Author: Katie
E-mail: [email protected]
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em & I'm not claiming that this happened, only in my mind.
Distribution: Only at Castles in the Sky http://members.tripod.com/katemarie_1
Rating: NC-17
Het/Slash/Both: Slash
Summary: My take on the Twelve Dancing Princesses *G*
WARNING: I stayed as close to the concept of the original by the Grimm Bros. as I could so therefore I have to warn ya that there is a whole lot of character deaths. No graphics but there you have it.
Note: I used Gregory as Shane Helms' name even though I don't usually because I have Shane McMahon in the fic too.
Another Note: Thanks as always to AJ for betaing this *G*
Vince McMahon was ruler of all Titan. Unlike other kings across the globe, Vince had twelve stunning sons. Each night his twelve sons would go to bed early and hear the lock on their door click from the outside to protect them from the men in the kingdom that lusted after them.
Come morning time their shoes would be worn through and they would all except for Shawn, the oldest, fall asleep at breakfast. Shawn would merely nod his way through the meal.
Vince was outraged. His sons on occasion would smell of men's cologne which he didn't allow them to wear and no matter how early he sent them to bed they would still fall asleep during the day.
Determined to put a stop to the prince's behaviour, he had posters placed all over his kingdom. They read --
Whoever discovers in three days time why my son's shoes are worn through and they sleep through breakfast every day may have his pick for a husband.
In smaller letters under the main portion it read --
However should you fail, you will be put to death!!!
Regardless of the small print the poster was responded to. The first would be suitor was a knight known as "Diamond" Dallas Page. He approached the King.
"Sir I will find out where your son's go every night. Three days from now, you will watch as I carry one of them off to my home in the country."
That night, Dallas was set up in a cot in the prince's room as they all went to bed. Shortly he was approached by Hunter one of the middle brothers. "You Sir Page are the handsomest man I've ever seen. Please allow me to steal a kiss from you?" Hunter asks at his most seductive.
The curly haired blonde nods his head and smiles to himself as the well-built blonde leans down covering his body with his own before pressing their mouths together. Before the older man realizes what's happening they're both naked and the younger man has his cock encased in his warm, wet mouth.
Dallas thrusts his hips up into the blonde's mouth. Using all of his skill the younger man quickly brings Page to a violent orgasm. He soon falls asleep.
Watching with a sneer, the young prince returns to his brothers triumphantly. "He's out. Let's go."
Shawn frowns and stares hard at the younger blonde. "What did you do to knock him out?"
"None of your business brother." Hunter says snottily.
Shawn shakes his head but they quickly move to the closet and dress in their finest dance wear. Pressing a hidden button on the foot of his bed, Shawn steps back as the bed sinks into the floor. The brothers quickly disappear down the steps that have now appeared.
The next night Page follows the princes determined not to allow Hunter to seduce him yet he falls easily for the young man's seductive charms once again. After the third such night, the King orders Dallas put to death.
Several days later a knight by the name of Steven William Regal approaches the King and requests his turn at tracking the princes. After being granted his request, Sir William, as he's better known, sits down to dine with the family.
During the meal William notices one of the youngest brothers casting shy glances in his direction. He puffs his chest out a little more and decides that when he figures out where the prince's go at night this young prince with blue and green hair will be his.
After supper, the young prince approaches him with a small glass of wine. "Would you like a drink Sir William?"
"No thank you my Prince. I must stay wide-awake tonight. May I be so bold as to ask your name?"
"Jeffrey." He reaches out and trails his forefinger along the knight's jawline and down his neck. "You are stunning to look at Sir William."
A slight blush covers the older man's face. "Why thank you Prince Jeffrey. Come now. Your brothers are headed for bed."
Jeff stops him with a hand to his chest. "Why don't you and I go somewhere more private?" Stepping forward the young man lets William feel his arousal.
"Prince Jeffrey, this is most flattering but I really must insist�" He trails off as the younger man licks at the tendon in his neck.
"Well I insist that you come with me. Play your cards right Sir William and I'll tell you everything."
"If you insist Prince Jeffrey." William says following the young prince with a grin.
Jeff pulls him into an empty room and pushes him forward. "Go turn on the light. It's over there near the window."
William does as he's told and turns around. He gapes at the beautiful young body proudly on display for him. "Undress Sir William. I want to see your body."
The knight does as he's told once again. The last article of clothing no sooner hits the floor then Jeffrey is all over him.
A Short While Later
Jeffrey walks through the door of the Prince's bedroom and smiles. "He's out. Let me get showered quickly and then we can go."
The others nod their heads anxious to meet their prince's on the other side of the bed. Shawn sighs disapproving of the methods the other's seem to be using for putting the knight's to sleep.
After the third such night of this, Regal is ordered to be put to death.
A few days pass with the Prince's continuing their deviant behaviour. Yet another knight shows up claiming he will be the one who finds out why the prince's are always tired.
During the noontime meal, the oldest appraises the newcomer, Christian. Leaning over he speaks quietly to one of his brothers. "Dwayne this one is yours if you wish." Dwayne nods his head and begins his flirtations immediately.
That night after supper, Dwayne leads the young knight into an empty room. "Sir Christian would you please sit down and have a conversation as well as a drink with me? My brother's bore me and my father refuses to talk about anything of importance with me. I'm not the oldest so I don't matter when it comes to anything important."
