Love Or Honor?

[Will]

Will hammered away, the red hot soft steel moulding into the shape he wanted became firmer as it cooled with each strike. He lifted the blade and turned it over, back and forth as he appraised the edge he was forming. Unsatisfied he plunged the blade back into the red hot coals, turning to pump the bellows, the puffs of air making the coals flare hotter.

The sweat glistened down his naked chest, the silver coin swung on its leather thong, whacking into his chest as it spun slightly with the movement. His muscles bunched in his arms from the labour, his left shoulder twinged slightly from its use and he made a mental note to get some more liniment and wondering if he could trouble someone for a massage.

He removed the blade, laying it on the hard surface he used and began hammering again. He hummed a tune as he worked, and didn’t hear the footsteps coming up behind him. This time when he lifted the blade he was satisfied with way the edge had folded smoothly and plunged the blade it a bucket of water with a loud hiss causing a cloud of steam.

He stood up, the sweat running down his spine as he felt unexpected hot breath tickling the back of his neck. He had no need to whirl around for he knew by the strong scent of sandlewood who stood behind him. He smiled broadly, lifting a hand to wipe the sweat from his brow but only succeeding in smearing a stripe of black across it.

He turned slowly to look into the blue eyes that were washing over him, taking him from head to toe and back again slowly.

“My Lord” he said softly “What brings you here in this retched heat?”

Already knowing the answer he stepped forward, closing the space between them so that it felt as though electricity sparked across the gap between them. His voice caught in his throat slightly before he managed to find it

“I did not expect you until tonight” he said huskily.

Just then a voice called from outside "Can the smithy shoe the horse or nay?" and footsteps started towards the little nook they were standing in unobserved.

Will jumped back and whirled around stepping back from Jaymz, his broad smile fading into a professional blankness that did not give away any emotions. Fleetingly he glanced up to the king's eyes, his own eyes sparkled for just a moment, his hand involuntarily touched the silver coin hanging around his neck before he snatched up his tools and stepped from the nook, his head bowed as he crossed his shop to the waiting horse.

[King Jaymz]

The day was hot and dry as Jaymz sauntered down the middle of the dirt road in the middle of the bustling town. The ranchers were in town, bringing their cattle to market. He noticed a couple of the amazingly tall Jin were in town, they must be selling horses. He thought he should probably go check them out but the familiar ‘tink, tink, tink’ of the blacksmith’s hammer sounded through the air and echoed through the town. He smiled his playful smirk and headed toward the blacksmiths shop. He didn’t know who knew about his fancy for the blacksmith. He was sure some people had an idea but if anyone were too say anything, he was ready to put them in their place. He was king, and he was allowed to like who he liked. He knew everyone was aware of his relationship with the saloon owner as well. He knew they wanted him to make a choice, but to make that choice meant to go public with his feelings and he wasn’t ready for that.

As he entered the blacksmith shop, he saw the sight that always took his breath away. There was his beautiful young man with gentle curls of light honey blonde hair clinging to his sweat soaked skin, his musky scent filling the room and mingling with the smells of the fire and the forge and burning sawdust. As his lovely man turned around his eyes send to his muscular upper torso that was gleaming with perspiration. His eyes traveled down his leather clad legs to his boots and back up to his face and Jaymz face erupted in a smile at how the black smudge across Will’s face made him look so much younger than he was. He stepped forward to meet him and brought his hand up to his cheek, “I wanted to see you.” He said in and equally husky voice. “I can’t want to be alone….” He stopped when the shout came from outside. His smile faded and he rolled his eyes. He hated how Will had to jump away from him. He knew he did it to save Jaymz’s reputation as king and he didn't like it. Not at all. He longed for the day when he could call Will his love to all the world.

Jaymz didn't deal with being interrupted when he wanted something. He worked his jaw and looked toward the voice as Will dutifully walked away to do his job. He swore under his breath for a moment then strode out of the shop and walked up to the man who interrupted his moment. “Hey, hey you!” he called as he walked up to him. “Do you make it a habit of speaking disrespectfully to members of the kings court?” he asked in an annoyed tone. The man’s eyes grew wide as suddenly his king was standing nose to nose with him. “N..n..no sire.” The man said and dropped to one knee.

