Black Roses 20

As if to underscore the discourtesy, the demon bowed with an air of respect that was just exaggerated enough to *almost* appear sarcastic. Yet not quite enough for De to become utterly hostile. "Your pardon! I am Deathwalker, the king's second and as such responsible for looking after his heirs and their---?" The tall demon turned to examine Rhion., his expression blandly polite. "Family?"

De seemed to turn over this evaluation of Rhion and accept it if only for the status the proposed relationship provided Rhion. The blond looked ready to snort at the assessment, but held his tongue. This was De's show.

Still, Rhion studied the demon uneasily. He had noticed this particular fiend standing unobtrusively by Mish-shy's side earlier, taking no part nor any seeming interest in De's treatment at his king's hands. Also seated near him at dinner, pale blue eyes almost colorless, as cool as the ice jewels they resembled. This one would have won Kef's admiration; he gave absolutely nothing away, yet did not seem to be hiding anything at all. Yet there was something about his looks that suggested high intelligence, even culture if it came to that. He was tall of course, topping Rhion's six foot three by over half a foot. But he was more lean and compact than seemed possible given his size, and unlike the massive Icewind appeared nearly graceful despite his more-than-human proportions.

The heavy straight fall of oak-brown hair, fired with streaks of molten gold, was both unusual and strangely beautiful. Rhion felt a tug of attraction, and it pissed him off more than he could believe. Fascinated by a snotty, lewd, over-grown demon? No damn way in hell!

De nodded curtly, seeming oblivious of Rhion's changed mood, and Deathwalker followed suit with more civility. "Your tailors are fidgeting about in the hallway, I'd suggest you invite them in," he informed the young vampire. "It's not often they attend a prince of the Shyle. In fact the Shyle haven't had a prince in nearly ten-thousand years so they're bursting at the seams to have a look at you."

"Well," Rhion said quite pleasantly, before he even realized he would speak. "At least they have manners enough to wait for an invitation, rather than strolling in at their leisure like everyone else."

Deathwalker and Rhion studied each other like two combatants weighing each other's skills. Then suddenly, the cold-eyed demon smiled, looking truly amused although losing none of his dangerous, competent aura.

Damn! Rhion thought, glaring back at him, flustered for once out of his polished social pose. He hadn't meant to fence with anyone like this; observing shrewdly and keeping his mouth shut had been his plan. But something about this particular creature had pricked him enough to make him less than cautious.

"Who'd have thought demons would waste time with apologies---I guess everyone's a politician these days." De's curt response followed him out the door as he brushed past Deathwalker rudely. "Correth---would you show this tailor of Mish-shy's in, please."

Walker quirked an eyebrow, obviously he'd been expecting a little more from one of the most political figures on the planet. "Are you taking lessons in impropriety or did you simply get up on the wrong side of the bed today, lord prince?" Walker had simply turned toward the entry room to speak, his voice smooth as ice.

"De, perhaps picking a fight first thing in the morning is unwise." The prince seemed to weigh Rhion's opinion as he glared at Deathwalker. "I mean after all, these people have adopted you---Which theoretically makes them your allies." Rhion was eyeing the demon as he spoke; he was being almost as ill-mannered as De himself had been. "And, there was that welcome party they were kind enough to throw us." Make that more ill-mannered. "Why are you being so pissy, after all the consideration and respect you've been shown? Shame on you!"

It was the first real move that made sense to De---even though he wasn't too comfortable with the subject matter at hand. As long as they didn't dwell he could tolerate the shadowed references to his---time with Mish-shy.

Deathwalker smiled a little wider then, "Not bad!" The demon commented, seeming somewhat impressed himself. "For a human." Again with the looks, De was starting to get annoyed.

There was a discreet cough behind him. "Thaddeus McDonnell, My lord Prince." De turned away from his companion and the demon king's second only to find himself almost eye-level with a cheery old grey haired man.

"Look at him, not at all what I expected but a handsome lad never the less. I bet it won't be long before you make a real splash with the young ones around here. " De flinched when the fellow clasped his arms as if they'd known each other for centuries but he didn't try and pull away.

"De?" Rhion ventured thinking something was truly wrong. He had been eyeing the old man with amused annoyance, considering the fellow's remarks and wondering if his slight irritation came from jealousy. Well, maybe a little! But De's sudden stillness cast all other thoughts from his mind.

