Property?

1

"My darling boy, before I pass I want you to know who your father is. The king." I couldn't believe it. A thieving nobody like me is a prince. "Mother I couldn't be his son. I mean look at me." "James my boy, he will take care of you. Only if you become of prince standards. So please obey his orders." "Mother I can't do that. Mother?" I shook her. "Mother please." I shook her again. "Mother!" Her words and her body were cold and almost dead. "Please."

The firm hand of the local blacksmith, John, clamped down on my shoulder. "Sorry boy. She packed food for your travel to the palace." I didn't say a word. I just grabbed the old sack and I was on my way. It's always just been me and Ma. But she made a deal with the king. If I acted like a prince and did as I was told I'd be taken in by my supposed father.

The journey was five days. It would have taken longer had I actually rested and had proper meals. Instead, I only took small rests and a had a few snacks here and there.

I entered the gates and was immediately being watched by everyone I passed. Finally, one old man stopped me. He seemed to be a man of importance and I didn't know why he'd approach a factotum like me. "You should follow me. I think the king would like you very much." "What do you mean sir?" "You are a cute one." He whispered seductively in my ear and held my face.

"Please let go," I said calmly. I was used to people doing this to me. But none were dressed in formal robes. "Later then." He tapped my cheek and walked away.

I left the large concrete field and entered the largest castle. As I was walking through the building I saw someone near my age. He was wearing the clothes of the king's 'special slave'. I tripped as he was near me and reached out a hand for help. He backed away and let me hit the floor. "Hey!" "A peasant like you shouldn't touch any property of his majesty." "Property? You're a living, breathing person. He must be mad with power or something." "You aren't to speak of the royal family in that manner. I'll report yo-" "He's my father. I'll speak how I please. Let me make you a promise. I'll get you out of those clothes. I'll free you."

"Sire." My father's slave kneeled in front of me. I quickly got on my knees and lifted his head up. "I'm not like him. I don't want to be bowed down to. And I don't want," I shivered, "I don't want 'special slaves'. I won't do that."

Memories that were buried deep down sprouted to the front of my mind. I looked the boy in the eyes. "I promise."

I got off the ground and the boy followed me. "Can you bring me to the king?" "Yes, sire." I sighed as I realized no matter what I said the boy would never let himself be anything other than a slave. He led me to large silver doors and left me there. I knocked. "Sire, may I enter?"

"Enter Joshua." I opened the large metal door and entered the room. On the back wall, there was a large bed. "Who is this?! Guards!" The guards stormed into the room and held me to the wall. I tried speaking but one of them put their hands over my mouth. The king now stood in front of me and he caressed my face like the old man had done earlier. "I'll have fun with you. Now tell me what is your name?"

"My name is James. Son of Marianna." The king backed away. "Guards leave now." It was just me and him. "Son? She died?" "Yes. That's why I am here. I will do as you ask." "Please. You are my son. Anything you ask I will give to you." This was my chance. "Well... I saw this boy while looking for you... I was wondering if maybe... he could be my slave?" "Tell me who is this boy?" I'd have to make him think I really liked this boy.

"He was handsome. So very handsome. His eyes were blue. Like the ocean. And his hair was black. Like a starless sky. He looked fit. And did I forget to say gorgeous?" I rambled on trying to convince him but the more I thought about it the more I realized how attractive I found the boy.

"Joshua well he i-" The king was going to continue but I needed to help the boy. "Joshua! That's such a lovely name!" I bit my lip subconsciously thinking about the boy. He was so pretty. "Well... if you are that excited.... He can be your welcoming gift. But on one condition." "Thank you, father! I'll do anything!" "I want to see you two together one night." "Yes, sire! May I go find him?" He nodded and let me leave his chambers.

"Joshua! Joshua! Where are you?!" I was jogging through the halls not paying very much attention so when someone ran into me it wasn't much of a surprise. The person had landed on top of me. We were both quite dazed. "I apologize," I said and the person lifted their top half off of me. "Sire I apologize." I heard footsteps. Joshua began to get up but I grabbed his back and neck. "Play along," I whispered.

I smirked at him and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "Oh my! I guess you were truly serious about him!" I looked past Joshua and saw the king. "Yes, father. I found him. Thank you." "Sorry to make a scene sire." Joshua apologized and get off the ground. He helped me up but I tripped. I fell directly into his arms. I'm such a klutz. I blushed madly. Joshua dusted my cheek with his thumb. "You okay?" We stared into each other's eyes and I swear I felt a connection.

The king excused himself and Joshua moved away from me. He was faking it. I don't know why that fact hurt so much. But it did. "What was that about?" "I told you I'd get you out of those now didn't I? You're not his slave anymore. You're mine." Joshua looked slightly joyed by this. "Thank you. Would you like me to escort you to your chambers?" "Please." I walked behind him as he led me to my room. I bit my lip.

His lips. They wouldn't leave my mind. But he was faking everything. Why was I thinking like that?