“Apologize.” Jaymz insisted. “And call him Sire. For he is the royal blacksmith and therefore a Lord in my kingdom and a member of my court.” He walked over and placed a hand on Wills shoulder and squeezed gently. “I’ll not have people speaking to you in such a way.” He whispered to him.

“M..my apologies, Sire.” The man stammered, still on one knee.

“Much better.” Jaymz said in a satisfied tone. “Now, I have a horse to buy.” He nodded toward Will, “Sir William, I expect you in my court this evening, at the agreed hour.” He said then turned and walked away to go buy his horse. He was once again distracted by the saloon and ended up going there instead. He pushed his way through the double swinging doors and stood there for a moment, “Bar wench! Your king is parched and in need or refreshment!” he called out.

[Belle]

Belle had been up dressing in a nice saloon outfit. The long red hem slid to nearly the floor in back and the front was pinned up. She had a barmaid behind her putting the corset on. The black against the red was fitting perfectly with her dark black hair that had yet to be fixed. She squeaked with an abnormally tight pull to the bottom and the girl behind her apologized. She shook her head.

"It happens. Just be careful and loosen it some." She spoke softly and felt the relief as it was loosened some. She felt the ties as the girl made quick work of the rest. She soon was bending over as best as she could to pull up a skirt underneath to match the black corset. She sat down and let the girl pull her hair up half up and half down with a messy bun and having tendrils fall down along her cheeks and neck.

She got up and began to move to the door after everything was done. She slipped her feet into the boots and the girl came over to help her with the ties. "Sugar, we best..." Suddenly there was a knock on the door and she opened it. "Yeah, sweetheart?" He spoke softly. "Uhhh... we have a very royal visitor. The King." Belle's eyebrows shot up in surprise at that but she gave a slight nod. The girl got up and she smiled at her before moving out the door but her blood was running cold.

She didn't know what to expect with such a visit from the King. She walked slowly down the steps and with each step she slowly begins to grin like a cat. Her lips part some as she gets to the last few steps. Her breasts press against the top of the dress she wore with each breath showing delicious amounts of cleavage. Her eyes slide about the place before they land on the King.

She makes her way to the bar and grabs up a drink before slowly making her way to the King. She gracefully holds the drink in her hand while lifting the skirt of the dress some as she curtsied. "My lord." She looks down at the ground not sure what else she could do as she waited. No one else could properly serve the King. "I will have whatever you wish made for you as well, my lord." She slowly brought her eyes up to his eyes.

[Will]

Will smiled to himself as he worked on the horse, the man muttering to himself about good for nothing smithies and why should he call someone so pathetically common bred a sire. When Will stood he stepped up close to the man with a broad smile on his face.

"All done sir" he paused the chuckled "Aye workin the forge day in day out can effect my ability to hear things but I am not so hard of hearing as to tell you that I am no just common born but a bastard too"

He pulled back his left arm and let fly, punshing the man in the nose. As blood sprayed across Will's face, the man lurched dropping into a fighters stance out of habit of too many pub brawls. He came at Will, arms swinging wildly, Will ducked easily out of the way. With no way to head into the open of the cobbled street outside, Will ducked and weaved further into the back of the shop.

The man grabbed at things wildly trying to get Will who ducked and weaved out of reach each time. Things were strewn about everywhere, pulled down from the ceiling. and kicked about in the scuffle. Will pushed a rack of horse shoes over in front of the man to gain a few extra feet distance apart but the man leaped over, spotting the sword he had been working on the man scooped it up, with a wicked grin he plunged into the hot coals, the wet steel hissing with steam as the water instantly evaporated.

Will looked around for a way out, as the man pulled at the blade, scattering hot coals about the floor, he circled it high above his head, intending to cleave it down onto Will's shoulder. Spotting a gap between shelves, Will jumped his anvil and leapt into the opening, he hears a woosh of air and the breath exploded from his lungs in a rush as the blade glanced across his ribs.

He fell forward and banged his head on a stone bench. When he came to he was being rough handled onto his feet by two of the citys watch. Groggily he just managed to nod when asked if his name was William and that yes he was the smithy. His wrists were then yanked painfully behind his back and he was cuffed. In the background he could hair the man yelling that he, a rich merchant, had been assaulted.

By rope around his waist he was led from his shop down the streets, half dragged stumbling behind the horses of the watch. He felt blood oozing from his wound and his head throbbed but he couldn't think about anything as he barely managed to keep one foot moving in front of the other. He was thrown in a cell and laughing the watch left him there, his wrists still painfully cuffed behind his back. He slumped against the far wall with a sigh he could do nothing now but wait to face the magistrate in the morning.

