The Five Princes [COMPLETE]

Monday Part One

[For Mature Audience]

Zeph trailed through my mind, last night's episode was all I could think about. It pained me every time someone would ask how it went and I just want to blurt out, "Amazing but I wish he hadn't left." I couldn't explain this feeling, bubbles floating in my stomach whenever I thought about him then a bitter aftertaste when I remembered he was a one night deal.

"Are you ready?" Trinity asked, knocking on the door. "The princes are waiting." I insisted on getting myself prepared, needing some alone time. My core hurt, stretching with every stride I took. Now everything would remind me of him. A conflicting part of me wanted it to stay and another wanted it to go away.

"Yes," I told her, brushing back a curl in my hair. These princes wouldn't come to par with what happened last night, I knew it in my soul. Reluctantly, I walked out of my room and followed Trinity down the hall, towards the grand staircase.

"Oh, Serene, you're going to like them," she purred, unable to contain her joy.

"I just slept with a god last night, I'm sure they're not all that exciting," I muttered, not amused.

She wiggled her brows with a sneaky simper. "Believe me, I'm sure there someone's here who'll be up to par." Again, I extremely doubted that but stayed silent. "Come on, it was your first time. Your first time's always going to be the most memorable."

At the end of the grand staircase, a line of soldiers facing one another stood by the rails, three on the left, and three on the right. In the center, Avant stood proudly in his white tunic, holding a piece of paper. His eyes narrowed on me as I walked down with Trinity by my side. He nodded for her to leave. I would have refused if she hadn't slipped out of my grasp that split second, returning to the maids' chamber.

"Princess Serene," he announced theatrically. His voice annoyed me, deep yet girlish at the same time. "The five princes shall now present themselves to you, bestowing a bow when they approach." His gaze dimmed on me. "Act accordingly."

I rolled my eyes and just to defy him, I crossed my arms, giving him an obviously inattentive expression. "Is this good?"

He scowled but continued. "Presenting from the Cameron Kingdom of Knowledge, Prince Ethan."

A good-looking man in a blue dress shirt and slacks walked out the side door, running a hand through his blond hair. Blue eyes smiled behind his glasses, his lip tilting in a grin, walking towards me smoothly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Serene," he greeted, bowing his head slightly. When our eyes connected, his smile extended to his cheeks. It didn't flutter my heart but it did intrigue me as he walked to Avant's side, keeping his eyes trained on me.

"Presenting from the Piper Kingdom of Nature, Prince Hayden."

A man with the cutest freckles over his nose strolled out, his boyish smile could make any girl blush—except me, that is. His hair was deep orange, reminding me of the kind you'd see on a leaf in autumn. He was in the traditional green tunic of the Piper Kingdom. He was cute, tall and although he wasn't as built as Zeph, he had a few muscles to give off the impression he wasn't weak. He inclined his head politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Serene." He handed me a white gardenia, pleasing me. I adored gardenias. "A gift for her Highness."

"Thank you," I accepted, sniffing the beautiful petals. Behind him, I could see Prince Ethan frown that he hadn't granted me a gift. Prince Hayden took a step back, unaware of his rivals glare beside him.

"Presenting from Ambrose Kingdom of Strength, Prince Ajax."

A hulky man marched in with a straightforward expression on his face. His dark eyes loomed over me, sizing me up with a flagrant smirk on his face as if saying "I'm going to break you" like I was a toy for him. The deep crimson attire he wore only made him look menacing. I gulped, hiding my discouragement behind a forced smile. He bowed, getting down on one knee. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Serene." His voice was deep and assertive. I just nodded back like all the other times. He stood up, pacing back to the row of men beside Avant.

"Presenting from Welch Kingdom of Art, Prince Samandiriel."

A long-haired brunette man with a peaceful smile walked out, his deep purple robe giving off a pleasant glow on his tan skin. He strolled over to me in confidence, bowing his head politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Serene. And I must say your home is simply exquisite."

"Thank you." He bowed his head again before walking to the line of princes.

Avant cleared his throat, getting all of our attention. "I'm sorry to inform this but the Prince of Lux could not—"

Suddenly, a maid raced out of the side door and whispered something in his ear that he nodded at. Then his eyes looked surprised, the maid backing away at his stunned expression before running back through the doors. Claiming his composure, he exhaled all his emotions and started over.

