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Chapter Text

PREFACE

Prince Satoru Gojo is not human. Prince Satoru is a magical being. An extremely powerful magical being. One of his caliber hasn’t been seen in over 600 years. He grows up with this knowledge, given to him by his Grandmother at the age of four. She is the only one around him that also has magic. She tells him from that young age, no one is to know how powerful he is. He heeds her advice and only practices to make his magic more powerful with her, in private. And when he becomes old enough, he continues to grow the power of his magic alone, with the foundations she had given him. By the time he is seventeen, no one truly has an idea of how powerful he is.

Satoru is born in a small kingdom in the north. It’s cold and it often snows and the people that live there are pale with fair skin, light hair and eyes. His family rules this Kingdom. Not all kingdoms have magical beings. Of course, magical beings are aware of each other and so, for as long as Satoru can remember, he has been betrothed to the Prince of the neighboring southern Kingdom. They are shapeshifters. The pair met once when they were seven years old and all Saturo could recall of Prince Suguru Geto now, is his silky black hair and intense amber eyes.

The summer of their seventeenth year has been chosen by the ruling Kings, their fathers, as the perfect time for the royal wedding. And so it is decreed the Princes will marry in August of their seventeenth year.

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Satoru looks around his bedroom, the only one he has ever known, and wonders if there is anything else he should pack and not leave behind. He hears a gentle knocking at his door.

“Come in,” Satoru calls out.

The door opens and his grandmother walks in. Satoru smiles at her fondly.

“I’ve come bearing gifts,” Grandmother says.

Satoru looks at her, intrigued. Grandmother walks to the edge of his bed and sits upon it, a beautifully ordained white box in her hands. Satoru sits beside Grandmother, eyes in the box. The two look into each other’s bright blue eyes. Nobody else in the family has them, it is something only Satoru and his Grandmother share.

“You know you are powerful,” Satoru’s Grandmother begins. “You know you are special.” Satoru nods. “You were betrothed to the Prince of the South after I had a vision,” she continued.

Satoru smiled at her. “I thought it was Father’s idea.”

“Of course we let him think that.” Satoru and Grandmother share a smile. Grandmother was the only person he had ever trusted fully in his life. Now he was being asked to trust another. Someone who, once they knew him fully, could reject him.

“Now, you will be going to the south and making a life there,” Grandmother continued. “It would be wise for you to not let anyone know how powerful your magic is. How powerful you are.”

“Not even my future husband?” Satoru asked curiously.

Grandmother smiled. Instead of answering the question, she opened up the ordained white box. From it she retrieved a smaller box, red and velvet. “These are for you and Prince Suguru. After you two have consummated your union, hold them in your hands and speak what you wish of him and of your union into them. Always make sure he always wears it. Once some time has passed, and you’ve gauged his knowledge and power, you can decide if and when you wish to share with him how powerful you are.”

Satoru nodded. “Alright.”

Grandmother then took out a small blue velvet bag from the box. She opened it. Inside was a mirror. She took Satoru’s hand and placed the silver mirror in his palm. “If you ever are in a situation where you do not know what to do, call for me through the mirror. While I am on this earth, I will always answer you. Once I have passed on, I and the other Honored Ones will guide you.”

Satoru stared at the mirror in fascination. “So this was a weapon against us?” He asked softly.

“Mmhmm,” Grandmother nodded with a small smile. “Once it was used to hunt us down. But in our hands it’s a means of communication.” She gazed lovingly over Satoru. “Once you’re far away you can use it to call me until it is my time to transcend.”

“I hope that day is still far in the future,” Satoru said softly. He was only ever soft and vulnerable with his grandmother.

Grandmother caressed his cheek. “I will always look out for you, my sweet one.”

Satoru furrowed his brow as he stared down at the mirror. It made him feel… strange all of the sudden. “Are we in danger?” He asked nonchalantly. “Prince Suguru and I?”

“Honored Ones are always in danger,” was Grandmother’s reply. “Our enemies are always in the oddest of places.”

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The journey to the Southern Kingdom took three days. Along the way, people gathered on the streets and threw white and pink petals as the carriage carrying Prince Satoru, his mother the Queen and Grandmother passed by. He waved at his people. When they crossed into the Southern Kingdom the petals thrown his way were orange and red and bright purple. The Southern Kingdom was warmer and the vegetation greener. The Royal Palace was larger than the one Satoru had grown up in, decorated with beautiful stone tiles and different color glass.

It was all a blur from the moment they arrived, and suddenly it was two days later and Prince Satoru was being dressed for his wedding. His clothing was in fashion with his Kingdom. He was in a white suit adorned with hundreds of pearls and a blue cape. His thin silver crown adorned with diamonds and sapphires sat beautifully atop his white hair. And then the wedding celebrations began.

It was during the ceremony that he finally laid eyes on Price Suguru again. Satoru would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous in a selfish way that he wouldn’t find Suguru attractive. But Prince Satoru was not only relieved but pleasantly surprised when Prince Suguru stepped forth and revealed himself to be incredibly handsome.

Suguru was in all black, his suit studded with elegant gold decorations, his cape, a crimson red. To Satoru’s delight, he still had his long, silky black hair, tied up in a neat bun on the day of their wedding and his amber eyes were still intense. He had a beautiful face, his features sharp and manly and although he wasn’t as tall as Satoru, he was much broader and muscular. The pair met gazes and Satoru couldn’t help but give Suguru a small coy smile before looking away.

The Royal Wedding was a blur and Satoru was introduced to many more people than he could ever remember. Finally though, the festivities began to die down and Prince Suguru walked over to Prince Saturo and held out a gloved hand.

“Your Highness,” he said with soft smirk and it was evident what was to take place now. Prince Satoru was well aware. He nodded and took the Prince’s hand. He was surprised at how warm it felt, even through their gloves, Suguru’s black and Saturo’s white. Satoru stood as did the rest of the people left at the long table. They finally sat back down once the Princes had exited the mess hall.

“My apologies for not giving you a tour sooner,” Prince Suguru spoke, his voice soft and smooth. “But as you know, custom dictates we aren’t to spend any time alone together until our wedding night.”

“Right,” Satoru said. He knew of the land’s customs. He had studied them as he knew he would be the one leaving home. He knew he needed to study it further, as his grandmother had told him. He would speak about that to Prince Suguru tomorrow.

“I’ll give you a proper tour tomorrow,” Suguru said.

“Thank you,” Satoru replied.

“You’re welcome,” Suguru said. Satoru caught a glimpse of a small smile on Suguru’s lips. “But do know our chambers will be on the West Wing of the palace.” Satoru nodded, listening. “I chose the West Wing because I much enjoy sunsets,” Prince Suguru said. Satoru smiled at the confession. “I sleep in the King’s suite of the wing,” Suguru continued. “You’re welcome to join me. If you do not wish to though, you do have the Queen’s suite which is right beside mine.” Suguru slowed to a stop and Satoru looked into his amber eyes. “Tonight, of course, you will join me.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Satoru replied with a bow of his head.

Prince Suguru escorted Prince Satoru to the King’s chambers and upon entering, Satoru was taken aback. He had grown up in luxury, being a Prince, of course, but the opulence of the room he was in was on another level. There was gold and marble everywhere, but it was tastefully done. The entrance was a sitting chamber and beyond it, was the bed chamber. Suguru led him through.

Inside the bed chamber, there was a humongous four poster bed, sheer cream curtains hanging all around it, and beyond it two sets of doors that seemed to lead to a courtyard of sorts. It was dark outside, but lanterns could be seen lighting the way outside. The chambers were lit with beautiful large candles on beautiful gold sconces. There were various furs on the beautiful stone tiled floors and several large paintings and tapestries that were made of wonderful seemingly shiny material on the walls.

Suguru turned to Satoru. “I’ll be waiting here. I’ll give you a few moments to… get ready.”

Some maids stepped forward and they ushered Satoru into a large bathing room. There was a sunken tiled tub filled with warm fragrant water. Satoru was undressed. He motioned for his clothing and once it was brought to him, he removed the small velvet box with the rings Grandmother had given him.

“I need this with me,” he told the maids. They nodded and then he was walked to the tub. They gently washed.

Normally, the Prince did this all on his own at home, but he was too nervous and excited about what he was being prepared for to complain. Finally, he was taken out and dried off and a delicate, silken white robe was wrapped around his naked body. The maids bowed and one placed a small glass vial in his hand. They left. Satoru held his chin high and returned to the bed chambers.

Suguru was already waiting there, sitting in the middle of the bed. He was in a crimson silken robe. When he noticed Satoru, he slid off the bed and came forward, again, taking Satoru’s hand, guided him back to the edge of the bed.

Satoru gazed at him. Suguru had his hair down. It was longer than Saturo had imagined, reaching halfway down his back. About half of the candles had been extinguished and so the room was bathed in soft light. Satoru’s heart raced. He couldn’t take his eyes off Suguru’s incredibly handsome face. It seemed Suguru had been bathed as well, the tips of his hair appeared somewhat damp and the faint scent of lavender was emitting off his skin.

“Let me see you,” Suguru said in his silky voice.

Satoru took a step back, placing the small vial and velvet box on the bed and then slid the white silken robe off his body. The luxurious fabric pooled behind his feet and he stared at Suguru’s face intently as he gazed over his naked body. The Prince was tall and thin but not skinny. His legs and arms were lithe, with well defined muscles, as were his abs. His skin was pale and perfectly unblemished. The slow smile that spread across Suguru’s face sent a shiver down his spine. The pair met eyes, Satoru suddenly feeling breathless at the intensity in Suguru’s eyes and inexplicably, Satoru suddenly felt slightly self conscious.

“Is this more to your liking?” Satoru asked and brought his right hand up in a circle motion around his head. In an instant, Satoru shrank about a foot in height, his arms, thighs and belly softened, his chest suddenly became full with a pair of ample breasts and his white hair grew and fell in waves landing right on top of a curvy ass.

Suguru suddenly blinked as he took the naked female version of Satoru standing in front of him. “Is this your true form?” He asked, looking confused.

“No, my male form is,” Satoru replied in a soft female voice.

“Then return to that,” Suguru demanded, not looking pleased. Satoru did so with snap of his fingers. Suguru stepped forward and circled Satoru. “And is this your true form? Completely authentic in every way?”

“Yes,” Satoru replied with a nod of his head.

Suguru came to stand in front of Satoru again. “Don’t do that again. Not while we are here in our bed chambers. I want you to always stay as you are,” Suguru’s voice was soft and not malicious in any way, but with a stern edge, his eyes intense in a way that took Satoru’s breath away.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Satoru said softly. He made sure to not sound meek or scared, but he did make sure to sound genuine.

“Good,” Suguru nodded and gave Satoru a smile as if to assure him he wasn’t cross in anyway.

Prince Satoru smiled back. “Your turn,” he said raising his eyebrows.

Suguru smiled a bit wider and removed his red silken robe. Satoru swallowed as he took in the body of the Prince. It was evident the Prince was broad and his body well built and muscled, but somehow, without clothes on, his muscles were more impressive. Satoru’s eyes wandered over the expanse of his broad chest and down his well defined abs, further down… and raised his eyebrows as he noticed the Prince was very well endowed.

Prince Suguru closed the space between them and wrapped his arms around Satoru’s waist. “May I kiss you?” He asked.

“You may,” Satoru replied and the Prince did. His lips were warm, soft and hungry. Satoru closed his eyes as he felt Suguru guide him to the bed. Satoru climbed on it and crawled to the center. He smiled at Suguru who grinned back and crawled onto the bed, as if chasing him.

Satoru giggled as he fell, landing on soft pillowy bed coverings and an array of pillows. He felt his eyes roll back in his head and a soft guttural moan escaped him as Suguru kissed down the sensitive column of his neck and rolled his hips between Satoru’s legs. His hot, hard erection pressing and rubbing against Satoru’s soft inner thigh.

“Fuck,” Satoru muttered.

Suguru chuckled softly. He pushed up on his right palm, black silky hair cascading around him and looked down at Satoru, straight into his pale blue eyes. “I like this form better, by the way,” Suguru said softly. “Don’t ever change again.”

“I won’t,” Satoru replied before Suguru took his mouth again.

Suguru’s body felt so warm as Satoru let his hands caresses his skin all over. He ran his hands down his back and greedily squeezed Suguru’s ass as Satoru lifted his hips, eagerly seeking friction.

Suguru lifted up and chuckled. “May I taste you?” He asked, his lips grazing Satoru’s.

“Yes,” Satoru replied, not quite sure exactly what the Prince wanted to taste. With the way Satoru was feeling though, he would pretty much let Suguru taste anything he wanted.

Suguru hummed, pleased and slid down a bit, kissing across Satoru’s chest, taking a turn and biting each of Satoru’s pink nipples gently. Satoru gasped. He pushed up on his elbows and watched as Suguru kissed down his stomach and let out a whimper as Suguru licked up the under part of Satoru’s cock and then took him in his mouth. Saturo was not ready. He flopped back on the bed, eyes screwed shut, back arched, hands grabbing around him, feeling for anything to grab onto and ground himself as Suguru sucked him off. Hard.

It was almost borderline painful. Suguru’s wet, soft tongue, swirled around Satoru’s stiff, leaking cock and then slid him all the way into his mouth and sucked and sucked and sucked.

Satoru felt a cry escape him he had never heard himself make in his life. Suddenly, Suguru was lying on him, taking a hold of his chin and chuckling softly as he kissed Satoru’s lips gently.

“Your cock is so pretty,” Suguru purred. “And it tastes so good.” Satoru looked up, panting, cheeks, neck and chest flushed. Suguru seemed to like how he looked. “I want to keep sucking until you cum in my mouth. I want to taste it all. Can you do that for me?”

Satoru was barely able to say yes as he nodded. Suguru grinned, kissed his mouth and then began to slide down again. Satoru suddenly made at grab at Suguru and the Prince noticed.

“What is it?” He asked.

“Gentle,” Satoru was able to croak out. “Please.” Suguru nodded.

And indeed he was. This time, when he took Satoru in his mouth, he slid him in and out of his mouth at a steady pace and gently licked and suckled on the head of Satoru’s pretty cock. He held Satoru’s hips steady with a warm, large palm as Satoru squirmed and whimpered underneath him. It was overwhelming and Satoru knew he wouldn’t last long.