[King Jaymz]

Jaymz had no idea what was happening at the blacksmiths shop. The saloon was noisy and busy with drinking and gambling. The man in the corner played the piano in a cheerful tune. His fingers faltered when he realized the king was present but then he went on. He stared at Belle as she descended the stairs with a big cheesy grin on his face.

"I will have whatever you wish made for you as well, my lord."

He nearly laughed at the pleasantries before reaching out and pulling her against him. “How can you make what I wish for when it’s already made?” he said and buried his face in her cleavage. “Mmm” he hummed and ran kisses across the exposed portion of her breasts. “You…know…what…I …want.” He said as he kissed her between each word. “Ale.” He laughed and released her. “Lots of it!” he grinned at her like the cat that ate the canary and sat down at the nearest table and pulled her into his lap. “How’s my best girl?” he drawled.

Suddenly a page boy ran into the saloon. “Your majesty! The blacksmith has been arrested!” he shouted out of breath.

[Belle]

Belle saw the cheesy grin on the King's face and returned the grin with a smile. She heard his laughter as she spoke of having whatever he wish to be made for him. She felt him as he buried his face in her cleavage and shivered at the feel of his lips pressing kisses along her exposed skin. She gave a soft laugh at the attention he was paying her and ran a hand scratching lightly along his clothed back.

She heard his words between the kisses and giggled before he gave his answer and released her. Her face flushed with her enjoyment even as he sat down and pulled her down into his lap. She squeaked as he did so and then laughed softly more. "As wonderful as ever. And you, milord?" Her hand came up and a finger drew a line along his jawline lightly. "Even better now that you are here." She purred teasingly in a whisper for his ears with a wink.

But then she heard the words and narrowed her eyes but then she shook her head. What had that man done now? He seemed to continuously get in trouble. She knew how to play the cards and looked up at Jaymz. "We can't let him stay there, milord." She was playing her part well.

[Will]

Will sat in the far corner, his head resting on his knees, and wiggling his fingers behind his back to ease the numbness as he waited. He knew they would take as long as possible to bring him before the magistrate, if anything it would keep him from the king's court tonight or at worse because they would drag him out into the square in the morning to be stoned or lashed before the king.

He closed his eyes hoping that sleep would come but the rattle of keys against the bars of the cell startled him, he looked up to see the guards of the watch leading in a unhappy magistrate, the large man still had gravy on his chin and a napkin tucked into his collar having been dragged from his afternoon meal.

The piggy face of the large magistrate was not helped by his short upturned nose and beady little eyes, he used these to glare over Will. The guards marched in and wrenched Will to his feet by his shoulders, Will winced certain they had torn a tendon or two in the process.

"You again" the magistrate bellowed

Will grinned despite himself "I know sir, trouble seems to find me unawares it seems"

"Trouble" the magistrate frowned "I think you are the trouble, you always have been since the day you arrived." the magistrate took a deep wheezing breath "Should you be noble born this kind of behavior could be seen as nothing more than mischief. But from scum born like yourself there is nothing more to it."

He turned to the guard "We need to rid this city of the vermin, and I am the exterminator" he chuckled at his own joke, his belly wobbling jovially "Send for the executioner, lets get this over and done with now"

Will took a deep breath and sighed, this was not turning into a good evening.

[King Jaymz]

Jaymz smiled at the attention that was returned to him. She was his best girl, his only girl. He knew he had to choose a woman in order to get this family off his back so he chose the one he knew his mother would balk at, his childhood friend and sweetheart, Belle. He never knew in a million years, until he was Will that he could have those feelings for a man. He knew one day he would have to make a choice, but this was not that day, for he loved them both.
He narrowed his eyes at Belle. He knew full well she would just as soon see Will hanged as to give him stout ale. “Right, Belle, we can’t but I can’t go get him alone, you know that.” He said as he helped her to her feet. “I need you to come with me Belle, please.” He couldn’t wait for her to answer for he knew that the magistrate would not hesitate to over step his bounds to get rid of someone he saw as less than equal, even if he did make him a member of his court. “Please, Belle, he called as he ran for the door.” He had to get there in time. He could stand to lose anyone in his life except two, Belle and Will.
He suddenly broke into a run, thinking of the man who his mother had made the magistrate. A pig faced little man with a complex that caused him to be a bully and overstep his bounds. Many an innocent man was killed by this little freak and Jaymz was not about to let his best mate and lover go quietly into the night.

