You Belong With Me - Chapter 26
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Description: Much to his surprise, after being released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Logan has been appointed as a the prince’s new advisor.
Word Count: 5471
Chapter Warnings are at the end of the post to avoid spoilers. Jump to the end to check them out if you need to! This chapter gets pretty heavy!
-
The jarring sound of a knock at the door pulled Logan reluctantly from his sleep. Barely registering the noise, he shifted to get comfortable, curling into the warmth of the prince behind him. A disgruntled groan escaped him as a light jostle of movement prevented him from drifting off again.
“What—” Logan felt Roman's voice rumble in his ear and he cracked open his eyes, blinking in confusion as Roman started to sit up frantically. Logan grumbled unhappily as his eyes adjusted to the soft, light illuminating the room around them. Gravity pulled at him as Roman slipped out from behind him and he nearly tipped back before Roman caught him. Logan watched as Roman leaned over him and whispered quietly into his ear. “Lo, you have to wake up quickly. We fell asleep. He's here.”
Logan’s drowsiness vanished as a sudden wave of realization washed over him. He sat up, glancing at the door before looking up at the disheveled prince. Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he scrambled to his feet. Anxious thoughts danced through his head as he watched Roman attempt to brush the wrinkles from his shirt. He felt panic start to burn in his chest at the realization that he was about to be caught in the prince's personal chambers, looking like they'd just crawled out of bed together. He flinched as the loud knock came again and his breath quickened.
How could I have been so careless?
Logan watched Roman pause as he noticed Logan’s distress. His eyes danced to the door for a moment before he flashed a sympathetic smile at Logan and took a deep breath as he straightened upright. All fear disappeared behind his careful royal façade and Logan felt himself tremble as Roman took a decisive step toward him, leaning unto his ear with a gentle whisper. “Unfortunately, this isn't Virgil. Our dear friend isn't the type to knock.”
“What do we do, Roman?” Logan felt himself start to shake as Roman wrapped an arm around him.
“Everything is going to be fine,” Roman reassured him with a whisper. “but I’m so sorry, Lo. I didn't want you to have to see me do this.”
“Ro—” Logan whispered.
Roman hushed him gently, wrapping a hand around the back of Logan's neck as he pulled him close. “You’re going to be fine, Lo. Follow my lead and just remember, it's all an act. None of it's real. Okay, love?”
Another loud knock caused Logan to jump and his heart began to pound in his chest as Roman’s grip tightened around him. Logan forced a deep breath and nodded hesitantly
“Good. You’re my advisor, Lo. We simply had an early morning meeting today.” Roman reached up to Logan’s hair to smooth it down. “Just this once, I’m going to ask you to be formal.”
Logan nodded, trying to appear undisturbed as Roman gently placed a kiss on his forehead.
“Virgil had best show up soon.” Roman whispered as he pulled away and moved to the door. “I don’t want to leave you alone, but I can’t exactly drag you along with me for this.”
“Nor would I prefer to be a part of these proceedings.” Logan took a breath and gestured to the door, crossing his arms across his chest. “Go ahead, Roman. We can stall your guest until Virgil arrives.”
Roman nodded at him, turning forward. He took a breath, plastering an exaggerated smile on his face as he swung open the door. The sight before him stopped his enthusiastic greeting in its place. A slender man dressed in all black clothing leaned on the door frame. His hair was as black as his clothing and his emerald green eyes sparkled dangerously as he turned his piercing gaze to him. Roman was hardly the type to be intimidated but the hungry look in the man's eyes as he looked Roman up and down sent chills down his spine.
“It's a little early on for you to start being a tease,” The stranger gave a dramatic bow, extending a hand to Roman. “but you’re pretty enough, I'm think I'll be willing to forgive your trespasses. Am I to assume you are this realm's most sought after bachelor, our own dear Prince Roman?”
Roman paused, caught off guard by the man’s dramatics, extending a cautious hand to the suitor. “Yes. I am Prince Roman. And may I inquire as to your name?”