Satoru arched his back and his toes curled, one hand reaching over, his long slender fingers wrapping themselves around Suguru’s silky black hair as he came in his mouth. The Prince suckled him for just a moment more, as if wanting to make sure he emptied Satoru complete, before tenderly releasing him and crawling back up, gazing at Satoru intently.

Satoru was gone. He was a pink flushed mess and he hid in Suguru’s neck, feeling a bit shy and overwhelmed at what had just happened. Suguru held him and peppered sweet soft kisses on his hair and shoulder. Satoru slowly calmed down. He was a bit surprised at how well their bodies seemed to fit together as they laid wrapped in each other’s arms. Once he had finally regained his composure, he pushed back and looked up at Suguru’s pretty amber eyes and handsome face.

“Would you like me to do the same?” Satoru asked softly. He licked his lips, imagining it.

Suguru grinned down at him. “Hmm, in time,” he hummed and took Satoru’s chin with his thumb and index finger and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He nudged Satoru’s lips with his tongue and the Prince obediently opened up his mouth. He whimpered as Suguru licked along his upper lip, from one side to the another, taking his time as he did so. He then lifted and looked into Satoru’s blue eyes intently. “Actually,” he replied softly. “I really want to fuck you before we do anything else. I want to fuck you. I want you to cum as I fuck you and then I wish to fill you with my seed.”

Satoru felt his face grow hot.

Of course, he knew how it worked between two men. He also knew how it worked between a man and a woman. Satoru just, for whatever reason, had never spent much time wondering about it because he had never imagined his husband would be like this. Satoru also had been under the impression that sex was nothing but a duty between royal couples and it wouldn’t take terribly long and in the grand scheme of things, he thought the time he and his husband would spend fucking would be minimal.

Satoru realized he may have been wrong about all that with the way the Prince was behaving and the way he was making Satoru feel.

Suguru furrowed his brow at Satoru’s prolonged silence. “Do you not want me to fuck you? Did you wish to fuck me instead?”

Satoru huffed a breath out. “No. I -” he stammered and swallowed.

Suguru grinned. “Surprised because I asked if you wished to fuck me instead?”

Satoru stared up at Suguru in awe. The handsome devil was a menace. “This isn’t your first time,” Satoru said softly. He wasn’t asking.

Suguru seemed a bit surprised by the comment. “Is this your first time?” He asked.

“It is,” Satoru replied softly.

Suguru nodded. He reached down and caressed Satoru’s soft cheek with his thumb. “You do know I am a shapeshifter?” Suguru asked. Satoru nodded. “We don’t choose our animal forms. It is chosen for us,” he continued. Satoru listened intently. “We also inherent certain qualities of the animal we embody.”

“I see,” Satoru replied.

Suguru smiled and caresses Satoru’s jaw. “I am a wolf. A dire wolf to be exact,” Suguru continued, watching Satoru’s face intently as he spoke. “Most of our people that are shapeshifters are wolves. And once I reached the age in which I could change into my wolf form, I began to experience ruts, as wolves do. It would have been painful for me to not have sex, and it also wouldn’t have been healthy for my body or mind.”

Satoru swallowed and nodded. He wasn’t sure what that tight feeling was in his chest. “I see,” he said again.

Suguru smiled at him, as if understanding what Satoru was feeling better than Satoru himself. “Fucking while in a rut isn’t like this. There is no love, no tenderness. It’s simple, animalistic drive.”

Satoru nodded. “Is it your first time like this?”

“It is indeed my first time like this,” Prince Suguru said. If he was being dishonest, there was no way for Satoru to know. He had to take his word for it. Suguru turned to lay on him better, Satoru spread his legs for him. He could feel Suguru’s hot erection pressing into him. Satoru let out a soft half whimper, half moan. “I have always also done the fucking, but if my pretty Prince wished to indulge, I’d let you.” Suguru grinned down at Satoru.

“No… no I… I…” Satoru looked up at Suguru, his mind suddenly feeling empty. “I want you to fuck me.” He whispered. Growing up, even in the times he had jerked off, Satoru had never actually thought about it. But now, as the moment was presented to him, he knew the words he was saying were true.

“Oh?” Suguru asked, leaning down and kissing Satoru’s plush pink lips.

“Fuck me, please,” Satoru begged breathlessly. “Please.”

Suguru grinned, nodding and kissing his lips. He lifted and reached for the small vial Satoru had brought. He suddenly seemed to notice the small velvet box, picking it up and giving Satoru a questioning look.

“A gift,” Satoru said. “For after.”

Suguru nodded and placed the box on the table beside the large bed. Satoru watched as Suguru poured oil from the vial onto his fingers and slicked them up. “Relax, pretty one,” Suguru whispered and brought his fingers between Satoru’s legs to his entrance.

Satoru closed his eyes and arched his back as Suguru began to work him open. He had never felt anything like it. His body felt incredibly sensitive and every time he was able to open his eyes and look up at Suguru he was told he was doing so well and rewarded with kisses. This went on for a while.

Finally, Suguru settled between Satoru’s legs and reached for the vial again. Satoru watched as he took some oil and stroked himself with it.

“You’re so big,” Satoru whispered.

Suguru chuckled as he wiped his hand clean and laid on top of Satoru. “Don’t worry my Princeling. I’ll make it as pleasurable for you as possible.” He kissed Satoru’s lips. He then reached down, Satoru gasping as he felt the tip of Satoru’s erection at his entrance. It felt hot. Suguru took hold of Satoru’s right knee, bending it and pushing back, sliding his muscular arm underneath it, hooking Satoru’s knee to his elbow. Satoru was wide open and at the mercy of Suguru.

“Ready?” Suguru asked softly.

Satoru nodded. “Yes.”

Suguru slowly to began to enter Satoru’s body. Satoru gasped and moaned and clung on to Suguru’s body as the Prince worked his way inside him. Satoru whined and whimpered at the hot stretch he felt. Suguru took his time though. He was gentle and careful and kissed Satoru sweetly, soft pants and tender words escaping his lips. Satoru loved the way he sounded.

After a long, delicious while, Prince Suguru was all the way inside him. He laid on Satoru, holding him close and tight, their chests pressed together. Satoru had his arms and legs wrapped around his Prince. It all felt too good.

Suguru began to move and Satoru’s body reacted. Suguru seemed to revel in all the noises he could draw out of Satoru. His hips moved expertly and once he felt Satoru was comfortable enough, he pushed up and began to fuck him at a faster pace.

Satoru looked up at him, the Prince had released his knee and had grabbed onto the thick wooded headboard of the bed. His silky hair swayed to the rhythm of his thrust. Satoru was mesmerize. He reached up, soft, pale hands caressing over his chest and body. He felt as if his whole body was on fire. He found himself tilting himself up, opening wider, wishing the Prince to fuck him faster and deeper.

Suguru understood. He released the headboard and laid on top of Satoru. He slid a muscular arm under his hips, tilting them up and putting them at a perfect angle for him to thrust in harder and faster. Suguru then began to suck and bite at his neck and shoulders and chest. Satoru cried out at the delicious assault. He clawed at Suguru’s back, his mind hardly having time to register all he was feeling. This went on and on and on until Satoru felt every single nerve in his body explode with ecstasy as he came, body pressing tightly around Suguru’s thick, hot erection.

Satoru cried out and Suguru happily hummed. He slowed a moment, staying inside Satoru, kissing him sweetly as he rode out his orgasm. Once the moment had passed, the Prince picked up his pace again, Satoru writhing with oversensitivity. Suguru crushed their lips together as his climax finally reached him and he emptied himself deep inside Satoru.

The two lay there, sweaty, panting and blissed out for a long, long, while. Satoru never knew it would be like this. His mind was fuzzy and his body warm and tired. He gasped a moment later when Suguru slid out of him and brought forth a towel, wiping him clean. He then crawled back into the bed, covering them both with soft bed coverings as he pulled Satoru onto his chest.

The Prince sighed sweetly as he settled on his husband’s chest. He caressed his soft skin, firm muscle feeling nice underneath. “Is it always like this?” Satoru asked softly. He couldn’t stop thinking about how good everything had felt.

“Between us I think it always will be,” Suguru replied, caressing Satoru’s arm and back.

Satoru remembered. “The box,” Satoru whispered. Suguru made sure to not disturb Satoru as he reached for the red velvet box and passed it to Saturo. The Prince pushed up, sitting up, and opened the box. There were two thin solid black bands inside. Satoru took the bigger one and closed his fist around it. He closed his eyes. Have him always be honest with me, Satoru said and poured the intention he felt into the band. He felt it warm up for just a second. He then opened his eyes, Suguru looking at him curiously.

Satoru smiled sweetly at Suguru, pulling his left hand towards him and sliding the black band onto his ring finger. It fit perfectly. Satoru then took the other band, wrapping his hand around it and closed his eyes again. Let our bond only grow stronger and let it always keep us safe. The band felt hot for just a moment. He opened his eyes and handed the band to Suguru.

“Put it on me please, husband,” Satoru whispered.

Suguru gave him a sweet smile and did as Satoru asked. The band slid on, fitting just right.

Satoru smiled and looked into Suguru’s eyes. “From now on, it’s you and I against the world.”

Suguru smiled as he gazed at Satoru’s blue eyes. He seemed surprised at first, but then a fire seemed to light behind his eyes as a handsome grin grew on his face. “You and I,” he repeated.

Satoru felt a warmth grow in his chest. He reached out and caressed Suguru’s face. “You’re my one and only,” Satoru whispered. “I’m devoted to you and only you now.”

“And I to you,” Suguru replied. “My one and only.”

The two leaned forward and kissed again. The kiss growing deeper and deeper until Suguru was again on top and Satoru and between his legs. He reached the small vial once more. Satoru grinned with excitement.

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The next day, Prince Suguru did indeed give Prince Satoru a tour of the palace and their lands. They were beautiful. They returned to the library, where they were served lunch. Satoru was pleased. He liked that it was just them.

“Sadly, it won’t always be like this,” Suguru told him. “I have a couple of weeks off Royal duty for our honey moon.”

Satoru nodded, understanding. “What do your duties consist of, My Love,” Satoru asked. He had always heard his mother refer to his father as such and always liked it. Suguru gave him a lovely smile and seemed to like it as well.

“After lunch I always meet with my father’s right hand. He gives me briefings on the state of the kingdom and informs me on any upcoming visits we have. Then I tend to our soldiers. I’m in charge of our military.” Suguru said the last part proudly.

Prince Satoru felt his eyes widen slightly. His Kingdom was small and so was its military force. They were pacifist and for generations mostly resolved problems through parlay. Satoru though knew Suguru’s kingdom was not like his. In fact, Suguru’s kingdom was known for its military might. They were a large kingdom and all around them tried to keep peace.

Satoru tilted his head. “Have you got a… personal guard?”

“A personal guard?” Suguru asked, intrigued.

Satoru nodded. “A group of men, maybe about twelve of them, who are highly trained and whose job is to protect you.”

Suguru furrowed his brow. “I do not.”

“What do you think of the idea?” Satoru asked.

“I like it,” Suguru nodded. He reached over and gave Satoru’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Thank you for the idea.”

“Anything for you, My Love,” Satoru replied sweetly. “Anything for you and for us.”

Suguru grinned. “Anything you need?”

“Yes! Could you find a scholar for me that could teach me about the history of your kingdom? I studied some at home but I wish to know more.”

“Your wish is my command,” Suguru replied.

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Satoru settled into life at his new palace quite easily. Not much was different than at home. The biggest new thing was having a husband. Which in Satoru’s opinion, was amazing.

Suguru was kind. Loving. Gentle… and a beast in bed. The Prince was insatiable and Satoru was more than happy spending endless nights trying to satiate all his wants and needs. There were nights they didn’t fall asleep until just a few hours before sunrise. Satoru loved waking up all warm and pressed into Suguru’s muscular chest and wrapped tight in his muscular arms.

Their maids would come in mid-mornings and prepare warm fragrant baths for them and help dress them. Satoru saw the way the maids would look at the marks on Satoru’s pale skin, the bite marks and hickeys on his neck and chest and finger shaped bruises on his hips and thighs, and look at each other with wide eyes. He liked it. The marks were covered up once he was dressed for royal duties though, so all he did was enjoy his husband marking his territory.

The young Princes weren’t expected to make appearances in the morning, not til lunch time when they always ate with Prince Suguru’s parents, the King and Queen. Satoru wasn’t sure how he felt about them. He didn’t dislike them and he felt they didn’t dislike him, per se, but there was no trust. Satoru wasn’t blessed with the ability to read minds, but his soul told him they were not people that had his best interest at heart.

Of course, they were Prince Suguru’s parents and Satoru knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was falling in love with the Prince. It was also just as obvious that Prince Suguru felt the exact same way. Satoru, at times, wondered if the contempt that seemed to radiate, mostly from the Queen, was because of that simple fact: that the two Princes were obviously madly in love. But, regardless of any of it, they were reigning monarchs, so on Prince Satoru’s part there was nothing but respect and obedience… within reason. But they had not asked anything of Satoru yet, so he acted as a respectable Prince would.

Usually, after lunch, Prince Suguru received briefings from the chief of his father’s council about the state of affairs of the Kingdom. This was to prepare him for when he became King. A few days after their honeymoon had ended, Prince Suguru brought Prince Satoru to the briefing. The chief counselor, named Gakuganji, wasn’t pleased.

“Your Highness, these briefings are for you alone,” he said, hunched over, eyes dark with displeasure.

Prince Suguru challenged the counselor. “He’s my husband. I want him here.”

“The Queen doesn’t sit in on His Majesty, the King’s briefings,” the counselor had countered.

“Is she absent because you forbid to give information to her or because my mother and father have never pressed the matter?”

Satoru, who had stayed quiet during the exchange, standing behind Prince Suguru. He saw the counselor’s face when Prince Suguru had made that point and he knew then Suguru had won. Of course, it was a given that the King and Queen would hear about this, but they never forbade Satoru from sitting in at the briefings. And so he continued to do so.

Normally, once the briefings were over, Satoru went to study with the scholar Suguru had gotten him. It was a wonderful young woman named Shoko who was incredibly smart and who obviously enjoyed teaching Satoru the history of the Kingdom. She taught Satoru things he had never known.