"Not too old to appreciate beauty, cub." The old fellow winked and patted De on the side of the face. The boy's expression twisted into a frown when he realized the old coot was about half flirting with him---something Rhion had grasped instantly. "If I were only a few years younger," he announced brightly as he slid a glance toward Rhion and chuckled. "C'mon, C'mon---I don't have all day."

He motioned for Rhion to stand as he bustled around the room, or more accurately back and forth between the two of them. "Well, well, well, aren't you a big handsome lusty looking fellow. Bonded to the little prince here---What? Not yet? Have you set a date? I'd think you'd wear the colors of autumn to such an event---and you, we'd need to add a little blue to your wardrobe. Not that you're lacking with all gothic attire boy but a little color wouldn't hurt you a bit. It'd bring out your eyes, I think."

Rhion waited for De's defense system to kick in but it didn't. He simply tensed a bit more, something Thaddeus McDonnell seemed pay no attention at all as he waved his staff forward.

"Ummm, no date---no plans actually!" Rhion answered since De's tongue seemed to have gotten lost somewhere between his naive insults and Thaddeus's hearty praise. He only hoped the boy wasn't contemplating the old fellow's death in his silence.

De tilted his head to study the old man, the look on his face priceless. He was obviously displeased but still somewhat in shock. Rhion had seen this look before, usually as a prelude to a fight.

"NO PLANS! Time is time even for you immortals; it shouldn't be piddled away like it has no meaning. Well, I guess you're both young enough to have wild oats to sow---really young at this point, unlike these slave lads with their thousand-year-old eyes. You wanta step on the table for me, boy. I'm too old to be kneeling down to take your inseam even if you are a god." The chatter seemed to come to a halt with the old man's waiting smile.

He was standing in front of De now, and looking the new Shyle prince right square in the eye as he waited for him to comply. De glanced at the heavy wooden table in front of the couch and drew in a deep breath.

To Rhion's amazement he stepped up and moved his legs apart as instructed. "After we get your measurements I'll show you some material and some styles---I'd think you might be interested in the Middle Eastern stuff."

"I'll be seventeen the day after tomorrow." It was a flat statement, but De's face had softened somewhat. He didn't notice Rhion's lifted eyebrow and quick intake of breath, being focused so strongly on this unique---to him---human.

"You look much older." It was obviously a lie! The returning frown and puppyish snort revealed De's opinion on the matter. "Ah, I'm too old to judge such things eh? Do you have any particular likes when it comes to your clothes? I'd think you'd like to show off this body of yours." De didn't quite manage to avoid the fingers that raked over his abdomen, but after nervously shirking the touch didn't openly complain.

"No, lad---I was rescued as a young man from a lioness who sought to make me her lunch. I had a great many wounds so the Shyle brought me here to recover. Fell into a family and decided to stay on for a while---I guess IT never got old." He chuckled again and De tilted his head as though he were listening closely to the sound of it.

"And what is it about human mortals that interests you so?" Thaddeus asked urging the boy to turn. He was obviously more charmed than insulted as De studied his face much too closely, situating himself so he could still look at the old man.

"I've never met one of your age before---Could you not be turned?" Something in De's voice signaled his concern and Rhion moved over to the side of the table and away from the girl who'd approached him with the fabric samples.

"No, unfortunately we aren't all meant for immortality." De remained utterly silent for a few moments, seemingly considering this. "Does my presence bother you?" Thaddeus suddenly asked, apparently understanding what De was getting at.

"No." There was a long pause after the softly spoken word. "Not really. I've just never been this close to someone whose dying, that's all." When Rhion nearly choked on his name, De looked toward him. "What? They die quickly on the field."

Thaddeus chuckled again, seeming to take a great amount of joy in the act. "And my impending death bothers you. You're a sweet lad, to offer such concern to a nutty old coot like me? " He snagged De's hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze. "This one is as innocent in his darkness as a new born cub---no understanding of the world at all."

Thaddeus slid Deathwalker a look, about half scolding as he tugged De down from the table. "Don't fret about me boy, seventy-four is old enough for a human to grow. I don't feel cheated in the least. Now how about we get your boyfriend sized up?"

There was a wicked glint and another chuckle as he motioned Rhion over to the table and ordered him up---seconds later there was an appreciative whistle and a firm nudge delivered to De's ribs. (Must be a human thing.) "You chose well, woo-whew, very well indeed. Who tops, anyway? I can't see wasting this beautiful example of manhood, myself!"

