#aaaaaaaand

He clamped his mouth shut, hoping his stuttered ramble didn’t irritate the beast. It leaned in, sniffing at the cloth, then snorted.

“Come,” it grumbled, voice a deep rumble, and Gavin jumped in surprise.

The Minotaur huffed, then stepped back, beckoning him with a gesture. Gavin scrambled to his feet quickly, wrapping his arms around himself. The beast set off with big, lumbering steps that left Gavin to hurry after it. They walked in silence while Gavin’s mind puzzled over this new information.

The beast could talk. It didn’t seem nearly as bloodthirsty as it was made out to be, but that observation seemed to contradict what he saw the other night.

It was clearly sentient, though, and able to follow convoluted orders. Or at least enough to recognize Prince Ryan’s favour and spare him - for now. Honestly, Gavin was lucky that the prince had decided to show him mercy, the others weren’t so fortunate. He could care less about most of them, but some didn’t deserve their fates, like sweet Michael-

Gavin stopped in his tracks, heart dropping like a stone.

“Wait!” he called out.

The Minotaur paused at the next corner, looking back at him impatiently over his shoulder. Gavin bit his lower lip but rushed on, worry urging him to continue.

“My friend, Michael, he’s hurt and-”

The beast twitched. Gavin stopped, eyes narrowing. His gaze dropped to the Minotaur’s flank, a long, fairly recent cut parting the short fur. Suspicion aroused, Gavin caught the Minotaur’s gaze - he was shuffling his hooves, appearing for all intents and purposes nervous.

“Michael?” Gavin asked hesitantly, and the Minotaur shifted, turning around towards him.

“Michael, is that… Is that you?”

After a long moment, the Minotaur inclined his head, and Gavin’s heart stopped. Hurt and confusion crashed over him, the sting of betrayal right after.

Michael was the Minotaur.

The beast that scared him to death and cost him a lot of sleep, the beast that chased him after getting chummy with him over the last few days. The beast that would have killed him back there, just a moment ago, if he hadn’t Prince Ryan’s favour-

But would he have, really?

Gavin remembered their last encounter, a huge palm slapped over his mouth stifling his screams, before movement caught the beast’s eyes and it- he- chased after one of the other sacrifices.

By the gods, no wonder Michael had no trouble braving the Minotaur’s lair! He had nothing to fear!

“Gavin?” The deep rumble had his head snap up, tilting back to hold the Minotaur’s gaze. He’d stepped closer without Gavin’s notice and… he seemed worried.

Michael, who had brought him food. Michael, who had cared for him when he’d grown feverish on his third day. Michael, who had stood guard so Gavin could rest. Michael, who had promised to protect him-

I’ll get you out of here safe, no matter what.

Him, not them. Singular. It had bothered Gavin, how resigned Michael was, but he hadn’t thought- Well.

Don’t you want to get out of here?

More than anything.

The Minotaur scuffed his hoof over the ground, eyes wide as he watched Gavin warily.

Gavin’s gaze dropped back to the scabbed over wound. If Michael was the Minotaur, how…

The way he’d reared back and flinched when Gavin had pulled the favour from his satchel. How warily he was watching Gavin now. How reluctant he had been to open up about himself. All the questions about weapons and his connection to the queen-

The pieces fell together, and it wasn’t the prettiest picture.

“How…?” Gavin trailed off, waving vaguely in Michael’s direction. The Minotaur shook his head.

“Later,” he growled, and Gavin realized he must have trouble speaking the human language with a bull’s head. “Safe.”

He nodded in the direction he’d been leading Gavin to, taking a step and turning to look at him expectantly. Gavin squared his shoulders and followed Michael. Tension Gavin hadn’t been aware of bled from Michael’s form, shoulders and hands relaxing as he took the lead, occasionally glancing back at Gavin.

They came across a small creek, no more than two feet wide, trickling past the hedges and followed it through a great arch in the hedges. Gavin looked around, wide-eyed. The river pooled into a little pond to one side, gleaming silver in the moonlight. There was a firepit in the middle of the square, the only source illumination. Fruits and baked goods were gathered around it in baskets, surrounded by jars of various sizes.