“About five hundred years ago the humans rebelled,” she said told him, showing him maps of how much larger the Kingdom once was. “They hunted us almost to extinction. Prince Suguru is a direct descendant of the dire wolf that took charge and fought back for our kind.”

“Incredible,” Satoru nodded.

“Because of the low numbers, for the first time, were creatures mated with humans and half bloods were born,” Shoko continued. Satoru looked at her, transfixed. “Suguru is the first full blooded were creature that will be King in three generations,” Shoko grinned.

“You mean his father isn’t a were creature?” Satoru asked in a hushed tone.

“No. Both he and the Queen are half bloods but their son came out full blooded. It’s exciting! The Kingdom cannot wait!” Satoru grinned as he saw the excitement in Shoko’s eyes. He found it all extremely interesting.

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It was almost three months after the wedding, as October came to an end and the harvest had been reaped, that Satoru and Suguru were called to perform the Princely duties.

There was a King visiting from a smaller Kingdom to the north east and Suguru told Satoru he owned a passage which would make trade for their Kingdom easier if they could come to an agreement. “Right now our merchants must pass north of his land, which is all hills and snow. To be able safe passage through his lands would cut the trip by days and make everything much safer and faster,” Suguru explained. Satoru understood.

From moment the visiting King and his wife entered the dining hall and were introduced to the Royal Family, he seemed transfixed by Prince Satoru. He stood out, given his fair skin, white hair and blue eyes, Satoru understood this. He played his part and was nothing but cordial and sweet to the King, hanging on to his every word and asking many questions.

“Have you a sister my son could marry?” The King asked once the dinner was over.

Satoru chuckled but noticed the way the Queen, Suguru’s mother, didn’t seem too pleased by it all. Satoru noticed Suguru didn’t notice any of it, and so he simply moved on.

The following day, as they lunched with the visiting monarch, Suguru’s father brought up the reason for the visit.

“Clearly, we’re ready to come to an agreement,” the King said.

“Like adequate compensation?” The visiting monarch asked.

“Indeed,” Suguru’s father said. “Within reason.”

The visiting monarch suddenly looked at Satoru. “What do you think is within reason?” He asked playfully.

“Whatever it is that His Majesty says is,” Prince Satoru replied without missing a beat.

The visiting monarch chuckled. He tilted his head and looked at Satoru. “I’ve heard rumors about your Kingdom,” he said. “There’s magic in your lands.”

Satoru’s eyes widened. “Is that so?”

“Mmhmm,” he looked at Prince Suguru. “And mixed with what they say of this Kingdom here…” he trailed off.

“What do they say?” Satoru asked.

“Nonesense,” he chuckled. “At least that’s what my people believe.” He looked at Satoru. “Show me some magic,” he asked gazing intently at Satoru.

The Prince leaned towards him, taking the King’s hand and looking right into his eyes. “Sign the trading deal with His Majesty, the King. Much profit will come your way and your reign shall be prosperous.”

The visiting monarch was transfixed. “And that of my lineage?” He asked.

“You need to do more than sign a treaty for that,” Satoru replied with a small smile.

The visiting monarch stared into Satoru’s eyes a moment and then seemed to break out of his spell and let out a hearty laugh. He looked at Suguru’s father. “Bring forth the treaty! I shall sign it!”

Satoru saw how the King gave him an approving nod.

It was the day after the visiting monarch had left, Satoru and Suguru were having lunch with the King and Queen when the Queen spoke up.

“What was with that trick you played at yesterday, Satoru?” She asked.

Satoru looked up and met her amber eyes. Suguru had her eyes, they were identical, and it was strange to Satoru to see them lacking the love and warmth Suguru’s always radiated. Her gaze was cold and unemotional. “I played no tricks,” Satoru replied.

“So you wove your magic and gave that man good fortune?” She asked.

“I merely spoke good fortune into possible existence for him,” Satoru replied with a smile.

“Is that how your magic works?” She asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Mother, I’m not sure why you’re questioning my husband this way,” Suguru said in a calm voice. Satoru stayed quiet. “It wasn’t his fault the man was transfixed on him. Satoru played his part perfectly and helped us achieve the goal we wanted. What does it matter if he uttered some pretty words that man’s way? We got what we wanted, did we not?”

“Indeed, my son,” the Queen smiled at Suguru. Satoru looked at her for a couple of seconds longer, but she ignored his gaze.

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The weather cooled as winter drew closer. Satoru was fascinated about how the leaves changed color and trees became barren but it never truly got cold. November was coming to an end and there was no snow on the ground.

“Does it snow?” Satoru asked Suguru when they awoke on the last November morning of the year.

“Up in the mountains,” Suguru replied, caressing down Satoru’s bare chest. “Would you like to go see it? For your birthday maybe?” He asked.

Satoru looked at him surprised. “Really?”

“Yes. We can ready several wagons and be gone for a few days.” Suguru grinned at how happy Satoru looked.

“Yes please!” Satoru nodded, leaning in and kissing Suguru. “I would love that.”

And so it was done. Satoru felt his body fill with excitement as wagons were readied for them. The morning of their departure, Suguru called Satoru over excitedly.

“There’s something I wish to show you,” he whispered into his ear. As they walked around the stables where their wagons were being prepared, Suguru brought Satoru to a group of men dressed in royal soldier uniforms, black instead of the typical red, standing at attention. At the end was a tall, broad man. It was obvious he was a general of sorts. “This is General Yaga,” Suguru introduced him. “I trust him.”

“Your Highness,” the general said, bowing his head to Satoru.

“General,” Satoru responded with a smile. He looked over the soldiers.

“They’re my Royal Guard,” Suguru said with a proud smiled. Satoru’s eyes widened as he looked at the Prince. “All full bloods, and all, along with General Yaga, are loyal to me.” He looked into Satoru’s bright blue eyes. “To us,” he whispered softly.

Satoru felt his heart thump in his chest and for just a moment, felt a sudden heat radiate from the black band on his ring finger. “My Love,” he said softly. “I’m so incredibly proud and in awe of you.”

Suguru looked beyond pleased. He lifted his chin and grinned as he gazed over the soldiers. “Thank you, My Love,” he responded. He looked at Satoru. “Ready?”

“Ready!” Satoru replied.

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The journey was only half a day, and having have left mid morning, the wagons reached their destination as the sun began to set.

Satoru looked around. It was an old, old castle. The stone was gray and ancient. Satoru placed his hand on the stone of the arch of the entrance to the castle.

“This was the first castle my ancestors had,” Suguru said with a proud grin. “It wasn’t built by them, the King before had it but once the rebellion ended, he took it.”

“It’s beautiful,” Satoru said as softly. The place felt powerful, as if it had a life of its own. He also felt it welcoming him. He looked at Suguru. “This place loves you. Loves us.”

Suguru looked at Satoru curiously. Up to that day, Suguru had not truly asked Satoru about his magic. Satoru didn’t wonder why. He knew Suguru understood his magic, whether the Prince knew this or not. Suguru, like Satoru, was an Honored One. Satoru was jsut letting Suguru figure it out on his own, as it was meant to happen.

“Does your magic tell you that?” He asked softly as soldiers and maids worked to unload the wagons and light torches all over the castle.

“It does,” Satoru nodded, smiling at Suguru.

Suguru nodded back, grabbed a torch and took Satoru’s hand. “Good.”

Although the sun had set a couple of hours before, it was not very late. Night came early at this time of year, and, as a small feast was set before them, the Princes smiled at each other as they ate and chatted cheerily. Satoru felt happy. Extremely happy. Much happier than he felt at the Royal Palace and he intended to enjoy the days they were to spend here.

Once dinner was done, Suguru gave Satoru a tour of the castle, it wasn’t that large and their bed chamber was on the top floor, with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Satoru took in the room. There was a fire in the large stone fireplace, the bed large and wooden, large furs covered the stone floors and several laid on the bed. There were also heads of large game hanging on the walls. Satoru was mesmerized.

“This place is amazing,” he whispered as he entered the room. He reached the fireplace and turned to look at Suguru. “Can we go to bed now?” He asked breathlessly.

Suguru grinned, chuckling softly and reached up to caress Satoru’s face. “Eager?” Suguru asked in his silky voice.

“Yes!” Satoru replied.

They were undressed and on the bed in no time. Satoru was on top, Suguru leaning back on the wooden headboard, looking up at Satoru, clearly mesmerized by what he saw.

Satoru grasped his muscular shoulders, his hips working diligently as he pleased his husband. Satoru felt so alive. He felt as if the magic of the place made everything more heightened and every nerve in his body sang in pleasure as he fucked Suguru. Suguru kissed across his chest, hands on his hips. Satoru couldn’t get enough. He never wanted it to end. They fucked long into the night, Satoru feeling extremely needy of his husband and Suguru ready and willing to give into Satoru’s every whim.

The following morning, Satoru woke to Suguru kissing him awake.

“I need to go check on the men and the stables. They called for me. I’ll be right back,” he whispered.

Satoru nodded at him and sighed as he stretched. His body was sore in a wonderful way. He looked around. The fire was still going strong and the circular stone room was bathed in morning light. It was even more beautiful this way. It seemed more alive. Satoru suddenly thought of something. He pulled the blanket around him as he slid off the bed, walking on the soft furs of the floor as he made his way to his trunk.

He unlatched it and opened it and slid his hand down the side of it, grabbing the velvet bag he was searching for. He opened it and took out the mirror his Grandmother had given him months back. He had never used it. It was his first time and he wondered how it worked.

Satoru held it up and looked at it curiously. All he saw darkness in it and no reflection. The darkness gave way to a gray mist and suddenly Grandmother appeared. Satoru gasped happily.

“Hello my sweet boy! Happy birthday!” She said.

“Thank you, Grandmother,” Satoru replied happily.

“I thought I would hear from you sooner. But it felt good you didn’t reach out. I took it to mean you were happy and were being well taken care of.” Grandmother smiled at him.

“The Prince is a dream,” Satoru nodded. “I am indeed happy.” He thought a moment. “His mother dislikes me.”

“Hmm.” Grandmother raised her eyebrows. “She’s unhappy you’ve stolen her son away.”

“I’ve not,” Satoru shook his head.

“You have. But that’s alright. You’re supposed to. You belong to each other now. Thats the way it’s supposed to work. If she doesn’t allow it, she will push your Prince to make a choice. Who do you think he would choose, you or her?”

Satoru stared at his Grandmother. Me, he thought. His wedding band felt hot for just a second. He looked at his Grandmother. “Why does my band keep burning?” He asked.

Grandmother smiled sweetly. “Because your love grows,” she replied. “His burns too, you know.”

“He’s never told me,” Satoru said.

“He will when he’s ready,” she replied simply.

Satoru looked around the room. “He brought me to an old castle to celebrate my birthday.” He looked at his Grandmother. “I feel alive here.” He looked into her blue eyes intently.

“Ah! You’re in a sacred spot!” She seemed excited. “Your magic is stronger there. Your intentions will carry more weight. Be careful what you wish for there, my love, what intentions you put out.” She gave Satoru a sweet smile. “Make sure you make an offering before you leave,” she continued. Satoru looked at his grandmother intently as she spoke. “Keep the forces of universe we serve happy. They will reward you back.”

The two spoke for a moment longer and then said goodbye. Satoru returned the mirror to its velvet pouch and then returned to bed. He was happily lost in pleasant thoughts when Suguru reappeared and crawled back in bed with him. The two lost no time and within moments, Suguru was buried deep in Satoru’s body.

The time there was glorious and Satoru felt almost recharged. His magic felt strong, coursing through his body. He felt sorry they had to leave. On the night before they were set to return, Satoru told Suguru about what Grandmother had said.

“What is considered an adequate offering?” Suguru asked as Satoru and he walked outside the castle walls.

Satoru looked at Suguru and gave him a loving smile. He wondered if moments like this would unlock Suguru’s potential.

“An offering is anything you deemed important,” Satoru explained. “What’s precious to me, may not be precious to you, but the forces of the universe know.”

“Indeed,” Suguru nodded. He seemed to think about it. Satoru felt a surge of love travel through him. “Where will we do it?” He asked.

“Outside in the woods, where it’s just us and nature,” Satoru replied.

“Ok, let’s pass by the stables and I’ll be ready,” Suguru said.

Satoru nodded and they did as such. He saw Suguru walk forth, speak to his soldiers who were outside around a fire they had built. When Suguru came back, Satoru saw him bring an arrow in his hand. He smiled as he approached Satoru. “An arrow. Made by hand by me,” he grinned. “I was taught by General Yaga, it’s the same way we have been making arrows for hundreds of years.” The pair walked slowly towards the woods as Satoru listened. “Without it, our ancestors wouldn’t be able to hunt. So they needed it to eat. They also used them to keep themselves safe from animals and invaders.”

“Yes,” Suguru nodded.

“Nothing has changed,” Satoru continued. “We hunt for food. Our soldiers use these arrows, so it is important. If I lost everything tomorrow, I’d gather wood and make myself arrows and spears and that would keep me alive. So this will be my offering.”

Satoru leaned, unable to help it and kissed Suguru. “You’re amazing. I love you,” he said.

Suguru grinned proudly. “I love you,” he replied.

Once they were in the woods, they went to a clearing, the moon shining down on them. Satoru felt the place was right. He looked around and saw a rock, about knee high. He instructed Suguru to place his arrow there. He then took out a dagger he had brought and sliced his hand open, he dripped his blood over the arrow on the rock and looked up at the moon as he spoke in an ancient language that wasn’t used anymore. One Grandmother had taught him.

He felt Suguru wrap his arms around him, pressing his chest to Satoru’s back as Saturo chanted and looked up at the moon. Satoru placed his hand on top of Suguru’s. The moment was important. Satoru also heard Suguru whisper some of the words after he had said them. Was the young Prince remembering? Satoru could only hope so.

Once he was done, Satoru turned and kissed Suguru sweetly. “Thank you,” he said.

Suguru smiled back at him. “Of course, My Love,” he replied. “Let’s get back and take care of your hand.”

Satoru raised the hand he had cut to show it to Suguru. Satoru watched as Suguru’s eyes widened. He reached for it and ran his thumb over Satoru’s palm, the skin completely healed and unblemished. Suguru looked at him and smiled, kissing Satoru’s palm. “Amazing,” he said with a chuckle.

Satoru grinned proudly.

