Terrier Prince

Theo stretched out on the roof of the building Vern called pigeon palace, glad his friend had thought to bring a taddered old blanket so they weren’t laying in the pigeons leavings. It was one of the only buildings tall enough and close enough to the edge of the city to get a good view of the desert, and more importantly, the shimmering of heat raising up from the hot sand. The prince kept his gaze on the mirage, trying to connect to it as he had in the desert when he’d escaped Sertena’s father and the blood mage he’d been planning to attack Citame with.

Vern’s relaxed voice distracted him, the plant mage stretched out on the blanket beside Theo and soaking in the rays. “So ya ran away from your guard? How’d you escape her? She’s scary clever. Almost caught me last time.”

“Ratter distracted her for me. They’re probably freaking out, but I needed to get out while I could. I get my new guard today.” He was honestly surprised it had taken so long, his kidnapping having taken place three weeks ago, though Travilon had hardly let Theo out of his sight for the first week of his return, then the commander had said he needed to move some people around.

“You’re never gunna get a chance to read those books.”

Theo groaned. “Don’t remind me. If it wasn’t the first place Lucy would be looking we’d have gone to Trusty’s so I could get them.”

“You sure they’ll have what we need? That they’ll keep us safe from his spell?”

Travilon’s spell that took familiars and magic from mages was one of the main things that kept Theo from opening up to Travilon about his past and magic. He’d lived in Citame nearly a year, and had served as Travilon’s consort for about half that time. Over the months he had truly grown fond of the feared Dragon Lord, but knowing that he could lose His familiar Ratter, along with all his magic, was enough for him to keep his secrets from the man. “I don’t know Vern, but we need to try. You’re the only other mage I know who hasn’t given up their power to him.”

“Only cause they ain’t caught me yet.” Vern half sat to look down at Theo with a frown. “What happens if we do find a spell to stop his spell?”

Theo hesitated before turning his gaze back to the mirage, wishing he could figure out the trick to enhancing his magic with it. He still felt drained after using all his magic to escape, and Travilon hadn’t had any battles to accidentally feed Theo’s magical well with since they had returned. Apparently they’d been sure to pretend to slip the news that Travilon had destroyed the palace just to retrieve his consort when no one stepped forward to claim the damage Theo had caused in his escape, and it had lead to a period of peace for the city’s lord, who had spent a majority of his extra free time to fuck Theo senseless multiple times. Being the co sort to a sex mage who could feed off their coupling meant there was always a good excuse for Travilon to call on Theo. “I don’t know Vern. I’m not sure how he’d take it if I told him the truth now.”

Vern snorted at that. “Yer not gunna tell him the truth. Ya haven’t even told me much ’bout it, and I’ve known ya longer, and ’bout Ratter too.”

“I just don’t like to talk about it. You haven’t told me much about your past either Vern.”

“What’s to tell? Folks were traveling merchants, got caught up in the middle of a lord fight when I was younger. I’d just gotten Sneaky. It was before they had the Colosseum. That was when the Dragon Lord took over and started changing things.”

Theo turned to study Vern in shock. “Travilon killed your parents?”

Vern shrugged. “No big deal. Your man dedicated the Colosseum to them and the other folks who were killed in the fight. Said there ain’t no reason civilians should die cause mages can’t play nice.”

Theo snorted at the plant mage’s interpretation before turning to study the mirage again. “It was a good thing for him to do, even if it’s turned into a show.”

“Well why not? No one’s strong enough to take down your man when he can use everyone’s magic like he does. They don’t have a chance against him.”

A faint smile crossed over Theo’s lips at that statement. It was why he’d come to Citame after all, because even his father would struggle to defeat the Dragon Lord who was more than happy to do everything in his power to keep Theo safe. “No, they don’t, do they?”

Vern rolled his eyes at Theo’s adoring tone. “Ya got that mirage figured out yet?”

That instantly soured Theo’s mood. “Of course not. I need to get closer.”

“Can’t get close to a mirage Theo. They just keep moving away.”