On the other end in the corner, nearly cloaked in shadows was a giant haystack and a single, big quilt rolled up to the side. There was only the one entrance, the hedges growing taller than anywhere else in the labyrinth.

Gavin swallowed thickly. This was it, the Minotaur’s lair.

Michael led him off to the side,towards the pool of water. He knelt down on the shore and stared into the water for a long moment. Then he looked up and beckoned Gavin closer with a grunt.

Gavin sidled up to the Minotaur tentatively, keeping a good foot between them. Michael shot him an indecipherable look.

Guilt stabbed through Gavin’s heart, and he wasn’t quite sure why.

The Minotaur leaned over the water, staring at his reflection. Gavin hesitated, but his curiosity won out. He leaned forward, and Michael eyed him from the side.

“Watch,” he ordered roughly, sticking a huge hand into the pond. The surface rippled, blurring their reflections. A glow lit up from deep inside, deeper down than the shallow pond had any right to be. Gavin leaned closer, stretching out a hand but stopping short of touching the water. The light became blindingly bright, and Gavin squeezed his eyes shut-

Only for the glow to abruptly vanish and the ripples to calm down slowly.

Their faces gleamed in the water, the mirror images settling. Gavin blinked and lurched back in surprise. Next to his own, where moments before a bull’s head was reflected, now a familiar face was staring back at him. Gavin jerked his head up and gaped.

“What, asshole?” Michael shifted nervously. “Something on my face?”

“It really is you,” Gavin marvelled, eyes wide. “Michael, how-”

Michael sighed, dropping onto the ground. Gavin hesitated, before giving himself a mental push and sitting down next to him gingerly. Michael wasn’t looking at him, however, head falling back as he stared at the twinkling stars in the sky.

“Did you know?” His voice sounded distant, lost in thought. “I grew up in the castle. I can barely remember it, but… Sometimes I wonder if that was the closest I’ll ever get to freedom.”

“Then-” Gavin’s mind was racing. “The curse- the gods did this to you?”

Michael barked out a laugh, his shoulders shaking. His head flopped to the side, and he regarded Gavin from the lopsided angle. Gavin pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, staring back with what he hoped was an encouraging expression.

“No.” Michael shook his head, gaze drawn to the pond. He scuffed his foot through the earth and sighed. “No, I was born like that. Half beast, half man. When I was six summers old, I was too big to hide in the castle any longer, so they moved me to the stables. No one was supposed to know about me, except for the handful of servants tasked with my care.”

“And no one ever found out?” Gavin asked incredulously. “No one ever talked?”

“They did.” Michael’s eyes darkened. “I grew… fast. At twelve summers, I was as tall as a grown man, and growing still. I don’t know what happened - if someone got drunk, or was overheard but… One day, Mother gathered all the servants in my stable. She told me one of them betrayed me, and now they all had to pay. That to prove my loyalty- to prove she could control me- I would have to kill them.” Michael closed his eyes. “I refused.”

“Your… mother?” Gavin inquired delicately.

“Well… not really. I thought so at the time, but… Ryan told me the truth. After…”

“Wait. Ryan? As in the prince?”

“Yeah.” Michael looked up, eyes focussing on Gavin for the first time since he turned human. “My brother.”

“Then- your mother is-”

“The queen. Yes.” Michael regarded him steadily. “She had them all executed, you know. The servants. Right there in my stall. Ryan said she later pinned the deaths on me.” He laughed hollowly. “I thought she was going to have me killed, too. I ran.”

Gavin swallowed. “That sucks.”

“It does, yeah.” Michael’s chuckle trailed off. Gavin bit his lip, then scooted over to bump their shoulders. Michael gave him a small smile in return. “There certainly was no love lost between us.”

“So… if you escaped, how did you end up in here?”

Michael shrugged. “I ran to this small grove. It was our secret place, where Ryan would take me when the walls of the castle became too much. I fell asleep under the trees and woke up in the middle of this maze. The trees withered away within a week, and the hedges grew taller and taller.”

Gavin inhaled sharply. That sounded like divine magic, and he wondered if the sacrifices weren’t meant to keep the maze working. If that was the deal the queen made to cage her own son.

Michael offered him a grim smile.

