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Which brought him to the reason for his anger. The transgression involving his wife and another man. No, not just another man....Prince Leonardo. To say that Leonardo had meddled in his affairs a little in the past would be an understatement, their uneasy truce had -- by all accounts -- appeared to put a stop to it. But now this?

Joshua sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. What was the best path to take here? He knew he had to make things right with his wife, Dres Van couldn’t do with a royal scandal -- but he needed the entire picture first.

And the only way to get the whole picture is ...to go see Leonardo.

His mind made up, he rose from his chair, adjusting the cuffs on his jacket and straightening himself up.  Shoulders squared, he marched out of his office and gestured to one of the stewards rushing past.

“You there, tell Jan I am leaving for Nerwan immediately.” he snapped, and the steward blanched slightly.

“Your Highness, Master Jan has left the Manor on urgent business already...shall I have the car brought around for you?” he asked, flinching as he spoke.

“He did WHAT? What on earth is that fool up to?” Joshua sputtered, and the steward recoiled against the barrage.

“He...he didn’t say, Highness! Forgive me!”

Joshua was fuming, but he ordered the car to be brought around. With or without Jan, he was going to see Leonardo and straighten this out.

Peacefully, of course. Too much hard work has gone into this alliance with Nerwan...I can’t afford to have it go up in flames.

Quickly descending the stairs of the Manor, he hopped into the car that had just pulled around to meet him. He didn’t notice the figure watching him from the window.

She watched him leave through bloodshot, puffy eyes - her reward for the tears she’d shed after her conversation with Jan.

Seeing her husband leave wasn’t anything unusual. What had caught her attention was the fact that Jan wasn’t with him - in fact, she had seen him leave in a similar hurried fashion not too long ago.

She wasn’t a fool. She knew where both men were likely headed.

“...they’re going to Nerwan to see Prince Leonardo.” she muttered to herself, and shook her head. Her hot-headed prince and his loyal steward both going there together was a train wreck waiting to happen. She couldn’t let it.

Trying her best to hide the evidence of her tears, she stormed from her chambers and gently caught the arm of a passing steward.

“Excuse me, I need a car brought around. I must go to Nerwan immediately.” she requested politely, and the steward looked harried.

“You as well, Highness? I’m afraid it won’t be possible - both Master Jan and Prince Joshua have both left the Manor, there are no cars to bring around.”

The steward was the same one Prince Joshua had accosted, and he was steadily becoming more baffled as the Princess before him began to panic.

“What? Oh no...what shall I do...perhaps I could take the bus? Oh but...”

She mumbled to herself as she began to pace, the steward reaching out a calming hand that went unnoticed. What she was unable to ignore was the joyful cry echoing down the hall.

“Yooooo-hooooo! Joshy-poooooo!”

It was unmistakably the voice of Prince Roberto, and sure enough - she soon saw him peep around the corner.

“Prince Roberto!” she exclaimed, brushing past the steward, who shook his head and continued in the direction he was headed originally.

“Well if it isn’t the prettiest Princess in Dres Van!” he replied, moving to hug her and a long-suffering sigh escaped from Alberto, who stepped forward to grab the friendly prince by the ear.

“Prince Roberto, I am quite certain Prince Joshua would not appreciate your flirtatious advances on his wife?” he stated plainly, and Roberto swatted at him.

“Owww! Lemme go, Al! You’re such a bully, I was only trying to say hello...”

She couldn’t help but smile at the two, and that only served to make Roberto even giddier.

“That’s the smile I’ve missed! Where’s Joshypoo? We had business today, and he’s not in his office...wait, have you been crying?” Roberto suddenly peered closely into her face, and she flinched back.

“W...well, um, there’s been a bit of an issue. Prince Joshua has gone to Nerwan on urgent business and uh...I assume Jan is with him?” she sounded as uncertain as she felt. Roberto fixed her with a serious stare.

“Is this issue anything to do with why you’ve been crying?”

Damn it, why does he have to be so perceptive when I least want him to? she cursed inwardly, and her thoughts must have shown on her face, because Roberto dragged her into a nearby room and shut the door, locking Alberto out.

“Your Highness!” Alberto snapped, knocking on the door. “Open this door immediately! This behaviour is most unseemly!”

