered just last night when Michael had drugged him. In the aftermath of the various effects, Justin remembered the concern and regret that had been clearly on display in Brian's eyes. Brian had stated several times - he didn't want it to be this way - Justin believed him completely. For some reason, Brian needed this defense mechanism... he wanted everyone to think he was fashioned of steel, uncaring about everything and everyone. Justin couldn't help but wonder why. He imagined it went with this position of power, but he couldn't help wondering if it could be something more.

Snorting derisively, Justin responded, "Little captive? You're definitely not trying to sweet talk me today. Are you, Your Highness?"

Brian shrugged, pretending to appear indifferent. "Why bother? We both know I'm hours away from getting what I most want."

"Uh-huh. Perhaps I'll change my mind." Justin didn't want to tell him this way, but he also thought this could be one way of forcing a reaction to appear on his smug and beautiful face. "I never anticipated my ‘first time' happening as a culmination of such a callous pursuit. I just might have to rethink that."

"That's bullshit and we both know it." His eyes moved over the reclining blond, lust and need causing his eyes to widen and darken. He did the unthinkable and moved to sit down on the grass next to him, his eyes narrowing as the full value of Justin's words hit him. "Back up there, little boy. Did you say, ‘first time'? As in the first time for us... or something more?"

Justin blushed, reaching down to pluck at the grass off to one side of him. "Yes," he whispered. "I've fucked guys, given and received blowjobs, but I've never..."

"Had a cock up your ass?" Brian finished for him, his breathing accelerating as the ramifications of Justin's admission began to assail him. He would be the first.

"Stated with your inestimable brand of finesse," Justin answered, his head turning to find his gaze met head-on by the predatory intent in Brian's hazel eyes.

"What about rimming?" Brian growled, his eyes hungrily falling to Justin's lips, the desire beginning to burn in him so strongly he doubted he'd wait until later tonight. He wasn't even certain they'd make it back to the house and out of his opulent, yet secluded, garden.

Justin shook his head. "I've never had the pleasure of giving or receiving. I never found someone I wanted that level of intimacy with - in either capacity."

"You have now," Brian rasped. "Haven't you, Justin?"

An indifferent shrug followed, one that they both knew to be false. "Perhaps."

"I'd suggest you distract me quickly, Mr. Taylor. I'm on the verge of giving you some ‘firsts' right here underneath this tree," Brian told him, his voice husky and deep. "I have wanted you for too long now. My blood runs hot, and my desires burn even hotter. For you, it's a level previously unknown by me. I need to calm down before I take you too hurriedly. That's not what I want for your first time... our first time together."

"Awwww, Mr. Kinney. That almost sounded romantic," Justin teased him, laughing at the glare of reproach that followed. "Fine. I'll distract you for a moment. Where were you earlier? I was told that you'd left."

"I didn't leave. I was in my study handling some correspondence. Then, my grandfather called and we spoke for quite a while."

Justin's eyes became shadowed with concern. "Oh? Is everything alright with the king?"

Brian smiled. "Yes, he's more than fine. His most immediate concern was to know if I was treating you favorably. You scored quite a conquest today, Justin. He doesn't open up easily. In his position, he can't. However, he instantly became very fond of you and wants to see you again soon. In his words - under more pleasant circumstances."

Justin smiled brightly. "I'd like that, too. He's really quite special. I could have visited with him for hours." A sudden idea overwhelmed him, one that he wanted to enact in deed as well as in thought. "I want to do something for him, Brian. In fact, I've already started a crude sketch. Given a few days of work and a more appropriate canvas to work on, I can do much more."

"What are you going on about in your little blond head?" Brian asked him mockingly, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Flipping open his sketch pad, Justin showed Brian the picture he had quickly drawn of him and his grandfather. He watched as incredulous awareness came across the prince's face. "I'd like to transform this into an actual painting. All I have with me is my chalks and sketch pad. With the proper paints and canvas, I could turn this into a stunning piece. Unless you don't think the king would like it..."

"Not like it? Are you kidding me?" Brian murmured in stunned disbelief. His eyes felt encompassed by the look that passed between the two studies of Justin's drawing. It was open and filled with genuine emotion. Justin had easily captured the love he and his grandfather shared for each other. He cleared his throat, a slight catch breaking it. "I am speechless, Justin. Not something that's easily managed. I just can't believe you did this. You have an amazing talent... one of which I had no idea you possessed."

"Thank you, Brian." Justin beamed at Brian's praise of his work. "I'd like to do this for him, Brian."

Brian nodded. "I can get you the supplies, all I need is a list. This gesture would make him so happy. I can't even tell you how much."

"Will it make you happy too, Brian?" Justin asked, his blond eyes searching the hazel ones that stared at him so deeply.

"Very much. Thank you, Justin." Brian's eyes showed a sincerity, a softer and more approachable look that replaced his earlier one of mockery... unbeknownst to him, causing a varied amount of reactions in the blond that so entranced him.

Justin beamed, uncertain of why this made him so happy. "It's my pleasure. I'm glad to do it for him." Scrunching his nose up as another thought occurred to him, he asked, "Did you hear anything more about Michael's predicament?"