“Ryan was furious when he found out. Mother had sent him off to war, to learn from the generals and battlefields. He says he made her promise to keep me in good health.” Michael snorted. “Sometimes I wonder if that’s the only reason I survived that day.”

Gavin didn’t know what to say to that. They sat in silence, watching the stars. Finally, Michael shifted to look at Gavin.

“You said…” Michael cleared his throat. “That first day, at the campsite. You said you’re in here because of ‘politics’. And that red cloth- it smells like Ryan.”

Gavin nodded slowly, ducking his head.

“I was spying for Prince Ray,” he explained, pulling his knees up to his chest. “The queen caught me. I think she was hoping Ray would blame Prince Ryan, or at least be mad at him. Or something.”

Michael tilted his head. “Prince Ray?”

Gavin glanced up at him from under his lashes. “Prince Ryan’s betrothed. They’re set to marry soon.”

“Oh.” Michael blinked, taken aback. “I didn’t realize…”

It took Gavin a moment to realize that Michael had no way of knowing what went on outside the maze. He reached out and squeezed his shoulder.

“It was a recent thing. Very sudden,” Gavin assured him. “Everyone was kinda surprised. They met on the battlefield about two months ago. As I heard it, Prince Ryan proposed right there, at the celebrations of our victory.” Gavin chuckled. “Ray’s father wasn’t happy, but Ray’s stubborn.”

Michael’s mouth curled into a smile. “And I suppose Mother wasn’t happy either.”

“Not at all.” Gavin’s grin faded. “She’s been trying to stop the proceedings since we arrived here. I was trying to find out why, but… Well. I got caught.”

Slowly, carefully, Michael wrapped an arm around Gavin’s shoulders. Gavin leaned into his side, dropping his head on Michael’s shoulder.

“I think…” Michael licked his lips. “I think Ryan has plans to dispose her the moment she’s off the throne. I don’t quite get all the-” He weaved his hand through the air. “-courtly stuff, but he can’t get rid of her while she’s on the throne. And he can’t ascend to the throne until he’s married.”

Gavin hummed thoughtfully. “Why didn’t he marry sooner, then?”

“Apparently, Mother had gotten to all the potential candidates first. Told them tales of the deadly beast caged in the labyrinth, and how I would kill anyone on sight.” Michael huffed a laugh. “Ryan was dead set on finding someone she couldn’t influence first.”

“You’ve been stuck in here for a long time,” Gavin murmured, and Michael hummed agreeably. Poor Michael. “Ryan will let you out?”

“Ryan has nothing to fear from me. He’s my brother.”

That wasn’t really an answer, Gavin wanted to protest. But he kept his mouth shut because clearly for Michael it was. So Gavin decided to change the topic instead.

“When Prince Ryan gave me this favour, he said he’d come into the maze after a week. That should I survive, he would lead me out.”

Michael visibly perked up.

“It’s been a while since he’s been able to visit.” Michael grinned excitedly. “I haven’t seen him since he went off to war. He came to say goodbye.” His grin faltered. “I never know if he’ll come back.”

Gavin’s heart ached for Michael. To be left in uncertainty for so long, knowing your loved ones were in danger… Gavin knew the feeling well, but at least he had the distraction of fighting for his own life. Trapped in this maze, there wasn’t much for Michael to do. No way to know who lived and died.

Anger welled up in Gavin. Prince Ryan had returned to Crete a fortnight ago, yet he couldn’t be bothered to let his brother know?

“What do you want to do? Once you’re free?” Gavin asked, keeping his tone mild. He’d take it up with the prince once he was out of here. Besides, he wondered if Michael would answer the question honestly, now that Gavin knew.

“Dunno. All I really know to do is fight for my life, so I guess I will follow Ryan into war.” Michael shrugged, and pity twisted through Gavin’s chest. He resolved to find Michael something else, anything else to do. “It’ll be good to see the castle again. And I never was allowed into the city, before.”

“We could go explore the isle together,” Gavin suggested lightly. Michael shot him a look that drove heat onto his face. “I haven’t had the chance yet, either. If you want, that is.”

Michael studied his face for a long moment, before breaking out into a crooked smile.

“Sure.” His smile widened. “Why the hell not.” He grew solemn again, sitting up straight. Gavin reluctantly leaned back, taking his weight off Michael. “You can stay here. It should be safe enough.”