“Kinda like rainbows.” Theo’s voice was thoughtful, though his friend who’d never lived outside of the desert just ignored the comparison to flop back down on the blanket and soak up more of the sun.

It took nearly an hour of staring at the mirage until his eyes started to blur and the hot sun turned his skin a painful red before Theo finally felt his magic respond to the strip of shimmering heat in the distance. It didn’t grow as quickly as it had when he and Amie, the horse he’d stolen to make his escape from the palace he’d destroyed, had nearly died of heatstroke trying to reach the water of a mirage out in the desert, but he could still feel the magic he held within his inner well of power growing. The sun started to lower before the mirage finally faded from sight, leaving Theo sun burnt, but no longer feeling the constant ache of emptiness from having his magic drained. Sure, he’d recovered some since he’d returned to Citame, but the hours in the sun focused on the mirage had recharged him more than the

A quick spell took care of the sunburn, and served the added benefit of waking Vern with a little start as his friend prepared to escape before realizing it had just been Theo. “Mmm, you made some progress.”

“Yeah, I did. It’s starting to cool off though, so the mirage is gone. I should be getting back to the palace. I bet everyone’s worried sick about me.”

“Good thing ya got a block for tracking spells. Useful trick.” Vern stood with a long stretch before turning his attention to the blanket, shaking it out with Theo’s help before the pair started to fold it so it would fit in the bag Vern had brought it in.

“Glad you like it, and that it’s been working for you too.”

“If ya hadn’t shared it that guard of yours probably woulda caught up to me at some point. She’s stubborn.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me. I don’t even know when I’ll get the chance to be alone again now that there’s gunna be two of them.”

“Don’t know how ya do it. I like my privacy too much.” He made his way to a pole attached to the side of the building, something most of the buildings had. Theo had assumed they were waterspouts until rhey’d climbed their way up this one, with Vern explaining that they were for the locals to get up to the rooftops and travel safely from building to building.

“It’s part of the price I pay to be able to stay safe in Citame. I don’t think any other lord or king is as strong as Travilon while he has control of everyone’s familiars.”

“Theo, ya blew up a palace.”

“And I’m no where on par with my father or Travilon. Not really. I only just figured out what my real base is.”

“Yeah, but now yer just gunna keep getting stronger and stronger as ya learn to use it right.”

Theo snorted bitterly. “If I ever get the chance to do it. Lucy and Travilon have hardly even let me go to the stables, much less leave the palace grounds. Now that I ran off I probably can’t even convince them to let me in order to treat Mike.” The tall gelding Theo had been using as a mount since coming to the palace had limped back into the city days after Travilon had brought Theo home. The horse had clearly been attacked by predators sometime between Theo’s kidnapping and the bay’s return, and one of his legs had been pretty badly torn up in the fight. Theo had been insisting on checking on his faithful mount daily, giving him the extra excuse of visiting with his little terrier familiar as well.

“Well, maybe I’ll ask Harold to read the books and tell me what’s in them. He only cares ’bout that dumb play of his.”

“Mm, not the worst idea, but let’s hold off a little longer in case we find a better solution.”

“Whatever you say Theo. Now, pay attention. Getting down may seem easier than getting up, but there’s a bigger chance of falling cause ya aint see’n what yer doing as well.”

That was certainly concerning, and Theo made sure to keep his full attention on where he was placing each foot until they finally safely made it to the ground. “Thank you for bringing me here Vern. I don’t know when I’ll be able to see you again.”

Vern nodded, a little frown on his face. “Ya sure ya wanna go back? You may never get a chance to leave again.”

“I’m sure.” His heart clenched at the very thought of leaving Travilon. As dangerous as staying with the Dragon Lord was, leaving him simply wasn’t an option. “Don’t worry Vern, I’m going to be just fine.”

“If ya say so.” Vern was clearly doubtful, but didn’t argue, instead waving toward the palace. “You know how to get back?”

Theo hesitated, thinking about all the twisting roads and dead ends. “I think so?”

The doubt in his voice earned him a sigh before Vern starting walking. “Come along. I’ll show ya to Trusty’s.”

