The Five Princes

Tuesday Part One

[For Mature Audience]

The sight of Zeph in the morning awakened my senses, my heart strumming wildly in my chest. He looked so beautiful. Long black strands of hair scattered about on his snoozing face, his light snoring filling the room, the sun hitting his face just enough to illuminate it. This is what I wanted after Virginity Lost, to wake up to him by my side.

The door clicked open and I looked up to see Trinity pause at the door, startled before I gestured for her to be quiet. She nodded and mouthed "Breakfast" and pointed around the room. I nodded and gave her two fingers. Her smile lit the room and I tried to hold my giggle in as she walked out and closed the door. We've had a secret lingo for years, sometimes we didn't even have to make gestures, just look at each other and we'd comprehend.

"Mm," he grumbled, tossing towards me. When I smoothed a lock of his hair, his eyes fluttered open and a smile touched his lips. "Now this is a view I wouldn't mind waking up to every day."

I blushed, pursing my lips. "The same goes for you."

He propped his head up, still gazing at me admirably. "So who do you have on your agenda today? Oh, wait, it's me." He gave me an impish expression, wiggling his brows.

Holding in my laughter, I sucked on my lips. My fingers outlined the wolf tattoo on his soft, warm chest. "Yep, I'm yours all night."

He frowned, taking a hold of my wrist as he rolled me on my back with him on top. "I have you all day," he corrected. "A night won't cut it for me." He leaned down to kiss me, the feel of his lips on mine lulling me into a placid state of mind. I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around his neck, his body now grinding against mine. "Serene," he growled against my lips. His kisses absorbed my passionately, hungrily, and I returned them with equal fervor, hands rummaging through his hair.

His hand started to drift down to my waist, his touch followed by a burning trail I craved for all over my body. Our kiss turned more aggressive the lower he drifted. My heart swelled within me like it could combust at any moment. His legs astride, closing my legs together which made his touch on my core more exciting as he squeezed his way down, caressing my inner thigh. He knew all the right buttons on me.

Sliding my hands down to his chest, I used all my effort to push him off for a second so I could breathe. "No s*x until tonight," I told him. His confused expression looked so cute, head tilted and his eyebrow arched. "I don't want them thinking you're trying to get ahead."

He rolled his eyes with a grunt, his arm resting above my head when he rolled to his side. "Let them think what they will." His thumb grazed my swollen lips. "We both know I want to be your husband because I..." He hesitated, covering his tracks by kissing my forehead. "I think you're special."

I sighed happily. "I think you're special too." I tossed onto my back, staring at the ceiling with a smile. "I don't know how to explain it but since I met you, I've been getting this pleasant fluttery feeling in my stomach when you're around. My heart races just seeing you, my mind is clouded with thoughts of you, even the mere mention of your name make me want to do somersaults. And I can't seem to control it."

I c****d my head towards him, seeing his tender smile shining. "That's the way I've been feeling since I saw you in the woods. I wanted to keep that feeling forever." He pulled me close, whispering in my ear. "I want to keep you forever."

He nibbled on my head, causing me to moan. I would have ignored the rumor of him getting ahead and my no s*x ranting I'd just done and given in...if there wasn't a knock on the door. The door opened and Trinity walked in, back towards us. "Are you decent?" she asked, a sprinkle of provocativeness in her tone.

I chuckled, sitting up. "Yes, we are, Trinity." She carried in a silver tray of breakfast, turning towards us with one of her sweet grins, illuminating her tan-skin tone.

"Well, good morning, sleepy head." Her words were directed at Zeph, setting down the tray on the table by the balcony. "I hope you're playing well with Serene."

He bit his bottom lip sensually, giving me a playful grin. "Oh, very much so," he answered, a tiny groan behind his words. I couldn't restrain the blush heating my cheeks, seeing Trinity hide her smile at my embarrassed face.

I cleared my throat. "Um, Zeph, I'd like you to properly meet my dear friend, Trinity. Trinity, meet Zeph."

She nodded towards him, bowing slightly and he did the same for her, sitting up in bed. "Nice to meet you, Prince Zeph."