The young knight flattered by the attentions readily agrees. The prince moves over to the liquor cabinet and pours two drinks. He drops several of his father's sleeping pills in one glass and places it in his right hand before heading back to the chairs where Christian is sitting.
Christian eagerly takes the drink, still flattered that the prince seems so interested in him. The two men talk for a while until Christian falls into a deep sleep. Dwayne looks at him with something akin to pity before rising from the couch and making his way to his room where he announces his success.
Two more such night pass until the King announces that Christian will be put to death. Dwayne and the other princes are as before on hand for the beheading. Unlike the previous times though Dwayne turns away when the guillotine drops. Shawn alone notices and approaches his younger brother. "Dwayne? What did you do to get him to sleep?"
"Nothing bad. Well at least nothing sexual Shawn. I just used of a few of father's sleeping pills to knock him out."
Shawn frowns. "So why did you look away when he was put to death?"
"Because I think I could have cared a great deal for him. He was sweet and sincere and we had some marvelous talks."
A few days later yet another man comes to claim his right to try and find out where the Prince's go at night. He's huge, bigger than any of the other men, bigger in fact than all three of them combined. The princes hold a conference before the noontime meal to try and figure out how to put the big man to sleep.
They finally decide to let Austin do his best with the man, praying that this soldier known as Paul Wight doesn't find out their secret.
Austin tries everything to get Paul's attentions but every attempt fails. The big man is so concentrated on staring at Shawn that he pays no attention to the bald prince. He finally decides to just slip the huge man a handful of sleeping pills in his food during the nighttime meal.
It works and they escape the palace once again while the big man snores happily away. The next two nights are slow repeats of the same process Austin using more and more sleeping pills with each turn. Paul is quickly put to death, as he didn't deliver the whereabouts of the princes at night.
Another knight presents himself at the doors to the palace. Gregory nods his head appreciatively when Shawn tells him he's going to be the one to take care of this new knight. This particular knight is called Kanyon.
That night after supper, Gregory wraps his hand around Kanyon's arm and leads him to a private room. "So, Sir Kanyon�" He trials off not really knowing how to talk to the older man.
"Prince Gregory correct?"
"Yes. Do you like being a knight?"
"I'd rather be in line for the throne." He says with a grin.
Gregory laughs. "It's not really an exciting life. Boring most of the time really."
"Can't be too boring. You and your brothers seem to be very tired most of the time."
"Well, you know. We keep ourselves occupied." Gregory says trying to think of a way to change the subject. Coming up with none he reaches out and pulls the older man against him in a passionate kiss. Kanyon kisses him back with an equal passion and the kiss quickly turns into something more.
A few minutes later Gregory gets to his feet ashamed at himself for using sex even if it was an effective weapon in getting the older man to sleep. He leaves the knight where he is and heads for his bedroom. He showers without saying anything to his brothers and quickly dresses his in finest clothing before nodding at Shawn who presses the button to their underground escape.
Shawn grabs him before he heads down the stairs. "Shane�"
"Don't Shawn. I know what I did was wrong. But it worked."
Shawn shrugs his shoulders not wanting to be too moralistic. He follows his brother closing the hidden staircase behind him.
Two nights later, after Kanyon has fallen asleep, Gregory leans over and kisses the older man softly on the lips. "I am so sorry my dear sweet knight. I don't wish to see you die but I also don't want anyone knowing our secret. Goodnight and goodbye." The next day as predicted the knight is put to death.
No time passes between Kanyon's death and the arrival of the next person, this time a soldier by the name of Sean O'Haire. The brothers all back up when introduced to the intense young brunette with fierce blue eyes. Kurt decides he's going to be the brave one and that night after supper he approaches the young man. "So what is it you do for fun?"
Sean laughs softly. "Work out."
"Oh really?" Kurt says smiling, knowing he can out do anyone when it comes to working out. He challenges the younger man to a work out and they head for the weight room of the palace. Within an hour Kurt walks away wiping off his chest. He smiles at the sleeping form of the young soldier before heading back to his bedroom. "Let me shower and change and then we can be on our way."
Shawn follows him to the bathroom and stands at the door. "Kurt?"
"Don't worry. We just worked out until I exhausted him. I'll do the same tomorrow night and he won't stand a chance. He's a nice kid though. Hate to see him put to death but oh well. That's how it has to be isn't it."
Shawn nods his head and when Kurt comes out of the shower they head down the hidden staircase and to their awaiting princes.
After the three nights are up for the soldier he like the other's is put to death. Kurt watches detached from the scene making Shawn worry about his brother's callousness.
The next man up for the challenge is a knight who goes by the name of Scott Hall. Shane immediately decides he's going to be the one to stop this man from following him and his brothers. The other's all agree readily.
He easily drugs the older man's drink at supper and they are free to go where they please. The next two nights follow in quick succession. Scott is quickly put to death.
The next four soldiers show up together as a group. The men, Bret Hart, Lance Storm, Edge and Chuck all present themselves to the King. The princes all sneak off during the noontime meal and confer on what they should do. Shawn suggests that four of his brothers, Shannon, Benoit, Matt and Chris all work to separate the soldiers and then do what they will to put the soldiers to sleep.
Shannon approaches the oldest of the soldiers with a shy smile after supper and offers him a drugged drink. The dark haired man nods his thanks and takes the goblet of wine from the youngest prince. "Shannon right?"
"Yes." Shannon blushes under the older man's scrutiny. He gasps softly when Bret grabs his hands and kisses it softly.