The stranger took his hand, gently raising it to his lips. The slow movement of the man as he stared up at him without blinking further set him on edge and he couldn’t help but let out a relieved breath as the man gave a quick kiss to Roman’s knuckles and allowed him to pull his hand back.
“Pleasure to meet you, my dear Roman. The tales I have heard of your beauty do you no justice, my prince.” He took a step forward, smiling devilishly at Roman as he held his ground. “Truly, they do not hold a candle to the real deal.”
Roman held his gaze, refusing to entertain the man's affections until he gave an answer.
“You’re persistent. I do enjoy a challenge.” The stranger smiled at him, his eyes playful as he gave another dramatic bow. “Very well. My name is Dian Cecht, Prince of the Northern Isles, though I am sure you would rather I not bore you with the politics of why I am here. I intend to be your escort today, if you will be kind enough to grant me your attention.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Dian.” Roman seemed to regain his composure, plastering an inviting smile on his face as he pulled the foreign prince closer. “I would be honored to receive the affections of one so handsome as you.” Roman’s stomach twisted with guilt at the thought of Logan behind him but he kept a straight face. “Please forgive my negligence. Some urgent proceeding required my attention this morning and I am woefully unprepared for your arrival. Permit me just a minute to orient myself before we depart.”
“I do hate to be kept waiting, my dear prince,” Dian winked at him dangerously. “but if you must continue to disappoint me, I will stay my day for you a bit longer.”
“Only a moment longer. I assure you. Please, come meet my…advisor, Logan.” Roman hesitated, looking nervously back at Logan. His discomfort was barely remained concealed behind a look of neutrality. Roman turned back to Dian, immediately chilled by the man's intense stare at Logan. Careful not to let his bright expression falter, he stepped toward the prince, catching his waist with a smile, choking back his own discomfort as he leaned close to the stranger’s lips. Desperately trying to recapture the stranger’s attention, he whispered seductively in Dian's ear. “Please, make yourself comfortable, dearest. I will return shortly for you and we can begin our adventure.”
Dian barely acknowledged his advances looking up and down at Logan with a look of insatiable hunger. Roman sneered at him as he licked his lips, slipping out of Roman's grip and sauntering over to Logan. “You like to start your business early around here.”
Roman gritted his teeth, uncomfortable as the man’s interest turned away from him to Logan. He tracked the suitor's movements closely, tensing as the man paused to loom over Logan. Though Logan maintained his neutral gaze and refused to wither under the stranger's threatening gaze, Roman could sense his discomfort growing as the man continued to unabashedly let his gaze drift over Logan's body. An angry hiss passed Roman’s lips as the stranger raised a hand to Logan’s face. He clenched his fist as the man's hand twisted and the back of his hand drifted slowly down Logan’s jaw. “Though I do see why you'd be eager to do your work.”
Roman bit his lip, stifling a growl as Logan turned his face away uncomfortably. Anger flowed through his veins and he ached to intervene but he forced an upbeat tone. “I do prefer to take care of my responsibilities as early in the day as I can manage.”
Dian’s unblinking gaze remained trained on Logan and smirk quivered on his lips as his grip tightened on Logan’s jaw. “Not me. Pleasure always comes first in my day.”
Fury burned in Roman’s stomach as the prince backed Logan into the wall. Bile rose in his throat at the cornered look in Logan's eyes and he'd seen enough. Decisively, he'd stepped forward to pull the foreign prince away when Logan’s voice stopped Roman in his tracks.
“Prince Roman.”
He looked up to see Logan meeting the foreign prince's gaze with a newfound determination. The prince's hand lingered on his face but Logan turned to Roman with a fierceness in his eyes.
“Please, allow me the honor of entertaining your guest while you take the time you need ready yourself.” Logan glanced over at the prince with a subtle scowl before nodding at Roman. “You were sidetracked by my actions this morning. Permit me the opportunity to rectify the error, my prince. The inconvenience I caused this morning should not prevent you from fulfilling your duties properly.”
Roman straightened hesitantly, piecing Logan's intentions together. “Only if you insist—”
“I do,” Logan pressed. He shivered as the stranger’s hand wandered down his neck. “Go.”
