#vswgold

   He knew what he wanted. He wanted a good, fine warrior with feats of strength to their name but he hoped for a kind soul all the same. One who protected, not destroyed. Yes, Prince Flame thought he would have much compatibility with someone who was like that and so, a great contest began. To become consort to the great and regal Prince Flame of the Cyberse Realm.

   News of such a rare prize to be had in the form of Prince Flame’s hand in perpetual companionship spread far and wide. From the towns and cities close to the kingdom’s palace to far into the hinterlands by the north-eastern beaches and caught the attention of a young man looking to strike it big. He figured that consort was a fancy word for bodyguard and he considered himself to be of great integrity and so, he bade his tiny village home goodbye and made his way to the citadel, hopeful that his fate was about to change - and for the better.

   Prince Flame orchestrated great games and fanfare in the capital city of he and his family’s realm. He oversaw the festivities with great mirth. Small activities that led to bigger and better things: a gladiatorial match was to be the jewel in their crown over all the carnival games and tug-of-wars that they held throughout the city.

   The best of the best coming forth as the cream of the crop through all the different stakes and matches. The best of the best had truly come to gather for Prince Flame’s entertainment and companionship, a jovial atmosphere took over the citadel despite the bloodlusting undercurrent of it all. Sword eaters and fire spinners, warriors and maidens, they all competed just so they might earn the favour of one of the realm’s leaders.

   But there was one that spurred rumours that caught even Prince Flame’s attention. As the end of the week began to dwindle and come down to the wire, it was the warrior from the small town to the north east coast that caught attention wherever he went.

   Seemingly unassuming at first with his glasses and mop of fluffy white hair, he soon proved himself just as capable or maybe more than ten men from the royal guard. He was down to earth and humble, endearing himself to the inner city common folk and even aristocrats alike, by the time that the colosseum opened, all chanted his name: Takeru! Takeru! Takeru!

   From his place in the lap of luxury and victory, Prince Flame observed eagerly as the ones who had been deemed graciously to fit his specifications as a lover fought not only each other but untamed animals and traps. The colosseum was alive with death and bloodshed, swords and axes, polearms and lances, it was all fair game in love and war.

   Prince Flame was enthralled by the action and the violence at it unfolded before him in the sandstone arena. It was a blaze of utmost glory, the passion that burned captivated Prince Flame like none other, his heart was racing and all his attention was on the small time kiddo that no one had heard of before until now.

   His form was clumsy but he more than made up for it in strength and dexterity. The grin that he bore and the sweat that he glistened with was handsome and shining. Prince Flame couldn’t even imagine tearing away his eyes from this youth - Takeru - as he defended himself from the other men and women, even animals such as bears and lions, on this platform of the royals. The sun shone dry and hard, illuminating the indomitable spirit of one individual in this battle and one individual alone.

   At the end of the hours of the fight, Prince Flame descended, well rested and beautiful, so he could finally meet the warrior who had seized his heart like none other. He was calm, had all but a sashay to his hips, as he drew closer to the utterly exhausted but utterly victorious Takeru.

   “Congratulations,” Prince Flame bade his victor, admiring all the stern curves of his well toned body, his eye catching on the sharp glint of his sword as it reflected the last of the orange sunset, “you have earned a most envious prize.”

   He hazarded a smile. It was self-satisfied yet earnest, “Thank you, I’ve been trying hard.” he replied.

   “I imagine I need no introduction but you… You the rumoured golden boy, you could do with one.” Prince Flame teased him. His heart fluttered, he could sense how Takeru’s soul burned most impressively and now, Prince Flame could claim the honour of having such a youth as his and his alone, it was positively selfish and yet it delighted him with lust and glee.

   “Y-Yeah…” he stuttered out an embarrassed laugh, he corrected his posture even though it was clear he wanted to slump into bed, and Prince Flame hoped to do so the same beside him, “I’m Takeru of the Homura clan, it is a pleasure to become your consort. I vow to stay by your side, protect and adore you.”

   “That’s what I like to hear, love.” Prince Flame said and he took Takeru’s free hand so he could crown him with the object of all desire. He gently threaded a golden ring around Takeru’s thick, corresponding finger. He nuzzled Takeru’s palm and looked up at him with a gentle ember of burgeoning love unto him. “I shall look forward to our married life.”

   Takeru stiffened and in a very tiny voice, he asked, “D-Does consort not mean bodyguard?” 

   Prince Flame blinked and was taken aback by the question. “No,” he chortled, most amused but in good nature per the shine in his amber-coloured eyes, “it means lover. But I have a feeling I would be very safe in your hands.”