"You're very beautiful your highness."
"Why thank you Bret." Shannon says willing the older man to finish his drink. Bret finally does and asks for a tour of the palace. Nearly halfway through the tour Bret leans over and kisses the youngest prince's cheek before passing out cold.
Meanwhile Benoit has taken Lance on a tour of the palace grounds. He takes the younger man to his favourite spot and invites him to sit down with him. "So Lance� You don't seem the soldiering type."
"Thank you� I think."
"It was indeed meant as a compliment. You're too good looking to be a soldier. Most soldiers I've met are gruff angry men. You're neither of those things."
Lance smiles and raises an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Yes really." Benoit scoots closer and rubs his fingertips lightly down the younger man's torso. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to let me seduce you?"
"If you'd like Prince Benoit." Lance says grinning from ear to ear. Benoit grins back and proceeds to seduce the younger man.
Matt meanwhile is talking to the soldier called Edge who has been nodding off during the conversation. Matt hands the older man a drink and he takes it. Soon the blonde is fast asleep in the parlour room.
Jericho returns to the prince's room shortly after all of his brother's had assembled themselves. He smiles and gets ready quickly. He's just about to head down the staircase when Shawn stops him. "I know how the other's got their soldiers asleep but how did you manage it?"
"Easy I sang him to sleep. Easy target." Shawn smiles relieved that not all of his brothers used sex as their weapons.
The next two nights follow somewhat similarly. The four men are put to their death quickly. For the next few weeks no one new shows up to try and figure out where the Prince's go at night. Just as the princes start to become relieved that their dad is going to give up his quest, a beggar from a nearby village arrives and requests his turn at trying to find out where the prince's go. Shawn and his brother protest this beggar's request but Vince having put a generalization on the poster decides that the world will be better off with one less thief when this man fails.
Thanks for all of the loverly feedback so far. Greatly appreciated.
A Week Earlier
Kevin Nash stumbles into a dark alleyway where he is immediately jumped on by several young thieves trying to steal what little he has. He fights them off easily and sinks against one rank wall. With a sigh he open the bag he himself had stolen only minutes before from a man who had been walking away from the grocer's. He opens the bag groaning in disgust when all he finds is bottles of liquor. "Fuck. I can't even fucking steal food. This has got to stop and soon."
He's startled out of his revelry when an old woman approaches him. "Go away old woman. I haven't any food or money to give you."
"I know that Kevin Nash."
He looks up startled. No one has called him by his given name in more than twenty years. "How do you know my name old woman?"
She smiles a disgusting sight to say the least. Crooked yellow teeth gleam in the darkness of the alleyway turning Kevin's empty stomach. "I can help you Mr. Nash. For I am a witch with many powers to help you get what you deserve."
"How are you going to help me witch?" He says having no reason to not believe her claim.
"I can help you to become a prince, heir to throne if you so choose."
He snorts in amusement and shakes his head. "How are you going to do that witch? Dress me up pretty and send me off to marry some young princess? If you're such a damn good witch than you know that I don't like women."
"You would marry one of King Vince's sons. If you choose to accept my help, come to the clearing by the edge of the woods, two miles from the castle tomorrow morn."
"What do you want in return witch?"
"Nothing much young Nash. Nothing much."
Kevin frowns as she disappears from sight before him. He shakes his head wondering if in his hunger induced state he hadn't dreamed the whole thing. With a sigh he leans he head back against the wall and falls asleep.
The next morning he awakes before the sunrises and decides to see if he really had been talking to the witch the night before. He carefully picks his way through the rose bushes surrounding the woods and finds the clearing she had to have been talking about. He sets himself down and waits. He's just about given up on seeing the witch when she appears before him. "Leaving were you young Nash?"
"I'm bored witch. Tell me how you plan to make me heir to the throne." He says stepping menacingly towards the old witch. She places a hand in the air, palm facing the tall man and he freezes, not through his own will power though. He tries moving and struggles vainly in an attempt to break whatever hold she has on him.
"I wouldn't if I were you Nash. I could kill you in the space of a breath and no one would miss you."
He growls but nods his head surprised to find he's able to step backwards. She motions for him to sit down and he finally does still staring angrily at the older woman. She nods her head approvingly and smiles. "Do you wish to have Prince Shawn for yourself Nash? You have seen the heir to the throne haven't you?"
Kevin growls low in his throat in response. There wasn't a man around for miles who didn't know of the beauty of the oldest prince. She smiles again. "I can help you make him yours. He may not ever love you but� Well that will be your problem won't it."
"How?" Kevin all but barks the single word.
She hands the tall blonde a cloak and a vial of amber coloured liquid. "The cloak will make you invisible and the vial of liquid will prevent any drugs from entering your system should the prince decide to drug you to make you fall asleep so that you won't follow them. Just a small amount will counteract any amount of drugs."
"What are you talking about woman?"
"The King has proclaimed that whoever discovers in three days time why his son's shoes are worn through and they sleep through breakfast every day may have his pick for a husband. It doesn't say that peasants and thieves such as yourself are not allowed this chance." She states as if reciting as if the poster were right in front of her.
"What happens if you don't discover where they go?" Kevin asks fairly sure he already knows the answer.
"Death. By beheading so far. I doubt they'd dull the blade that way in your case." She says with a sneer. "But they won't be putting you to death. I know where the princes go."
"So tell me and I'll tell the King." Kevin says happy he doesn't have to do anything.
"No."
"No?"