“Cut it out Al, this is a private chat and you’re not invited - go make some tea or something would you?” Roberto retorted, guiding her to sit on one of the plush armchairs, seating himself in the one next to her. “Princess, if this is a Dres Van issue...then obviously I’m pushing the boundaries. But your face tells me there’s something else going on...c’mon, you can tell Robbiekins. We’re friends, right? I’ll help you out.”

Looking into his warm gaze, she felt comforted. Roberto might be a terrible flirt, but he was always there for his friends. Though feeling ashamed of what happened, she slowly began to open up to him.

“I was in the gardens the other day, selecting flowers to brighten the bedroom - I wanted to surprise Joshua. Prince Leonardo was in a meeting with him, and he was always in a bit of a foul mood afterward...so I just, I wanted to brighten his mood if I could.” she said, and Roberto nodded gently, urging her to continue.

“Well...the meeting was held - and Prince Leonardo was on his way out when he apparently spotted me in the garden and came to give his greetings, or so he claimed. But he...kissed me, right there in the garden, then whispered into my ear. He said, ‘Your move, Princess’ - and then off he went, as though he’d finished what he came there for. I didn’t know until later that someone had seen us and assumed the worst...and told Joshua...”

“Was it Jan?” Roberto interrupted, and her eyes widened, moistening a little.

“Y-yes, Jan told Joshua that he had seen me accepting flowers, and a kiss from Prince Leonardo - that it appeared to have been a secret tryst as he whispered in my ear. But the flowers...they were mine, and the kiss was unwanted, forced upon me.” her voice wavered a little with emotion. “Joshua lost it, he blew up at me big time. I tried to explain, time and again - but he wouldn’t hear any of it. You know how pigheaded he can get when he thinks he’s right about something. So I turned to Jan, not knowing it was he who had told Joshua - I told him what had actually happened, and he seemed to believe me. He said he would try to get Joshua to listen to him, but I couldn’t give up on my husband so easily, you know?”

“So you continued trying to talk to Josh? That can’t have gone well...” Roberto muttered, running a hand through his hair. “That guy, I swear...”

“I know, you’d think I would have realised by now that there’s no talking to him when he’s that heated. He told me to get out, Jan must have felt guilty and admitted it was his fault, I slapped Jan - and now both men have left the Manor, I assume to see Leonardo...and I’m stuck here. That’s pretty much what’s happened thus far.” she gave a heavy sigh and sunk back into the armchair, covering her face with her hands. Roberto patted the top of her head gently.

“Well, we can’t have that now can we? Al and I will take you to Nerwan! I need to see Josh anyway and I’m sure my wonderful self can be a voice of reason!” he said brightly, and she removed her hands from her face and looked at him, a small smile appearing.

“Roberto...thank you.”

“Anything for you, Princess! Al! I know you’re still eavesdropping there - get the car started, we’re off to Nerwan!”

“Are you quite mad?! Do you want to start an incident?” Alberto’s muffled voice confirmed Roberto’s suspicions about eavesdropping, and he laughed, standing up to open the door, Alberto’s stern face looking momentarily sheepish.

“Caught you, Al. No incidents, I swear - just gotta get these two lovebirds to talk!”

She rose to stand beside him and he bowed.

“Milady, let us make haste” he said, in his best impression of Edward. Together, all three of them left, their destination Nerwan - Alberto grumbling the entire way.

to be continued...

The party was in full swing, and the guests were in high spirits - glamorously dressed women were swept across the dance floor by their dance partners, the alcohol flowed freely and laughter rang clearly through the halls. Surrounded by the head stewards of the princes, Zain was barely taking part in their conversation, his eyes scanning the crowd for any trouble.

“Master Zain, are you quite all right?” a soft voice inquired. It was Louis, Head Steward to Prince Edward - a soul as gentle as his master. Zain gave him a smile.

“Yes, perfectly fine Master Louis…thank you for your concern. Lord Nobel simply wished for this party to go smoothly, so I’m making certain to keep an eye out for any trouble.”

“Oh, for the love of…” a voice cut in, and both Zain and Louis looked behind them. Alberto stood there, frowning at a device in his hands. “I’m going to have to excuse myself, gentlemen. It seems my master has done his usual disappearing act, after he discovered the tracking device in his lapel…”

Overhearing this, Claude stepped to Alberto with a sigh, resting a hand upon his shoulder in sympathy.

