The Mating Games

Chapter Three:

PRINCE ARES:

It is as if I have been sucked in and spat out in some alternative universe. The castle has become so far from what I am used to and looks nothing like what a home space is with the thousands of flower bouquets decorated across the hallways and every candle perfectly lit. Don’t get me wrong, the castle is ALWAYS just about perfect, clean, and manicured, but these Mating Games have brought about a whole new level of lavish decorations that I didn’t even think existed. Only the finest silk sheets have been placed on the beds, my father has ordered in the most renowned chef and Maidens are scurrying around, their legs pushing them to move faster and faster as they chatter about all the work that needs to be done before our guests arrive.

“Did you hear that the Elven Lord’s son is attending this years’ Mating Games?” A burst of girly laughter echoes from just outside my bedroom door.

“Who gives a hoot about the elves? I heard the Noblemen and women are coming from Shraya!” Another one squeals. My eyes bulge out in irritation. Are they seriously talking about the fae right outside my door? I lift my feet and quickly go to open it, seeing little maidens giggling and scrolling through a troll. I can see the signature golden writing on the parchment of paper, where the writer is listing all the people that may be attending the Mating Games and I sigh.

“You would think that two, lovely wolves such as yourselves would have higher standards than some noble fae.” I smirk and the two maidens become very silent and still as they take in my brooding and large presence. They look very flustered, which only makes my wolf grin in delight.

“My prince…”

“We did not know you were here.”

“In my own room?” I ask with a smile on my face and they both lower their gazes in embarrassment. They both quickly nod and then start to run off. I manage to pinch the little paper from their hands before they leave.

“What do we have here then?” I ask nobody but me and my eyes hover over the golden writing. Trolls always come in the form of whimsical-looking little scripts. Nobody has any idea who actually writes them, how they get their information and how they come to be so expertly delivered on time and to every household within Zenox, but here we are. My eyes gloss over the words.

*~*

It is that time of the year again where all the bosoms feel extra perky, every flower is fresh for the plucking, and a man’s steel rod screaming to be greased. With the Spring Equinox just a mere moons away, the whole realm waits in anticipation to hear which nobles and elite will find themselves caving in to their animalistic desires as the annual Mating Games commence. In just asleep or two, we will find ourselves journeying to Apreez for another round of debauchery and play. We do hope the dogs are let out for this one, as nobody likes to be kept on a leash when they are in heat. Although, with the Prince home from his travels, we may fancy a little chains and whips, won't we ladies (or gents)? We aren’t sure what the games hold for us this year, but we do know who is going to be there….

*~*

I stop reading and let out a curse before throwing the paper on my bed. The trolls always need to bring me up in their little gossip papers. It’s also always in such crude terms! A dog in heat, chains, and whips, seriously? I shake my head.

“Now everyone knows I am here.” I slide my hand over my face. This will create unnecessary publicity and attention this year. A soft knocking echoes on my door. I can hear giggling and panting on the other end, which just makes me feel even more on edge and irritated. Will these maidens do not leave me alone?

“WHAT DO…” I boom but a very shocked Nate and Linda stare back at me. I must look like a mad man with my arm up in the air from bashing the door open. My jaw ticks and finally relaxes as Nate smirks.

“Someone is grumpy!” He laughs and I sigh and walk back into my room.

“My father is going to be the death of me, Nate.”

“Oh come on, old friend. The Mating Games might be fun, eh? Think of all the girls prancing around that you could have fun with?” Linda stabs Nate with her finger as he chuckles out the last part.

“I have more than enough maidens waltzing around the…” I start.

“ARES!” Linda gasps. Nate and I share a knowing smirk as Linda looks at us in disgust. She now stabs me with her finger too. It hardly feels like anything but I pretend it hurts just to appease her. We all take a seat in my small living area. My expression becomes serious again as I look down at the guards letting people out of their carriages and into my home. A place I come from for sanctuary, not s****l games and drama.

“You really aren’t happy, are you?”

When my eyes land back on my friends, I see the concern there and sigh.

“It’s not that I am unhappy with it. It’s just that I don’t care for it. You know me, Nate. Dressing up, attending luncheons, escorting women, and wearing a smile twenty-four seven isn’t exactly how I like to spend my days.” I admit. Nate nods but Linda lets out a weird puff and snorts as if I am ridiculous. We both lift our eyebrows at her.

“I am sorry…” She laughs.

“It’s just you are the future KING, Ares. It’s kind of expected of you to dress up every now and then and attend luncheons. As for how you spend your days. Are you kidding? You literally walk around seducing women everywhere you go. How is this any different?” She carries on laughing. Linda and Nate are my closest and dearest friends, so they keep their tones and everything real with me. If anyone else had said what Linda did, I may have been upset, but their way is refreshing to me.

“LINDA!” Nate groans and I chuckle.

“No, Nate. She is right. She is right.” Linda puffs out her chest in pride and Nate becomes a love-sick puppy.