"The King will require proof from you. Do you honestly believe he'd take the word of a thief?"
Kevin shakes his head knowing the old witch is right. "So how?"
"Like I said, the cloak will make you invisible. All you will have to do is let the prince's think you're sound asleep and then slip the cloak on and follow them. Present the king with proof� twigs, branches, anything of that sort. "
Kevin grins and nods his head. "But I won't get past the gates looking like I do."
"Unfortunately my magic isn't for glamour purposes. You'll need to bathe and shave and put on some clean clothing. Surely you can manage to steal some fairly decent attire."
He nods his head proud of his knowledge of thieving. Within the next week he cleans himself up with the witches help and heads for the castle. Once there he makes his request known.
He looks around the throne room at the princes and stops his gaze on the oldest. His eyes sweep leeringly over the younger man's body. Finally he meets the prince's gaze, somewhat surprised to see the blonde staring at him so brazenly. He smiles and swallows when the younger man offers a tentative smile back.
Shawn winces inwardly when the beggar's smile widens. "What's wrong brother?" Hunter asks leaning against his older brother's lighter frame. "Don't tell me you're attracted to this� this thief?"
Shawn keeps smiling at the obviously older man and leans into Hunter. "Hardly. But if I can get him to trust me all the easier for me to drug his dumb ass."
Hunter laughs and shakes his head going to his brothers and telling them what Shawn's intentions are. They all grin and laugh knowing that Shawn is easily the most seductive of all of them and he won't even have to think about it to make the man trust him.
That night after supper, Shawn approaches the tall blonde man with a forced smile. "Mr. Nash? Would you like to take a walk with me?"
"It would be an honour Prince Shawn."
Shawn smiles graciously and heads for the back porch. He leads the older man around the yard pointing out things of interest. Kevin smiles and places a large hand on the young prince's shoulder. "What is that over there?"
Shawn follows his gaze to what happens to be his favourite spot on the palace grounds. He frowns. "Just some trees."
"It looks like there's a cave hidden behind them."
"There's no cave there." Shawn says determined to keep his cave a secret. "Let's go into the library."
"As you wish." Kevin says nodding his head slightly instinctively knowing that the blonde prince is lying to him.
Shawn smiles slightly and heads for the doors to the library. His smile widens when he sees that his brothers had placed a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses out. He steps towards the alcohol with a smile. "Would you care for a glass of wine?"
"Yes thank you." Kevin says. He watches as the young prince blocks his view of the glasses as he pours the wine. With a shake of his head he opens the bottle of amber liquid and swallows a small amount. He tucks it away just as Shawn turns around with the glasses. He takes the glass he is handed and swallows all of the liquid in one gulp.
Shawn takes a step back unused to such carelessness with liquor. He takes a small sip of his wine and takes a seat on the couch. "Have a seat." Shawn says not indicating any particular seat.
Kevin nods his head and sensing the prince's disdain for him he seats himself across the small room from the prince. "So� Do you have anyone Prince Shawn?"
Blushing the blonde prince shakes his head. He sees no reason to tell this stranger about the prince that he has waiting for him in the recesses of the house.
With a smile the tall blonde instinctively knows that the prince is lying. "So if I were to figure out this mystery you wouldn't have a problem with me choosing you for a husband?"
Shawn scowls and nods his head. "I most certainly would. You're a thief and a beggar. I'm sure there must be some� whore out there who would rather your attentions."
"But I don't want any other whore." Kevin says still smiling.
His scowl deepening, the young prince gets indignantly to his feet and stalks away. Kevin smiles and closes his eyes. A few minutes later he hears one of the princes open the door. He hears a softly declared, "He's asleep," and then the sound of the door closing. He hops to his feet and grabs the cloak he had been carrying with him the entire night and slips it on before heading towards the prince's room. He slips inside as the door begins to close. With a smile he watches as the princes change clothing.
He grins at the sight of the bed sinking into the floor and he follows quickly behind the youngest prince. Shannon frowns when they get to the bottom of the stairs and he turns around making sure that no one is there. Shawn smiles softly at his younger brother. Kevin has to bite his lip to keep the groan from slipping out of his mouth at the sight of that genuine smile.
"What's wrong Shannon? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I swear I thought someone was following us."
"No one is following us Shanny. They don't know this place exists."
"I know. I'm just being silly I guess." Shawn smiles and nods his head at his younger brother and makes his way to the head of the line. He begins walking and they head towards the diamond-coated trees at a quick pace.
Shannon jumps and lets out a little squeak when he hears a twig snap. It was Kevin snapping off a branch as proof of where the princes go at night. Shawn stops the proceedings and turns to Shannon. "What is it?"
"I heard a branch break."
"Shannon, branches break all the time. I'm sure of it."
"I know but they never break when we're around."
"So it was bound to happen sooner or later." Hunter interjects exasperated.
Shawn rolls his eyes and smiles softly at his youngest brother. "As much as I hate to agree with anything Hunter says, he's right in this case. It was bound to happen. It's okay Shannon. If you'd rather be up front with me you can." Shannon nods his head and looking around one last time runs up to walk with his big brother.
The other brothers are all laughing and continuing to walk when Hunter trips over nothing. He jumps to his feet indignantly and shoves Jeff. "Stupid klutz. Watch what you're doing."
Jeff shakes his head. "I didn't do anything Hunter. You're the one who tripped over thin air."