The next day as they were preparing to leave, Satoru walked to the entrance and again, and placed his hand on the stone of the entrance arch.

“You really liked it here,” Suguru said behind him.

“I did,” Satoru nodded, looking over his shoulder at him. “I can’t wait to come back.”

“We’ll be back as soon as possible,” Suguru promised. “I myself hadn’t noticed how good I felt here.”

“Good,” Satoru replied, happily.

Chapter Text

A few weeks after returning from the ancient castle, the Kingdom began to prepare for the New Year. It was a big deal. Suguru’s Kingdom had different holidays than Satoru’s and this would be Satoru’s first holiday away from his home land. In keeping with his Kingdom’s tradition, a week before the new year, Satoru and Suguru exchanged gifts. Satoru gave Suguru a pair of earrings of black agate. Suguru loved them and Satoru thought they looked lovely given Suguru’s black hair.

Suguru in turn gave Satoru a lovely fur cape. Satoru gasped at the beauty of it as Suguru helped him put it on. “I hunted the animal myself and had an expert tailor make it,” Suguru told his husband.

“It’s beautiful!” Satoru said, kissing Suguru deeply.

The New Year celebrations lasted several days. Satoru enjoyed all of it, especially a day when Satoru and Suguru visited several towns in the Kingdom. This was the first time Satoru was able to do this. It was obvious to him how loved Suguru was. It warmed Satoru’s heart. He watched as people came and offered Suguru flowers and bowed deeply as he passed. Suguru patted children’s heads and held the hands of many older women. To Satoru, it was all beautiful.

Satoru got plenty of attention too. Satoru looked nothing like the people of his husband’s Kingdom and they seemed amazed at his white hair and blue eyes. Many young women seemed especially transfixed by Satoru. Everyone was lovely and loving and as evening came and the Princes returned to the Royal Palace, Satoru leaned against his husband and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Please, My Love,” Satoru whispered. “Let’s do this much more often.”

“Yes, anything you wish,” Suguru’s agreed.

It was the last week of January, a week before Suguru’s 18th birthday, when he woke up with a fever. It wasn’t a high fever and in fact Suguru seemed to not even notice it until Satoru told him when they woke up in the morning. Satoru noticed the temperature change in his husband’s body as he pressed against his chest. To Satoru’s surprise, Suguru seemed a bit upset by it.

“Are you concerned about your health, My Love?” Satoru asked gently.

“No,” Suguru sighed. “I’m not sick.” He looked deeply into Satoru’s eyes. He was obviously unhappy. “The fever means my rut will begin soon.”

“Oh,” Satoru said, blushing. He had learned in detail about ruts from Shoko, after Satoru had had shyly asked her what they consisted of. He had remembered Suguru bringing it up on their wedding night. Satoru sat up and smiled at Suguru. “Yes. So, you usually ah, go away for your ruts.”

Suguru looked at Satoru and nodded glumly. “Yeah.”

Satoru grinned. “Yes. I was wondering if we could go back to the ancient castle and spend your rut there?”

Suguru looked at Satoru complete surprised. “My Love,” he said gently. “We… we cannot spend my rut together.”

Satoru looked at Suguru confused. “Why?”

Suguru had a sorrowful look. “During my rut I’m not fully in control. I can change into my wolf form without warning and…” Suguru looked away from Satoru. “And it could even happen during mating. I could hurt you!”

Satoru gave Suguru a loving look. “You will not hurt me.”

“I could Satoru!” Suguru said in a stern tone. “And if I did I could never and would never forgive myself!”

Satoru felt his chest fill with adoration and love and some other feelings he didn’t even have names for. He reached for Suguru’s hands and held them. “Suguru,” Satoru said softly. Suguru looked into Satoru’s blue eyes. “I am a magical being. A… pretty powerful one. My body can take… a lot.” Satoru grinned. Suguru looked at him, listening intently. Satoru slid slightly closer, sliding his right hand along Suguru’s inner thigh and placed it over Suguru’s cock. “This is mine. All mine,” Satoru said.

Suguru suddenly grinned. “Is it?” He asked coyly.

Satoru grinned back, feeling powerful. “It is,” Satoru replied. “Now I know, before me, during your rut you had other partners. No more,” Satoru shook his head, his voice now stern. “I’m yours and you’re mine and I will not share.”

Suguru stared at his husband. “Satoru…” he whispered.

“You will not hurt me,” Satoru said as he climbed onto Suguru’s lap, straddling him. “I can take your knot.”

Suguru’s cheeks suddenly blushed, staring at Satoru in what seemed like awe. Satoru couldn’t help but grin and feel amazing at his husband’s reaction. “You saw me heal from that cut on my hand. You’ve seen me change my form in a matter of seconds, have you not?”

“I have,” Suguru nodded, eyes suddenly coming alive with what seemed like realization.

Satoru grinned. “You will not hurt me, My Love.”

“You promise?” Suguru asked, taking Satoru’s hand and kissing his finger tips.

“With all my heart and soul,” Satoru replied.

Suguru suddenly flipped them over and pressed Satoru to the bed, pinning him there. Satoru laughed brightly. He suddenly felt himself go breathless at the look in his husband’s eyes. “Satoru,” Suguru said, voice full of emotion. “I love you so, so much.”

“I love you just as much,” Satoru replied. His heart thumped in his chest and his black wedding band felt extremely warm, longer than Satoru had ever felt it stay warm. “When shall we leave?”

Suguru grinned. “Tonight!”

Satoru sat in silence in the sitting room of his bed chambers. He was dressed and ready to do. He had the fur Suguru had gifted him around him. It felt strange having the Queen inside his and Suguru’s bed chambers. It almost felt like a violation of privacy. But there was nothing Satoru could do.

“He! Can! Not! Go!”

“You don’t tell me what I can and cannot do with my husband,” Suguru said calmly as maids finished dressing him.

“Your rut is only meant to be spent with those of your kind!”

“My husband is my kind,” Suguru said in the same calm voice. Satoru secretly grinned. That, I am, Satoru thought.

“He is not!” The Queen scoffed. “Unless you know something about him your father and I do not?”

“I know all his husband and only his husband needs to know.” Satoru couldn’t help but smile again at Suguru’s response.

“He’s brainwashed you against me,” the Queen said in sorrowful voice.

“Mother, he’s my husband!” Suguru hissed and Satoru could hear the exasperation in his voice. Surely the Queen heard it too. If she doesn’t, she’s a damn fool, Satoru thought. “I will no longer hear any more of your foolish complaints about him! If you have anything to say about Satoru, from today on, you may pass the message along with Father.”

Satoru couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder. He took a deep breath in and looked back forward again.

“Suguru -”

“No. Get out of my room. And don’t come back here again. This is mine and Satoru’s sacred place.”

There was silence and then footsteps. Satoru looked up as the Queen swiftly passed by him and exited the room, long black silky hair trailing behind her.

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There was no talk of the Queen as the Princes left. It turned out Suguru had added four more soldiers to his Personal Guard and surprisingly, he left two behind, guarding his chambers. Satoru didn’t comment and Suguru didn’t offer any information, so Satoru let it go. He felt fine with the two guards there. It was obvious Suguru meant to sent his mother a message. The two had their rings and Satoru’s mirror was in Satoru’s trunk. There was nothing in the bed chamber that couldn’t be replaced, but Satoru felt sure the Queen wouldn’t be foolish enough to cause more problems. Not right now, anyway.

Regardless, thoughts of the Queen quickly went out the window as the Princes got closer and closer to the ancient castle. Satoru began to feel more alive the closer they got, as if the magic of the place was reaching out to him.

Prince Suguru seemed to be more alive in other ways. He had pulled Satoru onto his lap, unlaced and unbutton his buttoned up, high collared shirt and had began to kiss and suck at Satoru’s neck. And not too gently either. By the time the castle came into sight, Satoru was sure Suguru had left two beautiful purple marks blooming on his neck.

Once they had arrived, they had dinner and then warm baths were prepared for them. When they climbed into bed, Satoru noticed Suguru was warmer still, compared to even just a few hours ago. He was fascinated.

“How does it feel?” Satoru asked.

“When I change?” Suguru asked. Satoru nodded. Suguru thought about it. “While in rut it’s fuzzy. But when I do it on my own I’m fully aware of it all.” He smiled sweetly at Satoru. “I watched someone change once and it looked painful. It looked as if their skin ripped open to let the beast inside out.” He reached up and caressed Satoru’s cheek. “I hope it doesn’t frighten you.”

Satoru turned his face and kissed Suguru’s palm. “It will not.”

Suguru nodded. He pulled Satoru onto his lap, Satoru straddling him. “My Love,” he said in a hushed voice. “I’ve changed during…”

“Love making?” Satoru asked with a little smile, cupping Suguru’s cheeks.

“I only do that with you but for lack of better words, yes.” Suguru looked concerned. “I’ve seen what my bites look like and I can’t control it. I -”

Satoru shook his head and kissed Suguru. “My Love,” he said in a soft voice. “I will be fine. I promise. My magic will keep us both safe. Please. Trust me.”

“I trust you with my life and with all my heart,” Suguru said without missing a beat.

“Good. Thank you,” Satoru said and leaned in to kiss Suguru.

Their kisses grew deeper quite quickly. Satoru loved how much warmer Suguru felt. The heat radiated off him and Satoru loved it. Maybe he was imagining it, but to him Suguru felt bigger, his arms thicker and chest wider. Maybe it was all in Satoru’s head.

He moaned as Suguru went for his neck again, kissing and sucking and biting. Suguru wasted no time in burying himself deep in Satoru and it was then he definitely felt a difference. He whimpered at the hot stretch of his husband, who for sure was bigger than usual. He was so much hotter. Once Satoru’s body adjusted it was incredibly pleasurable. Suguru pulled out and turned him over, lifting his hips, Satoru spread his knees and Suguru was buried deep in him in no time. His pace was feverish and Satoru shut his eyes tight, crying out in pleasure as Suguru fucked him at an unrelenting pace. It was like nothing Satoru had ever experienced.

Satoru felt a deep heat growing in him, deep in his chest and belly. He felt his heart pumping fast, his body adapting to Suguru’s and suddenly he craved more. Satoru couldn’t explain it and at the moment his mind was half gone, he wasn’t thinking. He was only feeling. Everything felt so good. So amazing. He felt so alive. Whether Suguru felt it or not as well wasn’t clear but Satoru felt himself pushing back on his palms, pressing his body against his husband’s clearly wanting deeper.

Satoru heard Suguru let out a groan and growl, grabbing Satoru’s shoulders, pulling him up just so, driving into him harder. Satoru closed his eyes, enjoying every single second of Suguru using his body. Suguru suddenly leaned forward, wrapping an arm around his waist, hot breath at Satoru’s ear. “Cum,” he growled.

Satoru began stroking himself. It took just a couple of strokes and he climaxed. Suguru latched on to his neck and began to fuck him in a frenzy, Suguru keeping an arm tight around Satoru’s waist. Suguru brought the other hand up and yanked on Satoru’s hair. Saturo gripped the thick wooden headboard of the bed, half crying out in pleasure, half laughing in ecstasy of everything he was feeling as he rode out his orgasm. His body was on fire.

“Take. My. Knot.” Suguru growled in Satoru’s ear. The Prince gasped as the felt the knot forming at the base of his husband’s cock. Satoru feeling more alive than he had felt… ever.

Satoru cried out as Suguru bit his shoulder, his body burning still, every single nerve in his body coming alive. He grunted and moaned as Suguru’s knot traveled deeper inside him until Suguru stilled, arms holding Satoru tight, his hot chest pressed against Satoru’s back. He licked and kissed where he had bitten, gently moving them down and laying them down on their sides.

Satoru closed his eyes, feeling as if his whole body was pulsing, Suguru’s knot lodging deep inside his body.

Suguru was panting, holding Satoru tight. He finally stilled. Satoru closed his eyes, gathering himself and also finally calming his mind.

“My Love,” Satoru whispered.

“Does it hurt? Are you alright?” Suguru asked, panting.

“I’m good. Im fine. I love you. I love you.”

Suguru kissed Satoru, still panting. Satoru hummed happily as Suguru’s hot body pressed against his. Satoru’s body had never felt more alive. He easily dozed off into a peaceful sleep.

Satoru didn’t know how much later it was, but he awoke and reached around the bed and found it empty. He sat up, and saw Suguru standing my the doors that led to the balcony outside their room. Suguru was naked, the doors opened. Satoru stared in fascination. The cold air was coming in, and he could see steam radiating off Suguru’s body. Satoru slid to the edge of the bed, bed creaking slightly, the sound minuscule, yet Suguru looked his way. Satoru gasped. Suguru’s eyes were glowing in the moonlight. It was the most beautiful thing Satoru had ever seen.

“The moon will be full tomorrow,” Suguru said in a soft voice that was much deeper than his typical voice.

Satoru slid completely off the bed, naked as well. He walked to Suguru. He grinned when he saw he had been right, his husband was taller than him right now, everything about him bigger. Satoru slid his arms around his waist, Suguru wrapping a hot muscular arm around Satoru’s shoulders.

“You’re so beautiful,” Satoru said.

“I want to go running. Under the moon.” Suguru gazed down at Satoru. “Go put on something. Grab your fur cape. I wish for you to come running with me. I wish to share that with you.”

Satoru nodded, rushing to his trunk and pulling out a long sleep shirt. Before sliding it on he caught sight of himself in the mirror. The fire from the fireplace illuminating him. The new marks he had received today were large and prominent. The bite on his shoulder, red and prominent. Satoru felt giddy. He pulled the night shirt on and grabbed his fur cape. He secured it around his shoulders. He quickly returned to Suguru.

Suguru knelt down. Climb on, Satoru heard Suguru’s voice in his head. His heart thumped in his chest with exhilaration. He did as Suguru had instructed. Hold on tight, Suguru said and Satoru gripped his shoulders.

Their bed chamber was on an upper level of the castle. Satoru looked on excitedly as Suguru stood, took three long strides and then jumped on the short wall of the terrace outside the room and pushed off.

It happened in matter of seconds: as Satoru felt the cold night air whip around his face, suddenly, underneath him, Suguru suddenly seemed to disappear as soft, silky black fur just suddenly seemed to appeared between Satoru’s legs and under his hands.