"Would you like to join us for breakfast?" he asked politely. It perked me up seeing him so nice to my best friend. Most royals didn't associate with maids or butlers, acting all snooty around them because of their title which always irritated me. I was glad to know he wasn't like that.

She shook her head. "No thank you. Prince Sam asked me earlier if I'd model for a portrait soon." A deep blush enflamed her cheeks and I wondered if there was more to the story than she led on. She backed away before I could ask. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Prince Zeph. And also in an hour, the king would like to speak with all the Princes individually in his office. You're scheduled for nine–forty-five."

"Okay," was all he could muster before she departed. "I wonder what this meetings about."

I rubbed his back soothingly. "I'm sure he just wants to get to know each of you," I comforted him. But it only escalated his worries more, throwing his head in his hands.

"He doesn't like me, everyone knows that. If it's some kind of test, I'll never pass—if he disregards me saving you earlier. He could decide to veto me." Vetoing a contestant was rare, the last happening at dad's Coming of Age when one of the contestants slept with one of the guards. His mother caught them and found her unfit. There isn't a written law on it but it's mostly built on the law of principles if anything.

Slipping a finger beneath his chin, I made him look at me. "I won't let that happen, Zeph. You're the best thing I have in this competition and I plan on keeping you to the end." I gave him a peck on the lips, knowing he wanted more when I slipped away. "Let's eat breakfast."

We jumped out of bed and towards the table to set, awing at our breakfast and in the middle, Trinity left a note and flower. 'Make her scream for more, Zeph.' I blushed when I showed him and he cracked up laughing.

"Your friend is very...interesting," he said, taking a bite of food.

I returned the note. "Yeah. She's my only friend here, the only person I can trust," I admitted. "I would have run away sooner if it wasn't for her."

He swallowed his food. "I've been wondering, why were you in the woods that day?"

I pursed my lips. "Coming of Age has never appealed to me. I know it's tradition but I want to find a husband who'll let me rule by his side, not his bedside."

He cupped my hand on the table. "I know what you mean."

"You want to look for a husband who'll let you rule?"

He simpered. "You know what I mean." I laughed. Yesterday, he told me he was going to revoke from the competition until he met me. Maybe we had the same train of thought that Coming of Age wasn't the best way to find a spouse. Maybe there was more than just s****l interest in a marriage.

"So," I began, changing the subject, "can you tell me more about my mother Lalita?" I knew at this point that father wouldn't tell me if I went to him directly. After seeing he could actually capture a temper with Avant for the subject, I didn't intend to ask.

"What would you like to know?"

"Everything," I answered eagerly.

He smirked at my enthusiasm, leaning back in his chair. "I know only a few things about her. My grandmother adopted her when she was orphaned as a baby since she's always wanted a daughter after having five sons."

"So we're not blood-related?"

His smile widened. "No, we're not cousins."

Disregarding the rest of my food, I leaned closer onto the table. "What else."

"She was a very diligent, goodhearted woman. Grandmother adored her and so did her brothers." I smiled at that, my heart already knowing she must have been adored as much as I adored her and I hardly knew her. "And that's the most that I know."

I leaned back in my head, my smile fading. "Does that have something to do with..." I murmured to myself. Why father fell out of affection for her? I sighed, having the sudden fear that I'd never find out. The only one who would know that would be my father and that route was futile.

The clock struck nine.

My head shot up at the chair being pushed back and Zeph was soon by my side, kneeling before me. He took my hand. "Serene, I'll do everything in my power to find every scrap of information about your mother." He grazed my cheek with his hand, his green eyes filled with the truth of his promise. "I'd do anything to keep you happy."

There goes my heart again, heating up at his endearing words. Leaning down, I captured his lips in mine, showing him that I appreciate his kindness in the best way I know how. When I attempt to pull away, he draws me closer, now standing up and tugging my lips along. The moment I'm up, he cups my cheeks and I wrap my arms around his waist, invigorated by the kiss. He backs up, never removing his lips until we're sitting on the bed together, tongues intertwined. He tasted like mixed fruit and I deepened it to get more of the succulent taste.

He pulled away, heavy-breathed. "No s*x," he repeated. I would have told him to f**k my earlier words then f**k me after but he already seized my lips again. Our tongues danced around, unable to get enough of one another. He kissed my jaw, my chin, my neck and I moaned at the warmth spreading at his suckling. I ran my fingers through his hair, leaning back to get the full experience.