Meanwhile Kevin is laughing silently as he moves to stand with Shawn and Shannon. Shawn rolls his eyes and wraps an arm around Shannon's shoulders. "Come on guys. We're losing time and I want to see Sean."
Everybody nods their agreement and they head off at a quick pace. After walking through emerald and sapphire encrusted forests they finally reach a river of pure silver. Waiting for them are several boats big enough to hold two of the princes along with the captain of the boat. Shawn takes Shannon with him while the other's pair off. Finally they're all settled. Kevin hops on the boat with Hunter and Jeff while the captain frowns and looks around trying to figure out why there is so much extra weight all of a sudden. He stares suspiciously at the two princes and deduces that they've just gained a lot of weight since the night before. He shoves off and using all of his power he manages to get them across the river where a huge palace of gold stands. Kevin hops out of the boat purposely knocking into Jeff and causing him to bump into Hunter, which causes both men to fall into the river.
The two princes' get into a shouting match as their awaiting prince's hold their hands out to help them from the river. Mark smiles at the sight of his lover standing their sopping wet and leads him away. "Let's get you out of those wet clothes darling." Hunter smiles and follows the older man willingly.
Jeff's prince, Billy smiles and holds his arms out for the young prince. "My big brother has a good idea. Let's get you out of these clothes." Jeff nods his head eagerly and follows the blonde towards his bedroom of the palace.
Shawn looks at Shannon and smiles. "Well at least they won't be tired tomorrow morning and their shoes won't be worn through. They might be walking a little funny but�" the oldest of the brother's smiles at his baby brother who's grinning back.
Shane rolls his eyes at Gregory and they take the hands of their lover's who lead them to the dance floor. Jesse takes Gregory tightly into his arms and they begin spinning around the room to the soft tinkling music.
Andrew does the same to Shane as the music begins to sound louder with every spin around the dance floor.
Austin shakes his head hating the close relationship between his oldest and youngest brother's until his thoughts are torn away from his family and onto his lover, Bradshaw as the large brunette sweeps him up into a lively dance.
Matt, Kurt, Dwayne, Jericho and Benoit all allow their lover's to lead them to the dance floor with smiles on their faces. Raven wraps his arms tightly around Matt as Kane picks up Kurt and spins with him slowly around the floor. Rob grins and begins leading Dwayne in slow but steady circles. Terry and Justin grab Jericho and Benoit respectively and begin just swaying slowly to the music.
Kevin frowns when he realizes that each couple is dancing to a different song that can barely be heard. He watches as Shannon giggles when his lover, Kidman bows low before taking him into his arms. He frowns when he sees a short brunette approach Shawn. "Hi Sean."
"Hey baby. Let's dance."
"Of course." Shawn allows himself to be lead to the dance floor frowning when he feels the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He looks around and frowns deeper.
"What's wrong baby?"
"Nothing. Shannon's been jumpy and I think it's starting to rub off on me."
"Oh." Sean says not really caring about much as long as he has Shawn in his arms. Kevin growls low in his throat the sound barely audible as Shannon and Kidman pass by.
"What was that?" Shannon asks nervously looking around for the creator of the noise that he'd just heard.
"What was what Shan?"
"I heard a noise. A growling. There aren't any animals around here are there."
"Oh don't worry sweetie, I'll protect you." Kidman says as if talking to a small child.
Shannon rolls his eyes and pushes the prince away. He walks over to the wall where a series of chairs rest and sits down nervously in one. He looks around and jumps when he feels someone place a warm and comforting hand on his shoulder. He hears a deep but slightly familiar voice telling him that nothing is going to hurt him. He looks around but seeing no one decides maybe his brothers are right and he is just a wimp.
After several hours, just before the sun begins to rise, the princes say their farewells. Shannon again sits next to Shawn but this time their boat is the one with added weight. Shawn and Shannon look at one another curiously but shrug it off. They quickly arrive at the banks on the opposite side of the river and make their way back through the forests.
Kevin slides through the hidden staircase just as Shawn was about to shut it. He stands in the room waiting for one of the brother's to leave the room. Hunter and Jeff quickly take off the silver shaded clothing that they are wearing and throw it in the corner. Kevin grins when he hears them say they are going to throw the nasty clothes out.
Finally Shannon opens the door telling his brother's that he intends to check on the thief. Kevin slides by him and runs for the library. He slides back onto the couch and situates himself quickly after throwing the cloak to one side.
Shannon walks in a few minutes later and sits down in a chair next to the couch. He reaches out brushing a lock of blonde hair from the tall man's face. "I hate to say this but I do hope you figure out where we go. I don't like going down there and would never set foot in that horrible place again if not for Shawn. Please, Mr. Nash, figure this thing out. I'm begging you."
Kevin almost opens his eyes and says he will when the door opens again this time admitting Shawn. "Shannon what's wrong?"
"I don't like going there. You know that but you all tell me I'm a wimp and a dork if I don't go."
Shawn frowns and wraps his arms around his baby brother. "Oh Shanny. You don�t have to go."
"But I don't want you thinking less of me if I don't go."
"I could never think anything but the best of you Shanny. You're my favourite brother. But if he finds out where we go, I'll have to marry him. He's� He's a thief� and a peasant." Shawn says scornfully.
"But he's nice. And I like him. You have to admit he's gorgeous." Shannon says laughing softly when his oldest brother blushes. "You have a crush on him."
"I do not." Shawn says indignantly.
"Liar."