“You truly have it tough, Master Alberto.”

The truth was, Zain had seen Prince Roberto leave after the first dance, dragging his Lady with him. He could only assume they had wanted some time alone, and Alberto was going to ruin it for them if he sought them out.

“Don’t worry, Master Alberto. I will go and find him for you - I know the ins and outs of this castle far better. Please, relax a little and leave your master to me.” Zain said suddenly, and the other butlers nodded in agreement.

“Please stay, Master Alberto. It’s been a while since we’ve had time to talk like this.” Jan piped up, and the Altarian steward sighed, giving in.

“Very well. My thanks, Master Zain. If he should cause you any trouble, I shall see to it that he makes it up to you.”

With a nod, Zain headed toward the corridor he had seen them disappear down. Lord Nobel had retired for the evening, so he wouldn’t be in need of Zain - and he knew the other butlers to be perfectly capable in taking care of the party for now.

There were a few rooms down the hallway that were in use for guests, but one in particular caught his eye - the door was closed but something was caught in it. The Lady’s stole…it was the same striking red, it had to have been hers. He could barely make out the noises inside the room, but he knew what he would be walking in on if he opened the door now.

He swallowed hard, feeling his body tense up slightly. He couldn’t help but feel aroused by the images his mind conjured up. Two beautiful people, limbs entangled in lust…

Maybe just a little peek? The devil on his shoulder suggested. Zain licked his lips, turning the doorknob slowly and ever-so-gently, pushing the door open a crack and peeping inside.

Roberto had his Lady on the bed, her gown crumpled in a heap on the floor. His face was buried between her creamy white thighs, her back was arched as her hands twisted in the bedsheets above her head, her breasts in full view, nipples hardened into rosy buds. She whimpered in pleasure, her head lolling to face the door, lips parted…

And her eyes met his.

“Ah!” She cried as she came, her hips bucking suddenly. Zain’s face was on fire, but he couldn’t move. So struck by her beauty, he could feel his arousal throbbing away in his pants, begging to be released. Roberto lifted his head up and looked his way as well, hopping off the bed.

“Oh, Zain…sorry to surprise you” he said, his voice husky. His shirt was unbuttoned and the bulge in his pants as obvious as Zain’s own as he opened the door, grabbing Zain’s hand and pulling him inside. “Did you enjoy watching that?” He queried, his gaze dropping to Zain’s pants.

“Your Highness! My Lady, forgive me…I don’t know what came over me, I just-” Zain began, but was cut off by a giggle from the Lady.

“It’s only natural, isn’t it? I have noticed the way you’ve looked at Robbie and I, I’m certain we all feel the same attraction, wouldn’t you say?” She said, a smile the only thing she wore. Zain couldn’t help his eyes wandering over every inch of her form as she moved off the bed to lock the door. Then she was by Roberto’s side, gazing between he and Zain hungrily.

Zain felt overwhelmed with lust, but similarly uncertain. This was a Prince and his Lady. He was a Steward.

“Hey…Zain.” Roberto said suddenly, and the steward looked toward him only to feel Roberto’s lips press against his own. He tensed up suddenly, moving to push Roberto away in a knee-jerk reaction, but soon quashed it - accepting Roberto’s kiss, deepening it. He could taste the Lady on Roberto’s tongue and he moaned softly. It was not his first experience with a man, but Roberto made him nervous. He oozed sensuality and it made Zain feel intoxicated.

He felt the Lady undressing him, slipping his suit jacket off, slipping her hands between he and Roberto to undo his shirt buttons. Roberto had shrugged off his own shirt and Zain broke the kiss, running an appreciative hand down the young man’s chest while he finished removing Zain’s shirt for him. He met Roberto’s gaze and saw his rich brown eyes were glassy with desire.

“We have admired you for so long, Zain…” The lady whispered. She took Roberto’s place and stretched up to wrap her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his in a gentle kiss, pulling back and looking at him seriously. Her soft breasts were pressed up against his skin and he furrowed his brows.

“Why did you stop?” He asked, disappointed at the brief kiss. She smiled, cheeks flushed.