Hold on to me tight, Suguru said in Satoru’s head and Satoru grabbed fistfuls of fur. He hardly felt it when they hit the ground, Suguru absorbing most of the impact and taking off. Satoru felt as is he was flying. Suguru ran and ran, Satoru in awe of what he was experiencing. They made it to the crest of a small hill in front of the forest, and Suguru looked up at the moon and howled.

Satoru let out a bright laugh, looking back and amazed that the castle looked so far away. Soon after Suguru howled, several howls responding.

This is amazing! Satoru told Suguru mentally. Suguru took off again. How are you able to communicate with me how I communicate with other shapeshifters? Suguru asked. Magic, Satoru replied. Satoru hung on, feeling Suguru’s strong muscled body move underneath him, between his legs and his hands fisted around silky black fur. Satoru, again, had never felt more alive.

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Satoru sighed as he laid on Suguru. He was still warm, but not as hot as he had been right in the middle of his rut. Satoru was happy. So happy. Suguru was the most beautiful dire wolf Satoru had ever seen, shiny black fur and flowing amber eyes. Satoru would cling to his fur as he took off and ran for three nights in a row as the full moon came and went. Satoru had never experienced anything like it.

The sex was also, to Satoru, out of this world. He knew Suguru had described it as animalistic, and he understood, given the way he had fucked Satoru and of course, the knot that formed, but Satoru absolutely loved it. Loved it. He loved that he had now had this, Suguru during his rut. Now he felt he had had all of him in every single way. Also, Satoru didn’t know if the location had anything to do with it, but he couldn’t ignore how amazing it had all felt. All of it. Suguru turning into a wolf, the sex, the closeness. Satoru, again, didn’t want to go.

Satoru knew that their time there was limited. Two days, maybe three the most, but he doubted three. Suguru seemed to be returning back to his normal self. That night, Satoru noticed that Suguru seemed back to normal size. Satoru kissed his husband’s chest.

“Did you know that you got bigger?” Satoru asked with a smile.

Suguru chuckled softly. “Ah no. But now I do.”

Satoru giggled back. “It’s nice.”

“Am I not big enough for you typically, sweet Princeling?” Suguru asked jokingly.

Satoru sweetly smacked his muscular chest. “You know you are!” Satoru chuckled. “By bigger I meant all of you. You got taller and wider and just bigger.” Satoru couldn’t stop giggling.

“Hmm,” Suguru nodded. “Alright. I’ll try not to feel inadequate the rest of the time”

“Good,” Satoru kissed him on the cheek. He caressed Suguru’s chest.

“Have you really enjoyed it?” Suguru asked in a soft voice.

“I have,” Satoru said. He knew his body looked… a bit ravaged. He did get bitten twice more, not badly, and he got a few scratches to his hip, but really, nothing horrible and nothing Satoru couldn’t handle or disliked. He loved the marks. He could easily heal them to the point that they disappeared but he had explained to Suguru, he liked seeing them. He had explained to him they reminded him of how they came to appear on his body and that made Satoru happy. “I feel so close to you now,” Satoru said softly as he settled on his husband.

“I do too,” Suguru replied. He could hear the smile in Suguru’s voice.

“I don’t want to share you with anyone. I don’t like the idea. And now that I can be with you always, even during your rut, it just feels so, so good.” Satoru sighed happily.

“I feel the same way, My Love,” Suguru whispered and kissed Satoru’s head. He caressed him. “Also, how did my ring stay on me? Even as I became a wolf?”

Satoru grinned. “Magic!” The Princes laughed.

Two nights later, the two made another offering, this time they both offered their blood to the universe. Once they began to walk back to the castle, Satoru kissed Suguru’s hand and healed him instantly. Suguru thanked him with a kiss. The morning after, they made their way back to the Royal Palace.

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Four and a Half Years Later

Satoru awoke suddenly. He felt as if he was tingling all over. He slowly sat up, not wanting to disrupt Suguru. He had had the same dream three times in the last ten days. That was no coincidence. Satoru knew the dream was a message from the Honored Ones… it just made no sense. But there was someone he could ask and he could wait no longer.

Satoru slid out of his bed and walked to his vanity table. He swiped his hand across the locked drawer, the lock turning. Satoru opened the drawer and took the blue velvet bag that was there. He fisted his hand and then opened it, a flame suddenly appearing, floating above his open palm. He made his way to the bathing room of his bed chambers.

Life was good for Satoru. Really good. He and Suguru were mere weeks from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary and many festivities were planned. The Kingdom was to have a whole week of celebrations. After that, Satoru and Suguru were going to make their way back to Satoru’s home so he could visit his family. They were to stay for a month. Yes, Satoru could technically wait to see his Grandmother and ask about his dreams then, but seeing as this was the third time the message had come, he couldn’t wait. Satoru sat on the beautiful tiled floor of the bathing room, holding his open palm with the flame still a moment and then reaching down and took the mirror out of the velvet bag. The flame stayed floating in the air.

Satoru had talked to his Grandmother a few times in the last four and a half years. Mostly, about how to handle Suguru’s mother. The Queen had not warmed up to Satoru at all. In fact she had come even colder since he had joined Suguru during his first rut. The King seemed indifferent. Satoru didn’t understand but he also didn’t care. Not that much yet, anyway. He had continued to join Suguru during his rut and they continued to be happy and in love.

They would visit around the Kingdom quite a bit, meeting with subjects. Suguru’s personal guard was now 12. All full blooded shape shifters. Shoko would still at times teach Satoru about the Kingdom, but she was now just a friend more than anything. Life was, for all intents and purposes, good for Satoru and his husband.

Satoru took a deep breath in, staring at the blackness of the mirror until it began to show a gray fog. A moment later, his Grandmother appeared.

“Satoru,” Grandmother said. She sounded worried, voice still a little hoarse with sleep. “Is everything alright?”

“It is, Grandmother I am so sorry for waking you up like this,” Satoru said in his most apologetic voice. “But I couldn’t wait to share something with you.”

“That’s all right my sweetness, tell me, what is it?”

Satoru tilted his head and looked into his grandmother’s eyes. “I’ve had the same dream now, three times in the last ten nights.” Satoru paused. “It’s always the same.” He sighed. “I’m pregnant.” He looked at his Grandmother.

“Go on,” she said, wide awake and listening intently.

“It feels so real. My stomach is so heavy and my breasts are swollen and Suguru is so… happy.” Satoru pauses, suddenly overcome with emotion. “It’s so real.”

Grandmother nodded. “That’s a lovely dream,” she said with a sweet smile. “How does it end?”

Satoru furrowed his brow, thinking hard. “I… I just suddenly wake up.”

“Do you see yourself giving birth?” Grandmother asked.

“No,” Satoru shook his head. “I’m just so big. Like I’m close to giving birth and Suguru is so happy.” Satoru sighed. “It feels so real.”

“Do you want to have a baby?”

Satoru looked at his grandmother. “I’m a man -”

“You’re not just a man. You’re a powerful magical being and you can make it happen if it’s your heart’s desire. So, is it?”

Satoru sat there, stunned. But deep inside… he already knew the answer to that question. He loved Suguru with all his heart and the idea of a child with him was pure heaven.

“Talk to your husband,” Grandmother said. “Maybe the universe wants you two to procreate. You were meant to be wed, after all. Your child would be an Honored One. Just like you and the your husband Prince.”

Satoru nodded. He smiled at his Grandmother. “Thank you, Grandmother.”

“Of course, my sweet one,” Grandmother replied. She looked right into Satoru’s eyes. “And if you are meant to birth children, we both know what that means.”

Satoru felt overcome with emotion. He grinned. “Yes, Grandmother.”

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Satoru thought about what Grandmother had said. Four days after he contacted her, he had the dream again. It was the same, Satoru big and pregnant and Suguru looking so happy he could burst. Satoru paid attention to the end of the dream, but each time, he just suddenly woke up. His body always felt as if he was tingling all over. It was a pleasant feeling. He never felt scared or worried and nothing negative came from it. He kept it to himself.

The Princes celebrated their fifth wedding. They visited around the Kingdom, partaking in several celebrations. The final and biggest was the one at the Royal Palace. There were musicians and dancers and magic performers, which Satoru found incredibly entertaining.

The Queen acted happy and friendly to everyone but Satoru but the Prince didn’t care. He didn’t have time to. He was too overcome by Suguru and how happy he obviously was. Each year, as their anniversary came around, Satoru didn’t think Suguru could get any happier or be any sweeter, and each year Satoru was proved wrong. This year was no different. Suguru had eyes for no one but Satoru and he always used their anniversary as permission to gush about Satoru to anyone willing to hear. Satoru was overcome with happiness. The celebrations went late into the night until finally, the Princes left and retired to their bedchambers.

Satoru was happy. He and Suguru changed and got into bed, kissing sweetly. Satoru pulled back from the kiss and looked at Suguru.

“My Love?” He asked. “What is it?”

Suguru took Satoru’s hands and looked deep into his blue eyes. “I want to talk to you about something.”

“Of course,” Satoru said, nodding. His heart was racing. Satoru was surprised at how nervous he suddenly felt. At times even he was taken aback by how in love with Suguru he was. He tried to stay as calm as possible.

“I want you to know, there had been something I had been thinking about for maybe the last year or so, and,” Suguru smiled, suddenly breaking eye contact. “And well, my mother said something to me a few weeks ago and I’ve not been able to stop thinking about it.”

The two made eye contact. Satoru knew. He felt it. He knew.

“My Love,” Satoru whispered, breath suddenly coming in soft pants.

Suguru looked at him, realization dawning on his handsome face. “How did you know?”

Satoru felt his cheeks flush. “I dreamt it,” he replied in a soft voice.

“You did?”

Satoru nodded. He couldn’t describe all he was feeling. “I saw it. I was… huge,” Satoru laughed and Suguru looked at him… so happy. Satoru was overcome with emotion and threw his arms around his husband. He couldn’t believe that was his life.

“Can we?” Suguru asked softly.

“Yes.” Satoru pulled back from the hug and gave Suguru a kiss. “Yes,” he repeated. “I will give you a child. Children. As many as you want.”

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The pair had spent a lovely month in Satoru’s homeland and Satoru felt his heart could burst with happiness when he saw his Grandmother and Suguru not only interact but get along very well. The time seemed to fly and suddenly it was their day of departure.

Grandmother came to see them off, giving Satoru a tight hug and then hugging Suguru. Satoru saw Grandmother whisper something and then hand Suguru something small, which he tightly wrapped his hand around. Suguru nodded and gave her another hug. They then took off. Satoru wished to ask, but didn’t. He trusted his husband and his Grandmother and he knew one day, he would know what the exchange was all about.

The months rolled by and the two Princes made plans for their future, which they shared with no one but themselves. The new year celebrations came and went and then Satoru began to feel something akin to nervousness. The two had decided they would begin to attempt to conceive a child during Suguru’s rut. To Satoru, the idea of conceiving a child during his husband’s rut in the magical palace seemed like a dream. A beautiful, perfect dream. It would incorporate his magical gifts and his husband’s shape shifting gift in a place that was special in so many ways.

It was the night before they were set to leave, to Satoru’s surprise the Queen began to speak to him at dinner.

“Prince Satoru,” she said in with an aloof tone. “Do you not think my son deserves heirs.”

Satoru looked at her. “Indeed he does,” he replied with sincerity.

“Then you will not object him taking a concubine,” the Queen said.

Satoru was sure this was not the first time the discussion had been had. He was sure the Queen had spoken to Suguru and had told him to take a concubine so he may have an heir. He was even sure the Queen had a beautiful woman picked out, probably a full blooded shapeshifter that was loyal to the Queen and who Satoru was sure would be more than happy to drive a wedge between he and Suguru with promises from the Queen that she would one day sit on her throne.

Satoru felt sorry for her and the Queen.

“I do object my husband taking a concubine,” Satoru said in a pleasant voice. The Queen looked his way, eyes hard. “He has no need for one,” Satoru said with a smile to the Queen.

“You just said he deserves heirs,” the Queen said.

“He does. He deserves all the heirs his noble heart desires,” Satoru replied.

“Then he needs a concubine,” the Queen said. “And I already have the perfect one picked out.”

“Send her away,” Satoru said. “Your son is in no need of one.”

“And who shall give him an heir?” The Queen asked.

“Enough!” Suguru replied, voice stern. “You heard my husband. Send her away. There is no need of her.”

“Suguru,” the Queen began.

“I will not hear of this from you anymore!” Suguru roared.

Satoru sat still and looked at the Queen, who was clearly upset. He then glanced at the King, who seemed unbothered by it all. Satoru continued eating his dinner.

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The Princes left at dawn, right as the sun was beginning to rise. Satoru watched as Suguru spoke to his father. He seemed stern and slightly agitated and the King simply nodded and listened. In the end though, the two men hugged and Suguru made his way to the carriage Satoru sat in.

“Everything alright?” Satoru asked softly.

Suguru met Satoru’s blue eyes and nodded, taking his hand and kissing his knuckles softly. “Yes, my love,” he replied softly. “Everything is perfect.”

Satoru smiled and settled in for the ride. They took off. Elation filled Satoru. With every turn of the carriage wheel, he knew the pair drew closer and closer to beginning a new chapter in their lives. Satoru sighed, his heart and chest full of contentment and happiness. This was clearly what the universe wanted.

The two had decided to leave early in the morning for a reason. They reached the ancient castle at midday. The air was crisp and the sky was a bright blue, not a cloud in sight. The place was as beautiful as ever and Satoru felt so alive. He walked to the large stone arch, touched it and leaned in and kissed it. “I’m home,” he whispered to himself. He looked back and watched Suguru instruct their people around. He had grown up well. He was a handsome, strong young man and at that moment Satoru saw the King he would become. Suguru suddenly looked his way and gave him a bright smile. Satoru smiled back.

They had arrived about a week before Suguru’s rut was to begin. This was all done on purpose. During their first night there, the pair walked out into the woods, where they went to the clearing and rock they had always used for their offerings and Satoru chanted to the powers he always chanted to. Suguru was silent and beside him, holding his hand. Satoru made him repeat a few on the chants, which Suguru did perfectly. Satoru chanted late into the night, until he felt his pleading was heard and received. He nodded happily and the two walked back to the palace.

“I’m certain you were heard, My Love,” Suguru said as the castle came into view.