Shawn laughs and nods his head. "So I do. I'm tired of Sean. All he wants to do is kiss and have sex. Not that either of those things bothers me too much usually. It's just� I want more."
"So let Kevin here find out where we go. Don't drug him tonight."
"I can't do that. Father would put those princes to their deaths if he knew what we do."
Shannon shrugs. "Maybe that's for the best." They both look at one another for several minutes before grinning. "Let's wake him up." Shannon says.
"Let's not." Shawn says grabbing his brother's hand and leading him from the room.
Kevin sits up at hearing the door close and grins to himself. He pulls out the diamond-covered twig and twirls it between his fingers. "This could get very interesting."
Kevin walks out to the garbage and finds the Hunter and Jeff's silver coated clothes and grabs once piece of each man's costume before heading back to the room he's staying in. He places the items under his bed along with the diamond-encrusted branch before heading to the throne room where King Vince has summoned him.
"So� Have you found out yet where my sons go?"
"No sir. I fell asleep last night. I will do better tonight sir I promise."
The King frowns but waves his hand effectively dismissing the young man standing before him.
Thanks so much for all of the feedback so far on this... I so very much appreciate it.
That night Kevin snaps off an emerald covered branch as he follows the prince's to the riverbank. Instead of following them across the river, this time he waits for the princes' to return.
He nearly laughs allowed at the sight of the weary princes as they all trudge up the steps back to their room. He heads for his room where Shawn had left him after supposedly drugging him and hides the branch and cloak under his bed. He lies down after undressing hoping that Shawn is the only one to check on him this time. He's granted his wish when the oldest of the prince's walks through the doors and stops short.
Shawn gapes openly at the sight of the tall blonde lying unashamedly naked before him. He feels a familiar stirring in his groin and shakes his head before walking slowly towards the bed all the while telling himself not to do what he's about to do.
He reaches out tentatively and runs his fingertips along the thick turgid shaft. He gasps softly as his fingertips become sticky with the abundance of precum leaking from the tip. With a shake of his head and a nervous stomach he brings his fingers to his mouth and licks the sticky fluid off of them. He groans slightly and brushes his fingers over the older man's shaft once more.
Kevin, using all of his willpower manages not to open his eyes and beg the young prince to suck him. He fights back a groan when he feels the prince's hand wrap firmly around his cock and begin to slide up and down the painful erection. Shawn watches as the already large dick in his hands grows even more with every stroke of his hand.
He leans over all the while chastising himself for doing this and brushes his lips over the leaking tip. He licks his lips clean and groans at the sweet salty taste flooding his mouth. He settles himself on his stomach between the big man's legs and gently takes the large shaft as far into his mouth as he can.
He changes rhythms between sucking gently and just licking at the engorged shaft. Kevin uses all of his willpower to stop himself from reaching down and tangling his thick fingers in the fine golden hair of the prince. Shawn takes his hand, which until that point had been stroking what little there was of Kevin's cock he couldn't fit in his mouth and begins fondling the older man's balls.
He rolls them between his fingers and over his palm not sure why he's doing this when he knows he shouldn't and in fact condemned his brother's for seducing the other's who had been trying to find out their secret. He reasons out that he's not trying to seduce Kevin into sleep but merely sucking him off for his own enjoyment. Even as he realizes what a lousy excuse that is, he also realizes he doesn�t care.
He begins sucking harder until the entire shaft is firmly lodged in his throat and mouth. He continues playing with Kevin's balls hoping that the older man will cum in his mouth. He's rewarded minutes later when his mouth floods with the older man's seed. He drinks as much as he can until realizing that there's no way he's going to be able to swallow all of it at once, he begins storing the rest in his cheeks. He waits until the older man has stopped cumming before pulling back and swallowing what's left in his mouth. He leans back towards the cock and licks it clean savouring every last drop. He jumps when he hears the big man groan.
He sits up to find Kevin staring at him with questioning gray eyes. "I� I just� Oh fuck." He says at last knowing there's no way of lying his way out of this.
Kevin smiles softly and reaches out pulling the young prince on top of him. "Thank you. That was beautiful Prince Shawn. Almost as beautiful as you."
Shawn blushes and allows the older man to kiss him. Kevin groans again when his own flavour floods his mouth.
The prince pulls away quickly and gets to his feet walking quickly backwards towards the door. "I'm sorry Kevin. That shouldn't have happened."
"No. Shawn." Kevin frowns when the door closes behind the beautiful prince.
He stares at the door a long time until a soft knock is heard. He grabs his pants and tugs them on with a growl. "What?" He snaps upon opening the door.
Shannon lets out a squeak and drops the tray of coffee he had been carrying. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." He turns ready to flee when he feels the older man's hand on his shoulder.
"I'm not going to hurt you Shannon." He frowns when the young man turns brilliant green eyes on him.
"How? Why? When? What?"
"Huh?" Kevin asks puzzled, having forgotten speaking similar words to the youngest prince just nights before.
"You're the one I keep hearing."
"What are you talking about?" Kevin says playing dumb.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about." Shannon grins and throws his arms around the older man. "Good. Now go tell our father you know where we go."
"I need more proof Shannon." Kevin says finally remembering that he had spoken to the youngest prince while undercover.
"True. I'll help you. What do you need?"
"A sapphire branch and proof of the castle."
"I'll get proof of the castle. You just get the branch. Tonight will you come across the river again?" Shannon asks instinctively that Kevin will protect him.