“What about you?” Gavin tucked his knees close and wrapped his arms around his legs. Michael stood up with a grimace, favouring his side. Gavin watched him worriedly. “Where are you going?”

“There’s still one runner left.” Michael avoided Gavin’s eyes. “I can’t rest until he’s taken care of.”

Gavin scrambled to his feet, following Michael to the water’s edge. Michael kept going, wading knee-deep into the pond, while Gavin hesitated to touch the water.

“I can help. Play bait. Or we can set a trap- an ambush-”

Michael grunted as he grew tall, hair sprouting on his arms and chest, growing into thick fur. Horns burst from his skull, and Michael shook his head. When he stilled, it had distorted into the shape of a bull’s.

“No,” he rumbled as he stepped out of the pond, water running down his hooved legs. His chest was on eye-level with Gavin. Michael paused, carefully laying his big palm on Gavin’s shoulder, his voice soft as he added, “Thanks.”

Gavin reached up to cover his hand with his own, catching Michael’s eyes.

“Be careful.”

Michael stared back, inclining his head. Then he turned with heavy steps, and walked back into the moonlit maze.

***

Gavin slept in late the next day. Between the stress of the last week and the sickness, he needed it, Michael mused. Blond hair was heavy with sweat and matted under his fingers, carefully brushing his fringe back as Gavin slumbered. The heat of his skin had returned to normal, and Michael’s hand lingered on his forehead, seeking that reassurance.

Gavin was an enigma. A mystery since that first muttered ‘politics’ at the campsite.

Michael liked getting to know his enemies. It helped with the guilt, to know who they were, why they were running the maze. To remind himself they were out to kill him. It’s how he learned of the Queen’s Deal, even if he wasn’t certain what she promised in return for his head - fame, riches, freedom - it didn’t matter.

Gavin was different. Looking for a way out instead of seeking to slay the beast.

It made more sense, now, knowing he was a friend of Ryan’s betrothed. His priority was to return to his friend’s side, to help him with the queen’s schemes. Michael felt a pang in his chest at the thought. It had been nice to have company. Made time flow faster, and the constant threat of death easier to bear.

He hadn’t intended to tell Gavin his secret, but he was glad he knew, now. That he wasn’t afraid.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, a small part of him hoped Gavin would come visit.

Don’t be stupid, he scolded himself, frowning down at Gavin’s still form. There’s nothing for him here.

Wind chimed through the leaves of the tree, and Michael looked up. They were resting under the shade of the single tree within the center of the labyrinth, Gavin bundled up in the blankets Michael kept for cold nights. He heaved himself up and walked over to the rippling pond. It was not his own reflection he sought this time, however, watching as an image of the entrance formed in the magical surface. Two figures entered the maze, the entrance growing shut behind them.

Michael frowned. It wasn’t like Ryan to bring someone with him.

“Wake up, boi,” he called out to Gavin, walking over to shake him. Gavin went still, his breathing carefully regulated. A good sign, Michael mused. Gavin had struggled with coming to consciousness while sick. He’d rather have him alert. “It’s just me.”

Gavin relaxed, then made a big show of stirring,stretching and covering a yawn.

“Mornin’,” he muttered sleepily. Michael snorted.

“More like noon, sleepyhead.” He paused, not sure how to bring up his concerns. Whether to bring it up at all. If he just didn’t mention it, Gavin could keep him company for another week- “Ryan’s here. But he’s not alone.”

“The queen?” Gavin asked, sitting up in alarm. Michael shook his head.

“She never visits.” Hadn’t, even all those years ago when he was just a kid and still believed her to be his mother. Ryan was the only friendly face he’d had in all these years. “No, someone else.”

“Maybe it’s Ray,” Gavin said, an excited grin spreading over his face. Michael grunted, turning his back to him.

“Maybe.”

It was irrational, but Michael didn’t like the idea. He wanted to keep Gavin to himself, now that he had a friend for the first time. From what he understood, that Ray person had gotten Gavin into danger in the first place, and that was unacceptable. Michael paused on the edge of the water. He didn’t know what Ryan was planning, but he really hoped it didn’t end in Gavin’s death. Michael didn’t want to lose his first friend.

