Chapter 2: Threatened with the Throne

"Umm… yes… oh fuckkk" 

The loud moaning coming from behind the hardwood door sent heat through the ears of the guards that stood outside it.

They fidgeted uncomfortably knowing what may happen after few minutes. Atleast the youngest recruit thought so; others have stopped caring. They were never in a position to point anything.

Suddenly a loud ecstatic cry made the youngest recruit cough awkwardly. The older guard gave him a warning look and he was quickly masking his awkwardness. 

Then everything went silent.

He was worried but dared not move. 

Fuck!

His eyes snapped and legs overturned even before he heard the deep husky voice called out—come!

As the guards dashed inside, the youngest recruit's eyes widened but composed himself quickly. A girl lay motionless with her gown pulled hastily down in order to cover her up.

Her face was flushed, reminding them of the hot session they had to bear from the past five minutes. Now… she wouldn't be able to scream anymore; let alone talk.

He let the older guard pick her lifeless body while he roamed his eyes around before landing on the boy in front of him.

His eyes sparkled; getting nervous. 

Despite being a year older than the boy with a polished bare back, the youngest recruit couldn't get the confidence to talk to, now, the frustrated boy; Prince Sebastian.

"Dammit!" The Prince hissed in annoyance. 

He was just starting and then…

'Urgh! Now what should I do!'

Sebastian wanted to grip his hair but knowing there was someone else beside him, he didn't act. Sweat rolled down his body as he blazed in heat; his skin was bright red and veins popped on his hands, neck, forehead and back.

'At least he is wearing pants,' the youngest recruit mused.

"Tell the Majesty about it and let him know I am not doing it again!" He groaned and the guard bowed at his back.

"Yes, His Royal Highness." The guard blurted and left the prince to sort himself out.

He was afraid. When he was here for the recruitment he along with few, were personally gathered by Her Majesty, the Queen.

Since he was the Prince's personal bodyguard, still under seniority though, he was informed about the Prince's Curse. He wasn't letting them know that he heard about it before but had thought it was a rumor. 

But now it frighteningly seemed real every passing day.

He was torn between pitying the Prince or shaking his head at the royalties. 

Either way he knew better to just mind his own business.

On the other side, the Prince was beyond frustration. His desires killed, not that he was too hard for her, yet it was affecting him mentally.

He rushed to the bathroom and not even thought of closing the door as he intended for a cold shower. Immediately, his personal servants appeared for his aid; their heads not daring to glance up.

However the Prince deadly ‘tsk’ed and they scurried away as soon as they appeared. 

He showered and felt a little better. His heart was a mess, though. Not only was his life turning into a mess but now he will have to face his father's disappointment. He will have to answer the Duke of Paramount about what happened to his daughter.

It wasn't what he wanted.

Right when he picked up a thick navy blue velvety bathrobe, he heard the young recruit outside.

"His Royal Highness, His Majesty, the King has arrived and wants to see you." 

The Prince groaned inwardly and let him know he would be there.

To his surprise the young recruit was there with another servant carrying a royal suit in his hand. Immediately his eyebrow cocked up.

"Uh- what is your name and what is it?" The Prince finally asked him after almost a year.

The young recruit was shocked but happy. He has heard the Prince wasn't like this before but ever since an ominous presence followed him, he has changed drastically becoming colder and uncaring.

"Denial Weather. As for this, His Majesty wants you to be more than just presentable. There is a gathering for the sport's result announcement and bidding." Den, as he prefers, informed and found the Prince nodding his head thoughtfully.

He let the servants dress him, comb his hair and prepare him for the event. Meanwhile he just stared at his reflection in the mirror.

How did he end up like this?

The event had already started and the King flashed a bright smile at his people. He was happy that his chosen horse won and was getting the highest bid.

However inwardly he was disappointed at the delay his son was causing.

He might be tense about the girl's death…

The King shook his head not letting anyone take a sniff of what really was going inside his head and mind.

He clapped gracefully, without making a noise, when the horse was sold off.

