The Beasts Within

CHAPTER IV: HIERONNO

“May I say that it is an absolute pleasure that we can still talk to you, Prince Hieronno. After all, we are just your paid, lowly servants.”

Hieron’s thick, masculine brows knitted together in response to the statement. He’s quite used to hearing praise coming from his bodyguards because he was never snobbish and was always approachable. However, Chilvard’s newest “protector” seems to be hinting at something else.

As usual, this is probably Chil’s way of reminding him of his royal responsibilities while giving a “fan” the thrilling chance of conversing with his “idol”.

Hieron gives his brawny brother a cutting sideglance as his massive stallion trots smoothly along the path. His piercing eyes says it all…

Really Chil? Even while we’re on MY hunt?

Chil returns a gaze of fake bewilderment before looking away with a smile. It was the man's way of saying, I have no idea whatsoever about that brother.

Hieronno rolls his eyes in response. 

Riiiiiight…

He then smirks at the eager bodyguard before replying somewhat coldly, “I would think that we all would still need to talk anyway since you’re all our bodyguards, right? I would think none of us are psychics and considering what you just said a while ago, be thankful you aren't. ”

The band of four bodyguards and three princes, all still on horseback, laughed heartily despite the oldest prince’s sarcasm. 

Ugh! Unfortunately, some people still do laugh even when I’m being sarcastic. 

“Well, yes to inform or instruct us of your requests my lord, but it’s amazing you that you still manage to tell us jokes, stories and even include us with your brothers’ conversations,” responded the gushing, hefty swordsman. “That is quite astounding for a man of stature and Chimera breed such as yourself”

Here it comes. Wait for it…

“Which is why, I would like you to win the war against the Gorgons and become the king of the whole world!"

All the other bodyguards, and even his brothers, all grunt and nod in agreement.

I knew it. Well, time to end this line of conversation…

”You’re Kharz, right?”

The bodyguard called Kharz gasps. It took him a while to answer, even stuttering a bit due to sheer astonishment, “Oh by the d-deities of the Northern K-kingdom, you even remember my name, your highness? I am so flattered!”

Hieron’s sarcastic smirk was replaced by a sincere smile due to his newfound fan's enthusiasm, “Well, I’m glad you're flattered, Kharz. It was my intention to do so since I don’t see why rank would be a big deal when it comes to respect and relationships. I would even venture to say that it’s because my brothers and I ARE royalty that we should never act as if we’re better than others.”

”You said it bro!” cheered  Zash. "The same can be said about rich people, or higher-ups or politicians…” 

”Yes, but only a few monarchs act like you," gushes Kharz. "And, of course, your brothers, too. Not to mention, you’re quite rich on your own and not because you’re a prince but due to your continuous trading projects and hunting expeditions. You even give donations to those who are in need. Most of all, you are probably one of the more handsome royalties here in the whole of the Planet Valance but you’re not known to be proud or haughty.”

”I think my father would disagree with you but thanks again, Kharz.”

The group laughs a bit awkwardly at this half-truth. After all, anyone who stays at the palace is quite aware of the constant yelling matches between the King and his firstborn son.

”I would also like to disagree along with my father. I feel I'm more good-looking than my brother Hieron,” chided Chilvard jokingly, eager to break the uncomfortable moment. “And even more muscular to boot!”

The whole troop bursts out with a more sincere kind of laughter. Good thing they weren’t yet inside the EXO jungle or they would be scaring all the animals away.

Kharz clears his throat before speaking, ”Well, Prince Chilvard, I do believe that you are also a handsome man, but his majesty Hieronno is still the most beautiful male specimen in the whole Northern Kingdom,.at least from the standpoint of many. Myself included, of course."

Chilvard mockingly smiles, “Oh really now?”

”Not just because he’s the eldest, mind you, but he’s really king-material. I mean just look at his muscular arms, thick legs, majestic abs, bulging chest, chiseled jawline, high cheekbones, expressive amber eyes…”

Hieronno awkwardly interrupts, ”Uhhh… I’m glad I can turn you homo Kharz, but I’m really straight.”

Everyone explodes with loud uncontrolled laughter! 

”And yet, he doesn’t have a girlfriend while I already do!” states Chilvard loudly and proudly in between guffaws. 

“NO, you DON’T, liar!” yells Zash 

”Are you really going insist on that again Chil?” says Rizl in amazement. 

Hieronno counters as he chuckles, ”Well, your point doesn't count Chilvard because I’m not interested in getting a girlfriend right now that’s why I don’t have one!"

Kharz clips in, “So are you sure you’re no homo sire?”

Everybody just cracks ups, guffawing long and hard. Some of the bodyguards were already wiping tears from their eyes while the three younger princes almost fell off their horses in uncontrolled mirth.

And even before their laughter subsided, Hieron abruptly ends their fun with a raised hand, ”Shhhh! Everybody quiet!”

Damn it, we've been laughing too hard we hardly noticed that we're already near the forest. And here comes the welcoming committee...

A group of brawny but grimy men have walked out of the forest and are now lined up to meet them. Heironno and his companions automatically prepare themselves for a possible fight by getting off their horses. 

Fuck, I just want to kick myself right now for being unaware of the approaching danger. But I can't allow myself to be guilty over this mistake if I want everyone to be ok. I'll just lecture myself later when all this is over...

He motions with his fingers a code which his whole group understood: Let the horses go…

Everyone follows his wordless command as the grubby bandits start to get close enough to circle them. They all hit their stallions in the rump to compel their rides to gallop away.

Good horses! Now, run! 

And they did.

”By the way, good work Chil! Your source is reliable,” mumbles Hiero to his chubby younger brother as the brigands saunter up to them in a confident but drunken sway.

"Told ya," Chil whispers back. "But a part of me is now wishing that my source is a liar instead."

”Well, hello there you rich-lookin' bastards! Ya think your horses can get away that easily? After we’re done with you, I’m sure we’ll find them hangin' around somewhere waitin' for you to find them. But you won’t be comin' back, too bad.”

Hieronno studies the brutish speaker with amusement. This bedraggled drunken bandit was definitely the biggest of all of them all but it’s because of his huge belly peeping from under his shirt. The firstborn son quickly scanned everybody else in this hostile group and it looked like none of them has had a bath in weeks, nor a change of clothes for months. 

Shit, good thing we aren’t standing downwind or these motherfuckers would have killed us off for sure without even throwing a punch. Damn, that smell…

”May I ask what exactly do you want from us, good sirs?” the eldest prince asks in his lowest and most threatening voice.

The whole group of dirty men laughs derisively. Meanwhile Heironno's whole party looks at him as if he's gone completely mad.

Chil murmurs, "Good sirs huh?" 

Hieron clears his throat, "Just to get their attention."

If any of these guys are really "good sirs" then I'm as queer as Kharz!