“I'll be quick—” Roman breathed, turning to go.
“That’s really not necessary,” The stranger hissed dangerously as he leaned close to Logan. “I'm content with this arrangement.”
Roman hesitated for a moment before Logan nodded at him again. With a regretful glance back at Logan, he rushed out of the room, leaving Logan alone with the strange prince.
Logan's heart raced as he watched the door close behind Roman. He only had a moment to stare before a loud snap brought his attention spinning back to the foreign prince. A muffled yelp escaped him as his head was smashed into the wall behind him and long fingers wrapped painfully around his throat. Dazed, he clawed at the stranger’s bruising grip, struggling to free himself. A moment later, the panic faded briefly enough for him to recognize he was still being permitted to breath, so he took deep a breath and threw his whole voice into calling for help.
His heart sank and he gulped.
His voice was gone.
No.
He traced the hand around his neck up to its source, mouths hanging agape as he realized the person in front of him was not in fact the young prince at all but the last person he wanted to see right now.
Dee.
Please, no.
Logan squirmed more intensely until Dee’s hand tightened around his throat.
“So much for your prince in shining armor,” Dee grinned sadistically down at him. “The honorable Prince Roman barely gave a second glance as he left his new toy to be broken.”
Logan eyes cast daggers at Dee as he glared at him, unable to speak.
“You have been busy. Haven't you, Logan?” Logan’s skin prickled unnaturally as Dee breathed on his neck. “Sleeping with the crowned prince?”
Logan’s eyes silently shot up to meet Dee's amused smile.
“He's really making you work for your new position—” Dee stifled a cry as Logan’s teeth latched onto his hand. He pulled his hand back, roughly grabbing the collar of Logan’s shirt and pushing him into the wall once more. Logan instinctively flinched in fear as Dee's eyes glowed yellow. He started to squirm as the amulet around his neck responded with a blinding light. Green embers buried themselves into deep into his skin and Logan’s empty breathes filled the silence as he tried to scream.The torment lasted longer than it had in his previous bouts with the amulet. An eternity seemed to pass before Logan was allowed to sink back against the wall, defeated.
Logan's breath was ragged and he swayed, nearly blacking out from the pain as Dee’s unnatural smile spread wide across his face. Dee leaned closer to Logan's face, sending waves of panic through Logan’s body. “So, this is what’s going to happen, Logan. I’m going to allow you to speak again, but if you call out for our dear, sweet prince, I will not hesitate to slit his throat and frame you for it. Understand?”
Logan’s eye widened in fear and his eyes flicked to Roman's bedroom door.
“Understand?” Dee pressed his thumb into Logan's bad shoulder and Logan cringed in pain as he nodded.
“Good.” Dee scoffed. “When I allow you to speak, you’re going to tell me exactly what our dear prince knows about me.”
Logan hesitated, his breaths becoming shallow as he nodded guiltily, tears in his eyes.
“And when he returns, you will say nothing. You will act as if nothing has happened, because if you give him even the slightest reason to be suspicious of who I am, he'll be dead before you can even react.”
Logan’s eyes fell to the ground, clenching his fists around Dee's hands as they pinned him to the wall. He tipped his eyes up to Dee with a sharp glare but he reluctantly nodded his assent.
Dee grinned menacingly at Logan’s agreement. “Tell me what he knows, and don’t make me regret letting you speak.”
Logan took a deep breath. Clenching his eyes closed with rage, he met Dee's gaze and spoke through gritted teeth. “I can’t say anything. Your enchantment prevents me.”
"Oh, no." Dee rolled his eyes, whispering under his breath. One hand dropped away from Logan’s chest, hovering at his waistband as Logan watched him warily. “Don’t think you’re getting off that easy. The enchantment allows you to speak to me without repercussions.”
Logan glared at him silentky.
“Don’t waste my time.”
Panic flashed in Logan’s chest as he watched Dee unsheathe a dagger with his open hand. Logan struggled in his grip. “Fine! Please…”
“Start talking.”
“He doesn’t know anything important.” Logan muttered quietly. “He knows Remus has an accomplice and that the amulet is preventing me from relaying important information to him.”