“You should hide,” he ventured, not looking back at Gavin. “Until we know what’s going on.”

“Good idea, boi!” Gavin returned enthusiastically. The praise drove heat onto Michael’s cheeks and up his ears. “I can observe and only come out if it’s safe. Do you have any good spots?”

Michael smiled at the reminder that Gavin trusted him. Hiding Gavin in the hedges made the memories of countless ambushes easier to bear.

“We’ll meet in here, so the haystack maybe?”

“Sure thing.”

Michael chanced a glance back as he waded into the water. Seeing Gavin bury himself in what was essentially Michael’s bed, covered in his blankets soothed a dark, animalistic desire in Michael. He ripped his gaze away and stepped into the pool, bracing for the pain. Without moonlight, the transformations were always worse.

***

The echoing bellow of the beast followed them into the maze, shortly after they entered. Ray shivered and took a step closer to Ryan. His prince glanced at him and offered him a reassuring smile.

“Worry not, my dear,” Ryan said, squeezing his hand. “He means us no harm.”

“You mean he means you no harm,” Ray snapped, taking a deep breath. The reminder that they were not facing a mindless beast helped. “Let’s go. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can go find Gavin.”

“Can we go find your friend,” Ryan corrected gently. They started walking again. “Besides, my brother knows this maze best. He’ll be able to lead us there.”

“Right,” Ray muttered, pressing closer to Ryan. The hedges towered over them, lending the labyrinth an oppressive aura. He couldn’t imagine what horrors Gavin had to face over the last week.

They turned around a corner and stopped. There, in the middle of the path, lay a man face-down in the dirt. A puddle of dark-brown goo had formed around him, glistening red where the rays of sunlight landed on it. Blood, not fresh, but not yet quite congealed either. Ray’s heart stuttered.

“Don’t look,” Ryan murmured, stepping forward. He nudged the man with his boot, turning him over. His skin had a similar bronze tan as Gavin’s, hair dirty and matted beyond recognition. But his features were all wrong, nose too small, lips too thin. A knotted scar ran down one cheek, neatly bisecting an empty eye socket.

“I’m a warrior, I’ve seen death before,” Ray shot back. He mustered the corpse, relief sinking into his bones. “It’s not him.”

Ryan nodded. “One of the Argosian soldiers. Mother often offers them a choice between slavery or running the maze.”

Sending in trained soldiers instead of peasants, a higher chance for one of them to land a lucky blow against the Minotaur. Ray eyed the splinters of wood scattered over the path, likely bits of a broken spear.

“It’s a wonder she doesn’t sent a whole platoon,” Ray mused aloud, skirting around the blood to join Ryan. “The maze might funnel the soldiers but eventually the b-” Ray interrupted himself, shooting Ryan a furtive glance. “Your brother must tire eventually.”

“I’m sure it occurred to her,” Ryan returned shortly, turning his back on the dead man. “Once I returned to find my brother stuck in this trap, I prayed to the gods as well. Artemis and Hera were willing to hear my plight. They agreed it would not be a fair hunt at all, so Artemis bid the hedges to close after the fifth person entered, while Hera made it possible for family to be reunited.”

Ray was told his entire life he’d been blessed by Athena, gifted with a quick intellect and strategic mind, yet he had never heard the voice of any deity. It left him skeptic of their existence, even when he saw their powers at work. He couldn’t help but wonder how much of Ryan’s tale was true and how much of it deflection. It didn’t matter, in the end.

“So only five people can enter at once.”

Ryan nodded. “And no more can join them until all fighting cedes.”

Ray’s breathing hitched. “Then- what about Gavin?”

Ryan reached out and his hand, squeezing tightly.

“I gave him something to show my brother, a strip of cloth with my scent on it.” Ryan paused, his thumb stroking over Ray’s knuckles. “You swore to his reluctance to fight. My brother does not kill for pleasure, but to protect himself.”

“You hope he realized Gavin is no threat to him.”

Ryan nodded. “If he does not seek a fight, the rules of the contract are fulfilled.”

Ray hoped Ryan’s faith into his brother was not misplaced. A thousand misunderstandings could still lead to injury- or death. Ray would not know for sure until they found Gavin.