"Well, it seems he's just arrived. Presenting from Lux Kingdom of Enigma, Prince...Zeph?"

The breath in my throat and my thrumming heart stopped, suffocating me for a moment. At first, I thought I heard incorrectly. But there he was, walking out the side door prideful, wearing a black cloak, jeans, and combat boots. I could only get a slither of oxygen through me. His green eyes taunted me in remembrance of last night, goose bumps crawling all over my body. He stepped towards me, bowing his head before grasping my hand, kissing it lightly. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Princess Serene." The way he said pleasure sent a ball of fire through my loins, having to squeeze my body tight to restrain a convulsion.

I gulped. I felt like I'd just been sliced in half, furious that he didn't tell me he was Prince of Enigma and delighted that he returned. However, my anger, like always, got the better of me and I settled on glowering at him menacingly. A ping of hurt that he deceived me rippled through my abdomen. If it wasn't for the other Princes here, I'd scream his face off for lying to me. Well, not really lying, but disguising who he was.

Although Avant spoke, I kept my eyes on Zeph who did the same for me. "Now that all the Princes have arrived, we shall take a tour of that palace."

I ignored Zeph the entire tour, not giving him a minute to release the pinned up anger thieving within me. Serene my ass!

By lunchtime, I had figured out that each kingdom had another they loathed. Ethan, eyes darting to Zeph with a smug expression kept explaining why Enigma shouldn't be a kingdom.

"We ask questions just like you," Zeph argued, forking his food roughly.

Ethan scoffed at him in disgust. "By no means. You ask questions to conceal yourself and your intentions from others. We ask questions to become enlightened."

I ate my food slowly, debating whether I should continue to listen or not. Although I was supposed to ignore Zeph, I couldn't keep my eyes off him long enough. He kept grasping my attention unconsciously with his actions or what he said to another, hardly divulging anything yet you could pick up unsubtle things about him. As an example, he has a comical fixation of breaking rules. When we were touring the art gallery and he touched a 'no touching' portrait, claiming it didn't say 'no touching' like the plate below did. I had to hold back my laughter.

"You know you can't know everything in the world," Zeph continued to debate. "What was it before you knew about it? A mystery. And still, there are things you don't even know you don't know."

"That's what discovery is for."

"And if you didn't have Enigma, what would you discover? Hmm?"

Tired of their bickering, I decided to take my leave. Scooting down to the end of the table where Samandiriel was sketching something on a large sketchbook, hardly touching his food. When I sat down, he looked up and gave me a calm smile. "Good afternoon, Princess Serene," he greeted.

"Good afternoon, Prince Samandiriel. And, please, call me Serene."

He nodded. "And you may call me Sam. I know I have somewhat of an annoying name."

I shook my head. "Oh no, it's uniquely artistic. It fits you quite well."

I could see a hint of a blush dimpling his cheek as he turned back to his sketchbook to disguise it. "Thank you...Serene." My name sounded shy rolling off his tongue, it was kind of cute.

Soon, Hayden walked into the dining hall, probably from walking around the back gardens. All the Princes chose a section of the palace they knew they'd be occupying mainly in. Hayden chose the garden, Ethan the library, Ajax the training room, Sam the art room, and Zeph's was a mystery. I should have known.

Hayden took a seat beside me. "Hello, Princess Serene, Prince Samandiriel."

"Please, call me Serene," I told him the same time Sam blurted out, "Just call me Sam, please." Hayden gave us an appalled expression we laughed at which made him chuckle a bit.

"Well, Serene, Sam, would you like to try something delicious?" Liking anything that could get my taste buds singing, I nodded and Sam did the same, perplexed. Sam sprinkled something on our food and we cautiously took a bite, awing at the taste.

"Wow, what was that?" I asked, taking another bite. "It's amazing."

Hayden looked proud of himself. "No, what's amazing is your garden. You have a very superb collection of herbs. I just combined a few to compliment any meal."

Sam took a moment to applauded Hayden and I did the same until we settled down. Maybe having them around wasn't so bad. I was learning quite a few non-s****l things.

"Would you like to see my sketch, Serene?" Sam asked, still looking at the book.