“But you do forget one thing, Linda. Having a good f**k with a maiden or stranger allows me to leave in peace and keep no strings attached.” Linda looks confused by my words.

“These girls from the noble houses and royalty aren’t here to just have fun one-night-stands. They will be wanting, maybe even EXPECTING more. If I upset a maiden, they run home and get over it. If I piss off a princess then I will have her father, another royal blood to deal with.”

“So what then, Ares? Are you just going to watch from the sidelines? It’s almost impossible to ignore s****l energy during the Spring Equinox.” Linda asks now. I slump back down into the chair and think about what she says.

“Watching from the sidelines is exactly what I will do. I have no interest in getting involved in petty drama and politics that usually come with the Mating Games. As for the s****l energy…” I trail off and Nate throws a pillow at me to stop. We all laugh at one another and this is the first time I can get a look at my friend's properly. Nate is back to his usual chirpy and jovial self and Linda has an extra bounce in her step. They look happy.

“I really am happy that you guys get to be with each other for the Spring Equinox.” I manage to say. They both share a happy look and then squeeze hands.

“I know it isn’t that great for you, old friend, but Linda and I are so happy to be back together for it.”

I smile and nod as we all stand up. Mates should never be apart from one another at this time of the year. Some could say it is unnatural and completely torturous. We continue our chit-chat all the way out of my room and through the halls. Nate and I laugh at Linda as she takes in all of the embellishments to the castle. It would seem my father really has outdone himself for this year’s event. A pang of guilt seeps through me again. I am always away from home. Was my father planning to host it here all along? He always talks about how times used to be so much simpler when my mother was alive. That is the thing about being a lonely King and alpha wolf, you see? Social events, parties, keeping color in a home, all things people, warmth, and comfort are usually the job of the Luna. I always heard stories about the killer events my mother would host and how much effort she put into these parties. She would have known exactly what to do if she were here for this massive event. My father hasn’t really indulged in social interaction since. My eyes scan over at Nate and Linda, as well as all the maidens and staff who although look incredibly busy, are wearing the broadest and best smiles I have seen. They look excited and there seems to be a carefree and buzzing energy that wasn’t there before. A smile seeps onto my face too and a feeling of pride envelopes me. Perhaps this event may be good for my people, even if I don’t want much to do with it?

“Son, there you are!”

I turn around and see my father pacing forward with some people not far behind him. He looks absolutely dapper in his full-on uniform and I don’t miss the glint of excitement in his eyes.

“Father, I trust you are well today?” I smile.

“Oh, stop being so formal. Come, I want to introduce you to some people.” His legs start moving towards the group that is not far behind him. I don’t miss the little side glances he gives me as he checks out my very relaxed attire.

“I wasn’t expecting to see…” I try to explain.

“King Augustus, this cannot be your son already?” A shocked gasp and string of laughter boom from the crowd. A lady with platinum hair, almost silver eyes, and pointed ears steps out. She looks to be in her middle thirties, but I know better than that. Magical folk never age in appearance really.

“Luziana, may I present you to my son, Prince Ares. Ares, this is an old friend and very important diplomat from the Elven territory.” My father chimes. I don’t miss the way they give each other a side smile filled with burning promises. I almost raise my eyebrow, but Luziana’s hand grabs mine and the strange coolness of her flesh makes me forget about their heated glare. I see a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“Prince Ares, please meet my daughter.”

“Sabrina, come here darling.”

A very tall, platinum-haired and long-legged female emerges from behind Luziana. She is everything you would find attractive about an elf. Her hair is so long that it brushes down past her hips, her eyes are wide but crystal, and her physique is to die for. She is a treat for the eyes and when she smiles, I can’t help but offer her my own award-winning grin.

“Prince Ares.” Her melodic voice chimes.

“Sabrina. It is lovely to make your acquaintance.” I respond and she lifts her hand into mine for a small peck. I usually don’t indulge in these sorts of gestures, but Sabrina is a noble and they have their own ways of operating. Denying a simple kiss on the hand could cause a war between magical folk. When I look up, she has glittering eyes that hold s****l promise. She may never own my heart, but she certainly makes my c**k twitch.

“I do hope to get to know you better during the Mating Games.” I lift my eyebrow and see both Luziana and my father watching me carefully with my words.

“I may be so busy hosting that I won’t be available for a lot of it.” I admit and for a second both she and her mother look disappointed.

“But I may be around for some other things.” I insinuate and a smile perks up her lips. My father and his muse share a knowing smile.

“Well, shall we go for a walk around the grounds then?” My father butts in.

“Perhaps you can show Sabrina to her room on the third floor?”

I nod and we all go our own ways. Sabrina and I bump shoulders and share cheeky grins the whole way up the stairs.

Maybe I can have my own little muse, just for the Spring Equinox. I am going to have fun showing pure and innocent little Sabrina just how much of a hound I can be.