"Send for the executioner, lets get this over and done with now" He heard as he burst through the door and strode up to the fat little man.
’bow to his majesty the King!’

He grabbed him by the collar before he could turn to bow and shoved him against the wall, “Yes, call the executioner, we wouldn’t want the magistrate to live a moment longer than I see fit!” he hissed. “HOW DARE YOU ASSULT A MEMBER OF MY COURT!” he shouted. He pushed away from the man and moved to help Will from the cell. He turned before the two guards or the magistrate could leave the cell and swung the door closed. “Hang them” he demanded then called out, “I need a healer to my chambers immediately!” He gently pulled wills arm over his shoulders, “I’m here, You’re alright now.” He said softly, “Let’s get you out of here.”

[Belle]

Belle knew that she was being forced into going if she liked it or not. She felt Jaymz help her to her feet and gave a soft sigh. Will always seemed to get into trouble every time she had Jaymz to herself and she wasn't thrilled at all having to be put into going with him to help Will out of this one. She watched him begin to run for the doors and lifted her skirts as she began to give chase. She truly didn't want to go at all but what could she do?

She slowed as she came to the doors and went on inside though she herself was detained by a hand gripping her arm. "Lookie here. If it isn't Miss Belle who chases after the King. Isn't he chasing another, girl?" Her eyes narrowed as she tried to pull her arm free. How many times had one of these 'officials' tried to get into her skirts? She gave him a glare. "I do not need to chase anyone. I was told to come along with Him." But she had felt a pang at the man's words.

Was she truly chasing a dream? Did Jaymz care more for Will than herself? She looked towards where Jaymz had gone and tried to pull her arm away from the man's grasp again. He tightened his grip leaving red marks on her skin and she looked up trying to get away from him. She hated being here more than anything and Will had gotten in trouble again and here she was stuck here. "Let me go!" The man chuckled and spoke. "You know where to find me if you want to quit chasing someone else that is in love with another." He finally let her go and she gripped her skirt in one hand as she held it up so she could walk.

She was shaken not by the man but by what he had said to her. She hesitated at the door leading to the cells. She slowly began to open the door and walk into the place. She had come in in time to see Jaymz lifting Will's arm over his shoulders and wanted to ask what she was needed for. Damn Will! Damn you! She wanted to scream. But instead she walked over and lifted Will's other arm over her shoulders.

She wanted to shove Will back into his cage instead but knew that Jaymz loved him and so instead she helped him. She still hadn't said anything and nothing shown of the hurt that she felt emotionally. She didn't even really look at the two men even the one she helped. She looked up to see the man that had gripped her arm giving her a knowing look even as she pulled some of her hair over the marks that were quickly turning into bruises. She slowly turned her head so that she could see Jaymz from Will's chest even as her cheek brushed Will's chest.

She knew that she looked so small compared to the two men. With Will's arm about her shoulders she looked even smaller and a stray curl came to slide down along her cheek. She spoke softly. "Perhaps it would be better if he is taken to my room. Your mother..." She knew how the woman could be towards Belle and Will. Granted Belle would rather see Will rot but Jaymz's mother was cruel to the two especially. The woman had tried damn near everything to get rid of Belle save for murder and Belle was wondering when the woman would resort to even that.

[Will]

Will couldn't help but grin as Jaymz burst into the room, the effort caused sharp pain through his head a pain that hadn't been there just a few minutes earlier. He considered that he was probably concussed but it was of little importance at the moment. He felt Jaymz's strong hand on his arm as the king draped it over his shoulder. He winced as they took a step,the glancing cut on his ribs being tugged open with the movement. He looked down expecting his shirt to be soaked with blood. What was left of his shirt was covered in soot and grime but little blood.

He was frowning confused when he felt a softer hand on his other arm. He turned his head slowly and saw Belle putting his arm around her shoulder. He flinched at her touch but biting his lip he kept his tongue. He wanted to tell her what he always wanted to tell her, to just "piss off". But out of respect for his king he never did, it was not his place to displease someone favoured by the king, even if he did wish she would die of the pox or some other disease. He still couldn't believe that Jaymz had brought her here, Jaymz knew she made him uncomfortable, was it possible that the king was rubbing his nose in it, the fact that he had been with her.