Dee sneered at him. “And?”
Logan hesitated until he could feel Dee’s hand slip up around his throat. “He… he knows there’s a fae are involved.”
Dee smirked as Logan slumped against the wall. He reached over and lifted the amulet off his chest. “So, you finally figured that out. Did you? I have to admit I’m unimpressed. This enchantment is a basic spell, barely more than a party trick. I really thought you would be intelligent enough to work around it more than you have.”
Logan stared up at him in despair, realizing Dee had planned for his secrets to come out.
“Oh, well. It is of little consequence now.” Dee let go of his throat, turning away from him with a disgruntled huff. “Your incompetence works in my favor. You’ve made it quite easy to snatch our dear prince—”
“Please—”
Dee glanced over his shoulder curiously at Logan’s pleading tone.
“—don’t take him.” Logan begged. “Accept me in Roman’s place.”
Dee raised an eyebrow at him as he turned back to Logan. “Why?”
“You implied during my previous captivity that I have a significant value to you. I imagine you would benefit from a lack of disobedience on my part.” Logan slumped back against the wall, holding his tender throat as he glared up at Dee's shimmering face. “I'm offering you total compliance. I will do whatever you—and whatever Remus ask of me. All I want in return is for you to let Roman go.”
Logan watched as Dee’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “I will admit that I am intrigued by your proposal. Would you be willing to seal that with a deal?”
“Yes,” Logan spat, anxiously rubbing at his wrists as he stood up off the wall. “but I want a guarantee that no harm comes to him, Virgil or Patton, either directly or indirectly through yours or Remus' means.”
Dee seemed to ponder for a moment before stepping toward him. “That's an awful lot to put on the table for someone who’s barely manage to protect you to begin with—"
“He cares about me—” Logan gasped, turning his head down as Dee loomed over him with a snarl. His voice cracked as he squeezed out his next words. “—Now do we have a deal or—”
“Wait—” Logan looked up to see shock in Dee's eyes. “—you’re actually sleeping with him. Aren't you?”
Logan shot a hostile glare at Dee, whose face had contorted in an emotion he hadn't seen on the fae's face before. Logan furrowed his brow, trying to read Dee’s expression.
Is he worried?
"I'm not sleeping with him—" Logan hissed angrily. "—but I care about him and either way my reasons don't concern you. All that matters is that we have an agreement—"
Dee watched him carefully. "You're involved with him—"
Logan growled at him. "It doesn't matter—
“That's not safe—”
Dee's voice was almost sad as he grabbed Logan's wrist. The implication that he might somehow care about him filled Logan with rage. He snarled and tried to twist away. “Since when do you have any regard for my safety—"
“I don't,” Dee's familiar hostility returned as he flipped Logan's wrist around his back and pushed him face first against the wall. “but I'm not happy when my pawns start moving of their own accord.”
“Well, I'm not particularly invested in keeping you happy,” Logan groaned as Dee's tight grip pulled at the muscles in his bad shoulder. “Roman will be back any second. Do we have a deal or not?”
Dee growled menacingly behind him. “Oh, I think you'll find our dear prince will take as long as I need him to—”
Logan glanced at Roman’s door frantically, squirming in Dee's grip. “What did you do to him?"
“Don’t get all worked up now. I merely slowed him down so we could chat.”
Logan glanced at the door nervously, pausing his resistance. “How?”
“Magic, you dimwit. Time is a slippery concept for humans, but Fae have a little bit more control.” Dee sneered in his ear. “As for your offer, I’m afraid I must decline. Our dear prince is coming with me.”
“What?” Logan’s heart sank and his breath stopped. “P-please, d-don't. I'll do anything—"
“Stop groveling.” Dee hissed as he released him. “You’re not holding the leverage you think you are. You’re exactly where I need you and I don't intend to change that.”
Logan dropped to his knees, kneeling against the as a hole was ripped in his chest. He turned toward Dee as he begged from his knees. “Please, don't hurt him. Anything you want. I'll get it for you, please.”
A long pause filled the air before Dee responded. “On your feet. Now.”
