Shorts

2

Alec used one hand to keep the ancient text open while he used his other hand to write notes. Alec was diligently working to create a manuscript on potential war plans. King Joaquin, his father, had tasked him to create a detailed military strategy on ambushing rebel camps. Alec was so engrossed in the task that he originally didn't hear the knock on the door.

"Mon petit rayon de soleil." Lena closed the door.

"You don't want Lara hearing that." Alec stood to approach a bookcase.

"I'd refer to her more endearingly if she were open to it." Lena's eyes watched Alec move around the room. "Unfortunately, she wounds me with her lack of..."

"Empathy?" Alec cocked a brow while flipping through a book.

"I'd more say affection, but... that's not why I'm here. You've shut yourself in this room for 4 days. Please mon nounours, take a break."

"Only the weak takes breaks, mere." Alec's eyes were still trained on the text.

"You're not a robot. You're a person."

"A person who needs to push himself more than what he's currently doing. Can't be lazy or seen as inept. I'm the heir- heir as of right now." Alec gulped back the hurt he felt over his father viewing him as inferior.

"Alec, don't-"

"Lara is the heir in his eyes. I just still have the title because he hasn't gotten around to making it official. But, I know. You know. She knows. I'm not up to his standards." Alec sighed. "And I'm fine with that. She's more... she embodies what a vampire truly is."

"That's not something I think should be praised."

"What you think and what actually happens are two completely different things, mere." Alec's sad eyes met his mother's even sadder eyes. "We're all trapped in this regime."

"I'm sorry." Lena's voice wavered.

"Mere." Alec's voice softened. He sighed and closed his book in order to approach his mother. "I harbor no ill will against you."

"I brought you and your sister into this cruel world. I am so sorry, my love." She cupped his face.

"You're more of a victim in this wicked world than any of us." He melted against his mother's touch.

The two were interrupted by a knock on the door. They stepped back as Alec permitted the person entry. Taemin entered to alert the two that the guests had arrived. Lena gave him a small nod before leaving the pair to get ready. Taemin stepped out Alec's way, so the prince could leave the office. Taemin followed closely behind his master as they made their way to the prince's room.

Alec released a heavy sigh as he unbuttoned his shirt. He removed his shirt and tossed it on the bed. Alec ran a hand through his hair while mentally preparing himself for the function downstairs. He managed to catch a glimpse of Taemin through the mirror. Alec caught Taemin's eyes wandering his naked torso, but he made no comment.

"What color, Tae?" Alec broke the man out of a daze.

"T-The deep red."

"Blood red." Alec snorted. "Why not."

Alec placed the linens on and posed so that Taemin could button the shirt for him. Alec discarded his current slacks for another pair. He waited for Taemin to zip it up and apply the belt. Taemin was having trouble concentrating, so he spoke to distract himself from his wandering thoughts.

"You seem very tense this evening." Taemin spoke.

"And your hands seem particularly shaky." Alec commented, causing Taemin to freeze. "It's just that I'm nowhere near completing the task father assigned to me." He decided to give Taemin some sort of reprieve.