"Yes. Ben and Michael are leaving Brakania in the morning. Michael can never return. Ben can visit as often as he likes. My grandfather gave Ben what would be considered a generous severance package in America. It should more than get them started."

"You seemed to know that Ben would go with Michael. Well, I hope they are happy..." Justin told him. As angry as he'd felt towards Michael initially, a part of him could understand how he could have become so caught up in the prince's larger-than-life image. Perhaps now Michael would reach out for something more tangible, and find happiness in the process.

Brian shook his head at Justin incredulously. "It's amazing you can be so forgiving towards the man that poisoned you."

Justin shrugged. "I can see where he's coming from - in a way. I'm fine now. There's really no point in agonizing over it."

The prince moved closer, almost as if pulled to do so by some unseen magnetic object. His eyes feasted on the plump lips that he wanted to feel breaking open under his own. He had secluded himself in his study for multiple reasons after their return earlier. His correspondence could have waited... however, his grip on his control could not. As they had made the return to his home, the close proximity in the back of the jeep had been maddening for him. He wanted this blond beauty fiercely. Comfort or not, he had utilized every ounce of his self-control not to wrestle Justin down underneath him and take every pleasure within his exotic and beguiling flesh.

Reaching out, he swiped his thumb across Justin's lower lip, applying the precise pressure to drag the flesh lower... his thumb sliding inside. "You're right," Brian groaned, his tone quickly going guttural. "No point in agonizing over such matters when there are much more pleasurable ones to engage in."

"Such as?" Justin whispered provocatively, his tongue deliberately sweeping out to pass across Brian's thumb.

Brian growled out an unintelligible response. "You teasing little fucker. I'm done with waiting. I want you now, Justin."

Justin stood to his feet on trembling legs, barely mindful to grab his sketch pad and chalks. His eyes were admiring and full of need as he watched Brian stand to his full height. "What are we waiting for then?"

A hand reached out to clasp behind Justin's neck, hungry lips seeking out to claim in a battle of wills. They would both be the victor in this battle. Nothing else could be the true result, they both wanted the same exact thing. Tongues met and clung, their hands reached out to pull the other in the tightest of embraces. Moans and erratic breathing soon became the only sound either of them heard.

As Brian reached out to ravenously tongue fuck the mouth of his enchanting blond, he reached out to slide his hand down Justin's arm, moving to clasp his hand firmly within Justin's. Pulling back, Brian rasped out huskily, "Let's go. I am going to fuck you, over and over today. When I'm finished, you'll wish you hadn't fought it for so long."

Justin moaned as Brian's words went directly to his already enlarged cock. His thoughts were more than clear, if only to himself - I already do, Brian. I already do.

"Craig, could you come in here for a minute?" Jennifer Taylor called out, her voice filled with tension.

"What is it, Jennifer?" Craig asked, briefcase in hand as he returned to the dining room.

She pointed towards the photos on her laptop screen, a concerned frown piercing her face. "Look at that, Craig. Who does it look like?"

"What exactly am I looking at?" Craig asked in confusion.

Jennifer sighed in irritation. "This is the royal family of Brakania. It consists of King Salah, whom I believe Justin went there to see, and his grandson, Prince Brahim El Khadir. It's the prince that intrigues me here. Take a good look at him." She frowned as he squinted with no immediate result. God, he was so blind sometimes. "Imagine him without the headdress, nor the facial hair."

Craig looked closer, uncertain of what he was going to see... then he looked into those cold and piercing eyes. "Son-of-a-bitch. Enlarge the image."

Immediately she enlarged it, watching her husband's reaction closely. "You see it too, don't you? What the hell is going on, Craig?"

"I don't know, Jennifer. All I know is this - Brian Kinney and this Prince of Brakania seem to be the same man. When did you last hear from Justin?"

"He called when he landed in Brakania." A worried look passed between them. "You had business with Brian Kinney and the subject of his royalty never came up?"

Craig shook his head. "No. I don't get the impression that he was living that life here in America."

"I think we both know he had an interest in Justin. I'm really worried, Craig. Justin is in that country... and we can't make contact with him." She looked at her husband beseechingly. "We have to do something, Craig!"

"I know exactly what to do, Jennifer." His teeth clenched together as he thought of how foolish he had been. He had all but handed Justin over to this unprincipled man. "I'm going to see Gardner Vance. He sent our son on that assignment, and he's the only one that can give us some answers."

"I'm coming with you," Jennifer insisted.

Craig's eyes widened, shaking his head in firm denial. "No! I need to handle this with Vance alone - man to man. I will get the answers we need."

"We know Justin went willingly, but there's something not adding up here, Craig. You need to find out what it is!"

"I will, Jennifer. And if it's something questionable, I intend to make certain that Vance brings Justin back home." He exchanged one more concerned glance with his wife, a sense of foreboding overcoming him. Willing or not, he questioned when or if their son would return home again. And if he didn't, how would he ever explain to his wife it had been his own nefarious business dealings that had set the ruthless Brian Kinney's sights on their son? Somehow he had to make it so Jennifer never found out about his embezzling activities. Regardless of being remorseful or not, perhaps Justin had to be the sacrifice in holding both their family and the business together.

TBC