It was a familiar landmark, one that they both knew Theo would be able to find his way back to the palace from. They walked together in peaceful silence, which was probably the only thing that let them hear the sound of feet pounding toward them. Vern hardly even glanced at the guards running toward him before fleeing. Theo instantly yelled after the pair of guards chasing after him, even as he felt a firm hand close around his own arm to keep him from running as well. “Stop! He was just trying to help me find my way back!”

“He’s running. No one who’s innocent runs from the guards.”

Theo turned to the familiar city guard. “He’s just scared. Arthur, let them know to let him go. I don’t want him in trouble over this.”

“If that’s all it was nothing will happen to him. Lord Travilon was insistent that anyone involved in your going missing be brought back to the palace.”

“He wasn’t involved. I just got lost and he offered to help me.”

“Then he has nothing to worry about, does he?” The guard started for the palace, giving a little shake of his head. “I don’t even get why you ran off. I thought you love the Lord.”

Theo sighed, letting the guard lead him obediently. “I do love him Arthur. I just don’t want to be caged up all the time like some songbird. He’s so worried about someone taking me again that he hardly even lets me go outside.”

“And you think running away is going to help with that?”

“I just wanted a bit of privacy. That’s all.” Theo sighed softly. “I just can’t get through to him that the danger is over. It’s been weeks now and there hasn’t even been a challenger.”

“Two weeks Theo! You were kidnapped and nearly killed only two weeks ago.” Arthur shook his head. “You’re lucky I’m the one who found you, and not your guard. I think she’s about ready to hamstring you so you can’t run off again. Lord Travilon looked ready to kill anyone who spoke when he called us all together to give us our orders to find you. I’m glad I’m not in your shoes.”

Theo shuddered slightly at the thought of what his lover might do to him. He loved Travilon, trusted the Dragon Lord with everything but his body and soul, if not his magic and history. That didn’t mean that he didn’t think Travilon wasn’t going to find a horribly creative way to punish him for running off.

The walk didn’t take nearly as long as he’d hoped it would, Travilon meeting them as soon as they entered the gate and wrapping Theo up in a tight hug. “Theo! Thank the gods you’re back. Are you hurt?”

Theo hugged Travilon back, taking a moment to just enjoy the comfort of the hug from the man he loved. “I’m fine Travilon. I just wanted some time to be alone.”

“You could have been taken again Theo. You could have been killed, even accidentally!” He stepped back, holding Theo by the shoulders as he looked his lover over critically. “You don’t even understand what kind of danger you could have been in with a blood mage running around.”

“If he’s even still alive. He could have been caught in the explosion Travilon.”

“We have no way of knowing that, and he could have some of your blood! What if he used that to track you.”

Theo knew the spells he’d put in place included blood tracking, since his father’s connection meant it would be the first way he’d search for Theo. He didn’t want to have to explain that to Travilon any more than he wanted to explain why he’d fled his home, so he simply sighed, then stepped forward to kiss Travilon softly. “I can’t live my life in fear Travilon. That’s no way to live.”

“You don’t have to live in fear, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to keep yourself safe. That’s what your guard is for, and why we’re getting you another.”

“I don’t want a second guard Travilon. I didn’t even want one guard.”

“You are constantly running off from Lucy, which is why you’re getting a second guard.” His gaze shifted to Arthur, who’d been silently waiting for a chance to leave. “What’s your name guard?”

“I’m Arthur Lord. Arthur Aaronson.”

“Well Arthur Aaronson, you are now going to be Theo’s second guard.”

“What?! Why him?”

“I am only a city guard Lord. I don’t have the right training to work in the palace.”

“Seeing as Theo keeps escaping the palace to go running about the city that’s perfect. You’ve already caught him once, perhaps you can keep him from getting himself killed. You have a week to make your arrangements.”

Theo frowned at Travilon. “You can’t just force someone to be my guard.”

“I am the lord of this city Theo. If I wish to assign someone a job I will.”

“I’ll do it.” Arthur’s words surprised the other two men, though he continued on. “Theo’s a friend of sorts. If I can help keep him safe and happy I will.”