He felt her face brush against his chest and stopped walking, was she serious, she wanted him in her chambers. "No" he blurted struggling to stand on his own and sliding his arms from both of their shoulders. He hated that she was there more than anything, hated that she could see him so weakened. In some way he thought that this would give her a win, another thing she could use against him in trying to win the King's love once and forever.

He took a deep shaking breath, winced and clasped at his ribs, he bowed his head politely "Madam I do thank you for your concern, I am presently much repaired and must thank you for your kindness" he turned to the king and held his gaze.

"My Lord, once again my life is in your debt. I trust that some day I can repay you for the kind trouble you afford a lowly subject" he was being petty and he knew it, but more than the gash at his side and the lump on his forehead, his pride was injured and he just wanted to get away from them both.

He started to walk away, turning his back on Jaymz as he limped out of the cell unaided, knowing full well the insult he was giving the man who had just saved his life, but also the man who had invited his worst enemy to witness his inadequacy also.

He stumbled onto the street, half falling down the stairs, shutting out the voices behind him. The voice of Jaymz, the man he worshipped above all else, but also the voice of HER. He staggered on the uneven cobbles, cursing his temper and his pride. He felt wetness on his cheeks and cursed that too, he wiped it away angrily. Why should he care who the king bedded? It was none of his concern if he sowed his seed between that whore's legs, if he wasted a single moment in her bed and not his.

He sighed when he reached his shop and saw the mess. He picked up a bowl from the ground and hurled it against the far wall where it shattered, satisfactorily, into many pieces. The effort made him double over grabbing his ribs.

"ARGH" he screamed and turned stomping through the room to where his pallet lay in the far corner. He threw himself down onto the thin blanket and buried his face in the pillow.

[King Jaymz]

Jaymz could do nothing but watch as the love of his heart walked away. He swallowed back the lump in his throat as his brave man staggered away. He looked at Belle and swore an oath to himself that he could not cry. When they were children, they all loved each other. They were all best mates. Why then? Why couldn’t they all just get along like they used to. He was about to follow Will when one of his mothers servants rushed in. “My lord.” The man said and nodded curtly. “’Tis the Queen Mother.” He said gravely, “She is ailing and the healers say it is a stroke, they fear she will not….” Jaymz didn’t hear the rest for he had broken into a run, bursting out of the dungeon doors and sprinting across the courtyard, dodging men on horses and servants carrying laundry and serving trays, “Out of my way!” he shouted amidst cries of “Make way for the King!”

“Mother!” he called out as he entered the main building and took the winding staircase to the upper chambers. “Mother!” he shouted as he approached her chambers. A healer stood there and held up his hands in protest, shushing him. He immediately quieted, took several deep breaths then slowly entered his mother’s chamber. She looked so small and frail in the bed. A servant girl wept softly and held his mother’s hand. He walked over to her slowly. “Mother?” he inquired softly. The frail little body turned her head and opened her eyes. She looked at him softly and smiled with half her face. “My Jaymz.” She slurred. Then she took a breath and without closing her eyes, stopped breathing. Jaymz stared at her in disbelief, “Mother?” he whimpered. A healer slowly approached the woman and dragged his fingers over her eyes to close them. “Help her!” Jaymz demanded. “Why don’t you help her?” The healer only shook his head sadly and looked away.

Jaymz shook his head and clenched his jaw. He looked around at everyone then back at his mother and shook his head again. He breathed a deep breath through his nose as tears welled up in his eyes. “Why?” he asked softly. He felt a hand on his arm. “WHY??” he shouted as tears began to fall. “WHY MUST I LOSE EVERYONE I LOVE?? My father! My Will! My Mother!” He turned on Belle, “Will you be next??” he didn't wait for an answer but ducked around her and headed for the door. He broke into a run as he got to the door and didn’t stop until he reached the stables. He grabbed the stable masters bottle of whiskey off his work table and stuffed it in his shirt. He heard the cries of the messengers announcing the death of the queen as he vaulted onto a saddleless black stallion that was not much more than green broke and jabbed his heels into its sides.

The horse nearly bucked him off before sprinting out of the gates and down the road at a full gallop with Jaymz clinging to its mane.