His fingers roamed my body until they paused between my thighs. The sensation of his skin immediately making contact startled me into remembrance that I was wearing no panties. That only turned him on, a husky growl boiling out of him, the resonance making my body convulse. My core clenched as he gently rubbed it, shudders rolling down my spine like an avalanche each time. One hand held my head so he could satisfy my neck and the other traced circles on my core, growing harder with every passing second. I moaned loudly.

"I want you inside me," I moaned.

He shoved a finger inside. A yelp escaped me and he pumped inside me, expanding from one finger to three. "You'll get me entirely tonight," he whispered, his head dropping to my chest. "Right now, I just want to make you feel good." He pumped harder inside me and I shrieked at the abruptness. He pulled down the strap of my nightgown and licked my breast, claiming a n****e in his mouth. So much pleasure was washing over me and only Zeph's touch could do it naturally. He flicked a n****e with his tongue, green eyes piercing into me lustfully.

Breathing heavily and heart quickening, I knew what was to come when he dipped down to the floor, his head now between my thighs. I arched my back at the anticipation, biting my knuckles when he threw my legs over his broad shoulders.

I screamed, his tongue delivering a barrel of fervor at one stroke. I felt him smile against my core, kissing my clit before rolling it between his teeth. I suppressed the scream, grabbing a fist full of his hair. "Zeph!" I squealed when his tongue darted inside me.

"Serene," he groaned against me, making me feel incredible down below. Warm breath hit my core and I arched my back at the exotic feeling. He continued to lick me, his finger toying with my clit. I clawed at the bed, grabbing onto the sheets when I felt it coming. Several pulses within me caused me to convulse, cream rushing through me and I moaned loudly at the feeling. Even when I came, Zeph ceased to stop, licking up every drop until he got it all.

He crawled back up to me, kissing me with my nectar glossed over his lips and I accepted it in curiosity. With the mixture of his lips and myself, I tasted pretty good. Smiling down at me, he licked the rest.

"Thanks for calming my nerves," he thanks, lying beside me.

"What nerves?"

"The nerves of having to speak with your father about whatever."

I giggled, raking my fingers through his hair. "You're welcome." I didn't see why he was so nervous. It wasn't like he did anything lawfully wrong. He kissed my forehead and sighed, sitting up straight and I followed.

"It's almost time, I should get changed and go down there." He stood up and I grasped his arm, giving him a pouty puppy dog look. "One more kiss for the road?"

I nodded, letting his lips absorb me to the fullest. The fluttering in my gut was warm and full and tender. He tasted so sweet. He backed away with a groan, not wanting to go.

"Tonight," he muttered under his breath. That's all he said before backing away to the door and taking his leave.

I plopped back in the bed feeling exhausted after coming but if Zeph hadn't left, I'd be too eager to go for another round if he asked. I found myself creeping into bed to take a little nap, closing my eyes with thoughts of Zeph. I would marry him one day, I was sure of it.

-_-_-_-_-

The slamming of the door jolted me awake. Zeph walked in like a ball of fire ready to explode, pacing the room while I sat up, wondering what was going on. His hands were balled up at his sides, steam drifting out of his ears in rage. I threw back the covers. "Zeph, what's wrong?"

He gritted his teeth, gaze directed at the floor as his hair fell into his face. "Some...someone..."

"Someone what?" I climbed out of bed, rushing over to him to comfort him. I've never seen him this indignant before. Halting his wild pacing, I made him look into my eyes, his green eyes blazed in anger.

Hot air hit me when he growled. "A Prince here sent a letter last night to your father. They said you better make the right choice or they aren't afraid to plague war on Dominic."

"What?" My heart sank at the mention of war. I've only heard of the gruesomeness of it in stories before the kingdom separated into six domains. I wanted nothing to do with it and I surely didn't want my people going through something so heinous because of my choice. "Who sent it?"

"That's the point! They don't know, so as Enigma, I'm the prime suspect."

"But you'd never—"

"I know! But, urg!" He paced to the wall to punch it violently, a dent forming under the impact and I gasped, never seeing such destruction. "Why do people think Enigmas are so bad?" He sounded so sad saying that.