His eyes widened as he looked into Dee’s eyes. His cruel indifference was gone, but the emotion on his face was one he couldn't place. Logan hesitated, staring at Dee as he tried to read his face.
“That wasn't a request.” Dee hissed as his eyes flashed a yellow warning. Logan's heart jumped and he scrambled to his feet, flinching as his amulet glowed green. He looked up nervously at Dee when the pain didn't come.
“Collect yourself.” Dee ordered apathetically. “I told you, if you give him reason to be suspicious, I will kill him .”
Logan clenched his jaw, biting back tears.
“I’m taking him with me, regardless of how you beg,” Dee glanced at Roman’s door lazily before turning back to Logan. “but I'm feeling generous. If you cooperate and allow me to take him without raising a fuss, I will return him to you by nightfall tomorrow, completely unharmed. I give you my word.”
Logan swallowed and looked up at him as he wiped the tears from his eyes. “Why would you do that?”
“I don't prefer to improvise,” Dee deadpanned. “and killing him isn't in the plan right now. So, I'll leave it up to you to decide if our dear Roman lives.”
Dee stepped back, leering at Logan as he watched him try to return to normal before the prince emerged from his room.
Silence hung between them as Logan glared at Dee as he forced himself to calm down. The redness had only lightened a bit when he watched Dee snap his fingers once more and a jostle of the handle jolted their attention from each other. Logan looked over at Roman’s door, just as he stepped out. His eyes flicked quickly back to Dee to see that he had resumed his guise as the foreign prince. Logan hung his head, barely concealing a scowl at the sick smile on Dee's face.
-
Roman looked up brightly, feigning an over the top excitement as he re-entered the room. He'd changed his dress and fine-tuned his appearance as quickly as he'd dared given he couldn’t exactly make a run of the castle looking like he'd just woken up. The rumors alone would quash his credibility as a leader, yet regret swelled in his chest as he stepped into the room and noted the mood had soured in his absence. Roman bit his lip. Logan wouldn’t even look up at him as he turned to approach their unwelcome guest. Something had happened and Logan hadn’t been able to recover the mood. Roman swallowed, forcing himself to turn away from Logan. He would have given anything to rush to Logan's side, but an unhappy suitor could spell no end of trouble for them both and Roman knew it.
“I do believe I am finally ready. I do hope my continued negligence has not offended you.”
“Of course not, my dear Roman.” His voice had an edge that made Roman’s skin crawl as he extended a hand to him. “I was perfectly content to wait for you.”
Roman’s eyes flicked to Logan for the briefest of moments before taking Dian’s hand. Guilt gnawed at his stomach as he raised Dian’s knuckles to his lips in a courteous kiss before allowing his hand to drop. His eyes lingered curiously on Dian's carefree expression for a moment, before starting to turn his head back to Logan.
“Logan, is V—”
But the door opened behind Dian, giving Roman his answer. A stressed-looking Virgil entered the room, glancing up as all eyes turned towards him. He stopped in the doorway and gave a tired nod in their direction.
“Your staff is awfully comfortable entering your room without announcing themselves.” Dian comment, disdain evident in his voice as he grasping the Roman’s forearm.
Roman ignored him. He stepped toward Virgil, taking advantage of the opportunity to pull himself from Dian’s grip. “You’re late.”
“I know.” Virgil’s eyes danced over to the stranger as he bowed his head. “Forgive me, Prince Roman. It will not happen again.”
Roman couldn’t help but be unsettled by Virgil’s formality. Virgil rarely used his title, but thankfully he was quick to read a room. Roman could see Virgil tense as he kept the other prince in his line of sight. Roman was grateful for his awareness. He really was, but he quickly found himself staring at his friend. He could see discoloration around Virgil’s eyes, and despite his usual aura of doom and gloom, Roman couldn't tear his eyes from unnaturally sullen frown on his friend’s face. Roman hesitated, torn between helping a clearly distressed Virgil and settling the increasingly disgruntled foreign prince he needed to keep happy. He forced himself to take a breath, resolving to settle the situation with Virgil later. “All is forgiven. You are here now and that is what matters.”