[Belle]

Belle felt Will's arm about her shoulders and could remember a time they had been close like this. The three smiling and laughing. She had been dressed as a man they had teased her. A pair of pants and a button down shirt. She had scoffed and spoke of being just as good as them at being one of them. She had pulled her black hair back and tied a lace bow making it look like a man's type of hair style. Then she had grabbed Will's hat and put it on her head low so that it covered her face.

'Now I can go with you two getting some trouble in the bar.' Jaymz had laughed so hard at her doing that. Will had to look twice at her. 'Oh, I need a jacket!' She took off Jaymz long jacket and put it on and grinned. Jaymz had gasped. 'Hey! One day I will be king and you will quit stealing from me.' She had giggled not knowing that she and Will would have stolen something more precious than items. The three didn't know then of the war it would cause either.

They had gone to the saloon and she had sat down with her head low. Will had spoken then as the bartender asked what the lad would want. 'He's mute. He'll have a whiskey.' But then the most strangest thing happened instead of Will or Jaymz getting the attractions a woman had come up and ran her hand down along Belle's shoulder and down her back. Jaymz had caught the hand and brought it to his lips. 'He doesn't speak...' The woman chuckled. 'He doesn't need to speak to enjoy what words could never describe.'

Belle's face had turned bright red. Who knew that she would be taking that woman's place in the near future? They had all been so carefree. Nothing could stop the three or rather two and tag along. A tear nearly slipped down her cheek as she watched Will begin to leave. She missed those days but this wasn't fair in the least. He should be caged. She stayed silent even as another broke in to tell of Jaymz's mother. She watched him begin to run and ran almost on his heels even as she heard the words. "Chasing him again, I see."

She didn't glance back at all. She made it just as the door was about to close in her face. She shoved it open and followed him to his mother's room. Her hand came down lightly on his arm to comfort him. But then he turned and began telling her he lost everyone and she went to take a step back as he asked if she would be next before he began to run out. "Jaymz!" But even as she chased him he got on a horse to leave her. She could feel the rain begin to start before it quickly began to pour on her.

She went to grab a horse. She had been riding with Will and him for so long it didn't matter. But she whispered. "No, you always leave me." She went to turn her head just as a man went to grab her arms. "I didn't do anything!" But she heard the words. "You stole one of the King's horses." Her eyes widened. "I did not. The King took one!" But the man grinned. "No, he didn't. We are missing two horses and you were going to take this one here." Belle blinked. "No, wait... I was just borrowing him!"

But they weren't listening to her as they dragged her towards the prison. "Wait! Jaymz needs me!" But one smacked her across the face even as she cried out at the shock of the blow. "JAYMZ!" She screamed but knew he couldn't hear her. They went by Will's place and she screamed. "Will! Jaymz! Help me!" They continued to drag her even as she tried to stop them. "Will! Go get Jaymz! His mother!" But she was being dragged on until they reached the prison and tossed her into a cell.

She sat down in a corner with her arms wrapped about her legs as she brought them up so that she was looking like she was cowering. Her body soaked and her tears fell as she brought her head down to her knees. "No more chasing, girlie. I knew I would catch you if I kept my eye on you sooner or later." Her head lifted and she looked at the man as he stood outside her cell. "Leave me be!" But the man chuckled softly. "Do you really think Will will tell of you being here? He will let you be forgotten in hopes that something will happen to you."

The man looked her over with a smirk even as she cowered further into her corner. "Perhaps I will let you stay in there for a bit and then come back to have a taste of you. Imagine getting a taste of the King's whore." He chuckled more. "Or maybe I will take it now." She began to shiver more at his words even as she tried to think of a way to escape. Her eyes moving all over trying to get out. "And I put you in the perfect cell. Recognize it from earlier? Will's cell. What a smart man I am, eh?"

Belle pulled off her shoe and threw it at the bars. "Never a smart man! A smart man would never have done this. When Jaymz finds out what you have done he will kill you." The man tsked and then grinned. "Not if there is no body left behind and no one to tell him." He answered it simply and she paled considerably. "People will know!" She began to scream for help. But he came in and covered her mouth. Oh god! Will please! She was shaking horribly even as he began to tear the cloth from her. She closed her eyes even as she kicked and tried to hit him with her fists.