Despite having punched a wall in, I wasn't afraid of Zeph in the slightest. I rushed to him, holding him from the back. "Don't worry, we'll find out who it really is." I turned him towards me, his eyes now lost in his own sorrow but I forced him to notice me. "I believe you, Zeph. I know you'd never do such a thing. And if I have to march and tell my father that, I will."

That got him to notice me, the morsel of a smile pulling at his lip. "Thanks but that'll just cause more problems. He'll think I provoked you into saying it."

"Then we'll find out who it is and present him to father, proving your innocence."

"But how?" He laid his head on my shoulder and I curled my fingers in his luscious hair soothingly.

"With a little enigma."

-_-_-_-_-_-

"No more drugs," Zeph glowered at Ethan when we entered the parlor. Ethan and Sam were in here, one drawing and the other reading. Guess which one was which.

Ethan put down his book, pursing his lips at Zeph. "There was no rule that said medically induced therapy was prohibited. And frankly, it's none of your business." He glared at Zeph, challenging him and after seeing Zeph's anger, I was afraid they'd get into a fight. I looked up at Zeph, mentally telling him to not fight, and I think he understood, giving me a slight nod.

Zeph crossed his arm condescendingly. "It's my business when you sneakily give it to my future wife."

Ethan snickered. "Future wife? What makes you think she's going to choose you?" His eyes darted between us, seeing the closeness as my elbow rubbed against Zeph's rib. I didn't like his eyes on me, feeling bad enough about leaving him with no much as a goodbye last night. "Oh, so you're using psychologically induced therapy for yours. It's rubbing off on you too, delusional. You're manipulating ways will be seen through eventually by the Princess."

Zeph scowled at his words. Just moments ago, he had been discriminated against for being Enigma and now Ethan was vexing it. "Let's settle this once and for all, Knowledge." I looked up at him, again mentally reminding his of no fighting. I don't think he got the hint, eyes piercing into Ethan who now stood from the desk.

"Gladly."

"No fighting!" I ordered sternly.

Zeph looked down at me and smiled handsomely, relaxing me. "Don't worry, it's not fighting." He marched to the center table and took a seat, gesturing towards Ethan who obliged, getting the picture before I could. "From now on, if any of us have a conflict, we'll end it with arm wrestling."

"Arm what?" I asked, watching Ethan roll up his sleeve. This must have been a guy thing.

"Arm wrestling, see." He propped his elbow on the table and Ethan reflected his movement. I watched intensely, Zeph's hand clasping Ethan's. "One...two...three." The muscles in their arms bulged as they struggled to pin each other down on the table, weaving from left to right. Ethan looked like he was wearing Zeph down, his arm twisting downwards. Zeph just smirked, pushing himself up and in one fatal swoop, he pinned Ethan's arm to the table.

Ethan looked stunned, probably not used to defeat. His jaw clenched for a moment. "Rematch," he declared.

Zeph popped his knuckles. "With pleasure."

Now that I got the gist of it and concluded the worse would be the willingness of a broken wrist, I turned away. "What's wrong, Sam?" I asked.

Sam was staring sorrowfully out the window, his eyes blinking when he noticed me in the parlor for the first time. He turned back to the window, clicking his pencil against the window pane. "I left my watercolors at home," he told me. It was a rule that the Princes couldn't return home until the end of Coming of Age when I chose a suitor. Or they'd be disqualified. "I have this idea in my head that requires watercolors."

"I can order one of the servants to go into the city and buy a set for you."

He looked at me in blissful surprise, a tender smile arising that made me feel happy inside. "Really?"

I nodded. "I'll get someone on it right away and they'll bring it to you later today."

He pulled me into a hug, startling me. He was bulkier than I thought, his pecks pressing into me until he realized what he was doing and pulled away. He cleared his throat, looking down at his sketchbook. "Thanks, Serene."

"No problem." When I turned away, I could see Zeph glaring at Sam for the previous hug. Distracted, Ethan conquered Zeph in that second and smiled smugly at him for the victory.

"I won," he stated proudly.

"I won the first round. Two out of three?"

"Deal."

I've concluded that boys...are weird.