“There, see? He wants the job.” With that Travilon bent and yanked Theo over his shoulder, hauling his lover off his feet as he stood. “We will see you in a week’s time Arthur. Speak with Lucy or Gerald if you have any questions.”

“Of course my lord.”

Travilon carried Theo away, the runaway prince squirming a little, though he had no interest in truly escaping, just putting on a little show for whatever plans Travilon had in mind. “I can walk you know.”

“Afraid not pet. You won’t be walking again until your new guard comes. Of course, you’re not going to want to do much walking either.”

Theo stiffened, suddenly worried about just what Travilon was planning to do to him. “Why won’t I want to walk?”

“I think it’s time for your last piercings, to help remind you where you belong and maybe help keep you from running off.”

“Piercings?” The only thing he knew Travilon was still planning to pierce was his cock, but that should only be one piercing. Travilon’s words had been very clear though, Theo was certain he’d said piercings.

Travilon opened the door to his chambers, the guards that had been following them waiting outside the door to give the pair some privacy. “I’ve finally decided exactly what I want for your beautiful cock. Don’t worry, this one we’ll quicken the healing a bit. You should be recovered once the week is up.”

“What’s the piercing?”

“A crown’s cross.” He tossed Theo onto his bed, smirking down at the prince as he started removing his lover’s clothing. “I think it will suit you very nicely.”

Theo’s brow wrinkled in confusion, shifting his position a little to help Travilon get his pants off without really thinking about it. “What’s that? I’ve never heard of a crown’s cross.”

The lord smirked, pulling Theo’s underwear down and catching hold of his cock and wrapping a finger and thumb just behind the head. “Technically it’s a pair of piercings right here. All we’ll see are the ends, but you’ll be able to feel the whole thing. It’s supposed to be very stimulating.”

“I’m not sure I’m ready.” Theo knew his face was pale at the thought of the piercings, and he started to push back away from his sadistic lover, only to find himself stuck in place by Travilon’s hand still holding his cock.

“Theo, this is going to happen today. I promise you that you’ll enjoy it. Trust me.”

He chewed on his lower lip for a moment before finally sighing softly and giving a little nod. “Okay. I trust you.”

Travilon smirked, sinking onto the bed over Theo so he could catch the other’s lips in a soft kiss. Magic flashed through Theo’s cock, making him hard almost immediately. “There is one downside though. You won’t be able to cum until you’ve healed up.”

“Wait, I think I’ve changed my mind.”

A laugh escaped Travilon before he was kissing Theo again, his hand and magic teasing at Theo’s cock, though Travilon kept him right on the edge. “You know you’ll be begging for them by the time I actually pierce you Theo. You may as well give in now and simply accept that this is going to happen. Enjoy the pleasure.”

Theo was ready to argue, to try and escape, then Travilon’s magic washed over him, pulling a moan from him as his cock hardened instantly. “Of course, since you won’t be able to cum over the next week I think we should take some time to make sure you’re nice and empty before we actually pierce you. Wouldn’t want my favorite pet all pent up.”

“Travilon-” Theo forgot what he was going to say, a soft gasp escaping him as Travilon’s hand started moving up and down his cock, his magic going straight to his balls. “Oh please.”

“There we are. This is so much better, isn’t it? Much better than sneaking off, better than fighting with me. If you just do what I want everything’s better.”

“Yes.” It came out as nearly a sob of need. “Please Travilon.”

“Very well.” With permission given Theo instantly spilled over his stomach and Travilon’s hand with a cry of pleasure, only to whimper softly a minute later when he realized he was still just as hard as ever. Travilon chuckled, hand slowly pumping once more. “I told you pet, I want to make sure you’re empty before we start.”

It finally dawned on Theo just what that meant as Travilon pulled him into another orgasm, though by the third he felt like his entire body was thrumming from the intensity of it all. “Travilon!”

“Shh pet, we’re only just getting started.” The dread Theo felt at those words were washed away with another pulse of magic, and soon he felt like he was simply floating in a never ending sea of orgasms and pleasure.