“Do you want us, Zain? You can leave if you have any doubts…but Robbie and I…we have wanted you for a long time.”

Zain grinned at her, before hoisting her up, her legs wrapping around him as he carried her to the bed, Roberto in tow. He set her down, and lay beside her - his hand caressing her stomach. She gasped, her body twitching away from the ticklish feeling.

“Miss, I cannot say that this is the right choice, but as you can tell…I do want you - both of you.” He purred slightly, moving to suckle upon her neck, Roberto on the other side was nipping at her earlobe, one hand upon her breast. Both men let out little gasps as she skillfully unhooked their belts one by one, unzipping their trousers and caressing their hard cocks, freeing them both from their underwear.

Roberto leaned over and kissed her deeply, as both of her hands stayed busy, stroking both their members as Zain took one of her nipples into his mouth, his tongue swirling maddeningly over it, causing her to moan into Roberto’s mouth, squeezing her thighs together. He moved his mouth upward, leaving a trail of kisses toward her collarbone, his tongue lavishing affection upon her skin as he nipped and sucked upon her neck.

Roberto ran his hands through her hair as he pulled back from their kiss, and she moved downward, releasing Zain from her grip to take Roberto’s length into her mouth. Zain savored the look of pleasure on Roberto’s face, before reaching to draw him into a kiss. He marveled at the prince’s talented tongue and soft lips, losing himself in pleasure when Roberto stretched his arm over to stroke his cock. Both men let out soft moans as their kisses became more passionate, the Lady driving Roberto to the brink with her mouth, teasing by not letting him cum.

Roberto gently pulled his dick away, nudging her toward Zain. She turned to find him on his knees, his cock proudly erect and throbbing - his face flushed with desire. His jade green eyes bored deep into her soul, and she got up onto all fours, maintaining eye contact as she took him deep into her mouth. The husky moan that escaped his lips made her body heat rise, and she started a little as she felt hands on her hips, something hard and hot probing her, seeking entrance.

Roberto slipped himself inside her with ease, and he gave a satisfied sigh, before moving his hips slowly, plunging himself in and out of her as she continued giving Zain pleasure, tongue teasing the sensitive head of his cock.

The feel of Roberto inside her was beginning to make her lose control, her moans sending vibrations along Zain’s shaft, his breathing becoming ragged. She thrust herself back into Roberto, the sound of flesh against flesh creating an erotic rhythm in the room, soon heightened by Roberto’s moaning. Zain could tell the prince was close - a few thrusts later and he came inside her, her mouth slipping off Zain’s dick as she panted, Roberto pulling out of her and rolling to one side, rubbing a hand affectionately along her side as he fought to catch his breath. They shared a soft kiss, then her gaze met Zain’s.

“Miss…I…” He began, but she got up and pushed him down onto the bed, positioning herself above him. She gave him a querying glance, and he swallowed - before taking hold of her hips and gently guiding her down onto his cock. They let out sighs in unison, and she began to ride him, grinding her hips into him as she did so. Zain was mesmerized, watching himself be buried deep inside her, her breasts bouncing with her, eyes closed, lips parted in pleasure as her skin glittered with sweat.

It didn’t take long for Zain to cum, he had already been close - spilling his seed into the beautiful woman on top of him. She drew herself off him, rolling in between he and Roberto. Zain captured her lips in a kiss, caressing her cheek softly as if to thank her. She grinned at him, and all three of them exchanged kisses, huddled together in a messy, sticky…yet satisfied pile.

A few hours after he had left the party, Zain reappeared. The other butlers greeted him warmly, clearly having had their fair share of drinks as the night wore on. Alberto was the first to approach him.

“Master Zain, you look exhausted! You were given the run-around by Prince Roberto, weren’t you? I’ll be certain to have words with him.” He said, and Zain fixed him with his most carefree smile.

“Ah yes, he and the lady gave me quite the workout. You needn’t trouble yourself over it, however - it was actually a lot of fun…” He replied, then nodded over to where Roberto and the lady now stood, showing no signs of their previous exercise. “And they’re back just in time for the party’s end.”

“If you say so, Master Zain. I’m just pleased they’re back, and hadn’t run off to elope somewhere.” Alberto said, shaking his head. The group of butlers all headed off to see to their masters departure, and Zain took his place by the doors to bid the guests farewell.