"Why Shannon?"
"Sean, my brother Shawn's prince? He's been making advances towards me. He and Kidman tried� Well last night they tried�" He steps back involuntarily when Kevin growls.
"They won't touch you tonight." Shannon grins and throws his arms around the older man again kissing him softly on the lips.
"You'll make a fine King when Father passes on."
"Provided Shawn will marry me."
"He won't have a choice. But he likes you. A lot." Shannon says happily and hugs the older man once again. "Father is wanting to see how it went last night. Hurry up. It isn't nice to make the King wait."
Kevin nods his head and grabs his shirt following the youngest prince to the throne room. He ducks in and has the same conversation with the King that he'd had the day before.
That night Shannon offers to take Kevin for a walk. Shawn frowns not liking the thought of his baby brother alone with the man he's discovered he has feelings for but not knowing how to protest without raising any questions. Shannon watches as Kevin puts on the cloak and smiles before heading into his shared bedroom. "He's asleep."
"How'd you manage that?" Shawn asks jealously.
"Same way you did. Sleeping pills." Shannon says knowing the reason for his brother's question.
Hunter remarks on the youngest brother's braveness. "Why Shannon if I didn't know better, I'd swear you'd fucked Kevin just to make yourself seem brave."
"I'm not a whore like you Hunter." Shannon says bravely, knowing that if Hunter were to attempt to hurt him Kevin would stop him. As if to prove his point, Hunter moves menacingly towards Shannon only to trip and fall over air, which was in all reality Kevin's foot.
The other brothers all laugh at Hunter while they proceed to get dressed in their usual attire for the evening ahead. Shawn frowns when he notices that Shannon seems especially slow about it. "Come on Shannon. Hurry it up."
Shannon frowns and looks around the room, not knowing exactly where Kevin is but not wanting to undress in front of him. He feels a hand on his shoulder and bites his lip. In a voice only he can hear, Kevin whispers, "I'll turn around for you Shannon. I promise I won't look."
Shannon, although he has no reason to trust the man they know to be a thief does trust him and starts to undress. Shawn frowns at the sudden change in Shannon and shakes his head.
After Shannon is fully dressed Shawn notices him reach out and touch the air as if expecting someone to be there. "Shannon are you all right?"
Shannon jumps at the sound of his brother's voice and nods his head. "I'm fine Shawn."
"Okay. Let's go."
Shawn presses the button on the foot of his bed and they descend the stairs. Shannon, knowing that Kevin is with them, is feeling especially brave. "Can I go first Shawn?"
"Of course Shannon. If you really want to."
"I do." He says before skipping off ahead of the others leaving them no choice but to follow behind.
They finally reach the sapphire encrusted section of the forest and Shawn jumps at hearing a branch snap. "Shannon did you hear that?"
"Don't be silly Shawn. There's nothing out here."
Shawn frowns at the turn of tables on him and nods his head making Shannon walk quicker to the boats. They all climb in Shawn frowning when their boat seems especially heavy. They make their way rather quickly across the river and all step gingerly from the boats.
Shannon though trips and nearly falls backwards into the water. Kevin unthinkingly reaches out and catches him before he can fall all the way. The brother's watch in amazement as Shannon rights himself and smiles shakily. He starts to thank Kevin and then thinks better of it.
Kidman approaches and just as he's about to grab Shannon he somehow trips and stumbles towards the river. Shannon watches fighting back laughter as he re-emerges a spluttering soaked mess.
He finally manages to get out of the river and stalks off towards him room not knowing that Kevin is following him. Once Kidman has changed his clothes he heads back to the ballroom intent on finding Shannon but finds himself locked in his own room. Kevin smiles in satisfaction and heads back to the dance. Shawn is off sitting by himself and not paying any attention to the fact that his lover is trying to force his attentions on the youngest brother.
Kevin growls and stalks across the room. He grabs the small brunette and all but flings him across the room. Everyone stops what they're doing and watches in shock as Sean is raised off his feet. Looking terrified he's mumbling that he'll never do it again.
Shawn grabs him once he's on the ground and frowns. "Never do what again?"
Shannon approaches and not giving the other prince the chance to lie tells Shawn everything about the night before and what Sean was trying to do to him on that night. Shawn shakes his head and gathers his youngest brother into his arms before calling all of his brothers to go. They grumble but know that once Shawn has made up his mind nothing will change it. They follow him from the castle and back to their home.
Shannon is the last through the door and he goes slow enough to make sure Kevin gets through. After putting Shawn off on going to see the tall blonde, Shannon finally takes off down the hall towards the older man's room. He walks in to find Kevin half-dressed and sitting on the edge of his bed. "That was great." Shannon says throwing himself at the big man.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Did you by any chance get something of the castle for me?"
Shannon pulls a large brick out form one of his pockets and hands it to the older man. "Of course I did. I said I would." He leans over kissing Kevin softly on the cheek. "Thank you for helping me out Kevin."
"You're welcome Prince Shannon."
"Call me Shanny." Shannon says not understanding why he likes this thief so much but glad for him just the same.
Kevin shakes his head but agrees. "Do you think I scared the hell out of Shawn?" He asks worried about having frightened the man he's going to get to marry.
Shannon shakes his head and snuggles against the big man's chest. "I don't think so." He looks up with a smile. "I like you Kevin. I like you a lot."
"I like you too Shanny. I really do like you."
Shawn having watched this last part clears his throat unwilling to admit that he's jealous of his baby brother. "Shannon? We should get to bed."