“Let’s hurry, then.” His tone came out sharper than intended. Worry had become a constant beat under Ray’s breastbone for the last week, and now it urged him on. “Let’s find your brother, and then Gavin.”

The walk to the center was a long one. Ray tried to memorize the path through the twists and turns, but there were no waystones or landmarks to differentiate them. Only the position of the sun marked the direction as they passed between the tall hedges. Ryan seemed to know the way, however, leading Ray confidently through a complex pattern. The sun had moved on to throw slivers of shade by the time they came across an arch made by reaching branches, marking the entrance to the center.

Ray took a fortifying breath and followed Ryan inside.

At first glance, the center of the fearsome maze was surprisingly peaceful, reminding Ray more of a small clearing in the woods than a monster’s lair. The hedges grew even taller here, but the oppressive air was lifted by the sheer space between them. A fruit tree provided shade on one end, green, still ripening fruit hanging from the lower branches. A stack of hay was covered with blankets beneath the foliage, and next to the entrance a small creek flowed into a pond.

The beast stood stock still and unmoving, Ray mistook it- him- for a bare tree. But then it- he- snorted, white plumes of fog rising from its nostrils. Long horns curved up to point at the sky, barely peeking over the hedges. Its- his- chest was the size of a barrel, with palms as wide as pans. He was wearing a ripped and torn sash of red cloth, the royal seal of Crete embroidered on the front. Furry legs ended in hooves, pawing restlessly at the ground. Wild eyes mustered them suspiciously.

The Minotaur. Ryan’s brother.

The beast growled, low and gravelly. It took Ray several seconds to realize it- he was talking.

“Brother,” Ryan returned evenly, letting go of Ray’d hand and taking a step forward. The prince frowned. “You’re hurt.”

Ray’s gaze flickered over the beast’s furred torso until he saw what Ryan meant: a long, ragged line ran down his flank, flakes of dried blood still clinging to matted fur. The Minotaur huffed, shaking his head.

“M’fine,” he rumbled, stomping on the ground. The earth shuddered under Ray’s feet. “Who’s that?”

He nodded in Ray’s direction, and Ray took that as his cue to step up next to Ryan. The beast’s nostrils flared, his gaze fixated on Ray. Ray did his best not to shudder.

“Prince Ray of Athens. Nice to meet you,” he drawled, voice a lot steadier than he felt. The Minotaur lowered his head and sniffed, hot air wafting from his nostrils.

“My betrothed,” Ryan added, smiling at Ray. Ray’s heart fluttered in his chest, smiling back helplessly.

“Ray,” the Minotaur repeated slowly, as if trying to wrap his tongue around the name. Ray nodded, expression turning serious.

“There was an Athenian running the maze this week. One of mine.” Ray swallowed and met the beast’s eyes. “Blond fellow, lanky. You wouldn’t have happened across him?”

The beast eyed him steadily, considering. Then he inclined his head, voice emerging in a deep growl. “Gavin.”

Ray’s heart stopped. He swallowed.

“Yes.” The bull-like face was hard to read. “You've met?”

The Minotaur inclined his head again, tail lashing back and forth, and Ray’s heart leapt into his throat. Now, the moment of truth.

“Can you tell me where he is? Please.” Ray took a step forward and swallowed his pride. “I swear upon my ancestors, he is no threat to you. We will leave and not bother you again, just, please. I need to know he’s safe.”

“Safe.” The Minotaur stomped, throwing his head back. He let out a guttural bark of laughter, then turned, heading towards the hay stack with heavy steps. Reaching down, he pulled back the blankets, revealing a familiar face. “Safe,” the Minotaur growled.

Gavin reached up and patted the beast’s shoulder.

“Michael, he didn’t mean it like that, Michael.”

“Gavin!” Ray cried out, taking a step and faltering at the beast’s gimlet glare. “Gav, are you-”

“I’m fine, Ray, don’t worry, Ray,” Gavin said cheerfully as he crawled out of the nest of blankets. He bumped shoulders with the Minotaur as he passed him, coming up to Ray with a huge grin. Ray eyed him critically, aware of Gavin’s definition of ‘fine’. Aside from looking pale and a little gaunt, there was nothing obviously wrong with him.