He fought the urge to glance around to see if his son had come or not.

As if on cue he heard movements nearby even before he heard that all-too-familiar voice. 

"Greetings, His Majesty." 

His eyes settled on the young boy who looked more handsome than before; nodding, he gestured to him to present the award.

"It took you long enough, Sebastian." The King kept that beautiful smile on his face.

Only the Prince heard the anger behind it. He was quick to apologize and just like his father, mastered a fake smile to the gatherers.

The noblest were stunned at his beauty. They couldn't help but steal glances when the Prince walked in. Each one hoped that someday their daughters will marry him.

However few were hesitant too. They have heard of the rumor that the Prince was cursed. Every time they heard of a courtship linked to him, his partner mysteriously died. 

Still… they denied it. What if it was something else and nothing to do with the Prince? Yes, they liked to believe this.

Their daughters deserved a rich family and a handsome boy. In their minds they already competed with each other for the Prince's attention.

Unfortunately, the Prince wasn't sailing on the same boat. He had bigger and pressing issues. Apart from being "cursed" he had another secret which he wasn't willing to share with anyone.

All his teenage years he was fascinated with power. His mother had expressed her will to see him become the next King but it seems difficult now.

Not only has his father demanded an heir early due to his 'curse' but he was facing another issue which definitely would blow his chances of becoming a King. 

But they needn't know…

He wondered how long he would be able to hide it.

Suddenly, he heard whispers around him. The people were fawning over his beauty and physique. Some even were bold enough to suggest their daughters for the Prince and he hated to hear it.

However, to his surprise, his father declined that offer immediately. His head snapped in his direction only to earn a scowl from his father.

It was unlike royalty. They weren't meant to show their true emotions and right now the Prince did exactly the opposite. 

Sebastian realized his mistake and coughed a little when instantly his guard offered him a drink that he gladly accepted.

Though he flashed a grin standing beside his father while the latter congratulated the visitors and mingled every now and then; his head wrecked over the possibilities of the King's denial.

Has he finally realized that it was useless to try to coerce another girl?

Was the death of the Princess of Paramount able to put some sense in him?

Or was there something else unknown to him?

Everything went blurry after that. His father sounded happy and he wasn't sure how to accept it. Just as everyone was still doting on the handsome young man, his father asked him to wait for him in the study room.

Sebastian sighed and braced himself. Hopefully he will know the cause soon.

As he walked with authority towards the heavily decorated room full of their family memoirs, gold laced with white theme, be it the thick silky curtains, rugs or the fabric covered furniture; he didn't expect to see his step mother there.

"Her Majesty!" He bowed a little to acknowledge the Queen who smiled at him.

The scenario was a loving one to anyone who observed but in reality it was not the same. The queen was indifferent to him. She didn't exactly hate him but didn't love him either. As for Sebastian she was what he had after his mother died.

He was genuinely grateful to her for raising him well.

But there was someone else that he didn't quite catch.

"Please take a seat.” His head bowed even more hearing his father’s voice from behind and did as asked.

Sebastian glanced around, squinting his eyes to get a better idea of who the others were but to his frustration he couldn’t. They were new, he concluded.

“Your Majesty, as per the recent blood test I am agonized to tell that the condition of Prince is far worse than thought.”

His mouth twitched hearing those words and he clenched his fist on the armrest.

“Straight to the point, Len.” Alexander spoke not wanting to ponder more on the upsetting news.

“It looks like the rumors of his curse aren’t rumors. I examined a sample of his semen from last few weeks and unfortunately it is too powerful to even adapt the surrogacy method.” Len’s words broke Sebastian’s heart.

Though he has stopped caring but he knew it meant that his dream would end up here. Strangely due to some reasons his father eagerly wants heir. Unluckily, he couldn’t due to some stupid curse. Every time he coerced a princess they died. Not just that even his engagement announcement has lead to two princesses’ death. This has broken him completely but to know he couldn’t ever be able to reign due to this, bothered him most.