Rhion rolled his eyes and remained silent, though his cheeks reddened slightly. Once again he wasn't sure if amusement or exasperation predominated, with this old fool leering at him as if ready to pin an award on his crotch!

De's sudden darkening cheeks caused the old coot to reach out and gave him a firm hug, which De accepted tensely. Perhaps it was touching that De felt uncomfortable with---strange considering he approached Rhion easily enough. "Ah good boy! Not as frivolous as they say, then."

"All humans must be quite bold!" De commented, only sounding about half as annoyed as before. He crossed his arms over his chest as he openly appraised Rhion's crotch, and then Thaddeus.

Rhion noticed the smile tugging at his lips. Whether it was due to the much-needed approval or the old man's contagious glee was unclear but either way Rhion decided it was nice to see. He decided to play a little, just for fun. "I'm not gonna stand here posing all day!" he announced, pouting a bit and trying to act air-headed. "Being discussed like a horse you're putting out to stud!"

The old man chuckled, doubtless not fooled a bit, and moved to measure him. "Hmmmm---leathers, is it? They look good on you, but you seem like the sort who would live in them." His raised eyebrow made Rhion flush a little; it was true, he didn't worry much about clothes or his appearance! The doeskin leathers, though clean, were thin and faded with many wearings. "Something softer, maybe, for relaxation? I suppose silk is out of the question---"

"It certainly is!" Rhion barked; as when he was a kid, the judgment of tailors made him feel a bit defensive. "Not a silk kind of person! Might as well be naked." De tilted his head and seemed to consider this but kept his opinion to himself.

Thaddeus narrowed his eyes and looked Rhion up and down. "To not flaunt such a body seems a shame, but it's surprising how many of you big lads are timid." He ignored Rhion's sputterings of wrath at this assessment and said very firmly, "If not silk, then velvet. Dark bronze velvet, with just enough green leather to, ah, stiffen it up a bit. Or vice versa. Yes, that's the ticket!" He beamed as if expecting a prize. "Even browns look good in velvet, and you are definitely fire-touched Earth, my glaring lord of autumn! I'll make you some clothes that will take the breath away without seeming a bit, um, girlish. Though nothing would make you look like a girl---not even wearing a frock!" De brightened at this image for some reason and then actually smiled despite his best efforts not to. Rhion's now completely annoyed expression seemed to make De's humor even better.

When Thaddeus approached this time De sidestepped the attempted hug and the old man had to be content with giving him a firm pat on his retreating shoulder as he moved around to Rhion's other side.

"I can make you some shirts in a cotton cloth that *looks* like silk; a palette of warm colors, how would you like that?" The old geezer was still nattering on about clothes, as happy as if he were playing with dolls. Rhion gave up; too much trouble to argue with a fanatic! "Do as you like," he groaned. "I'll trust you for now not to tart me up, and we'll see what happens." His look was meant to be threatening; he wasn't sure why the old man beamed at him fondly as if he'd known his through childhood. Or more probably, was anticipating dressing him in a thousand silly things.

The girl with the samples came forward, smiling proudly as she presented the large book filled with tiny strips of multi colored fabrics to the prince and his companion. "As you can see we have a large variety of colors and patterns. They can be fashioned into any of the styles you like." She was young and obviously excited but was just grown up enough to be able to keep things professional.

"I don't suppose you mind silk?" De was standing there, not really looking at the sample book when Thaddeus spoke. He'd been too busy eyeing Deathwalker to pay attention to the business of fabrics.

"As long as it's nightwear, it should be fine. Mish-shy would hardly appreciate him showing up on the floor wearing something as whimsical as silk." Deathwalker's comment had inspired a sinister glare from the prince.

"As you said before," Thaddeus teased as he flipped open the book to some of the darker colors. "But which of these would you prefer?" De glanced at the page but didn't reach forward to test any of the fabrics as most people did. He simply scanned the page, his brow tightening as the tension grew.

Deathwalker seemed to take this crisp comment as his cue to butt out. He threw up his hands in mock surrender and smiled. "I'll leave you to your shopping and fetch myself a drink." The demon casually wandered toward the kitchen, disappearing behind the grand archway with that annoying smile coloring his lips the whole way.

"We've got a beautiful ebony silk that gives off a fabulous sheen and I believe it's patterned with silver arcs." Thaddeus pushed his way back into the trenches, drawing De's attention back to the more important matter of shopping.

