a gift for loyal service
renscardubs ficlet, 860 words
this is dedicated to @briseise for giving me brainworms every time she posts new art <3 ty for taking me down this dark path. this ficlet is rated T as it is erotic although not explicit~ Enjoy~
King Ren, left to ponder too long on his own, eventually needed assistance pondering.
He messaged his Hand with a few quick taps on his communicator. Bdubs appeared in the throne room almost instantly, soaring through the high windows and landing on the red carpet before Ren’s throne. “My majesty,” Bdubs said, sweeping into a low bow.
Ren shifted. Out of all the king’s court, Bdubs was by far the best at paying obeisance to his king.
“For what purpose have you summoned me, my liege?” Bdubs asked.
Ren sighed. “I have pondered long and hard, but I have not cometh to a decision regarding a certain matter. I need thine counsel, my Hand.”
Bdubs strolled up towards Ren’s throne and hopped on the netherite armrest, placing a sympathetic hand on Ren’s shoulder. “What matter would this be, oh king?”
Ren leaned into the contact. “Sir Good Times of the Scar. He won’t stop pestering me for a raise. Eth.”
“No more royal emeralds?” Bdubs guessed.
“He threatened to shoot me if I gave him any more,” Ren said hopelessly.
Bdubs tapped his chin, sinking into his own ponder. “Not exactly the behavior of a loyal subject. But he has been killing so much for the realm…”
Ren gestured to the pile of skulls stacking up beside his throne. “I need a proper way to reward such bloodthirst! Ideally without turning the bloodthirst towards myself.”
Bdubs snapped out of his ponder, a light in his eyes. “I may have an idea, Ren King,” he said, scratching Ren behind the ears. Ren’s tail thumped against the throne.
“How much will it cost me?”
Bdubs cocked his head and smiled. “That’s the best part! It won’t cost you anything at all!”
———
Sir Scar of the Good Times was not looking forward to meeting with King Ren. After weeks of threatening the King, the guy had finally agreed to pay up. But things weren’t looking too promising.
First, Ren has asked Scar to meet him late at night (foreboding), and then asked if they could meet on the upstairs balcony (ominous). Scar sighed as he flew through the sky. If worse came to worst, he would just kill the king and become a free agent. That would be very cool and hOtgUy of him.
As Scar flew closer to the Crastle, he could see King Ren himself standing on the balcony, his nightshirt pale in the moonlight. Scar snorted. What could this be about?
Scar landed on the balcony with an ease only few have mastered and saluted Ren. “Your majesty.”
Ren’s face was as white as his nightshirt. He looked nervous. “Sir Scar,” he said. “I have prepared a gift for thee, to reward thee for thine loyalty.”
Scar couldn’t hide his curiosity. “Oh, I do like gifts. Is it here?”
“You must follow me,” Ren said lowly, and led Scar into the upper story of the Crastle, down the hallway. He stopped in front of a door and cleared his throat. “Your gift is inside.”
Scar was truly bemused now, but if there was something deadly beyond the door he at least had his bow. He paused. Should he knock?
Ren was standing close behind him “Enter, Sir Scar.”
Scar gripped his bow and pushed the door open. There, rosy in the candle-glow, perched on top of a wide, luxuriously appointed bed, sat Bdubs.
“Bdubs?” Scar asked, stepping in to the room. “What’s all this about?”
Bdubs flushed, his gaze darting over Scar’s shoulder. Scar turned to see Ren had followed him into the room and was shutting the door behind them.
Scar glanced back at Bdubs, who was grinning widely. “I’m your gift.”
Scar dropped his bow. “Excuse me?”
“His majesty wanted to give you a reward for all your hard work, so I volunteered.” Bdubs adjusted his shirt. His moss cloak had been discarded for the night, and he was wearing a fine tunic, almost sheer in the candlelight. The laces were loose, the tunic hanging open at the throat.
Scar was drawn across the room towards Bdubs like a moth to flame. Scar reached down and cupped Bdubs’ cheek. His skin was hot underneath Scar’s hand.
“It’s a kingly gift,” Scar murmured. He pressed his thumb against Bdubs’ lips and Bdubs’ mouth obligingly fell open, allowing Scar’s thumb to slide inside. Bdubs nipped at Scar’s thumb, looking up at Scar through his lashes. There was a gleam in his eyes. “A kingly gift, indeed,” Scar said hoarsely.
Ren coughed from where he stood by the door. Scar narrowed his eyes at Ren. “Are you part of the gift, too?”
Ren colored. “The king reserves the right to watch!”
Bdubs was pulling Scar onto the bed. “That’s fine by you, right? He might even join in.”
“Join in?” Bdubs’ shirt was delicate in his hands, Bdubs heavy as he straddled Scar’s lap. Bdubs ran his fingers through Scar’s hair, sending a shiver down Scar’s back. “I suppose that’s fine,” Scar conceded, weakly.
“Excellent,” Bdubs purred. “My king?”
Ren practically leapt onto the bed, tail wagging. He wrapped himself around Bdubs’ back. “Let’s show Sir Good Times how we reward loyalty, hmm?”