Virgil nodded curtly, his eyes serious.
“Good.” Roman glanced nervously at Dian. “I’ve inconvenienced my guest enough already. It’s time for us to depart.”
Virgil nodded and signaled for Roman to go as he moved across the room to Logan. "Please go, sire. We won't detract your attention any longer."
Roman could barely tear his gaze away from his friends, who were both looking significantly worse for wear this morning, but he knew couldn’t stay. He turned to his guest, forcing a bright and energetic smile. He bowed dramatically, offering a hand to the his suitor. Winking seductively at the young prince, he grasped Dian’s hand, pulling him into his arms. He felt sick. The guilt of acting in such a way in front of Logan made his stomach turn, but he knew he had to turn the situation around lest the entitled royal bring misfortune on them all.
“Please forgive me for the rough start to our morning, my handsome prince.” Roman grabbed Dian’s hand and interlacing their fingers together. “Allow me the opportunity to make up for any discomfort I’ve caused you.”
Dian looked up at him, surprised. His unease seemed to fade away as Roman turned his attention back to him. The smile that crossed Dian’s face sent chills up Roman’s spine. “Of course, Roman. I will allow you to make it up to me.”
Roman hesitated to leave, unsettled at the mere thought of leaving with this stranger whose words set him so thoroughly on edge.
“Remember to stay in public places, my prince.” Roman looked over at Virgil standing protectively over Logan. “It may be tempting to go off on your own, but your safety is a priority right now. We cannot risk a repeat of recent events”
“If you must ruin all of our fun, Sir Virgil.” He snuck an appreciative glance at Virgil, before turning back to Dian with a fake smile. “Do forgive me for the timing of your visit. Unfortunately, I may not be able to show you the best spots in the castle today. I would insist, but it would be unwise for me to ignore the suggestion of one of my knights.”
Roman paused in shock as Dian scowled openly at Virgil. He opened his mouth to speak, but the anger melted off Dian’s face immediately as he turned back to him. He blinked. It disappeared so fast, that he could hardly be sure it was there at all.
“Very well, Roman. Of course, I would never ask you to risk your safety on my account.” The sickening smile returned to his face. “But I must insist we depart. The day is disappearing on us and I want to spread every minute I have left with you.”
“It would be my pleasure.” Roman forced a pleasant smile, his skin crawling. He gestured to the door. “Let us depart.”
Roman flashed one last desperate look back at his friends as he held the door for the foreign prince. He frowned as Virgil stared seriously back at him, clearly aware of his discomfort but unable to help. Roman's breath caught in his throat and his heart sank as Logan didn’t even look up from the ground. A pit of dread settled in his stomach as the door closed behind them, cutting him off from his friends.
-
“What a creep.” Virgil commented offhandedly as the door closed behind Roman. He turned to face Logan, but before he could react, Logan grabbed his shoulder.
“You have to follow him, Vee.” Logan pleaded as he collapsed into Virgil's shoulder.
Suddenly, Virgil could see the tears in Logan's eyes more clearly. Taken aback, Virgil gently grasped Logan’s shoulders and spoke in a comforting tone. “Hey, L. I know you’re not happy about this, but I can’t interfere in a royal courting. I’d put Roman’s reputation in jeopardy.”
Logan’s grip tightened on his arm. “He’s in danger, Vee.”
Virgil flinched as Logan squeezed him tightly. “Relax, L. The guy was a creep but he’s hardly going to hurt Roman.”
“He has—"
The amulet started to light up around his friend's neck and Virgil gasped as Logan abruptly pulled away from him. He lunged forward only to have a sudden wave of force nearly blow him back. He blinked into the blinding light, trying to clear his vision enough to move to Logan. Shielding his eyes with his hand, his mouth hung agape as he took in the sight before him.
Logan stood tensed in front of him, eyes clenched shut. A bright blue arc of lightning arced across his chest and wrapped around his waist. The remnants of the green embers from the amulet seemed to burn away as the electricity crackled around his friend. Heat radiated off Logan, burning so hot that Virgil had to take a step back. He held his arm across his face as the heat forced him back.