“Yeah?” Satoru asked with a soft smile.

“Mmhmm,” Suguru nodded. “I felt it.”

Satoru tilted his head to the side as he stepped closer to his husband. “So did I,” Satoru replied.

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Satoru had done everything Grandmother had instructed him to do. He had eaten well, he had rested lots, he had stayed calm and peaceful and, most importantly, he and Suguru had abstained from sex. It had been difficult, that was not a lie, but they had spoken about it and it was understood.

A few days before the full moon the two lay in bed, Suguru laying on Satoru’s abdomen as Satoru gently played with his hair.

“So how will it happen?” Suguru asked softly. “I know your magic allows you to do many things. I’m curious.”

Satoru smiled. “I will change the parts of my body that are necessary to carry a child,” he answered simply. Suguru looked up at him, realization dawning on him. “But I won’t all be female form. Just here,” Satoru waved his hand over his groin and abdomen.”

“You’ll feed the child though, right?” Suguru asked. The look in his eyes was beautiful. Satoru caressed his cheek.

“Yes, My Love,” he replied softly. “I hope you don’t mind. My breast will fill with milk and -”

“No, of course I won’t mind,” Suguru replied. Satoru looked at Suguru’s loved filled eyes. “You’re amazing. I can’t believe I was lucky enough to not only find you but be able to marry you.”

Saturo felt himself flush with emotion. He couldn’t believe even now Suguru could still render him speechless with his sweet words. He watched as Suguru kissed his abdomen.

“I can’t wait, Satoru,” he said softly, hugging him close. “I can’t wait.”

The day before the full moon, Suguru had woken up with a fever. Satoru felt excited. They wouldn’t mate until the night of the full moon though, but the pair stayed in bed all day. He knew it was hard for Suguru, his animalistic instincts were driving him to mate, but the Prince in full control and so he was able to control himself, but he clung on to Satoru, kissing him, licking his skin and whispering to him all he wanted to do to him. Satoru caressed his hair and listened and gently whispered to him reminding him they only needed to wait one night longer.

Satoru made sure his husband ate and rested and when the sun began set, Satoru climbed on Suguru’s back and the pair took off on their run. The full mood had barely risen. Suguru reached the crest of the hill just past the castle and howled and then continued to run. The howls replied but for the first time in the years they had been doing this, Satoru watched as the other wolves joined them and ran along side them. Satoru had never seen them. He watched them all, taking in the fact that Suguru was the largest, and then they disappeared back into the woods and Satoru heard their howls just a few more times before silence settled around them again. Suguru ran all night until it was almost sunrise.

Once back at the castle, Suguru’s fever increased. He was also again, larger and as the hours passed, Satoru grew full of nervous excitement. With the last few hours of sunlight left, Satoru grabbed his mirror and watched the swirl of fog until Grandmother appeared.

“Are you ready?” She asked with a smile.

“I am,” Satoru nodded.

“Your mother and I will chant from here,” Grandmother said.

“Thank you,” Satoru said. Grandmother gave him some more reassuring words and then they said goodbye. The sun was finally setting. Satoru waved his head over his abdomen, he felt his body change. His heart thumped in his chest. He was ready.

Satoru walked back into his bed chamber. Suguru seemed sound asleep. Satoru walked closer and crawled back into the bed. Suguru opened his eyes up, wide awake. Satoru reached over and touched him.

Suguru was hot, his skin flushed, his chest was rising and falling rapidly, pants escaping him, some sounding like soft growls. Satoru picked up once of his hands, the nails were longer and sharper than usual. Satoru kissed his palm. Satoru pulled the bed coverings away, exposing Suguru’s naked body. He was already hard. Satoru grabbed hold of the sleeping shirt he had on and slipped it off himself. Suguru gazed up at him. Satoru climbed on top, straddling him.

“I want you to breed me,” Satoru said softly as he stroked Suguru’s hot erection. It felt so large and thick in his hand. Suguru nodded, taking hold of Satoru’s hips. The lined their bodies up. They were ready. They had been wanting for days. For a moment, Satoru worried about how it would feel for Suguru, seeing has his body had been changed to adjust for pregnancy.

Satoru felt Suguru pull at his hips. “Now,” he growled, amber eyes intense.

“Yes,” Satoru nodded. He leaned forward, kissing Suguru and then began to lower his body down on his husband’s hot, thick erection. They both groaned, their bodies that had been full of need for days, and were finally experiencing some relief.

Satoru hissed as he felt the hot stretch of Suguru sliding slowly deeper and deeper in him. It was different, new, he had never had sex in this body. But it felt good. So good. He felt his body adjust as Suguru slid inside him. He groaned as he slid down further, finally sliding all of Suguru in him. He placed his hands on Suguru’s chest and began to move his hips. It felt amazing. The hot ache added to the pleasure as he felt Suguru’s cock caress his sensitive walls. His husband felt huge and good and perfect and before he knew it he was working his hips at a feverish pace. He wanted and needed his husband so bad.

It seemed though, Satoru wasn’t the only one that was full of need. After a while, Suguru flipped them over and turned Satoru over, placing him on all fours. Satoru grabbed on to the wooden headboard and cried out as Suguru slammed into him. It was almost an out of body experience. Everything felt new, but familiar. The new body parts were sensitive and as Suguru slammed into him, Satoru felt his knees weaken. It was good. So, so good.

He felt Suguru wrap a muscular arm around him as he felt the hot stretch of his knot forming.

“Yes,” Satoru panted. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

This is what he wanted. What they wanted. What they had been waiting for.

Satoru whined and grasped Suguru’s muscular forearm, gasping as he felt his husband’s knot slowly slide deeper inside him. Suguru hugged him tight, pressing his hot chest to Satoru’s back. Satoru gasped as Suguru’s knot lodged deep inside him. Suguru guided him down, spooning him and kissing his neck as they settled down on the bed. Satoru panted and whined as Suguru kissed him all over. Suguru reached between his legs, gently rubbing him and made Satoru climax, knot lodged deep inside him. The intensity was mind blowing. Satoru shut his eyes tight and saw stars. Suguru kissed his face and neck, growling softly.

“I love you,” Satoru whispered, mind gone, body spent. He fell into a peaceful sleep.

He woke up, a while later, Suguru hot and all around him. Satoru turned and kissed his lips. Suguru blinked awake.

“My love,” Satoru whispered. He felt himself growing rapidly needy. “Need your knot,” he whispered.

Suguru reacted immediately. He crawled on top of Satoru, spreading his legs and kissing him roughly. Suguru entered him quickly. Satoru felt as he always did here, his body tingling, his heart pumping and full of life. Everything felt amazing. His mind was slightly hazy. Suguru was hot and huge and every kiss and thrust and touch was magical. Satoru held on tight as Suguru simply ravaged him, fucking him hard and fast and then lodging his knot as deep as he could into him. Suguru’s eyes seemed to glow and he growled as he sucked on Satoru’s neck, leaving marks. It was perfect. It was everything Satoru had ever wanted.

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Satoru had known from the following morning that he was pregnant. He knew it. He could feel it. The tiny life inside of him felt like a glow from within. He couldn’t quite explain it but he just knew.

At first, the pair had decided to only stay a month, but as Satoru thought about returning to the royal palace, where he knew neither he nor his child would be wanted, he felt dread grow in him. He decided he would tell Suguru how he felt.

Two days before they were to return, he spoke to him.

“My love,” Satoru whispered. Suguru looked into his blue eyes. “I wish to stay here until the child is born.”

Suguru furrowed his brow, but seemed to understand. “Is it because of my mother?” He asked plainly.

“Not just her,” Satoru answered softly. “This is place is magical, as you know, and I feel happy and safe here.” Suguru nodded, understanding. “I was also thinking I’d invite Grandmother here. She should be here when the child is born.”

“Yes,” Suguru nodded with a smile. He took a deep breath in. “Alright,” he said. “But I will have to go home for at least a few days and let my father know.”

“Of course,” Satoru nodded.

“I’ll send a messenger for now. I will only leave once Grandmother has arrived.”

“Alright,” Satoru nodded, relieved that his husband had understood.

Two weeks later, Grandmother arrived and she seemed incredibly pleased to be there. She too, picked up on the magic of the place and was happy that Satoru had decided to stay in the castle for the remainder of his pregnancy.

A few days after she arrived, Suguru took off. Grandmother and Satoru walked into the woods, in the middle of the day, to the clearing he and Suguru always made their offerings at.

“This place is full of magic,” Grandmother said.

Satoru nodded happily. “Yes. It’s the reason I wanted to stay here,” Satoru nodded.

Grandmother looked at Satoru and smiled, her blue eyes meeting his. “You’ve done well, my sweet,” she said softly taking Satoru’s hands. “That husband is yours is exactly what I imagined he would be. He’s strong.”

“He is,” Satoru nodded.

“He will serve you well, serve us well,” she said with a smile. “I’m proud of you. These marriages are made often but few ever turn out as wonderful as yours has. I am so very proud of you.”

Satoru felt happy and proud. “Thank you, Grandmother,” Satoru said. He looked her way. “I want him with me always.”

Grandmother smiled. “He always will be, my sweet. It took you hundreds of years to find me. We have truly been blessed to have found him and to have you two be born as you were was a miracle.”

Satoru smiled. “We were meant to be.”

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Suguru was gone for five days and then he was back. Satoru couldn’t be happier. Each day he felt the tiny life within him grow. And then, about eight weeks after conception, Satoru suddenly woke up and placed his hands on his abdomen. It seemed Suguru sensed his waking. That seemed to be happening a lot lately. It seems Suguru was very in tune with Satoru’s feelings.

“What is it, my love?” He asked.

“The baby,” he said softly.

Suguru looked at him concerned. “Yes?” He asked softly.

Satoru touched his abdomen and closed his eyes, just to make sure. Satoru felt the hot sting of tears and he suddenly looked at Suguru, taking his hand and placing it on his abdomen. “Suguru,” he gasped out. Holding back a soft sob. “It’s not one. There’s two. Two little ones.” Satoru looked at Suguru, laughing through his tears.

Suguru pulled him close. He kissed Satoru’s face all over, kissing his tears away. “I’m so happy,” he said softly. “Satoru. You’re amazing. You’re amazing, I love you. I love you so much. I’m so happy.”

The months passed, summer came and Satoru’s stomach grew. Little by little, the little lives inside him grew and daily, Satoru spoke to them, spoke magic into them and became more and more connected to them. He encouraged Suguru to do the same and the Prince was more than happy to. He placed a hand on Satoru’s growing bump and spoke to them and whispered to them as Satoru watched and smiled.

Suguru made it routine that he would go to the Royal Palace and visit his parents every four or five weeks. Satoru received a messenger one day while his husband was away to let him know the King would be visiting them. Satoru was fine with this. It was the height of summer. His Grandmother and Suguru would be with him. He also noticed the messenger had said King and not Queen, and that made him feel more relaxed.

The day after, the carriages arrived. Satoru watched and then Suguru came upstairs to escort him downstairs. Grandmother had mended some clothes for him and he wore some now, to meet the King. The King looked upon him in amazement.

“My son does not lie,” he said softly as Satoru walked to him, pretty round belly sticking out.

“And why would he do that, Your Majesty?” Satoru asked with a bow to his head. The King suddenly looked behind Satoru and saw Grandmother there.

The King shook his head. “He had no reason to. I just had no idea your magic could do this much.” He looked at Grandmother. “But I’m sure you did,” he said with a shake of his head, a chuckle escaping him.

“Satoru is special,” is all Grandmother said.

“You see now why no concubine was needed,” Suguru said.

“Indeed,” the King nodded. He glanced at Satoru again. He reached over and placed a palm on Satoru’s belly. Satoru didn’t feel any ill will at the motion, quite the contrary actually. “I’m glad,” he said as he looked into Satoru’s eyes. “Make sure you give my son strong heirs.”

“Indeed I will, Your Majesty,” Satoru replied.

The King only stayed three days. Half of Suguru’s personal guard escorted him back. The night after he left, Suguru laid with Satoru on their bed, Satoru resting upon his chest as Suguru tenderly caressed his belly.

“I knew father would understand and be happy for us,” Suguru said softly, kissing Satoru’s head.

“Your mother not so much,” Satoru replied while he caresses Suguru’s chest. Satoru felt Suguru shrug. “It matters not. I’ve asked father to not tell her.”

Satoru furrowed his brow, interest peaked. “Oh?” He asked in a leveled voice. “And you think your father will keep it secret from his spouse?”

“Hmm,” Suguru hummed. “I don’t care,” he replied after a moment. “I wouldn’t keep anything from you, but my mother has been unreasonably harsh against you. I don’t understand.”

Satoru sighed. Turning and little and kissing Suguru’s face. “Maybe don’t place your father in such positions, My Love,” Satoru said sweetly. “I don’t want him to feel as if he must choose sides.”

Suguru shook his head. “He won’t,” Suguru replied, with a kiss to Suguru’s forehead. “I explained to him that mother was unreasonably harsh of you. And just said to wait until we came home and I could speak to her. That’s all.”

Satoru nodded, with a soft smile. He cupped Suguru’s face and caressed it. “Ok,” he said softly.

“But don’t worry about that now. I’ll keep you and our children safe,” he said softly.

Satoru smiled and kissed the Prince. “I know you will.”

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The months passed, summer became fall and Satoru’s belly only grew larger and heavier. His body ached but Suguru was a dream of a husband and Grandmother cooked for him daily and laid her magical hands on him, helping with the worst of pains. She wanted him to save all his magic for his growing babies.

“There is only so much Magic can do when it comes to pains due to pregnancy,” Grandmother said.

Suguru watched her. “You’ll be able to help Satoru though, during the birth and making sure all goes well?”

Satoru watched the way Grandmother gazed at Suguru with proud eyes. “Of course, my darling,” she said with a smile. Satoru loved how much Grandmother cared for Suguru. But of course, Suguru was hard to not love. “Mind you though,” she said softly. “Most of the magic that will keep the birth safe will come from Satoru himself,” she said.

Suguru looked at Satoru, caressing his hair. “You’re incredible,” he said.

“And you’re blinded by love,” Satoru chuckled. “You’re more incredible, Suguru.”