"Yes, I would." He lifted it over his food to hand to me and I delicately placed it on the opposite side of my plate. It was a very detailed drawing of me standing in front of the grand staircase, six soldiers on each side. It was his view of when the Princes presented themselves. "This is incredible, you just drew this?" The shading was very elaborate and if I looked close enough, I could see the tiniest of a piercing on my ear despite no longer wearing earrings.

Sam nodded, accepting it back. "Yes. There still a few kinks I'd like to straighten out but I'm quite proud of myself."

"It looks perfect."

He shook his head modestly. "It's alright but what's perfect is the portrait of the deceased queen. Who painted it?"

I looked down at my plate. No one really talked about my mother here, many things off-limits. The only things I could ask about were little things I remembered about her like what her favorite flower was, confirming what she smelt like, what she liked to read on her spear time. The last time I talked about her was when I was fourteen and I was wondering what kingdom she originated from. To me, it seemed like she could do anything.

"It's actually a self-portrait," I admitted, scrambling my food with my fork.

"Your mother had some skills. Has she been to Welch—?"

Abruptly, a chair on the opposite side of me became occupied and I shifted when I saw Zeph smirking at me. He leaned back in his chair, looking content, not knowing his presence was putting my heart into overdrive.

"Hello, boys...and girl," he greeted, his arms outstretched over the back of my chair. "I'm Zeph." Hayden and Sam introduced themselves and after greeted them properly, he turned to me. "So what are you talking about?"

I turned my attention back to Sam, obviously irate by his sudden appearance. I couldn't get father's voice out of my head that Enigmas were devious and manipulative, embodying Zeph in every way. "You were saying, Sam?"

It took a second to calculate our earlier conversation. "Oh yes, has she ever been to Welch? Her technique resembles many of the royals in my home."

I gave him a questioning look. "My mother was a princess there."

He pursed his lips. "No, I would have been taught about her if she were."

"What are you talking about?" Zeph injected. His hand was now skimming over my shoulder, making tiny circles, sending pleasurable shivers down my spine at his warm touch. I didn't want to be touched by him. Yet, I found myself hiding a pleasant sigh as his finger traced my body, flashes of last night entering my mind.

Sam spoke before I could tell him it was none of his business. "The portrait of Serene's mother. It seems she's from Welch but she was no princess of ours."

My heart sank at the statement. Father lied to me? For years I thought she was from Welch, was their princess but now I was seeing she probably wasn't. And looking into Sam's hazel eyes, I knew he wasn't lying or thought he was lying.

"Oh, you mean of Princess Lalita," Zeph said, catching me off guard.

"Y-you knew my mother?"

He nodded blankly. "She was the Princess of Lux Kingdom." But that couldn't be right. Father hated Enigmas. He would have never married her if she knew full well that she was the Princess of Enigma.

Feeling queasy at the news, I stood up out of my seat. "Excuse me." I threw my napkin on my plate and hastened out the dining hall and towards father's office where he spent most of his time. I had to hear it from his mouth, the truth, and only the truth. I knew he didn't like to talk about her but she was my mother, I had a right to know at least where she came from.

About to knock, I lifted my hand then halted at a voice inside, the door cracked open. It was enough to see Avant pacing the room while father leaned back at his desk.

"That Enigma boy, Prince Zeph," he hissed rather rudely, "should be disqualified."

I covered my mouth to hide my gasp. Zeph disqualified? I know I've been purposely ignoring him with very little effort on my part. I didn't want him to leave though. Out of all those guys, no matter how smart, strong, natural, or artistic, if I had to choose someone today to marry, it'd be Zeph in a heartbeat. I continued to listen.

"You know how conniving Enigmas are," he added. "He is the Prince and he fooled all of us so he could be her highnesses V-Consort, trying to get a head start, no doubt." He couldn't have, I chose him to be my V-Consort and our meeting was coincidental.

"Serene chose him," father reminded him as if he just read my mind. "He did save her and although he is Enigma, I am grateful. He is not disqualified." I clutched my heart in joy, thankful that father could see reason. I didn't know what intrigued me about Zeph but I was going to find out as much as I could.

"Do you want another mishap like during your Coming of Age?" Avant stated matter-of-factly. I peeked inside to see father's face broil with anger. Not really used to him exposing his dark side, I watched intensely.