Once De was looking at him again he turned the page and pointed out the fabric in question. "It's for casual wear of course but it'd look very appealing on you as far as nightwear goes. I could fashion a robe as well, maybe two, one lined with terrycloth and the other with crushed velvet?" De stared at the man, and then the book without saying a thing.

"I think that'd work well." Rhion jumped in having noticed De's lack of response. "Maybe this one too." The boy seemed somehow relieved at having his patterns picked out for him and continued to let Rhion do so until he strayed out side of what De considered appropriate (Which was anything too brightly colored, or heavily patterned.) He even allowed a few very dark blues and purples that verged on black to be used as underlining colors. But had firmly refused anything white, saying "He couldn't wear that color." Thaddeus had tried to persuade him but to no avail.

"I'm not so fond of white myself, these days," Rhion finally said in a firm tone, and the subject was dropped. He caught the old fellow giving him odd smiles from time to time, as if wondering why Rhion, uninterested in his own wardrobe (except that it not be silk!) was so conscious of De's. But for once he said nothing.

Finally, with the choices all finalized and measurements done, the sample girl bundled up her books and departed with a shy smile that she divided evenly between De and Rhion.

"I'll see Haley home, if there's nothing further master Damian?" Correth announced respectfully. De nodded and the boy bowed out quickly, snagging some leftover proofs and disappearing through the entryway to catch up with the girl.

Thaddeus of course lingered a second, unable to leave without more chatter. "I'll be back tomorrow, young sirs, with at least two outfits for each of you, and the nightwear." He rubbed his hands together gleefully. "Oh, this will be fun! In town, I'm draping material over portly housewives and fat bankers. With the Shyle it's better, though I use up fabric by the mile on such huge fellows. But I've seldom had two such fine specimens to work with, at different poles of beauty---this will keep me up all night, but I don't mind a bit!"

"I'll bet," Rhion grumbled, decisively pushing away an image of the old guy panting lewdly over a pile of cloth. "De! I'm gonna go talk with this tailor privately---I'll be back in just a few minutes, so decide if you want breakfast here or to break bread with the crowd again." He grinned a little as he threw a companionable arm around an astonished but pleased Thaddeus, steering him firmly to the door. "I don't think those boys will be giving us much trouble for awhile at least, so if you feel sociable don't hesitate!"

"Sociable!" De scoffed, watching curiously as Rhion hustled the old man out. Rhion was so strange; pretending he didn't care about clothes, then collaring the tailor to give him secretive instructions out of De's hearing. A smile brightened De's mouth unexpectedly; maybe about that frock?

He had started having silly thoughts like that, indulged in just for the humor of them, only since Rhion had come into his life. The man was so frivolous, it was actually catching! And this smiling, too---he had to watch it. He was among enemies now, as he had always been, he wasn't fool enough to forget that damn it---however much these people named themselves his allies.

When Rhion returned, took one look at him and immediately climbed onto the bed to steal a kiss, it seemed too much trouble to complain about it. Instead, he muttered evilly, "Silk has its advantages!"

"Does it now?" Rhion chuckled, caressing him gently through the thin fabric. "Well, maybe you have a point---shall I drag Thaddeus back here and let him drape me with the stuff?"

"No!" De barked, twisting quickly and pouncing on the bigger boy. Rhion, laughing, let himself be pinned to the mattress. "I know how to unlace these stiff things---by now---"

De's eyes sparkled dark fire as his slim ivory fingers attacked Rhion's clothing briskly. "Not a challenge!" he breathed, laughing a bit as Rhion arched lazily, which tightened his clothes and made De's task a bit harder. But the view was more delightful as the blond's muscles rippled. Damn, was he laughing again at the sight? Rhion did such strange things to him, made him act so out of character with himself----

De was unsure where the magic wine of this man's charm came from, or how it captivated him so easily; still he had no desire to struggle free of such a warm intoxication back to dead reality. And the quickest, least confusing way to drown himself in Rhion was of course sex. The final lace was loosening---Rhion's hands, also busy, had managed to neatly peel De's shirt from his body and the strong fingers hooked in his waistband paused just long enough to tease him----

"And you'd best take only ten seconds to play with your 'prize' once you have it in your grasp." Deathwalker's dry voice was so utterly unexpected that at first De thought the ceiling had snapped at them.

"Mish-shy has been lenient with your time, but training should have started half an hour ago. Perhaps some clothing more suited to the arena than the bedchamber before I take you there?"

The surge of darkness that swelled up inside of De was razor-sharp. It was a burst of dark fire that teetered on the edge of battlerage, not something to be taken lightly by anyone who'd seen him on the field.