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The leaves fell off the trees and the first frost of the year appeared. Satoru knew he only had a couple of more weeks left. He began to prepare a space for his babies. Suguru and Grandmother helped, but it was something Satoru liked to do on his own. He spoke magic words softly as he gathered things for his soon to be born children. He loved how magic just seemed to flow in the air around the place. He knew everything would be fine.

It was in the middle of the second week of December that Satoru was awaken by the movement of the babies inside of him. The sun was just barely rising. He gasped and pressed his hand on his abdomen.

“What is it?” Suguru asked, suddenly awake.

“They’re…” he let out a soft laugh. “It’s like they summersaulting around inside me,” he said. He looked at Suguru. “I think it’s happening.” Suguru nodded he exited their bed chamber and within moments Grandmother was there.

It didn’t take too long. Least to Satoru it didn’t seem like it did. The labor pains began soon after. Suguru and Grandmother were calm and collected and several hours later, Satoru began to push. He left the magic of the place guide him. He worked with the pain of the contractions to help push, Grandmother counting to ten as he did so. He saw Grandmother show him a child and soon Suguru was holding the baby and it was time to push again. Grandmother held up another small infant and then the world became hazy.

Satoru remember Suguru kissing him and crying and Grandmother caressing his hair and telling him. He did good. He fell asleep.

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Satoru had never felt happier.

The twins, a boy and a girl were the most beautiful thing Satoru had ever seen. Satoru loved them so much. He felt his heart soar as they grew, the boy with black hair and blue eyes and the girl with white hair and amber eyes. Satoru couldn’t stop staring at them and he knew Suguru couldn’t either. It wasn’t lost in Satoru the way Suguru stared as he held one twin while Satoru fed the other. The two seemed to grow even closer.

The new year came and went and it was then that Satoru had to face the reality that eventually they would return to the Royal Palace. He decided to talk about it with Suguru when mid January came.

“I know we have to go back,” he said softly.

Suguru nodded. “My rut will come soon. We’ll make arrangements after that,” he said softly.

Satoru tilted his head. “You almost sound as if you don’t wish to return,” he said with a soft smile.

Suguru shook his head as he let a breath out. “I’ve never felt the fact that I was a Prince be a burden before,” he began. Satoru listened. “Even when we married, it felt like a blessing since it brought us together and I was proud we were both Princes.”

Satoru caressed his chest. “But now?” He asked softly.

“Now I’m a father and part of me wishes to do nothing but protect them. I wouldn’t think twice of turning my back on the crown if it meant giving my children better lives.” Satoru looked at Suguru as he spoke. The two suddenly met eyes. “They’re not just heirs. They’re mine, of me.” Suguru swallowed. “I, we, will make sure they know that as they grow.”

Satoru smiled and kissed Suguru’s cheek.

“We will my love,” he said softly. He licked his lips. “Speaking of your rut…” Satoru whispered.

Suguru and he made sudden eye contact. They hadn’t been intimate since the birth of the twins as not enough time had passed. Satoru loved the glint in Suguru’s eyes. “Yes?”

“I will be all yours by then,” Satoru whispered.

Suguru grinned, eyes flashing with the desire. “I cannot wait,” he whispered.

Despite the fact that the two hadn’t been intimate for weeks, Satoru felt the absolute tenderness in which Suguru made love to him during his rut. It was night and day. It amazed him. He knew his husband had told him that during his rut he sometimes was not in control, but the opposite seemed to be proven true this time around. Either Suguru had simply become more in control of himself or his desire to make sure the mother of his offspring was safe over rid anything animalistic in him, but either way, Suguru was very much in control of himself during his rut.

After returning from their run under the full moon, Suguru carried Satoru bridal style to their bed and gently laid him down in the middle of it. He spread Satoru’s legs and dove in, Satoru grasping at his long, black hair as his tongue licked and sucked and explored him. Satoru couldn’t explain it, but somehow, Suguru’s tongue moved around his body with an air of authority. Satoru felt owned. He gasped at the pleasure it gave him. He still had not returned to his male form. He had explained to Suguru he would have to wait until the twins had been weened off him.

Satoru was taken aback. He had know Suguru preferred his male form and so this… was unexpected. He arched his back and enjoyed it though. Suguru seemed hungry for him. He felt himself shake to his core as Suguru drove an orgasm out of him, tongue deep inside of him. He gasped as Suguru licked him clean greedily, Satoru trembled at how rough and demanding Suguru’s tongue felt. It felt incredibly good. He didn’t stop, even when Satoru whined with over sensitivity. He licked and tongue fucked him faster and harder and then suddenly, Suguru picked Satoru up and pulled him on top, entering his body as Satoru settled down on him, straddling him. Satoru felt the breath knocked out of him.

Satoru gasped as Suguru grasped Satoru’s hips and lifted them up and down on him, pleasing himself. Satoru wrapped his arms around Suguru’s shoulders and let his husband do as he please. His amber eyes seemed to almost glow and Satoru was overcome at how good everything felt. He watched as Suguru latched on to one of his heavy breasts and suckled from it. He then did the same to the other and Satoru hung on for dear life as Suguru fucked him from underneath. Soon enough, he was on his back and Suguru was emptying himself inside him. Satoru was in bliss, arms and legs holding Suguru tight. He never wanted to let him go.

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Satoru and Suguru has decided they would return to the Royal Palace the first week of March. The twins were two months old and spring was on its way. It was time to go.

Grandmother traveled with them. She had told the Princes she would see them settled at home before she went home herself and the two felt happy and grateful to have her do this.

The trip was half a day and thankfully, the babies slept through most of it. Once at the Royal Palace, Suguru practically ordered Satoru to rest and handed him the twins and told him he would take care of everything. Grandmother seemed very pleased to see Suguru’s protective nature. It warmed Satoru’s heart as well.

The King made an appearance that night, seeing his grandchildren for the first time.

“Well, I never,” he said softly, looking at the babies. “They’re both of you,” he said softly. He looked at Suguru. “Your mother will love them, I know it,” he said. Satoru said nothing, but he heard the hope in the King’s voice. Suguru simply gave him a nod.

It wasn’t until a week later that Satoru and Suguru joined the King and Queen for dinner. It was slightly tense but Satoru and the Queen mostly ignored each other. The only time Satoru looked at her was when she asked about their children.

“How are your offspring?” She asked.

Suguru answered calmly. “Growing happy, healthy and strong.”

Satoru stared at her, part of him as if daring her to say something horrible. She didn’t though, she simply looked up and met Satoru’s blue eyes. “You know at one year of age they must be presented to the Kingdom,” she simply said.

“I’m aware,” Suguru replied.

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Spring arrived and the twins grew. Shoko was a regular. Satoru told her to speak to the babies and tell them stories of the history of their Kingdom and their father’s ancestors.

“It’s important,” Satoru told her vehemently. “I can only tell them about where I came from, but you must tell them where their father came from. You know more than the Prince!”

Shoko chuckled but readily agreed. Satoru was pleased to see how much she instantly cared for his children. He was also pleased to see how she took his request seriously and always told the twins stories of their ancestors.

Spring became summer and Grandmother came to the Princes and told them it was time for her to go. It was bittersweet but Satoru knew the day was bound to come.

Summer turned into fall the twins began to crawl and babble a lot. Satoru watched lovingly as Suguru played on the floor with them, making them squeal with joy and laughter. It was around the end of October that Satoru crawled into bed, mischievous look in his eye.

Suguru noticed. “What is it?” He asked.

Satoru took his night shirt and slipped it off himself. He heard Suguru gasp. He was back fully to his male form. Suguru lounged at him and pinned him down, kissing him all over. Satoru laughed joyfully.

“Please don’t think I love or desire you any less. You gave me children but -”

“Shh, shh,” Satoru whispered. “No need to explain. I know.”

Suguru nodded and kissed his mouth lovingly before sliding down and taking Satoru’s cock in his mouth, sucking him with an eagerness that reminded Satoru of the very first night they spent together. Satoru was left breathless. They hardly got any sleep that night.

It was December, Satoru had just celebrated a birthday and the twins had just turned one. A grand celebration had been planned. The whole Kingdom was celebrating. It was a tradition in Suguru’s kingdom, once a new heir turned one, they were presented to the Kingdom. Special tiny robes and crowns were made for the children and Satoru felt a feeling of pride as the day came and celebrations began.

“It’s cold so we won’t have them out long,” Suguru told Satoru. “Just a short and slow carriage ride to see the people and that’s all.”

“Yes, My Love,” Satoru nodded. He stared as he saw Suguru step forward and produce two golden necklaces. One with a purple stone and one with a red stone. He put one on each twin. Satoru stared in amazement as Suguru chanted in their ancient tongue, perfectly fluent.

Satoru felt his heart race. He didn’t want to push Suguru too much. “Your chanting is so good,” Satoru said softly with a sweet smile.

“Grandmother taught me the day before she gave these to me,” he said glancing up at Satoru. “She told me we would have twins and instructed me on this day to put these on them -”

“And never take them off,” Satoru said.

“That’s right,” Suguru nodded. “She said it must be me that put them on.”

“Indeed,” Satoru said. He walked to Suguru and kissed him. “You are truly amazing.”

♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛ ♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛ ♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛ ♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛ ♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛

The twins were two and half and the day was warm signaling the beginning of summer. Shoko was reading to the twins when Satoru felt coldness deep in his chest. He excused himself from Shoko and ran to his bed chambers. He waved his hand over the lock of the drawer in his vanity and hurriedly took his mirror out. Satoru felt he could hardly breathe. The fog swirled and then Grandmother came into view. She looked pale.

“Grandmother!” Satoru called out.

“My sweet,” she whispered softly.

“No! Grandmother! Please! I’ll leave today!”

“No. No time,” she said in soft gasps. “Fret not, sweet boy,” she said with a soft smile. Satoru cried softly, unable to hold his tears. “No tears, no tears,” she said softly. “We are Honored Ones and you know the Universe favors us.” Satoru nodded with a smile. “Prepare a vessel for me. After me there is one more. We were always five but we knew there were six. Your husband is the sixth. This is our time. After millennia of looking and looking us six finally have a chance to be back together. Stay safe. Watch the children grow. Once they come of age, the world will be ours.”

Satoru grinned, wiping the last of his tears. “Yes, Grandmother,” he nodded.

“Two more vessels my sweet. You know what to do.”

“Yes, Grandmother,” Satoru nodded.

Grandmother smiled at Satoru weakly. “After I pass you will become the oldest of us and as such you will become our Keeper.” She let a soft breath out. “Be filled with joy,” Grandmother said. “Under your watch the full power of us Honored Ones will come to be at last! The power of the shapeshifters is the last piece of the puzzle. Use it wisely. Use those people wisely.”

Satoru grinned and nodded his head slowly. “Yes, Grandmother,” he whispered softly.

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Satoru asked Shoko to come with him and Suguru so she could help with the twins and she didn’t hesitate. The journey was rough, but finally, they made it. Satoru didn’t want to believe it, and a small part of him childishly believed he would find Grandmother alive when he made it to his childhood home. But she was not. He found her body being displayed in the throne room of the Palace. Satoru walked in and gave her a kiss on the forehead. She was buried two days later.

On the night before they were to leave for the Royal Palace of the Southern Kingdom, Satoru had made up his mind. He knew conversations should have been had, but his heart was heavy and he knew what he wanted amd had to do, and he also knew, Suguru would never deny him.

Satoru waved his hand over his abdomen and felt his body change. He walked into his bed chambers. Suguru was in bed, reading a book when he looked up and froze when he saw Satoru’s face. The two stared at one another as Satoru climbed in the bed and crawled on his lap, straddling him. Satoru took his handsome face in his hand.

“Satoru?” Suguru asked.

“Give me another child,” Satoru demanded softly.

Suguru sat stunned for a moment. “My Love,” he began but Satoru interrupted him.

Tears began to spill from his eyes and Suguru looked at him with deep concern. “I. Want. Another. Child.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Suguru said, nodding quickly.

Satoru stayed on top. He was needy and hurried and he rushed to bury Satoru deep inside him. “I love you,” he said between gasps. “I love you so much, Suguru, I love you.”

“I love you, Satoru,” Suguru replied. He let Satoru be in complete control. Once he was close, he flipped them over and Satoru pulled him close, holding him tight with his legs and arms. He emptied himself deep inside Satoru, who cried softly as he kissed Suguru deeply.

“Suguru,” Satoru gasped softly. “I love you so, so much.”

A baby girl was born the following spring and then a baby boy a little over two years after that. Satoru made the golden necklaces for the two youngest children, a diamond and black opal stone adorning them. Suguru put the necklaces on, chanting as he had for the twins when they each turned one and were presented to the Kingdom. Satoru then did as Grandmother had instructed and watched his children grow up.

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Satoru smiled as he watched Suguru play with their youngest. While the second girl looked just like Satoru, white hair and piercing blue eyes, the boy was an interesting mix of them both. His hair, half black, half white, the eye under the black hair amber and the eye under the white hair blue. It wasn’t perfectly down the middle, the white side of his hair seemed to be a bit less than half his head.

Shoko was reading to the twins. Their oldest son was extremely fond of her and it warmed Satoru’s heart to see how loving she was with him.

“I’m not a shapeshifter but I wish I was,” he said with a sigh as she spoke more of how young shapeshifters showed their talent from when young.

Satoru looked his way. “With your magic you can do it,” he reminded his child.

“I know. But wish I naturally was one like baby brother,” he said offhandedly.

Satoru looked at his oldest son. “You believe your baby brother is a shapeshifter?” He asked.

The child nodded. “I had a dream about it a few days ago.” He said with all the certainty in the world. “The universe told me. I’m sure.”

Satoru looked at Shoko. “Don’t both parents have to have the genes?” He asked her.

Shoko shook her head with a grin. “Only if both are half bloods. But Suguru is full blooded. So it’s possible your oldest three to be half blooded and the youngest one to be full blooded!”

Satoru stared at his youngest as he and Suguru played. His eyes grew a bit wide when he saw the four year old crouch, bare his little teeth and pounce at his father. Suguru laughed as he rough housed with him a bit more. It was then that Satoru noticed how his play with him was a bit more different than it had been with the rest. His heart soared. He looked at his youngest girl, who looked back at him with pretty blue eyes. He smiled at her. She smiled back and crawled on his lap.

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It was a week after the twins had turned ten that a guard knocked loudly on Satoru’s and Suguru’s bedchamber doors in the middle of the night.