Gavin tore him out of his inspection by pulling Ray into a tight hug.

“I’m fine,” he whispered into Ray’s ear as Ray wrapped his arms around him. “Are you?”

“Yeah,” Ray croaked, then cleared his throat. “Of course. You- are you sure you’re alright? I heard… The maze-”

“I’m fine, Ray, really,” Gavin said, rolling his eyes as he pulled back. A small, secretive smile played around his lips. “Michael took good care of me.”

“Michael,” Ray repeated, glancing at the beast. “The Minotaur?” This close, he could see the blush spreading over Gavin’s face. It took a moment longer for the coin to drop. “Gavin!”

“What!?” Gavin squawked, his face bright red. Ray could feel himself flush, too. Against his will, he looked down the Minotaur’s chest, where a sash wrapped around is hips, hiding-

Ray ripped his gaze away, cheeks burning. He did not want to know.

“You showed him?” Ryan asked quietly, catching Ray’s attention. The Minotaur scuffed his hoof over the floor, avoiding Ryan’s piercing gaze.

“Showed him what?” Ray demanded, latching onto the change in topics. Ryan and the Minotaur locked eyes, a silent battle of wills. The Minotaur- ‘Michael’- nodded towards Ray and huffed, a clear question in his voice.

“I trust him,” Ryan declared, raising his chin. “I would not have brought him otherwise.”

Michael eyed Ryan skeptically, silently judging his choices. Ray would be insulted if the grimace Ryan made in reaction weren’t so funny. There was a story there, and Ray was burning with curiosity to find out.

“I can pledge for him, too,” Gavin piped up, throwing an arm over Ray’s shoulders. “He won’t hurt you.”

Michael’s heavy gaze wandered from Gavin to land on Ray. Ray met it steadily.

“I won’t,” he promised, mouth curving up. “If I’m to help Ryan with his plot, I should probably learn sooner rather than later.”

That got him a startled look from Michael, who glanced back at Ryan. Then, with a shrug, he walked over to the pond, wading into the shallow waters. Ray looked at Gavin, mouth opening to ask, but Gavin shook his head and pointed back to the pond.

Ray blinked, feeling nonplussed.

The Minotaur had vanished, and in its place stood a pale man with dark curls, glimmering red in the sunlight. Just like the Minotaur’s coat, Ray realized. Glancing at Gavin, he noticed that his friend wasn’t surprised at all, watching the man with a sappy grin.

“Now,” the man- Michael- said, smirking at Ray. “Let’s talk.”

Ryan nodded, reaching out and squeezing his brother’s shoulder.

“Let’s.” He smiled grimly. “We have much to discuss.”

***

Planning to get rid of the queen was surprisingly time-consuming. She wasn’t making it easy for them, and with Ryan’s long-standing feud with his mother, she had time to put contingencies and failsaves in place. But Ryan hadn’t been idle either, gathering resources and allies.

It was fun.

And it gave Gavin time to come to several important conclusions. So when Ryan pulled Michael aside for a private goodbye, Gavin sidled up next to Ray. His friend gave him a distracted smile, mind still focussed on their plans.

“He’s not so bad,” Gavin admitted, nodding over to the two brothers. Ray raised a questioning eyebrow. “Your Ryan, I mean.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Ray drawled, bumping their shoulders together. A pause, and a sly look, before Ray added, “So. You and Michael, huh?”

Gavin ducked his head, feeling the heat rush to his face.

“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “Michael looked after me, before he even knew about Ryan’s favour. I have no idea why, but… I owe him.”

“Uh huh.” Ray mustered him with a knowing look. Then he turned back to watch the brothers, face growing serious. “It’s going to take some time to get rid of the queen. Until the wedding, at least.”

“She’s been stalling,” Gavin agreed, biting his lip. “Actually, Ray, about that-”

“We should go!” Ryan called out to them. Michael and he had moved to the archway. A glance up confirmed the sun was low on the sky, and the walk to the entrance would take a good hour. “We don’t want to get stuck overnight.”

Gavin looked at Michael, taking in his blank expression. He’d wanted nothing more than to find an exit, but he never once thought that it meant leaving Michael behind.

“He’s right.” Ray shot him a crooked smile. “You can tell me later.”