“Logan!” Virgil called out. “Stop!”
A few moments later, the light finally abated and Virgil was able to look up. In an obvious daze, Logan stood before him surrounded by a ring of scorch marks on the ground. The lightning and the embers had faded away, but Virgil felt his breath catch in his throat as Logan opened his eyes. The color of his eyes glowed with an undeniably bright, blue light. Virgil blinked, barely believing what he was seeing, but he only had a moment to adjust before Logan’s eyes flickered and returned to their normal color. He swayed dangerously, and Virgil had to lunge forward to catch Logan before his head hit the ground. He watched as the green amulet slipped off Logan’s neck and fell to the floor with a gentle clang as it bounced away.
“Logan?” Virgil whispered urgently. He held his breath waiting for Logan to stir, unnerved when Logan remained limp in his arms. “Can you hear me, L?”
He slowly lowered himself to his knees, tears welling in his eyes as his friend hung motionless in his arms.
“Please, L. Don't do this to me." He pleaded. He held his friend tightly until a soft cough pulled him from his thoughts.
“Vee…” Logan’s voice was hoarse. “What just happened?”
“Oh, thank whatever gods were watching just now.” Virgil sighed with relief, putting a hand on Logan's cheek. “I’m not sure, L, but I need you to focus for a second.”
Logan curled his head into Virgil’s chest and nodded.
“What were you trying to tell me about Roman?” Virgil asked, putting a hand around the back of Logan’s head.
Logan clenched his teeth together, closing his eyes. “I can’t.”
“You can, L.” Virgil paused, brushing the hair out Logan’s face. “The amulet is gone.”
Logan looked up at him in surprise, pushing himself up, clutching at his chest. He rolled off of Virgil's lap and his breath caught in his throat as he stared down at the necklace on the ground. A moment later, he spun his head to Virgil. “How—”
“Later, L. I need you to focus,” Virgil waited until Logan looked back at him. “Tell me about Roman.”
“The fae who kidnapped me—” Logan’s voice shook and he managed to sputter out the words. “—he’s a shapeshifter. He’s disguised as that other prince. You have to after them.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Virgil stood up, pulling Logan to his feet. “Why didn’t you say anything before they left?”
“He threatened to kill him if I did, Vee.” Logan admitted sadly, choking on his words. “I’m so sorry. I wouldn't have—but I didn’t see an alternative but to cooperate. H-he said he’d bring Roman back unharmed, if I cooperated but I don’t—I don't—”
“I don’t believe him either. We need to go after them now.” Virgil paused. “Can you move?”
Logan thought for a moment and then nodded.
“Let’s go then.”
“He can't know we're following him, Virge.” Logan warned as he followed him to the door. “He'll hurt Roman.”
“Not if I get to him first.” He hissed, rushing to the door.
“Virgil—" Logan hesitated, holding a hand up
“No,” Virgil interrupted him, spinning his head back at Logan with fury in his eyes. “I'm not risking leaving princey with that fiend any longer than is necessary.”
“Are you sure you can do that?” Logan asked, uncertainly stepping Virgil. “I thought you couldn’t interfere with Roman and his suitors.”
“His safety holds priority over the politics. Consequences be damned.” Virgil reassured him as he paused at the door. “I'll leave you out of it, L. It's my word against some foreign prince’s but as Roman’s personal guard, my word at least holds weight. The king can't punish me for acting to protect him.”
“I don't care about the consequences,” Logan muttered impatiently. "as long as Roman is safe."
“Yeah. Well, tough.” Virgil held the door for him as they rushed into the hallway. “I do and I'm not going to let this blow back on you.”
-
Chapter Warnings: Anxiety, Angst, Unwelcome advances/touching, Forced romantic contact, Threats, Mild violence, Choking, Pain as a method of control, Control of another human being, Guilt-Tripping, Manipulation, Low Self-Worth, Blacking out, Begging, Crying, Unsympathetic Janus, Vague self-destructive implications (I hope I got them all but there's a lot of them this time. If I missed anything, please let me know!)
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