"You know that subject is forbidden."

Avant idiotically continued. "Lalita and her Enigma ways"—I gulped—"told you that she was Princess of Welch, deceiving you, only to bed you, marry you, and rule as Queen. Can't you see that he will use your daughter the way Lalita used you—"

"Shut up!" father growled, startling me to the wall. "I will discuss this no further!"

Before Avant could rush out, I ran down the hall and around the corner, only to bump into someone. At the familiar heated touch, I knew it was Zeph before looking at him. I had to find out the truth and I had to hear it from the horse's mouth once and for all.

I grabbed a fist full of his shirt and looked deeply into his bewildered green eyes. "Tell me, Zeph, were you trying to use me yesterday to get a head start? Is that why you didn't tell me you're a rivaling Prince?" I asked, eyes begging that he wouldn't use me.

His chest caved in, his hands finding my cheeks, caressing them tenderly. "No, you chose me, remember? And I could see how much you didn't want to bed that other guy." He kissed my forehead, drawing me into his arms which I graciously fell victim to. "And I didn't tell you I was a Prince because I...I wasn't planning on coming today."

I looked up at him in horror. "What?" I attempted to push him away but being stronger, he wouldn't let me escape. "So you were just going to steal my Virginity, give me one night of bliss then never see me again?"

I wanted to cry at my own words stabbing me in the chest. I know if I'd slept with anyone else, if they'd gone the traditional route and let me be, I wouldn't have felt a thing. But this was Zeph, his touch lingered on me even after sunrise, even after washing up, even after standing in front of the Princes. His touch was embedded inside my heart.

He brought my chin up to face him, his eyes dimmed with seriousness. "I came yesterday to tell them I didn't want to participate long before I slept with you. Then on my way here, I saw you trapped and came to save you, not knowing you were the Princess I was trying to avoid. And when I realized it, I didn't want to let you go."

He pressed his lips against mine, rough and passionate, telling me that he came for me and only me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening it to get the full effect of the kisses I thought I'd never receive from him again this morning. He pulled away long before I was ready.

"I had to participate," he sighed, pressing his forehead to mine, "to win you. So you'd know that I was serious, I don't want to let you go."

These words he was spilling out of his mouth made my heart grow warmer with every syllable. It couldn't describe what I was feeling towards him, was there anything to describe it?

He kissed my lips one last time before sighing again. "We should go before the others start looking for us."

I nodded, knowing I'd rather not be caught 'kissing' a participant. I took his hand and we strolled to the parlor room where we were supposed to mingle after lunch—required only on the first day. Giving his hand a tight squeeze, I let it go before entering with him a little ways behind me and stopped in my tracks.

"What did you say, smartass?" Ajax snapped, ready to punch Ethan in the face.

Despite being smaller than Ajax, Ethan prepared himself to dodge and fight back, cracking his knuckles only inches away. "What about brains over bronze do you miscomprehend?"

"Why you—"

"Hey!" I cut in loudly, marching to their side before Ajax could swing. "There will be no fighting. You are on Dominic soil. If you have a conflict here, you speak about it rationally." Ethan stepped back, putting his hands to his side. I glared up at Ajax who still looked ready to fight. "Put your fist down now."

He hesitated a moment longer, his fist getting tighter and I hid the panicking feeling that he'd hit me. I noticed Zeph felt the same when he pressed his chest to my back, ready to defend me. But I wasn't going to let Zeph fight my battles, not in my own house. Crossing my arms, I gave him an assertive glare that had him backing down, his hands at his side.

"So weak," he muttered. He approached me and I had to nudge Zeph away so he wouldn't punch the guy after I stated no fighting. The vindictive smirk on his face surprised me. "You are strong—well, stronger than your people but they are weak and will bring you down with them." His voice was so low that only I could hear him.

I knew for a fact that the Ambrose Kingdom of Strength had a problem with Dominic. They saw us as weak because we'd rather settle things with our words than with our fists. We were peaceful and wanted to live in harmony which is why we're proclaimed as the center kingdom while Ambrose was the antithesis. They wanted power and to dominate, to know they are above others.

He eventually walked away, leaving me immobile for a minute before I walked the other way, keeping my distance.