"Okay Shawn. I'll be right there."
Shawn frowns but nods his head and leaves the room. Shannon turns back to Kevin and smiles. "Thanks again. I can't wait until you�re my big brother."
Kevin smiles in response and offer's to walk the younger man to his room. Shannon nods h is head and takes Kevin's hand in his as they walk towards the prince's bedroom. Once there Shannon pulls Kevin down until he's able to kiss him softly. Shawn sees this and turns away. Kevin winks at the youngest prince and lets go of his hand. He looks over and stares at the man he intends to claim for his own willing Shawn to look over at him. He doesn't and Kevin shakes his head before going to bed.
The next morning, Kevin is summoned before the King for the last time. "Nash� Did you discover where my son's go at night?"
"Actually your highness," he looks over at the princes and smiles at their relief. "I did."
The looks on the prince's faces go from delight to shock to terror. They watch helplessly as Kevin produces the three branches, the silver-coated clothing and the golden brick. "I took these from the underground palace they spend their nights at."
Vince looks at the objects and then at his sons. He calls to Shannon and Shawn knowing that at least these two won't lie to him. "Shawn, Shannon, is he telling me the truth?"
Shawn and Shannon both nod, the younger man relieved at having Kevin tell the truth. The King frowns and looks back at Kevin. "Thank you thief. Now remove yourself from my palace."
Kevin narrows his eyes. "I discovered where your sons go at night therefore I get to pick one as my husband."
"I changed my mind." The King says dismissing the tall man with a wave of his hand.
Shannon frowns and shakes his head. "No Father. You can't."
"Do not presume to tell me what I can and can't do Shannon."
Shawn frowns believing his youngest brother to be in love with Kevin. "Father, do you want your people to believe you a liar?"
"What do you mean Shawn? Surely no one will believe a thief."
"They will when I tell them the truth." Shawn says defiantly. "Besides, I don't think you'll have to worry about him being King. He wants Shannon not the rest of us."
Kevin frowns and shakes his head. "No I don't Shawn. I want you."
Shawn turns to him shocked. "But last night� You said you like Shannon?"
"And I do. He's a sweet child but that's exactly the problem. He's too young." Kevin steps forward and places a large hand on the oldest prince's cheek. "You're the one who makes my blood boil. You're the one who makes it difficult to sleep for making me want you so desperately." He leans over and covers the prince's mouth with his own. Shannon grins delighted at having Shawn and Kevin kissing.
The King shouts, "Stop that at once. I won't have this thief in my family. If you wish to marry one of my sons you will remove yourself from my kingdom."
Shawn frowns but nods his head. "Then we'll leave Father. Let me get some clothes together Kevin and we'll leave at once."
Vince frowns. He hadn't been expecting Shawn to agree to leave the kingdom. Shannon frowns as well. "You can't leave me Shawn."
Shawn turns to his baby brother and gnaws on his lower lip before turning back to Kevin. "Do you mind if�" He's cut off by Kevin's mouth covering his.
"I'd be insulted if he didn't." Shawn smiles and nods his head before grabbing his brother's hand and dragging him towards their bedroom where they throw a few belongings in a bag and head back for the throne room. Kevin is facing off with the King when they walk through the door.
"Your sons are grown men like it or not King Vince. I'm taking Shawn with me and Shannon's coming too. You can't stop him from choosing to live with Shawn and I."
"Neither of them deserves to live in squalor. They deserve everything you can't offer them."
"You're wrong father." Shawn says finally having enough. "We deserve everything he's going to give us. He's going to give us a loving home and somewhere where we truly belong and aren't just another number to someone." Shawn steps forward claiming Kevin's lips under his own and he turns back grabbing Shannon's hand. "Shanny you don't have to go with us. This has to be your choice."
"I don't want to be here without you or Kevin. Wherever you go if you'll allow me to be there I will."
Kevin smiles and wraps his arms around the two princes. "Come on. Let's get going."
They head out and are halfway into the next kingdom when they're stopped by a witch standing directly in front of them. Kevin growls and hops off the horse he's riding. "What do you want old woman?"
"You owe me for helping you to get your princes."
"I don't have anything."
"You have that precious boy."
Shawn frowns and watches as Kevin tries to bargain with the old witch. He climbs off his horse and steps up next to Kevin. "What's going on?"
"The cloak I used so that you and your brother's wouldn't see me? This old witch gave it to me. She said she didn't want anything much in return and now she's saying she wants Shannon."
"You can't have him. He's my brother not a possession."
She cackles softly and shakes her head. "What else do you have but him to give?"
Shannon, by this time scared out of his wits starts to turn around and then smiles softly. "I have something you can have." He reaches into his bag and pulls out three branches silver coated clothing and the golden brick. "Here. You can have it. All of it."
Kevin frowns. This isn't the same stuff he had used as proof. He had that firmly tucked away in his bags. The witch not knowing or caring about the difference takes the stuff greedily and smiles back at Kevin. "The cloak and I spare your lives."
He tosses her the cloak and she smiles. With a smile and a wave she disappears from sight.
Kevin turns to Shannon with a glare. "Where did you get that stuff?"
"Shawn was in the bathroom packing up some of his stuff and I went through the tunnels. I thought they'd come in handy."
Shawn smiles and mounts his horse again. "Let's get going Kevin."
Kevin nods his head and mounts his horse as they ride off into the sunset.
THE END