He sighs wishing he could recall who that girl was when they were sixteen. His heart aches at the thought of it; tears slowly brimming in his eyes.

“That’s nonsense! There should be someone.” The King’s furious voice snapped him out of his thoughts and Sebastian breathed in a handful of air.

“There is no human DNA capable to accept this semen, Your Highness.” Len mumbled, less confident now.

“So, you’re suggesting us to pick an animal! How derisive!” The Queen sounded exasperated but maintained her soft voice.

Sebastian face lowered in embarrassment.

“I am sorry, Her Majesty.” Len apologized even when he didn’t mean it.

Of course countering her would mean death wish.

“Leave!” The King boomed and Sebastian heard Len rush hurriedly.

“Ah!” His head snapped to his stepmom who cried silently.

“Queen Lara, please don’t.” Alexander was devastated by the news but to see his Queen break, hurt him.

“Your Majesty, now what will we do? My Sebastian… what will happen to his future now?” She cried; her face well hidden in the huge silk monogrammed-handkerchief.

He hated hearing pitied voices.

“He knew already.”

“Didn’t you, Sebastian?” Alexander glared at him and Sebastian just gulped down his emotions.

“I apologize, Your Majesty but this is out of my control.” Sebastian answered and heard his father scoff.

“I need an heir as soon as possible. If you want to keep this throne then, well, you better try harder.” Alexander couldn’t believe his son’s incapability.

Despite that handsome and envious face, he was nothing. Suddenly, he recalled something and took a sharp breath. It is painful to think but he has no option.

“Queen Lara, can Prince Jonathan return? I would want to train him as soon as possible so that he could take over the crown.” Alexander’s eyes fell on the handsome boy who was unreadable.

If he looks closely, his clenched fingers told him what he felt. Despite having taught to control emotions Sebastian still let few emotions slip. He was young but he is Royal; should know better.

“Your Majesty!” Sebastian blurted unable to stop.

“No, Sebastian.” The king declared and saw the Queen torn in some dilemma.

“It will be unfair to Prince Sebastian.” The Queen mused and the King stated firmly that the discussion was over.

Everyone left except Sebastian. He sat there feeling tossed around. The curse of unable to breed or couple has taken away his and his mother’s dream. Once he was sure that no one was around he let a stubborn tear drop from his eyes.

He felt his chest tighten and a blind rage take over. He wiped his eyes and stormed off the study room. Suddenly, he caught a waft of oceanic smell and a mixture of fresh flowers.

He was caught off guard, absolutely confused.

No matter how hard he tried to see; failing. What was this scent? How it felt so… so… familiar? He has no idea but to think of an ocean near their huge palace or around was illogical!

So, what was it?

He took cautious steps in the direction of the scent and frowned when his hands touched a body. A spark hits his skin sending tingles of shock followed by a gasp that didn’t belong to him.

“Who are you?” He asked threateningly to find another human there.

To think they might have seen him crying or eavesdropped on their discussion angered him. Moreover, he doesn’t know who they are! On contrary, they already knew about him, his deepest secret and the mocking news of him being rejected for the crown was a blow to him. This person could use it against him or make fun of him. He hated been exposed and soon found himself walking closer to them.

Suddenly, he heard another gasp before he touched their arm; soft as velvet and baby’s skin; slim.

“Um… I… I am Elma. A guest.” The calming effect of that stuttering voice made his heart skip a beat.

His anger rose unable to control this feeling and quickly backed away.

“So, stay the fuck out of my way, understand! If you ever dare tell anyone about it, I’ll personally kill you.” He was shocked to hear him threatening a poor girl.

Yet, he wasn’t sure if she actually was poor. What if she was harmful?

Irritated by his own behavior, he left leaving the scared girl behind who now stood with a hand covering her mouth. The urge to roll into a ball in a corner was strong; still, she was a Princess.

She shouldn’t let others see how she feels and hence, sucking in a deep breath, she composed herself before turning around to walk in the same path, the Prince took.