Theo wasn’t sure if he blacked out or if he had simply gotten too lost in the pleasure to realize what was happening, but Travilon patted his cheek, a soft smile on his face as he watched Theo focus on him. “There we are pet. You’ve had three without producing any seed at this point, so it’s time.”

He was to exhausted to worry much about it, even as he felt Travilon’s magic holding him still. It wasn’t until the long needle touched his skin that the worry arose. “Is it going to hurt?”

Travilon chuckled. “It wouldn’t be much of a punishment if it didn’t, now would it?”

He didn’t give Theo a chance to try and escape or beg, carefully pressing the long needle through Theo’s skin. A little whine slipped from Theo’s throat as it worked it’s way though his cock, the over sensitivity from cumming so many times making it so much worse. As soon as he had pulled the needle through Travilon threaded a small bar of metal with a tiny gemstone on the end through before using a touch of magic to fasten another gemstone to the opposite side to keep the bar from moving about. “There we go love. That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“It wasn’t that great.” Pain still throbbed from where the piercing sat, and Theo looked down at it with a little frown. The gems were all that could be seen, a purpleish color, though Theo was sure he saw hints of green in it as well.

“It’s alexandrite. A rare gem that changes it’s color in different light. I couldn’t settle on one color, since you look so good in many.” Theo felt just a touch of Travilon’s magic as the lord spoke, the pain easing a bit as Travilon sped the healing. “Are you ready for the next?”

Theo took a deep breath before he finally gave a little nod. “Okay. Yeah, I’m ready.”

Travilon kissed him softly before pulling back with a smile. “Good boy Theo.” With that his attention turned to Theo’s cock once more, a fresh needle in hand.

It hurt worse this time, the throbbing from the other piercing making him more aware of the pain of the needle working through his flesh. It was quick though, and Travilon soon had the twin to the first piercing in place. Another light touch of magic to keep Theo from bleeding soothed away the worst of the pain before Travilon studied his work. The four gems were evenly placed just behind the head of Theo’s cock. “Simply perfect. Exactly how I imagined it. I can’t wait until you’ve healed and I can see it when you’re hard.”

Theo laughed weakly at that. “You could just heal it now.”

The magic holding him in place let up, and Travilon pulled Theo into his arms, kissing him once more. “I could, but I’m not going to. I’m posting guards at the door, and you are staying here for the week while you heal.”

“Wait, here? I’m not even staying in my own rooms?”

“You’re lucky you aren’t wearing a collar and chain. You ran Theo, even after being kidnapped and nearly killed you ran off. I’m hoping this week is enough to remind you that you are supposed to let me keep you safe.”

“You don’t have to protect me Tra-”

The arms around him tightened as Travilon cut him off, voice full of emotion. “You were taken Theo! You were taken from me and I had no way of knowing whether or not you would even survive, if I would ever see you again.” Travilon paused, taking a deep breath to force himself calm once more and relax his grip on the prince before he continued. “I won’t let that happen again Theo, and if you aren’t willing to let me protect you I’ll simply have to do so against your will.”

“I’m sorry.” Theo’s words were soft, and he let himself lean into Travilon’s hold. He had no way of explaining to his lover why he wasn’t in danger, that he could protect himself, not unless he was willing to share that he had magic. He couldn’t do that though, not if he wanted to keep Ratter out of the menagerie.

“I know, but you’ve made it clear I can’t trust you to take your own safety into account.” He sighed, gently kissing Theo’s forehead. “Once the weekend is over I’ll be putting a collar on you. One with a spell I can track. Then I’ll be able to find you, even if you run off.”

“Travilon, you don’t have to-”

“I do have to Theo. I can’t let anything happen to you, and this is the only way to keep you safe.”

Theo dropped the argument, far too exhausted from the day’s events to be able to come up with a good argument. He had a week to talk Travilon out of his idea, but for now his best plan was to rest and heal. If he was lucky someone would finally come challenge Travilon, and he’d be able to take in some of the residual magics from the binding spell.