“I, uh-”

He trailed after Ray, joining the others by the lair’s entrance. Ryan turned to Michael, clasping his arm in a warrior’s embrace.

“I will let you know how our plans progress next week,” the prince swore, a tight expression crossing his face. “Mother cannot send me away until the wedding preparations are done, and after…”

“After, you will be king.” Michael smiled, a small, excited thing. “I wish I could come witness the wedding.”

“I know, brother.” Ryan’s eyes were sad, and he pulled Michael into a tight embrace. “But you know, too, why you cannot.”

“I know,” Michael whispered hoarsely. He cleared his throat. “You better bring me food from the feast!”

“We will,” Ray chimed in, reaching out to squeeze Michael’s shoulder. “And the celebrations will continue after the coronation, too. You can join us then.”

“Thank you.” Michael ducked his head and wiped his arm over his eyes. Then he turned to look at Gavin, smile crumbling. “Guess this is goodbye, boi.”

“I-” Gavin stepped up next to Michael and was immediately pulled into a hug.

“I’ll miss you,” Michael said under his breath, hot air tickling Gavin’s ear. “Stay safe.”

“I will,” Gavin promised, pulling back. Michael let him go reluctantly. Gavin straightened, heart in his throat. “Because I will remain here with you.”

“What?” Michael and Ray cried out in sync. Gavin smiled, faltering a little at their shocked looks. He met Ryan’s gaze, steady and curious, and addressed him instead.

“Michael can use my help. And besides, I cannot just show back up at the castle. The queen will know something is up.” Gavin lifted his chin. “I will not leave Michael to fend off whatever criminals and prisoners the queen throws at him in a desperate bid to kill him before your coronation. He’s strong, yes, but he’s only one man. I’m staying.”

“Are you certain?” Ryan asked, his deep voice cutting through the descending silence. Gavin nodded.

“Gav-” Ray started to reach out for him, but dropped his hand. He stared at him pleadingly. Gavin, however, slowly shook his head.

“I’ve made my decision. I’m of no use to you in the castle.” The corner of his mouth twitched up into a crooked smile. “Besides, you’ve got Ryan.”

“Thought you didn’t really trust him,” Ray said lightly, eyes not leaving Gavin’s. Gavin shrugged.

“He’s proven himself, hasn’t he?” Gavin stepped forward and caught Ray by the shoulders. “I need to do this, Ray.”

“I-” Ray swallowed visibly. “Alright. If this is what you want.”

“It is. Thank you, my prince.” On impulse, Gavin pulled Ray into a hug. Ray’s arms wrapped around him tightly. Lowering his voice, Gavin whispered, “Michael needs me, Ray. I’m sorry.”

“I know,” Ray murmured back, squeezing him tightly before letting go. “It’s fine. I get it.” He stepped back and looked at Michael. “You better keep him safe, understood?”

“I will,” Michael promised earnestly.

Gavin caught Ryan’s eyes. No words passed between them, but Ryan nodded. He would do the same for Ray.

“I guess this is goodbye, then,” Ray said, taking a step back, standing next to Ryan. “Stay safe, Gav.”

“Don’t worry so much, Ray.”

“We will return within a week,” Ryan repeated, and that was that. The two princes turned around and left the lair side-by-side, the setting sun at their backs. Gavin and Michael stayed behind, watching them until they were swallowed by the hedges of the maze.

“Are you really sure? You’re staying?” Michael looked at him with fragile hope in his eyes, his shoulders tense. Gavin forced himself not to think about how lonely it must have been all these years.

“Bit late now for cold feet, innit?” he joked instead, bumping Michael’s shoulder. Michael’s face screwed up, taking his words at face value. Gavin sighed, gently pressing into Michael’s side. “‘Course not. Can’t get rid of me that easily, Michael boi.”

He wouldn’t see the outside world for some time but… that was okay. The way Michael’s face lit up when the realization sunk in, the sound of his laughter filling the air… it made it all worth it.

Gavin glanced back at the entrance to the lair, where Ray and Ryan vanished not too long ago. He hoped their plans would work out. He wouldn’t put it past the queen to have one more ace up her sleeve. He reached out and caught Michael’s hand, entwining their fingers.

Whatever may come, he would be ready.

The end.