He easily grabbed her wrists and held them above her head with the hand that had covered her mouth. With his free hand he backhanded her. She got dizzy and her face fell against the wall with a groan from her. She heard him talking then. "It would have been so easy. All you had to do was come to me and we would have been good together. I would have loved the whore you are." The tears were falling even with the throbbing in her head.

[Will]

Will was sitting on a wonky chair, he was over feeling sorry for himself. He sat shirtless, with long strips of cloth he had torn from a sheet hanging over a rail before him. He reached for the bottle of raw alcohol that sat on the table beside him and liberally poured some onto a relatively clean cloth. He pressed the cloth to the wound on his side and sucked in his breath sharply as the rough alcohol stung.

His head swum a little and he grabbed the bottle and swigged a bit of the sour liquid. It burnt his throat and made his eyes water and he wished he had of had some whisky instead of the stuff he kept on hand for any injuries. He coughed a few times, the burning liquid threatening to exit the way it had entered. He took a deep breath and reached for the first long strip, he placed a pad of folded material over the wound and wrapped the strip around his chest. When all the strips were used he tested his makeshift bandage by lifting his arms up and down.

He was contemplating another swig from the bottle when he heard shouting outside. He stood and walked from his little alcove into what was left of his shop. The yelling started again and he recognised the voice as Belle. She was yelling for him to get Jaymz, why would he need to get Jaymz when he was with her. He shook his head a little, trying to clear the confusion and fog that made everything seem surreal. He was about to turn and head back to his alcove when he saw one of the guards that had taken him earlier, he stiffened slightly at the sight of him dragging Belle down the road.

He took a deep breath, if he turned and went to bed now, there was a good chance she would be dead by morning, sure Jaymz would mourn her but afterwards, afterwards it would just leave him. He heard her scream again from further down the street and took a deep shaking breath, letting it out slowly.

"Damn you Belle" he cursed as he stalked into the alcove, he found a shirt and pulled it on, cursing as he fumbled with the buttons. In the end he left them done up crooked and his shirt hung uneven over his frame. He went to walk out but turned back, staring at his pallet and taking a deep breath, he was about to do something he could be hung for, something illegal, something he hoped that Jaymz would excuse him for before they stretched his neck.

He reached under his pillow and pulled out a small red box, he opened it and pulled out the revolver that was hidden there. The rosewood handle was engraved with a golden swirl in the shape of a 'J'. If he was caught with the King's own weapon it would be bad enough, but using it against the king's own guard would be almost suicidal. He snatched up the weapon and jammed it in the waistband of his pants. James had given him the revolver over a year ago, for protection after Will had refused to take a chamber in the king's house.

A few minutes later he crept into the cells, she was in the far cell as he guessed, the one he had been in. As he walked slowly down the passageway between the rows of cells he heard the distinct slap of hand across skin, although he had wanted to slap her earlier, no one had a right to harm her. He stepped into the cell, the guard has his back to the door, stupid move, he saw tears running down Belle's face as he approached. He saw her eyes flick to him just once, he wasn't sure if she didn't see him or if she continued to sob as a distraction, but it worked.

As the man fumbled with his pants then with a grin let them fall to the floor around his ankles, Will raised the gun. As the man grasped his own cock and waggled it at Belle, the cold metal of the gun was pressed against his head. The loud click of Will cocking the hammer made the guard freeze, his hand tightening its hold on his own cock.

"Let her go" he hissed "Before I blow your brains all over the wall"

The guard let go of Belle and just stood there, grin on his face "Well if it isn't the King's other whore, if you want some you have to wait your turn" the guard cocked his head with a chuckle "Or is it not her you are waiting in line for"

Will grit his teeth and struggled to hold his composure but the man continued "Tho son, if its your mamma that you are waiting for your turn, you are too late. I rogered her so good the bitch went and died, still impaled on my cock"

Without thinking Will squeezed the trigger, blood sprayed across his face and across the face of Belle. The guard seemed to look surprised as he crashed to the floor, dead before his head hit the cobbles. He blinked and looked at Belle, surprised he had pulled the trigger, he had never killed anyone before. His hand started to shake, making the gun wave from side to side a little, he lowered his hand to his side then took a deep breath, it seemed his fate was now sealed.

He tucked the gun back into the waist band of his pants, he held a hand out to Belle to help her over the fallen corpse "Lets go find Jaymz". He couldn't quite bring himself to ask if she was alright or to embrace her and comfort her, it wasn't that he didn't care, he did, all of them had been friends for a long time. But now he was jealous of every moment Jaymz shared with her, and each minute just seemed to build up the barrier keeping him from continuing their friendship.