“It’s the King!” He exclaimed.

Satoru gathered the children together and left them with four guards outside their door as he and Suguru rushed to the King.

“What’s happened?” Suguru asked as he rushed in. The Queen was clutching the King’s hand, crying. Satoru knew the King was already dead.

“He was gasping and it woke me up and it was just so fast,” she sobbed. “He just stopped breathing.”

Suguru rushed to Satoru. “Please,” he said softly. “Is there anything?”

Satoru shook his head, his heart breaking as he did so. “If we had arrived before he had died I would have done anything and everything,” Satoru replied. “But once the soul has left the body there is nothing I can do.”

Suguru swallowed and nodded. Satoru willed himself to not cry. The sobs of the Queen filled the room.

Suguru and Satoru were crowned in private with their four children by their side just hours later. The Queen Mother, as her new title dictated she be called, was there too but she said nothing and didn’t even look at Satoru or the children. Satoru protectively stood between them and the Queen. He planned to act with as much grace towards her as he felt she deserved, but he knew if she stepped out of line… it would be the end of her.

It actually didn’t take long for her true colors to appear. Satoru was only surprised at how it happened.

Suguru’s and Satoru’s public coronation was being prepared. There was a lot of work and detail that went into it. It was exhausting but it all had to be perfect. As the day grew closer, Satoru felt his husband become stressed. They were in their bed chambers, Satoru lovingly combing his husband’s hair, trying to relax him when there was a commotion at their door. The Kings stepped forward, Suguru protectively in front of his husband when he suddenly heard the voice of his mother. Satoru shook his head and stepped back into their bed chambers as he heard Suguru open the doors.

Satoru was surprised though when he heard footsteps rush in. He turned quickly and saw the Queen Mother. He had never seen her look so angry. “I finally know!” She said hissing at Satoru. “I finally know why your grandmother paid us SO much money to marry you both!”

Suguru rushed in. “Mother, stop!” He said stepping between her and Satoru.

“No,” she shook her head. “No. I told your father no. I told your father not to do it but the greedy idiot wouldn’t listen!”

“STOP!” Suguru’s voice boomed. “Outside!” He commanded his guard. They obediently left.

The Queen Mother laughed. “Your children. They’re not children at all. They’re like you! Not human! They’re ves -”

“Mother! Stop.”

Satoru heard the murderous intent in Suguru’s voice. But his mother did not. That was her mistake. Satoru’s heart pounded in his chest. He wondered how much more she would say… he wondered how much Suguru already knew.

The Queen Mother looked at her son. “Those are not children,” she whispered. The fear in her eyes and her voice was evident. Satoru stayed quiet. “They’re not children. Son. Please! Listen to me!”

“Mother, you’re insane,” Suguru said softly.

“No. No. Please, Suguru please,” she begged. She dropped to her knees and clasped her hands together. “His magic, it’s dark! He’s an ancient being. He is one of five, cast away and buried under mountains but one got free and slowly began to free the rest and their souls get passed on and on through beings disguised as humans called vessels. They find each other with their dark magic! And now they have your power too! Your shape shifting power! They’re even stronger! They’re not children! There are dark souls in them! Dark powerful souls! And if you let them reach adulthood and let them reach their full potential they will destroy humanity! The will brainwash us and -”

Satoru held back his smile. Stupid monkey, he thought. We are not five. We are six.

“Enough!” Suguru shook his head. “You have always hated Satoru! You have never accepted my children! ENOUGH!”

The Queen Mother stood up. She stared at Satoru and Satoru stared back. He knew his oldest girl had the ability to read minds. He wondered if he brought her forth if she would be able to tell Satoru how the Queen Mother had found out.

She looked at Suguru. “They cannot reach adulthood. They cannot reach their full potential,” she said simply. “If they do they will destroy the world.”

“Mother,” Suguru warned.

Saturo glanced at his husband. Suguru was reaching his limit. Satoru shook his head. Idiot woman, he thought.

The Queen Mother reached inside her robe and produced a dagger. Satoru felt his breath hitch in his throat. He felt coldness run through his veins as he saw the black handle and red stone. HOW?!

Satoru suddenly heard the Queen Mother gasp. He stared. The woman was floating mid air, clawing at the throat. Suguru had his left hand stretched out, fingers bent as if he was clutching his mother’s throat. The dagger was clutched in the Queen Mother’s right hand, she was singing it in Satoru’s direction. Satoru stared at the sight in front of him in amazement.

“How am I doing this Satoru?” Suguru asked, voice strangely calm.

Satoru felt hot tears sting his eyes. “Magic, My Love,” Satoru gasped as happy tears fell down his face. He blinked. “Magic in you that our love has awaken.” Satoru swallowed. “Suguru, you are amazing. Truly, truly, amazing.”

Satoru stared in fascination as the Queen Mother struggled and kicked and tried to claw at her neck with her free hand. It took a while, Satoru watching in fascination as Suguru slowly killed her. Finally, her heart stopped and he dropped his hand, the woman falling to the floor in a lifeless heap. Her soul was gone.

“Stay here,” Suguru instructed.

Satoru nodded. He slowly took a few steps closer. He couldn’t get too close, the dagger was still clutched in her hand and Satoru saw it quiver as it detected him, he stepped back. The dagger stilled. One more weapon gathered. There were four more out there. Soon though, this dagger, like the mirror, will be neutralized.

A moment later, Suguru returned with General Yaga. The General shook his head. “She threatened my children,” Suguru said in a sorrowful voice, pointing at the dagger.

“We knew something was coming,” General Yaga said. “We just never imagined this.”

“What do you mean?” Satoru asked softly.

“It began after our first borns,” Suguru told Satoru softly. He walked to him and took his hands. “There’s a witch that lives nearby that mother began to see. I had a maid of hers spying for me. She couldn’t get over the fact that you used your magic to give me heirs. She saw this witch and I don’t know, she began to believe all these absurd stories,” Suguru shook his head.

“You never told me,” Satoru whispered.

“My Love, it was nonsense, so much so I refused to even hear it and my father never believed it either. I just never imagined it would come to this.”

Satoru suddenly looked at Suguru. “Oh, My Love,” he said and suddenly hugged him tight. “I am so sorry about this.” Satoru pulled back. “Are you ok?”

Suguru shook his head. “I had to. She threatened our children.” Satoru felt zero remorse coming from Suguru. It made the King feel giddy inside.

Satoru kissed his husband and looked at General Yaga. “We shall tell the people of our Kingdom that she died of a broken heart.”

“Yes,” General Yaga nodded with a smile.

“The dagger,” Satoru said with an innocent, soft voice. “Please, General. In my trunk, I have a white box. Can you place the dagger inside? As long as we have it, no one will be able to prove the Queen Mother meant any harm. Despite all this, we will not mar the memory of her for the people. Let’s let them remember their Queen as she was.”

The General and Suguru looked at Satoru in amazement. Suguru took his left hand and kissed his black wedding band. “You’re amazing,” he said softly. “Even in a moment like this you think of the people.”

Satoru smiled sweetly at him. “This is all because of how much I love you,” he said softly. “And because I love so much the people of our Kingdom. I want to always keep them happy.”

♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛ ♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛ ♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛ ♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛ ♔ ♕ ♔ ♚ ♛

The following day, after lunch, Satoru told Suguru he and the children were getting some fresh air. Suguru was very busy, the coronation was in three days, and after kissing each child on the head, they took off.

The five of them drove off to the outskirts of the town surrounding the palace. The children looked out the windows of the carriage. The oldest daughter looked at Satoru.

“Why doesn’t daddy remember?” She asked. “Haven’t his dreams told him yet?”

“I’m not sure yet,” Satoru replied. “We know he’s the sixth, the last of us that came to be and the last of us that was bound and suffered the most. It’s what the knowledge of the eldest says.” Satoru smiled at his children. “And since he was so strong he had to wait the longest to find a vessel strong enough to house his magnificently strong soul. But shapeshifters have magic of their own and it’s that magic that’s been ruling daddy’s life.” Satoru sighed. “But don’t worry. It’s Daddy and he knows us and loves us and already has proved he will protect us. We just have to be patient and let his memories find him again.”

They all looked at the youngest girl. She nodded. “It is what I’ve dreamt, yes.” She looked at them all. “We cannot force him. His dreams will reveal it to him slowly, at his pace and in a way that’s not traumatic to him so he’s able to accept it.” She shrugged. “He has plenty of time. Baby brother has to be twenty one in human years to reach his full potential anyway, since he is a natural shapeshifter!”

The youngest boy crawled onto Satoru’s lap. “We can help daddy! Maybe I can help since he and I both have more magic”

“Maybe,” Satoru said kissing his forehead. “But we’re a family. We will all help each other out.”

“But if he can’t remember, will he stand in the way?” The oldest boy asked. “He is the strongest of us, after all.”

“He won’t. Not if he’s not fully aware of what we’re doing before he’s heard to accept it,” Satoru said with a smile. “We won’t be greedy. We have waited thousands of years to find each other on earth in physical forms and now we won’t ever loose each other again. We even have more shapeshifters around us, Daddy has gathered them up! He will simply believe we are lucky and blessed. If we have to wait for him to enter his next vessel then so be it. Once he remembers then we will disposed of all non magical beings and our true reign will begin.”

The youngest girl smiled. “But I truly believe with the woman gone and all us together, his memories will begin soon.”

Satoru and the other children smiled at her. The oldest son nodded. “Let’s speak it into existence then.”

The carriage slowed to a stop.

“Let me,” the youngest girl said.

“No. She gave that woman the dagger. We’re all going in together,” Satoru said sternly. He suddenly smiled. “But can you incapacitate her from here?” He asked.

The little girl nodded. “She’s only human. She’s not one with any power. How did she have knowledge?” The little girl asked her older sister.

“Passed down in dreams,” the eldest daughter replied after a moment. “The ones that hunted us passed down their memories in dreams as well.”

Satoru’s oldest son made a face. “Should we be worried?” He asked. “There could be more.”

“I expect more yes,” Satoru nodded. “We’ll stay vigilant,” Satoru replied.

They exited the carriage and Satoru entered the small home. The children filed in behind him, the oldest daughter closing the door behind her. The old woman was frozen, only her eyes moving.

“Speak,” Satoru said. She gasped. “What did you tell the Queen?”

“Only what my dreams told me. Please. I -”

Her neck broke and she fell to the ground. Satoru looked at his oldest daughter.

“There are books she has. She has two but there are three more. The dagger was passed down for millennia too. But they’re not vessels. She was all human. They only had the memories which are passed by dreams, as I said.” She shook her head. “Weak monkeys,” she sighed.

Satoru chuckled. “Maybe our presence awoke some memories?”

“It doesn’t matter. She didn’t understand any of it,” his oldest daughter replied. “I’ll go get the books, I saw where they are.”

They were soon back in the carriage. “We will put the books in my trunk with the dagger,” Satoru replied.

“I cant wait until we’re older and can neutralize it,” his oldest son said. He suddenly grinned at Satoru. “Can we go see Shoko?” He asked earnestly.

Satoru sighed. “Ok. But if she’s busy, we’re leaving her alone.”

“She won’t be! She never is too busy for us! She loves us!”

Satoru rolled his eyes, but he knew his eldest son was right.

“I’ve dreamt when we existed we all had guards. Special guards. Devoted followers. I wonder if Shoko was yours?” The youngest boy told his oldest brother.

Satoru stared at the little boy in amazement. “Amazing,” he said with a fond smile. “Your memory is coming back at you so fast.”

“Our dream will give us more memories as we get older,” the eldest daughter said. “Together we’re stronger.”

“Indeed we are,” the younger daughter said.

Satoru grinned at his children. “What a wonderful time to be alive.”

Shoko ended up coming back to the Royal Palace for dinner with them. Satoru informed her of the Queen Mother’s passing. But she was smart and knew something was amiss. Satoru let his oldest daughter tell her. Satoru trusted Shoko immensely.

“I am so sorry,” she whispered. She shook her head. “I’m sure seeing her beloved husband die broke her mind to some extent.”

“I imagine so,” Satoru nodded with a sorrowful nod.

The coronation was a marvelous even and the people of the Kingdom cheered and Satoru watched with pride as Suguru waved, thick golden crown on his head.

Later that night, after both their bodies were sated, Satoru kissed his chest and told him about the visit he had paid to the woman.

“Satoru,” he said, not pleased.

“My Love, I wanted to see why she had lied to your mother. She simply wanted to make money off the Queen. She even gave her the dagger. It was disgusting.” Satoru sighed and pushed up and looked at Suguru with big blue eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’ve upset you. But, someone had to pay. I’m not sorry she’s dead.”

Suguru caressed Satoru’s face and kissed him. “Oh I’m not upset My Love, I could never be. But please, let’s not keep secrets like this again.”

“I’m sorry. I was impatient. I could have waited til after the coronation but -”

“There, there,” he whispered, kissing Satoru’s nose. He held his husband close. “Just for money huh?” He scoffed. “Stupid monkey.”

Satoru felt his heart skip a beat. “I don’t know why she hated us so much,” he said softly, snuggling closer. “You. Me. Our beautiful children.”

Suguru shook his head. “No one will harm us.”

Satoru sat up and cupped Suguru’s cheek. “Like Grandmother always said,” he said in a soft, sweet voice. “We are the Honored Ones. As long as we stay close and take care of each other, nothing will harm us.”

“Honored Ones,” Suguru said tilting his head. “I like that.”

Satoru slid a little closer and kissed his husband’s lips. “It’s just the beginning, My Love,” Satoru whispered. “The world is ours for the taking.”

Suguru chuckled, a glint in his eyes. “With you by my side, Satoru, I feel invincible.”

“Because you are, My King,” Satoru whispered. Suguru’s eyes widened slightly as Satoru spoke. “Together, you, me and our children, we are invincible.”

Suguru grabbed Satoru and flipped him over, climbing on top of him and lying between his legs. “At times I feel like I’ve always known you,” he whispered.

Satoru smiled, his wedding band burning. “I think you always have,” he whispered softly.

Suguru leaned down and kissed him gently. “Have I?” He asked softly. Satoru nodded as he panted softly, his husband kissing his body. “Invincible, you say?” Suguru asked softly as he kissed down Satoru’s neck.

“Invincible,” Satoru replied. “All of us invincible.” He gasped as Suguru entered him.