The makeshift blade was outa its holster and on its way to Walker's chest before De had even turned to look in the demon's direction. "Get out!" he said, his voice dripping poison as he flipped off the bed and onto his feet in a catlike move.

Walker glared at the prince as he opened his palm to look down at the weapon he'd snatched from the air. His icy eyes flashed with annoyance as he picked up the green crystal and examined it thoroughly.

"Clever, this may actually take a while to heal." Then almost casually he flipped his injured hand outward shaking off the excess blood and bathing the bedroom wall in a richer, more fiery crimson than any human norm. The splatters seemed almost to smoke against the stone and gilt patterns.

"You're lucky you're not dead Spirit Walker, daring to use that tone with me!" De wasn't sure where the words had come from, nor the fury he felt when speaking them. Of course he was angry but to go so far---to speak so boldly, it wasn't a gaming move or at least not a good one.

The demon's eyes narrowed just a bit, not surprised but irritated. "Perhaps when you start acting like a Shyle heir, I'll treat you like one." For a moment De was tempted to anger but something deep inside was tugging at the corners of his mouth and for some reason he smiled. "I wouldn't hold your breath, demon." It was an inside joke, something only the darkness in him understood but it was enough. "Now, get out!"

"I'll second that, you goddamn lurker!" Rhion seethed; even rumpled and damn near exposing himself he looked like a war hero in a battle rage. And he seemed near to behaving that way at the sound of Deathwalker's soft laughter.

"Spoken like a true prince of the Shyle." Death Walker's voice bordered suspiciously on approving. "And spoken like his protective mate! Both of you, suit up and come along," he added in a more businesslike tone. "The day is advancing, and Mish-shy will be patient only so far as it pleases him. I will wait in the corridor to spare your---modesty, or what is left of it." He eyed Rhion with malevolent humor. "Like I thought---impressive, for a human! Thank you for confirming my guess."

"Shit!" he observed elegantly. "I guess he's right about not angering their king; anyway, he's effectively ruined the mood! Dammit De, I'm sorry---shoulda remembered he'd parked himself in the kitchen, but the minute I clapped eyes on you my intelligence dropped to the south, I fear."

Rhion didn't look too sorry about that fact, only that they'd been interrupted. He straightened his clothes and stood up, grumbling to himself. "At least, they're gonna let me go with you---I figured I'd have an argument about that and I swear it would have turned nasty on my end!" He looked down at the smaller boy and smiled warmly. "Later," he remarked in a promising voice. "If you're not too tired."

"I may be outta the mood by then!" De growled in a sulky fashion. "Goddamn demons!" He didn't protest Rhion's arm snaking around him, though he didn't return the quick, hard hug. "That one admires you a little too much, Rhion." His tone was as accusing as if Rhion had asked for the attention by performing a lewd dance for the demon.

"What! De, he was just trying to be as annoying as possible AND he succeeded. Let's just do as he says, get this training outta the way, then maybe we'll be allowed to enjoy ourselves a little. And if not, I plan to kill somebody! Sound like a plan?" His fingers ghosted lightly over De's hair, and though De still pouted he allowed the touch, even turned his face a little so the warm fingers would drift across his face.

"I like that plan---" He said almost dreamily before turning his face just enough to nip the tip of Rhion's finger as it slid past his lips. "Maybe we could start with this Death Walker." The dark sparkle in De's eyes as he looked up at Rhion might have been disturbing if the older boy hadn't been catching on to De's peculiar sense of humor.

Spending the night with the Dark One had opened a few doors, enough for Rhion to understand true danger when he heard it. At the moment the demon's demise was just a pleasant thought in De's mind, a daydream to be indulged in for a moment or two.

So Rhion played along. "One more interruption from him and he's a dead man, I promise." De smiled then, an honest to god smile that for a moment reminded Rhion of the creature he'd seen last night---only younger, happier.

It was something he yearned to see more often, and he was astonished to realize that he was almost willing to kill every demon in the palace to earn that look. Well! He found himself smiling back, touching De's face lightly. I'll be damned---I think I'm in love with you, brat, and how that happened I'm at a loss to explain! Fucking is one thing, but this is unwise to say the least!

But he supposed he would keep his mouth shut about it for awhile. The little brat would just find a way to take advantage of the fact. No, De, my plans for your birthday will have to suffice for now---that is if that dotty old man manages to remember my requests and not muck everything up!