When she didn't answer or move he reached for her hand, took it in his and squeezed it just once "Lets find Jaymz, there will be others and I can't hold them all off. Jaymz will know what to do"

He started tugging her towards the door with him.

[King Jaymz]

Jaymz was hurt. Very hurt. When he was hurting the most, he knew he could not go to either of his best mates because he wanted them both and they hated each other. He knew he could never choose one because then he would lose the other. This only amplified the pain of losing his mother. She was gone and that changed everything for him. He would now be forced to choose a spouse who would be expected to be female when, as much as he loved Belle, he loved Will too. He shouted in frustration and spurred his horse forward, harder. The horses reaction was not exactly what he expected.

The horse bolted when given his head. He was desert born and full of fighting spirit, and he didn’t like having a man on his back. He plunged through a stream and into thick brush, trying to knock the man off. The man clung to his back but the horse was determined to get him off. Not only was he wild and fast, he was smart. Up ahead he saw a stand of trees and he headed straight for it. He thought he was being very clever when he passed just under the first branch because it caused the passenger to sit up and look back at it then turn just in time to see the second one. ‘CRACK!’ And the horse trotted on alone as the man hit the ground with a ‘THUD!’.

Jaymz woke up to very tiny people standing around and on him. One was looking down at him very angrily. The front of his head was wet and stung under the glare of the sun, the back of his head throbbed and also felt wet.

“You got blood on my tree and on my grass and on that rock.” The funny little man claimed and pointed at the bloody rock lying almost under Jaymz head.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” Jaymz mumbled and tried to get up but found that he was tied to the ground in addition to being sickeningly dizzy.

“Your majesty!” the little man shouted.

“What?” Jaymz was confused. He grimaced as the shout made his head pound harder.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to, YOUR MAJESTY!” the man poked him in the nose with something sharp. “One will address the king of the faeries with RESPECT!” he demanded and stomped his foot on Jaymz chest.

“OW!” Jaymz complained. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to, your majesty.” Jaymz said wearily.

“Thank you! Your majesty…” the tiny man grinned then looked up. He heard crashing and thrashing through his precious woods and voices calling out the name of Jaymz. “Murderers! Destrooooyers!” the king of the faeries shouted and ran off, taking all his little followers with him.

Jaymz felt dizzy and sick. His eyes rolled into his head as he tried to focus. He heard a voice say, “Jaymz?” He looked up to see two people, his size. “Jaymz, are you alright?”

He blinked up at the silhouettes that were shadowed by the sun behind them. “Who?” he asked.

[Belle]

Belle saw a flicker of movement but it didn't register who it was with the man fumbling with his pants. She just kept trying to get free and away from the man. Her face turned away until she heard the cocking of a hammer on a gun. Her face turned back and her eyes slid up to find it was Will. Her lips parted as she took in a shaky breath. Her tears sliding down her cheeks even as her wide frightened eyes stayed on him. Misery all over her features.

She heard his words even as she was let go of. She pulled her legs up to her breasts even as she pulled her torn top together. She heard the man's words and she used the heel of her barefoot and kicked him in the knee. But then she heard the gun go off and felt the blood on her face. They both looked at each other in shock. She thought for a moment Will would accidentally shoot her with the way his hand shook with the gun.

She watched as he lowered the gun and let out a shaky breath. Her bottom lip continued to tremble even as she was white as a ghost under the blood that was on her face. She watched as he put the gun in the waist band of his pants. She could only stare at the hand he offered her. She heard his words and wanted to shiver as tears began to slide again down her cheeks. Jamyz deserved better than a whore like her. Look what had happened just now.

She felt him take her hand and squeeze it. She got up slowly as she held the top of her dress together. As he tugged her to the door though she smoothly slipped the gun from his pants and put it inside her corset. She would take the blame if need be. "I'll take the blame, Will. You did what you had to do. You can't be blamed for it." She followed him though and went through the forest with him slipping here and there with her bare feet.

When they got to Jaymz she looked down at him. "Jamyz?" She looked at Will when Jamyz said who. "Jamyz! Are you okay?" She got close to him pulling Will with her and wrapping her arms about Jamyz letting go of Will's hand which she had been holding onto tightly the whole way.