Roberto’s face was pained as he was shuffled toward the door by Alberto, he clearly got an earful regardless. But a smile crept onto his lips as Zain bowed to him.

“Thank you for being a wonderful host, Master Zain! We must do this again soon!” he said, and Zain nodded to him and the lady, their smiles all sharing the same secret.

“Of course. Your Highness, My Lady…it is a pleasure to serve you.”

Why won’t he let me explain? Does he trust me so little?

Joshua had always been stubborn, but she thought he’d changed since they’d been married. He’d loosened up about rules, he’d been more open to listening to her suggestions. So why now? Why would he be so quick to distrust her?

As she reached her old room, she spotted a man waiting there - his face was tense, despite the professional air with which he carried himself. She stopped in her tracks, scrubbing away the tears on her face with her hands. She didn’t care how unladylike she seemed at that moment. Jan felt safe to her, he had listened and understood when she had explained to him what had happened, unlike her husband.

“Jan...” she croaked, and he placed a hand to his chest, bowing to her.

“Miss...my apologies, this is all my fault.” he said, and she thought she detected a slight waver in his voice. Her eyes narrowed in response, and she ducked her head to try and get a look at his face. What she saw made her suck in her breath sharply.

Jan was fighting back tears.

“What on earth...Jan, what do you mean?” she demanded, placing a hand on his shoulder. He shook it off gently, and wouldn’t meet her gaze even after he stood up straight.

“I...saw you that day, Miss. With Prince Leonardo.” he admitted slowly, clenching his fists. “I thought the worst. I thought your heart had strayed...it was I who told Prince Joshua.”

Her heart dropped like lead. She thought of all people, that Jan wouldn’t think poorly of her. But to hear that he’d been the cause of the current situation, that he suspected her of something so unthinkable...

She couldn’t stop herself from reacting poorly. Her hand reached out and struck him across the cheek in one swift motion, the shock registering on both of their faces, her eyes brimming with tears once more.

Wordlessly, she pushed past him and into her room - shutting the door behind her and locking it, leaving him behind.

Jan rubbed at his cheek, staring at the heavy wooden door his mistress had passed through.

I deserved that...he told himself, heaving a sigh and straightening out his jacket. He caused this problem, he was going to have to fix it...this was one of those times he wished his master could be a little more flexible...

He loved his master, and his mistress. Their wedding day had been one of the happiest days of his life - next to the day Prince Joshua allowed him to remain his butler. He knew Prince Leonardo very well, though. Knew how he felt for his mistress. And when he had seen them together, his arm around her, his lips by her ear...the flush on her cheeks...

He clenched his fist tightly and shook his head. He had jumped to conclusions.  It was unlike him...but his loyalty to Prince Joshua had made him act rashly.

He found himself outside of the Prince’s study, the door was ajar - he could see his master inside, seated at his desk. He was staring into space, eyebrows furrowed. Jan could almost hear the wheels turning.

“Your Highness?” he called softly, and Joshua’s deep purple eyes flicked to meet Jan’s, brows lifting in surprise.

“Jan. How long have you been there?” he asked, voice void of emotion.

“I only just arrived, Highness. Can I ask for a moment of your time?”

Joshua frowned, before gesturing for him to enter. Jan stood before his desk and abruptly bowed his head.

“Forgive me!” he cried. “I have caused a rift between you and the Lady, all because I assumed the worst...”

“Jan...” Joshua began, and the butler looked up at him. “You did what you knew was best, it was her who caused this rift. Of all people, why Leonardo? That...that guy...”

Jan watched his master’s face fall, and felt his insides twist in shame. Things between the two princes had always been strained, and the Lady had only proven to make it worse, both princes vying for her attention.

“Your Highness...it was not what you think. I spoke to the Lady, she told me the truth of the matter...”

“And you believed her? Jan, honestly...of course she is going to deny it.”

“You think so little of her, Highness? When has she ever lied to you? I know it was my fault for bringing it to your attention, but I have made a mistake...and you have too.” Jan retorted, wincing as he realised he may have taken it a step too far.

Joshua said nothing, though he looked intensely angry.  Feeling like he had outstayed his welcome, Jan bowed once more and backed out of the room - leaving Joshua alone with his thoughts...

to be continued...